Stellar · DAC
StellarGold™ DAC
Raises the bar for any DAC near its price.
$3,999
Save up to $999 with a trade-in.
Options
Buy or audition near you
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The PS Audio Home Experience
Try it risk-free for 30 days in your own system. Love it or return it.
- Outside the US? Find your local dealer
Designed for a big upgrade, with or without a preamplifier
- Volume Built in. A preamp is best for high-end systems
- Formats PCM to 768 kHz and quad-rate DSD
- Output Balanced XLR, Class A
- Inputs I²S, USB, AES/EBU and coax
What reviewers say
Our big impression was of a low noise level yielding a huge soundstage with believable performer placement.
What stands out is the meticulousness and sovereignty across all frequency ranges.
PS Audio did it right. The DAC’s incredible. It sounds great
Why choose it
A dead-quiet background
Noise sits more than 127 dB below the music, so the quietest details come through and every musician has a clear place on the stage. It raises the bar for any DAC near its price.
Where it fits
PS Audio's StellarGold DAC can become the centerpiece of a high-resolution 2-channel audio system. Using StellarGold's balanced or single-ended outputs into our matching StellarGold preamplifier or, using its built-in lossless volume control, the StellarGold DAC can become the heart of a true state-of-the-art high-performance audio system at an affordable price.
Design
How it's built
The new StellarGold DAC, with its advanced parallel DAC architecture, takes advantage of performance standards unavailable to single DAC designs. By using multiple DACs in parallel, individual non-linearities of each DAC tend to average out.
Read the full design story
The new StellarGold DAC, with its advanced parallel DAC architecture, takes advantage of performance standards unavailable to single DAC designs. By using multiple DACs in parallel, individual non-linearities of each DAC tend to average out. This is because the probability of all DACs having the exact same non-linearity error at the same digital input value is nearly zero. The results are nothing short of breathtaking. One listen to this DAC, and you'll know it's in an entirely different category from others at anywhere near its price range.
- >127 dB
- signal to noise
- >112 dB
- SINAD
- 768 kHz
- PCM
- 4
- parallel DACs per channel
01
Parallel DAC technology
In high-performance audio DACs, employing four parallel DACs per channel offers a number of sonic benefits. First, it reduces noise through averaging, resulting in an impressive signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 127dB below the DAC's maximum output of 4 volts (balanced).
Read more
In high-performance audio DACs, employing four parallel DACs per channel offers a number of sonic benefits. First, it reduces noise through averaging, resulting in an impressive signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 127dB below the DAC's maximum output of 4 volts (balanced). When noise is lowered, and the individual non-linearities of each of the 4 DACs are averaged together, the results are an increase in the effective dynamic range (loudest to softest sounds) and an audible improvement in linearity and distortion. The combined resolution effectively surpasses that of any single DAC of similar design on the market, creating an extraordinary audio experience that only a few people have yet to experience. We can't wait for you to hear StellarGold in your system.
02
Perfectionist build quality
The StellarGold DAC was designed by Darren Myers whose mission was to discover how far it might be possible to extend the already extraordinary capabilities of the latest technologies of the top-of-the-line ESS DAC platforms. To do this would require the use of multiple DACS, an all new direct-coupled balanced hybrid output stage featuring a slew rate fast enough to do justice to the circuit's capabilities, and then power the entire circuit with multiple stage linear regulators.
Read more
The StellarGold DAC was designed by Darren Myers whose mission was to discover how far it might be possible to extend the already extraordinary capabilities of the latest technologies of the top-of-the-line ESS DAC platforms. To do this would require the use of multiple DACS, an all new direct-coupled balanced hybrid output stage featuring a slew rate fast enough to do justice to the circuit's capabilities, and then power the entire circuit with multiple stage linear regulators. A tall challenge given StellarGold's affordable pricing. One look inside at this beautifully hand-crafted device and you'll see how the PS Engineering team honored Darren's original vision using only the highest quality parts and the lowest noise designs. The StellarGoild is truly a work of art that deserves your attention.
03
State-of-the-art performance
For the vast majority of audiophiles, the DAC is the cornerstone of their system. Streaming with a network AirLens, a PerfectWave SACD transport, connecting to your computer via USB, or playing music through any digital source is the mainstay of getting music into your home.
