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href="/products/stellar-strata-mk2?variant=47577869713698" class="link" >Stellar Strata MK2

Stellar Strata MK2

The new Stellarâ„¢ Strata MK2â„¢ combines the benefits of an exceptional analog preamplifier, a full-featured state-of-the-art DAC, a stereo 150-watt per channel power amplifier, and an amazing sounding MC/MM phono stage in one gorgeous package.

Strata MK2's fully balanced analog preamplifier circuitry, state-of-the-art DAC, no compromise high-definition phono stage, and MOSFET based power amplifier create an extraordinarily rich, full-bodied musical experience few products can match.

The Stellar Strata MK2 is the perfect foundation for those unwilling to compromise sound quality. <strong>Rich. Lush. Powerful.</strong> A music lover's answer to spiraling cost-no-object equipment without sacrifice.
$1,999.00 $3,499.00

Design

The idea of combining a cutting-edge DAC, full-featured analog preamplifier, high-definition MC/MM phono preamplifier, and a robust 150-watt per channel power amplifier was the basis of the Stellar Strataâ„¢ design imperative. We wanted an easy, simple, no-compromise musical experience, whether playing from a connected transport or tracking amazing vinyl. "Just add speakers" became engineering's rallying cry. Strata MK2 holds true to its promise of audiophile plug-and-play. Connect your speakers or headphones, press play, or lower the needle onto your vinyl, and music filled with the rich textures and toe-tapping energy you've always hoped for will delight even the most critical music lover.

Application

Audiophiles have long recognized the challenge of interconnecting multiple systems into a single synergistic musical experience. Interconnect choices, power supply options, and chassis isolation requirements all play into the building of a truly musical system—get any one part wrong and the system performance is compromised. Not so with Stellar Strata MK2. The chance for PS Engineering to optimize the audio synergy between Strata's four separate systems was immediately appealing: eliminate the variability of interconnection issues, voice the entire system as one component, optimize power supplies, control every aspect of sound quality up to the speakers.
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Overview

At this instrument's heart is a new analog attenuator that elegantly solves the fundamental problem facing preamp designers. Volume control. Nearly all analog preamplifiers use sonically degrading elements inserted in the signal path to control volume. The MKII eliminates this problem by using an all new no-loss analog attenuator in response to front panel controls. Once the connected source has passed through the Class A analog preamplifier, it's time to connect to your speakers. Here, engineer Darren Myers used the Analog Cell where he could lavish upon the music the sweet, tube-like quality of Class A biased MOSFETs. Combined with the ruler flat high linearity of Strata MK2's high current output stage, richly overlayed layers of music’s inner details are preserved even in the most complex orchestral crescendos.

The Inside Scoop

Once the high definition phono stage or connected source has passed through the Class A analog preamplifier, it's time to connect to your speakers. Here, engineer Darren Myers used a new version of our Analog Cell where he could lavish upon the music the sweet, tube-like quality of Class A biased MOSFETs. Combined with the ruler flat high linearity of Strata MK2's high current output stage, richly overlaid layers of music’s inner details are preserved even in the most complex orchestral crescendos. There's nothing like Strata MK2 when it comes to musicality. It's an all-in-one high-resolution audio solution just waiting for you to connect your speakers. Bring it on!
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Construction

When you first pick up Stellar Strata MK2 Amplifier, you'll notice its solid build and heft. Every inch of Stellar suggests quality: from its rear panel connectors, Darren Myers designed MC/MM phono stage, to its internal high-end power amplifiers. Quality input and output connections, as well as beautifully constructed internals, will offer immediate assurance of quality from the very first moment you pull Strata MK2 out of its box.

Features

12 key features

CLASS A BALANCED ANALOG PREAMPLIFIER

FULL FUNCTION DAC

MC/MM PHONO STAGE INPUTS

CLASS A HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER

150 WATT PER CHANNEL POWER AMPLIFIER

TWO I2S INPUT

FOUR TYPES OF DIGITAL INPUTS

DIGITAL LENS TECHNOLOGY

DSD DIRECT THROUGH I2S

192KHZ ASYNCHRONOUS COAX INPUT

384KHZ ASYNCHRONOUS USB

HIGH CURRENT CLASS A HYBRID OUTPUT STAGE

Reviews

reviews
John E. Johnson, Jr.
John E. Johnson, Jr.

I have known Paul McGowan, CEO of PS Audio, for many years and have reviewed a number of his products. They always deliver good value for the dollar, and the PS Audio Stellar Strata MK2 Integrated Amplifier is no exception

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Evan Toth
Evan Toth

What I heard was incredibly balanced and neutral, Elliot Scheiner’s mix shined in all of its glory. In fact, it occurred to me that this presentation would suffice for constructing a mix in the studio: its presentation was honest and full of detail and space.

