14-day in-home evaluation. One-year factory warranty when registered. Each unit is fully factory tested in Boulder; some may show light cosmetic blemishes.
Factory Certified units are already priced well below new, so they can't be combined with Trade-Up credit or other discounts.
Connections 4 XLR and 4 RCA inputs, XLR and RCA outputs
Volume Precision stepped attenuator, with balance
Circuit Class A, fully balanced, discrete
Family Stellar, designed by Darren Myers
What reviewers say
The PS Audio StellarGold Stereo Preamplifier is a top performer.
SSecrets of Home Theater2025
Precise, realistic edges, and attack.
TThe Absolute SoundThomas Tan, 2024
With the PS Audio StellarGold Stereo Preamp, you are getting a serious, meticulously designed stereo preamp that could last a lifetime
FFuture Audiophile2024
Why choose it
Room for every source
Choose it if you have several sources, including RCA gear. Eight inputs and balance control, with Class A sound at less than half the PMG's price.
Where it fits
Preamplifiers are the heart of any standalone audio system, controlling musical sources like DACs, phono preamps, and tuners. Bridging these sources to your power amplifier without adding any kind of sonic thumbprint is a challenge the StellarGold preamplifier takes on without any hesitation. Life, energy, and a sweet analog presentation are at the heart of this remarkable piece of equipment's performance.
Read more
Preamplifiers are the heart of any standalone audio system, controlling musical sources like DACs, phono preamps, and tuners. Bridging these sources to your power amplifier without adding any kind of sonic thumbprint is a challenge the StellarGold preamplifier takes on without any hesitation. Life, energy, and a sweet analog presentation are at the heart of this remarkable piece of equipment's performance. The StellarGold Preamplifier features 4 identical balanced and single ended inputs, and converts all input signals into a balanced signal for the lowest possible distortion, and can be used in a two-channel audio system or as part of a home theater system.
Design
How it's built
The StellarGold Preamplifier features two hand crafted discrete audio amplification stages, both enjoying extremely high slew rate, high bandwidth, low distortion signal handling capabilities that honor the music. Based on a combination of JFET and BJT devices along with hand-selected purist components, the musical signal is delivered without the interference of capacitors in the signal path.
Read the full design story
The StellarGold Preamplifier features two hand crafted discrete audio amplification stages, both enjoying extremely high slew rate, high bandwidth, low distortion signal handling capabilities that honor the music. Based on a combination of JFET and BJT devices along with hand-selected purist components, the musical signal is delivered without the interference of capacitors in the signal path. Each amplification stage is based on a minimal global feedback design that achieves its low distortion status through careful balancing and high current design choices. Lastly, its high current class A output stage is more than capable of driving long cable lengths without compromise so that your power amplifier enjoy all the benefits StellarGold Preamplifier has to offer.
200 kHz
bandwidth, from DC
4 + 4
XLR and RCA inputs
Class A
pure analog amplification
01
Overview
The StellarGold Preamplifier is a remarkably musical instrument. It is an excellent uncompromised interface between your sources and power amplifier.
Read more
The StellarGold Preamplifier is a remarkably musical instrument. It is an excellent uncompromised interface between your sources and power amplifier. Designed by Darren Myers, the StellarGold outperforms preamplifiers at anywhere near its price. Preamplifiers play a critical role in any separates audio system, strategically positioned between sources of music: CD players, phono preamps, DACs, tape recorders and tuners – and your power amplifier – the preamp serves essential roles of control and isolation. Control is simple in concept, but extraordinarily difficult to design in an acoustically transparent manner. Control duties such as input switching, volume, balance, and amplification can place unwanted acoustic thumbprints on the music if not designed with extraordinary care. The StellarGold is one amazing preamplifier that we can't wait for you to hear in your system.
02
Inside Story
At the heart of any preamplifier are the gain stage that provides the amplification, and the volume control that manages how loud or soft the music plays. Inside the StellarGold preamplifier is an all new high slew rate, low feedback, discrete JFET BJT hybrid that has remarkably low distortion without relying upon high levels of sound-squashing global feedback.