Read more
For the vast majority of audiophiles, the DAC is the cornerstone of their system. Streaming with a network AirLens, a PerfectWave SACD transport, connecting to your computer via USB, or playing music through any digital source is the mainstay of getting music into your home. The quality of that music is directly impacted by the device that converts those digital bits into analog audio we can use to power our speakers. That is the job of the DAC. And DACs are sensitive and highly sophisticated electronic circuits that are affected by any number of issues, including jitter, noise, distortion, resolution, and quantization errors, to mention just a few. When it comes time to find the perfect DAC for your system, it makes sense to turn to a company like PS Audio which places sonic performance and the joy of musicality above all else. If you truly want the next big step in your high-end audio system, consider StellarGold for your your digital playback. We don't think you can get close at anywhere near its price.
Features
At a glance
- Four parallel DACs per channel
- Designed around ESS 9038 Pro technology
- Dead quiet signal to noise ratio of >127dB referenced to 4V RMS
- SINAD >112dB referenced to 4V RMS
- PCM to 768kHz
- DSD to 256 (11.2mHz)
- Exceptional imaging and soundstage
- Discrete hybrid output stage
- Fully balanced design
- Multiple low impedance power supplies
- Low jitter clocking
- I2S, USB, AES/EBU, coaxial inputs
- High slew rate, low feedback, class A output stage
Specifications
Full specifications
| Physical: | |
| Unit Weight | 22.5 lbs [10.2 kg] |
| Unit Dimensions | 17"W x 3"H x 12" D [43.18 cm x 7.62 cm x 30.48 cm] |
| Shipping Weight | 26 lbs [11.8 kg] |
| Shipping Dimensions | 22"W x 8"H x 17"D [55.88 cm x 20.32 cm x 43.18 cm] |
| Color Options |
Black |
| Power Requirements: | |
| Input Power | Model specific 100VAC, 120VAC, or 230VAC 50 or 60Hz |
| Power Consumption | 30W |
| Digital Audio Inputs |
I2S (2), Coax (2), Optical, USB |
| Sample Rates | Optical (TOSLink): PCM 16 and 24 bits at 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz and 96kHz S/PDIF (Coax): PCM 16 and 24 bits at 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz and 192kHz; DoP64 I2S: PCM 16 and 24 bits at 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 705.6kHz, and 768kHz; DoP64, DoP128, DoP256, DSD64, DSD128, and DSD256 USB: PCM 16 and 24 bits at 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, and 384kHz; DoP64, DoP128, DSD64, and DSD128 |
| Analog Audio Output | |
| Output Stage | Discrete fully balanced JFET BJT hybrid |
| Connector | RCA single ended, XLR balanced |
| Output Level High, Maximum | 4 VRMS Balanced 2 VRMS Single Ended |
| Output Impedance | 100Ω / 200Ω |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-20kHz, +/- 0.1dB; 10Hz-70kHz, -1dB |
| Max Output | 4V RMS Balanced, 2V RMS single-ended |
| THD+N @ 1KHz (full scale) | <0.002% at full output |
| IMD | <0.002%, CCIF, at full output |
| SNR | >127dB, referenced to 4V RMS |
| Data Handling | |
| Format | PCM or DSD |
| Sample Rate (PCM) | 44.1kHz, 48.0kHz, 88.2kHz, 96.0kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz, 705.6kHz, 768kHz |
| Data Rate (DSD) | Up to DSD256 (11.2MHz) via DoP and Native DSD1024 |
| Digital Volume Control | Yes |
| Analog Conversion Method | ES9038PRO DAC |
| I2S Digital Input: | |
| Connector | HDMI |
| Format | PCM or DSD. DoP on all inputs as well as native DSD on 12S inputs |
| USB Digital Input | |
| Connector | USB "B" Type |
| Format | PCM, DoP v1.1 (DSD over PCM), or Native DSD |
| Transfer Mode | Asynchronous |
Compare
How it compares
| 512 DAC | StellarGold DACThis one | Stellar DAC | AirLens | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $8,999 | $3,999 | $2,199 | $1,999 |
| Volume | Built in, analog. Drives a power amp directly | Built in. A preamp is best for high-end systems | Built in, fixed or variable | None. It feeds your DAC |
| Formats | PCM and quad-rate DSD | PCM to 768 kHz and quad-rate DSD | PCM and double-rate DSD | PCM to 352.8 kHz and quad-rate DSD |
| Output | Balanced XLR, Class A | Balanced XLR, Class A | Balanced XLR, Class A | I²S and coax, to your DAC |
| Inputs | Includes I²S for DSD direct | I²S, USB, AES/EBU and coax | Includes I²S for DSD direct | Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Roon Ready, Tidal and Qobuz Connect |
Build your system
What it pairs with
A power amplifier, or a preamplifier for the best results
Stellar M700 Monoblocks$3,498 / pairFloorstanders, typical roomsView detailsA power amplifier, or a preamplifier for the best results
StellarGold Preamplifier$3,999Most systems with several sourcesView detailsTrade Up and Save
Save up to $999 on your StellarGold DAC
Your old gear is worth more than you think. PS Audio credits the full original retail value of what you trade, up to the limit, straight off your new purchase.