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Doug Schroeder - Dagogo
Doug Schroeder - Dagogo

It is stunningly efficacious and will likely result in the best sound you have ever heard in your room regardless of previously used equipment. If your collection of separates is $50K or less, you should try it.

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Specifications

Technical details

General

 Color Options Black
Silver
Voltage Options Japan 100V (+/-10%)
North America 120V (+/-10%)
Europe/Asia 230V (+/-10%)
Mains Power Input IEC C14
Fuses T250V-250mAH (1/4A Slow Blow)
Accessories Included Remote Control
Line Cord:
- US, JP and EX (NEMA 5-15P)
- Schuko (CEE7/7) (230V version)
- UK (BS1363) (230V version)
- Australia (230V version)
Analog Audio Inputs RCA: 2 stereo pairs
XLR: 1 stereo pair
Phono Inputs MM RCA: 1 stereo pair
MC RCA: 1 stereo pair
Digital Audio Inputs I2S: 2 inputs
- PCM 44.1KHz to 384Khz, DSD64, DSD128, DSD256
Coax: 2 inputs
- PCM 44.1KHz - 192KHz
Optical: 1 input
- PCM 44.1kHZ - 192KHz
USB: 1 input
- PCM 44.1kHZ - 384KHz
- DSD64, DSD128 (native)
- DSD64, DSD128 (DoP)
Audio Outputs RCA (Unbalanced): 1 stereo pair
Headphones: 1 1/4" stereo
Speakers: 2 binding post pairs
Other Trigger Out: 2 3.5mm, 5-15 DVC
USB A: 1 (for firmware update)

 

Mechanical

 Unit Dimensions 17" w x 2.8" h (not including feet) x 13.5" d (with
connectors and knobs, chassis only is 12")
[43.2cm x 7.1cm x 34.3cm]
Weight 21 lbs [9.5 kg]
Shipping Dimensions 22" w x 8" h x 17" d
[55.9cm x 20.3cm x .4.3cm]
Shipping Weight 25 lbs [11.4 kg]

 

Environmental

 Location Indoor use only
Storage Temperature -30 to 70C
Operating Temperature 0 to 45C

 

Features

 Input Selection 9 total: 2 analog, 6 digital, 1 Phono
Volume Control 0-100 (80 dB total range)
Balance Control 12dB each direction in 1/4dB steps
Fixed Volume Mode Analog2: adjustable in setup to any level
Phase Control Digital sources only
Filter Control 3 selectable digital filters (PCM digital sources only)
Input Trim Gain adjustable per input +/-10dB
Headphone Trim Gain adjustable +/-10dB relative to speaker level

 

Performance

Analog Inputs

 Input Separation >85dB
Input Impedance 47KΩ (unbalanced); 100KΩ (balanced)
Maximum Input Level >16 VRMS

 

Phono Input

 Cartridge/Type MM MC
Gain 40dB 57dB
Loading 100pF/47kΩ 470pF/100Ω
THD+N .001% @ 5mV input .003% @1mV input

 

Analog Output

 Output Impedance Line Out 100Ω
Gain Volume=100
6dB +/- 0.5dB

 

Main (Speaker) Out

 Gain (relative to line output) 30.5dB
Output Power 8Ω, 1KHz, 1% 100W minimum
4Ω, 1KHz, 1% 150W typical
Frequency Response +/-1dB 20Hz – 20KHz
-3dB 7Hz – 40KHz
THD+N 1KHz, 10W/4Ω 0.02%
IMD 18/19KHz -65dB
Speaker Impedance 4Ω minimum
Output Impedance 50Hz 150 mΩ typical
Damping Factor 50Hz, 4Ω 29
Sensitivity @76 1.77 VRMS
@100 450 VRMS
Channel Separation 1KHz >90dB

 

Headphone Output

 Gain (relative to line output) 16.5dB
Output Power 300Ω, 1KHz, 1%300mW
16Ω, 1KHz, 1% 3.25W
Frequency Response +/-1dB 7Hz – 40KHz
THD 1KHz, 1 VRMS 300Ω <0.02%
                           16Ω <0.02%
S/N Ratio 1KHz >110dB (max output)
Output Noise < -90dBV
Headphone Impedance 8Ω minimum
Output Impedance <4 Ω

 

Power

 Input Voltage US 108—132VAC (120VAC nominal)
EX/GR/UK/AU 207—253VAC (230VAC nominal)
JP 90—110VAC (100VAC nominal)
Power Consumption Idle 20W
Typical 50W
Maximum 600W

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