Read more
At the heart of any preamplifier are the gain stage that provides the amplification, and the volume control that manages how loud or soft the music plays. Inside the StellarGold preamplifier is an all new high slew rate, low feedback, discrete JFET BJT hybrid that has remarkably low distortion without relying upon high levels of sound-squashing global feedback. Volume is controlled by a fully balanced precision electronic version of a stepped attenuator. A large, oversized high-current transformer feeds the StellarGold Preamp's power supply, which ensures that the unit can reproduce music with a wide dynamic range, without compression or distortion. Fully-balanced circuitry with a bandwidth that extends almost to DC on the low end and well above audibility on the high end are responsible for the effortless presentation of music StellarGold preamplifier owners will enjoy. Openness, transparency, increased space around instruments---voices come alive in ways most never thought possible.
03
The Build
The designer's goal was to build a high slew rate, high bandwidth, open-sounding amplification stage that imparts no sonic signature and produces natural, open, music with affectation. All inputs are balanced as soon as they enter the StellarGold Preamplifier.
Read more
The designer's goal was to build a high slew rate, high bandwidth, open-sounding amplification stage that imparts no sonic signature and produces natural, open, music with affectation. All inputs are balanced as soon as they enter the StellarGold Preamplifier. Input switching is accomplished through hand-selected double-pole double-throw, gold plated relays that we’ve chosen for their sonic neutrality. High-performance pure-analog audio products like the StellarGold Preamplifier benefit from the use of high grade Audiophile capacitors and the finest discrete parts. Hand crafted to measure and sound remarkable, this StellarGold preamplifier will bring an amazing level of performance to any level of purist audio system ever made. If you're interested in making audio magic, audition for yourself the remarkable StellarGold Preamplifier.
Features
At a glance
Class A pure analog amplification
JFET and BJT discrete architecture
Fully balanced from input to output
Purist audio components throughout
Low global feedback
4x RCA single ended inputs
4 XLR balanced inputs
2 XLR balanced outputs per channel
2 RCA single ended outputs per channel
High slew rate amplification stage
Near perfect transient response
Extreme frequency limits from near DC to 200kHz
Darren Myers design
Oversized power supply
Specifications
Full specifications
Physical
Unit Weight
24.1 lbs or 10.9 kg
Unit Dimensions
17"W x 3.3"H x 13"D (with knob, without knob 12"D) [43.18 cm x 8.38 cm x 33.02 (with knob, without 30.48 cm)]
Shipping Weight
27.6 lbs or 12.5 kg
Shipping Dimensions
22"W x 8"H x 17"D [55.88 cm x 20.32 cm x 43.18 cm]
Power Requirements
Input Power
Model specific 100VAC, 120VAC, or 230VAC 50 or 60Hz
With the PS Audio StellarGold Stereo Preamp, you are getting a serious, meticulously designed stereo preamp that could last a lifetime, and will likely retain some good value over time.
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.
Preamplifiers act as the backbone of premium audio setups, overseeing input choices, initiating the amplification process, managing volume and balance, and ensuring electrical separation between sound sources and amplifiers.
When you add the StellarGold Preamplifier into your audio chain—bridging devices like DACs, phono preamps, tuners, or other auxiliaries with your amplifier—a magical sonic revelation unfolds: more realism, life, and space around each performer.
It's time to take control of your system and add that missing element, a great preamplifier. StellarGold.
These are PS Audio units that have come home to our factory in Boulder — trade-ins, demos,
and returns — not off-the-shelf new production. Each one is fully tested on the same benches
we use for new gear: performance, safety, and reliability before it ships again.
14-day in-home evaluation — live with it in your own system before you decide.
One-year factory warranty from your purchase date when you register the serial (new products carry three years).
Honest cosmetics — function and measured performance meet factory standards; some units may show light blemishes.
Preamplifiers act as the backbone of premium audio setups, overseeing input choices, initiating the amplification process, managing volume and balance, and ensuring electrical separation between sound sources and amplifiers. When you add the StellarGold Preamplifier into your audio chain—bridging devices like DACs, phono preamps, tuners, or other auxiliaries with your amplifier—a magical sonic revelation unfolds: more realism, life, and space around each performer. It's time to take control of your system and add that missing element, a great preamplifier. StellarGold.