- Tell us what you have. Press Start your trade-in and list your gear. Nearly any working hi-fi component counts, from any brand.
- Pay the adjusted price. At checkout you are charged only the price after your credit. Our sales team reviews every trade within 48 hours.
- Send yours back. We email a return label number. You have 30 days to ship your trade.
The fine print
What we accept. Nearly any hi-fi make and model at component level: a preamplifier, power amplifier, DAC, phono stage, loudspeaker pair, turntable, headphones or CD transport. It must work and be in respectable cosmetic condition.
What we don't. Broken or non-working products, and most accessories, phono cartridges, power cables and interconnects. Exceptions can be made based on value.
Several items? Yes. Trade as many as you like, up to the credit cap. Use "Add another" on the Trade Up form.
Not sure it qualifies? Call 800-PSAUDIO (800-772-8346) or email sales@psaudio.com, and a real person will answer.
Reviews
More reviews
The StellarGold sets itself apart not just in soundstage and imaging, but in the effortless way in which it delivers your music without a filtering glare, and even more importantly, without any noise or distortion.
It’s a fantastic product from PS Audio, and I can’t recommend it enough. I’m not sure this is going back
Our big impression was of a low noise level yielding a huge soundstage with believable performer placement.
Here the StellarGold gets to show off wide dynamics; there was deep, clean bass next to a startlingly crisp portrayal of Smith's at times forcefully played instrument.
The depth of the soundstage impressed, but not as much as the transient attack or the listenability of even the most shrilling, violent blasts of brass
It brought out sounds and nuances and different instruments that I hadn’t heard before…PS Audio did it right.
The DAC’s incredible. It sounds great
What stands out is the meticulousness and sovereignty across all frequency ranges.
There is substance at the bottom and resolution without harshness at the top
WOW! PS Audio Stellar Gold "PARALLEL" DAC is an R2R DAC KILLER
Read all 7 reviews
It has been a lot of fun to spend time with the PS Audio Stellar Gold DAC, as it has provided a few really eye- (and ear-) opening moments that allowed me a chance to really hear what is on the master tape of some of my favorite music.
Questions for a specialist?
We're happy to help with system matching and upgrades. Talk to a real person at 800-PSAUDIO, Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 5 Mountain Time, or email sales@psaudio.com.
Contact a specialistOutside the US?
Buy or audition through an authorized PS Audio dealer in your country. Can't find one near you? Contact us directly.
Find your local dealerHear it in your own room
StellarGold DAC
$3,999
- 30-day in-home trialThe PS Audio Home Experience. Love it or return it.
- Save up to $999 with a trade-inCredit comes off the price at checkout.
StellarGold DAC
Details
Home Audition
Get 30 days to listen to your StellarGold DAC and see if you like it. If not, send it back.
Shipping
UPS Ground USA
FedEx International
DAC & source
StellarGold DAC
Once in a great while, an exciting new product design direction comes along that really sets a new standard for performance within a price range. Such is the all new StellarGold DAC, a product that will raise the bar for any digital to analog converter at anywhere near the price.








At home
Where it disappears into the music.
