Stellar · Phono preamplifier
Stellar™ Phono Preamplifier
All analog from input to output, for any turntable and any cartridge.
$2,999
Save up to $750 with a trade-in.
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Try it risk-free for 30 days in your own system. Love it or return it.
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Designed for any turntable, any cartridge
- Connections Two tonearm inputs, balanced and single-ended
- Cartridges Moving magnet and moving coil, adjustable loading
- Circuit All analog, discrete FET, Class A
- Gain Up to 70 dB, for cartridges down to 0.15 mV
What reviewers say
The midrange on this phono preamp is as open, uncongested, transparent, and revealing as that of any phono preamp I've heard at any price.
Stellar offers the best performance for price, often outshining some far more expensive competitors.
The Stellar Phono preamplifier projects an expansive sound stage, with the ability to extend wall to wall
Why choose it
Great sound from any turntable
Choose it to start a vinyl system or replace a built-in phono stage. Moving magnet or moving coil, adjustable loading and a remote, at a third of the PMG's price.
Where it fits
Stellar is the perfect phono preamplifier for any resolution system or cartridge type. From the lowest output moving coil to the most dynamic and punchy moving magnet, Stellar Phono will deliver incredible performance, low noise, and world class sonics. Use Stellar as your reference preamplifier in the highest end systems in the world.
Read more
Stellar is the perfect phono preamplifier for any resolution system or cartridge type. From the lowest output moving coil to the most dynamic and punchy moving magnet, Stellar Phono will deliver incredible performance, low noise, and world class sonics. Use Stellar as your reference preamplifier in the highest end systems in the world. Stellar comes complete with remote control so users can select between two turntables, or adjust cartridge loading and gain settings from the comfort of their chairs.
Design
How it's built
Phono preamplifiers at anywhere near this price range are almost always integrated circuit based, but not Stellar. Input to output, Stellar is a fully discrete FET design with extraordinarily low noise and high overload capabilities so even the wildest dynamics from the punchiest cartridges sail through Stellar with no limitations or compromise whatsoever.
Read the full design story
Phono preamplifiers at anywhere near this price range are almost always integrated circuit based, but not Stellar. Input to output, Stellar is a fully discrete FET design with extraordinarily low noise and high overload capabilities so even the wildest dynamics from the punchiest cartridges sail through Stellar with no limitations or compromise whatsoever. Stellar Phono stands out in a crowded field of conventional IC designs. Its sound is rich, warm and enticing as only vinyl through hand-tuned class-A circuitry can be.
- 70 dB
- of ultra-low-noise gain
- 0.15 mV
- cartridges supported
- 20 V
- RMS output
- 2
- tonearm inputs
01
Overview
PS Audio’s first product was a phono preamplifier that took the Hi-Fi world by storm in 1975. Its designers, Paul and Stan, labored for years over every circuit detail with one goal in mind—making musical magic.
Read more
PS Audio’s first product was a phono preamplifier that took the Hi-Fi world by storm in 1975. Its designers, Paul and Stan, labored for years over every circuit detail with one goal in mind—making musical magic. Stellar Phono shares that same ethos. Stellar Phono is the finest preamplifier PS Audio has ever built in its 45 year history and sets a new standard within the industry. It is a triumph of performance and value that you’ll instantly recognize from that first needle drop, as music emerges from a velvet blackness, filling the room as if there were no speakers. Stellar handles all cartridge types and employs no ICs in the signal path. Its all discrete, class A analog design produces over 20V rms output for unparalleled headroom and dynamics.
02
The Inside Scoop
The art of design is a careful balance between the measurement lab and the listening room. The hundreds of hours of design and audition resulted in a unique amalgam of time honored technology coupled with daring innovation.
Read more
The art of design is a careful balance between the measurement lab and the listening room. The hundreds of hours of design and audition resulted in a unique amalgam of time honored technology coupled with daring innovation. Stellar Phono is an all discrete FET design that uses a passive RIAA curve, hand selected premium components, and is direct coupled from input to output. Its ultra low noise discrete pre and post voltage regulation stages, coupled with low internal feedback, offer increased transparency and openness rarely found in instruments anywhere near this price.
