Stellar Strata MK2

The new Stellar™ Strata MK2™ 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. Rich. Lush. Powerful. A music lover's answer to spiraling cost-no-object equipment without sacrifice.

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 Strata™ 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.

Technology

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.

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:

• 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

Specifications:

General:

• 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]

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

Analog Inputs:

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

Phono Input:

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