Parallel DAC technology
Perfectionist build quality
State-of-the-art performance
What owners and reviewers say
The StellarGold sets itself apart not just in soundstage and imaging, but in the effortless way in which it delivers your music without a filtering glare, and even more importantly, without any noise or distortion. It’s a fantastic product from PS Audio, and I can’t recommend it enough. I’m not s...
Our big impression was of a low noise level yielding a huge soundstage with believable performer placement.
Here the StellarGold gets to show off wide dynamics; there was deep, clean bass next to a startlingly crisp portrayal of Smith's at times forcefully played instrument. The depth of the soundstage impressed, but not as much as the transient attack or the listenability of even the most shrilling, v...
It brought out sounds and nuances and different instruments that I hadn’t heard before…PS Audio did it right. The DAC’s incredible. It sounds great
What stands out is the meticulousness and sovereignty across all frequency ranges. There is substance at the bottom and resolution without harshness at the top
WOW! PS Audio Stellar Gold "PARALLEL" DAC is an R2R DAC KILLER
It has been a lot of fun to spend time with the PS Audio Stellar Gold DAC, as it has provided a few really eye- (and ear-) opening moments that allowed me a chance to really hear what is on the master tape of some of my favorite music.
Trade up to it
You do not have to have bought from us before, and it does not have to be ours. Trade in almost any component from any brand and we credit its full original retail value against this one — up to a per-component cap that appears the moment you start a trade. See what yours is worth.
Hear it first
Every piece comes with a 30-day in-home trial. PMG Signature pieces get 60 days, with return shipping on us.
Not for sale
We build these in Boulder, Colorado, and we are glad to show our work. Paul answers questions on video most weekdays, and the factory is open to visitors.
Parallel DAC technology
Perfectionist build quality
State-of-the-art performance
Recommended products
Specifications
| Physical: | |
| Unit Weight | 22.5 lbs [10.2 kg] |
| Unit Dimensions | 17"W x 3"H x 12" D [43.18 cm x 7.62 cm x 30.48 cm] |
| Shipping Weight | 26 lbs [11.8 kg] |
| Shipping Dimensions | 22"W x 8"H x 17"D [55.88 cm x 20.32 cm x 43.18 cm] |
| Color Options |
Black |
| Power Requirements: | |
| Input Power | Model specific 100VAC, 120VAC, or 230VAC 50 or 60Hz |
| Power Consumption | 30W |
| Digital Audio Inputs |
I2S (2), Coax (2), Optical, USB |
| Sample Rates | Optical (TOSLink): PCM 16 and 24 bits at 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz and 96kHz S/PDIF (Coax): PCM 16 and 24 bits at 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz and 192kHz; DoP64 I2S: PCM 16 and 24 bits at 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 705.6kHz, and 768kHz; DoP64, DoP128, DoP256, DSD64, DSD128, and DSD256 USB: PCM 16 and 24 bits at 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, and 384kHz; DoP64, DoP128, DSD64, and DSD128 |
| Analog Audio Output | |
| Output Stage | Discrete fully balanced JFET BJT hybrid |
| Connector | RCA single ended, XLR balanced |
| Output Level High, Maximum | 4 VRMS Balanced 2 VRMS Single Ended |
| Output Impedance | 100Ω / 200Ω |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-20kHz, +/- 0.1dB; 10Hz-70kHz, -1dB |
| Max Output | 4V RMS Balanced, 2V RMS single-ended |
| THD+N @ 1KHz (full scale) | <0.002% at full output |
| IMD | <0.002%, CCIF, at full output |
| SNR | >127dB, referenced to 4V RMS |
| Data Handling | |
| Format | PCM or DSD |
| Sample Rate (PCM) | 44.1kHz, 48.0kHz, 88.2kHz, 96.0kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz, 705.6kHz, 768kHz |
| Data Rate (DSD) | Up to DSD256 (11.2MHz) via DoP and Native DSD1024 |
| Digital Volume Control | Yes |
| Analog Conversion Method | ES9038PRO DAC |
| I2S Digital Input: | |
| Connector | HDMI |
| Format | PCM or DSD. DoP on all inputs as well as native DSD on 12S inputs |
| USB Digital Input | |
| Connector | USB "B" Type |
| Format | PCM, DoP v1.1 (DSD over PCM), or Native DSD |
| Transfer Mode | Asynchronous |