03
Construction
When you first pick up Stellar Phono Preamplifier you'll notice its solid build and heft. Every inch of Stellar suggests quality: from its rear panel connectors, cartridge loading facilities, to its internal high current oversized power transformer.
Read more
When you first pick up Stellar Phono Preamplifier you'll notice its solid build and heft. Every inch of Stellar suggests quality: from its rear panel connectors, cartridge loading facilities, to its internal high current oversized power transformer. The internal shielding and build quality provide Stellar with up to 70dB of ultra low noise gain for MC cartridges as low as 0.15mv. On its rear panel find facilities for two inputs for two tonearms selectable from remote control, as well as both single ended and balanced outputs to match any preamplifier.
Features
At a glance
- Moving magnet and coil
- Fixed and variable loading
- 70 dB of ultra-low-noise gain, for cartridges down to 0.15 mV
- Two inputs, for two tonearms
- Single-ended balanced inputs
- Discrete FET design
- Class A analog circuitry
- Low distortion
- 20v rms output
- Low noise circuitry
- Hand selected discrete components
- Dc coupled from input to output
- Low noise pre + post voltage regulation
- No complimentary FET transistors
Specifications
Full specifications
| STELLAR PHONO PREAMPLIFIER | |
|---|---|
| Unit Weight | 21.6lbs. (9.8 kg) |
| Unit Dimensions | 17”W x 13”D x 3.25”H (43cm x 33.02cm x 8.255cm) |
| Shipping Weight | 25.1lbs (11.4 kg) |
| Shipping Dimensions | 22”W x 8”H x 17”D (55.88cm x 43.18cm x 20.32cm) |
| Color Options | Black Silver |
| Voltage Options (Factory set only) | Japan 100V North America 120V Europe/Asia/Australia/New Zealand 230V |
| Mains Power Input | IEC C14 |
| Idle Power Consumption | 26W |
| Fuses | 100V: T250V-2.0AH (2A Slow Blow) 120V: T250V-1.6AH (1.6A Slow Blow) 230V: T250V-1AH (1A Slow Blow) |
| Accessories Included | US (NEMA 5-15P) (100V/120V versions) Schuko (CEE7/7) (230V version) UK (BS1363) (230V version) Remote Control |
| Audio Inputs | RCA (Unbalanced) MM,MC |
| Audio Outputs | RCA (Unbalanced) 1 Stereo Pair XLR (Balanced) 1 Stereo Pair |
| DC Trigger | 3.5mm 12VDC (2) |
| Performance | All measurements are with both channels operating, gain set to low, and balanced outputs. Input frequency is 1kHz. |
| Gain | MM: 44dB, 50dB, 56dB MC: 60dB, 66dB, 72dB |
| Input Loading | MM: 47KΩ (100pF) MC: 60Ω, 100Ω, 200Ω, 47KΩ, Custom 1-1KΩ |
| Output Impedance | Unbalanced <200Ω Balanced <200Ω per leg |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20KHz +/- 0.25dB |
| THD | 0.5V out @ 1kHz: <0.01% |
| Maximum Output | @1%THD: 24VRMS |
| Overload Margin | @1kHz: >22dB |
| S/N Ratio | MM: >82dB A-Weighted MC: >74dB A-Weighted |
| Interchannel Crosstalk | >74dB |
| Power Consumption | 26W |
Compare
How it compares
| PMG Preamp | StellarGold Pre | PMG Phono | Stellar PhonoThis one | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $8,999 | $3,999 | $8,999 | $2,999 |
| Connections | Balanced XLR inputs and output | 4 XLR and 4 RCA inputs, XLR and RCA outputs | Two tonearm inputs, balanced XLR output | Two tonearm inputs, balanced and single-ended |
| Volume | Precision stepped attenuator | Precision stepped attenuator, with balance | — | — |
| Circuit | Pure Class A, zero-feedback Diamond buffers | Class A, fully balanced, discrete | Zero feedback, Class A, Diamond buffers | All analog, discrete FET, Class A |
| Family | PMG Signature, designed by Darren Myers | Stellar, designed by Darren Myers | — | — |
| Cartridges | — | — | Moving magnet and moving coil, fixed and variable loading | Moving magnet and moving coil, adjustable loading |
| Gain | — | — | 70 dB, for cartridges down to 0.15 mV | Up to 70 dB, for cartridges down to 0.15 mV |
Build your system
What it pairs with
A line preamplifier, or Strata
StellarGold Preamplifier$3,999Most systems with several sourcesView detailsA line preamplifier, or Strata
Stellar Strata$3,499Coming from a receiver, or starting freshView detailsTrade Up and Save
Save up to $750 on your Stellar Phono Preamplifier
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 midrange on this phono preamp is as open, uncongested, transparent, and revealing as that of any phono preamp I've heard at any price.