Overview
The StellarGold Preamplifier is a remarkably musical instrument. It is an excellent uncompromised interface between your sources and power amplifier. Designed by Darren Myers, the StellarGold outperforms preamplifiers at anywhere near its price. Preamplifiers play a critical role in any separates audio system, strategically positioned between sources of music: CD players, phono preamps, DACs, tape recorders and tuners – and your power amplifier – the preamp serves essential roles of control and isolation. Control is simple in concept, but extraordinarily difficult to design in an acoustically transparent manner. Control duties such as input switching, volume, balance, and amplification can place unwanted acoustic thumbprints on the music if not designed with extraordinary care. The StellarGold is one amazing preamplifier that we can't wait for you to hear in your system.
Inside Story
At the heart of any preamplifier are the gain stage that provides the amplification, and the volume control that manages how loud or soft the music plays. Inside the StellarGold preamplifier is an all new high slew rate, low feedback, discrete JFET BJT hybrid that has remarkably low distortion without relying upon high levels of sound-squashing global feedback. Volume is controlled by a fully balanced precision electronic version of a stepped attenuator. A large, oversized high-current transformer feeds the StellarGold Preamp's power supply, which ensures that the unit can reproduce music with a wide dynamic range, without compression or distortion. Fully-balanced circuitry with a bandwidth that extends almost to DC on the low end and well above audibility on the high end are responsible for the effortless presentation of music StellarGold preamplifier owners will enjoy. Openness, transparency, increased space around instruments---voices come alive in ways most never thought possible.
The Build
The designer's goal was to build a high slew rate, high bandwidth, open-sounding amplification stage that imparts no sonic signature and produces natural, open, music with affectation. All inputs are balanced as soon as they enter the StellarGold Preamplifier. Input switching is accomplished through hand-selected double-pole double-throw, gold plated relays that we’ve chosen for their sonic neutrality. High-performance pure-analog audio products like the StellarGold Preamplifier benefit from the use of high grade Audiophile capacitors and the finest discrete parts. Hand crafted to measure and sound remarkable, this StellarGold preamplifier will bring an amazing level of performance to any level of purist audio system ever made. If you're interested in making audio magic, audition for yourself the remarkable StellarGold Preamplifier.
What owners and reviewers say
Now, when I closed my eyes, there was no sense of there being two speakers in front of me.
tolerpro, PS Audio Forum (StellarGold beta tester)
· Read full review
The improvement was remarkable! Soundstage was wider and deeper, greater detail, just more musical in every way!!
kmcong, Audiogon Forum (StellarGold beta tester)
· Read full review
I love the low noise floor and how the music pops in this setup.
Mindhead1, PS Audio Forum (comparing StellarGold and BHK preamplifiers)
· Read full review
The PS Audio StellarGold Stereo Preamplifier is a top performer. Its low distortion delivers detail and clarity beyond its price. It is a gem that a certain audiophile audience will very much appreciate.
With the PS Audio StellarGold Stereo Preamp, you are getting a serious, meticulously designed stereo preamp that could last a lifetime, and will likely retain some good value over time.
The StellarGold Preamplifier features two hand crafted discrete audio amplification stages, both enjoying extremely high slew rate, high bandwidth, low distortion signal handling capabilities that honor the music. Based on a combination of JFET and BJT devices along with hand-selected purist components, the musical signal is delivered without the interference of capacitors in the signal path. Each amplification stage is based on a minimal global feedback design that achieves its low distortion status through careful balancing and high current design choices. Lastly, its high current class A output stage is more than capable of driving long cable lengths without compromise so that your power amplifier enjoy all the benefits StellarGold Preamplifier has to offer.
Applications
Preamplifiers are the heart of any standalone audio system, controlling musical sources like DACs, phono preamps, and tuners. Bridging these sources to your power amplifier without adding any kind of sonic thumbprint is a challenge the StellarGold preamplifier takes on without any hesitation. Life, energy, and a sweet analog presentation are at the heart of this remarkable piece of equipment's performance. The StellarGold Preamplifier features 4 identical balanced and single ended inputs, and converts all input signals into a balanced signal for the lowest possible distortion, and can be used in a two-channel audio system or as part of a home theater system.
