Positive Feedback has a review of the Stellar Phono preamplifier in Issue 130. Michael Laurance said, “It's exciting when a component makes a tremendous difference the moment it becomes a part of your system. Such is the case the second the stylus of my Triangle Art Hathor lowers onto side one of the half-speed mastered release of Santana's Zebop! Over the years, several phono stages have transferred the analog signal in this room, but none with this immediacy or impact.”
He also noted, "[Santana's] "Tales of Kilimanjaro"...not only has a more open feel and sound, but is also more organic versus (or compared with) phono stages I've auditioned in the past. There is a closeness to the music that makes this component a special experience....The PS Audio Stellar Phono Preamplifier has a beautiful tendency to extract the maximum enjoyment from any platter spun through it.”
Click here for the full review.
In Issue 129, Positive Feedback also reviewed the PerfectWave DirectStream DAC MK2. Dave Clark pointed out, “If you loved the older DirectStream DAC, you are going to love the newer one even more. The DirectStream DAC MK2 goes deeper with a way more solid feel to the bottom end. Great solidity and punch. Tight, but effortless. Massive in a way. Big. Bold.” He continued, "PS Audio has gone to great measures to filter out or eliminate noise and contamination that can, and will, get in the way of the music. Clean, but not mean. No hype. Cold and analytical? Not in the least. All just very natural. Very musically balanced. Wonderful articulation and presence....The DirectStream DAC MK2 is a major improvement over the older version.”
Click here for the full review.
PS Audio received no fewer than six recommendations in The Absolute Sound’s new 2024 Annual Buyer’s Guide. The products listed include the Aspen FR30 loudspeakers, Stellar Series S300 stereo power amplifier, Stellar M1200 mono power amp, BHK Signature 300 mono power amp, and Sprout100 integrated amplifier. The M1200 was also included in “The Greatest Bargains in High-End Audio” listings.
Header image courtesy of Dave Clark/Positive Feedback.