Overview
The StellarGold Preamplifier is a remarkably musical instrument. It is an excellent uncompromised interface between your sources and power amplifier. Designed by Darren Myers, the StellarGold outperforms preamplifiers at anywhere near its price. Preamplifiers play a critical role in any separates audio system, strategically positioned between sources of music: CD players, phono preamps, DACs, tape recorders and tuners – and your power amplifier – the preamp serves essential roles of control and isolation. Control is simple in concept, but extraordinarily difficult to design in an acoustically transparent manner. Control duties such as input switching, volume, balance, and amplification can place unwanted acoustic thumbprints on the music if not designed with extraordinary care. The StellarGold is one amazing preamplifier that we can't wait for you to hear in your system.
Inside Story
At the heart of any preamplifier are the gain stage that provides the amplification, and the volume control that manages how loud or soft the music plays. Inside the StellarGold preamplifier is an all new high slew rate, low feedback, discrete JFET BJT hybrid that has remarkably low distortion without relying upon high levels of sound-squashing global feedback. Volume is controlled by a fully balanced precision electronic version of a stepped attenuator. A large, oversized high-current transformer feeds the StellarGold Preamp's power supply, which ensures that the unit can reproduce music with a wide dynamic range, without compression or distortion. Fully-balanced circuitry with a bandwidth that extends almost to DC on the low end and well above audibility on the high end are responsible for the effortless presentation of music StellarGold preamplifier owners will enjoy. Openness, transparency, increased space around instruments---voices come alive in ways most never thought possible.
The Build
The designer's goal was to build a high slew rate, high bandwidth, open-sounding amplification stage that imparts no sonic signature and produces natural, open, music with affectation. All inputs are balanced as soon as they enter the StellarGold Preamplifier. Input switching is accomplished through hand-selected double-pole double-throw, gold plated relays that we’ve chosen for their sonic neutrality. High-performance pure-analog audio products like the StellarGold Preamplifier benefit from the use of high grade Audiophile capacitors and the finest discrete parts. Hand crafted to measure and sound remarkable, this StellarGold preamplifier will bring an amazing level of performance to any level of purist audio system ever made. If you're interested in making audio magic, audition for yourself the remarkable StellarGold Preamplifier.
Product Videos
Features
17 key features
Class A pure analog amplification
JFET and BJT discrete architecture
Fully balanced from input to output
Purist audio components throughout
Low global feedback
4x RCA single ended inputs
4 XLR balanced inputs
2 XLR balanced outputs per channel
2 RCA single ended outputs per channel
High slew rate amplification stage
Near perfect transient response
Extreme frequency limits from near DC to 200kHz
Darren Myers design
Oversized power supply
Multiple stage regulation
Volume and balance by precision stepped attenuation
2x output triggers
Reviews
6 reviews
tolerpro, PS Audio Forum (StellarGold beta tester)
Now, when I closed my eyes, there was no sense of there being two speakers in front of me.
The PS Audio StellarGold Stereo Preamplifier is a top performer. Its low distortion delivers detail and clarity beyond its price. It is a gem that a certain audiophile audience will very much appreciate.
With the PS Audio StellarGold Stereo Preamp, you are getting a serious, meticulously designed stereo preamp that could last a lifetime, and will likely retain some good value over time.
💬 Try our Virtual Audio Specialist! Get instant answers about products, setup, and technical questions. Just click the chat icon in the lower right corner.
If that doesn't work for you, feel free to use this form below, or call a real Audio Specialist at 800-PSAUDIO (800-772-8346), Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm MST.
Specifications
Physical
Unit Weight
24.1 lbs or 10.9 kg
Unit Dimensions
17"W x 3.3"H x 13"D (with knob, without knob 12"D) [43.18 cm x 8.38 cm x 33.02 (with knob, without 30.48 cm)]
Shipping Weight
27.6 lbs or 12.5 kg
Shipping Dimensions
22"W x 8"H x 17"D [55.88 cm x 20.32 cm x 43.18 cm]
Power Requirements
Input Power
Model specific 100VAC, 120VAC, or 230VAC 50 or 60Hz