I recommend a listen to the Stellar to anyone in the market for a new phono preamp, regardless of price. I don't think I've ever written that before
The Stellar Phono preamplifier projects an expansive sound stage, with the ability to extend wall to wall and create the illusion of the venue imagined by the artist
Stellar offers the best performance for price, often outshining some far more expensive competitors.
This preamp should be welcomed by experienced vinyl fans as well as newcomers to this marvelous medium. You would have to spend a lot more to seriously challenge what this affordable and great-looking component delivers; its ability to change critical settings from your easy chair...
The PS Audio Stellar phono preamplifier, once again, offers an incredible amount of features for the money-just like the PS Audio phono preamplifiers of yore.
It's also incredibly neutral, which makes it the perfect phono stage for evaluating cartridges. I found myself continually swapping out the ZYX Bloom 3, the Hana ML and the Sumiko Starling I reviewed for The Occasional No. 6 because the Stellar was so adept at...
When it comes to an examination of price versus features and performance, the Stellar Phono Preamp will not leave the listener wanting for much more.
From front to back, the PS Audio Stellar Phono Preamplifier is a well-designed, well-thought-out audiophile component with excellent sonics at a very reasonable price
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
Stellar Phono Preamplifier
$2,999
- 30-day in-home trialThe PS Audio Home Experience. Love it or return it.
- Save up to $750 with a trade-inCredit comes off the price at checkout.
Stellar Phono Preamplifier
Details
Home Audition
Get 30 days to listen to your Stellar Phono Preamplifier and see if you like it. If not, send it back.
Shipping
UPS Ground USA
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Preamplifier
Stellar Phono Preamplifier
Our finest phono preamplifier in the company's 45-year history. All analog from input to output, this stunning addition to the Stellar line will bring new life to your vinyl in ways you never dreamt possible.
At home
Where it disappears into the music.
Overview
The Inside Scoop
Construction
What owners and reviewers say
The midrange on this phono preamp is as open, uncongested, transparent, and revealing as that of any phono preamp I've heard at any price. I recommend a listen to the Stellar to anyone in the market for a new phono preamp, regardless of price. I don't think I've ever written that before
The Stellar Phono preamplifier projects an expansive sound stage, with the ability to extend wall to wall and create the illusion of the venue imagined by the artist
Stellar offers the best performance for price, often outshining some far more expensive competitors. This preamp should be welcomed by experienced vinyl fans as well as newcomers to this marvelous medium. You would have to spend a lot more to seriously challenge what this affordable and great-loo...
The PS Audio Stellar phono preamplifier, once again, offers an incredible amount of features for the money-just like the PS Audio phono preamplifiers of yore. It's also incredibly neutral, which makes it the perfect phono stage for evaluating cartridges. I found myself continually swapping out th...
When it comes to an examination of price versus features and performance, the Stellar Phono Preamp will not leave the listener wanting for much more. From front to back, the PS Audio Stellar Phono Preamplifier is a well-designed, well-thought-out audiophile component with excellent sonics at a ve...
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.
Overview
The Inside Scoop
Construction
Recommended products
Specifications
STELLAR PHONO PREAMPLIFIER |
|
| Unit Weight | 21.6lbs. (9.8 kg) |
| Unit Dimensions | 17”W x 13”D x 3.25”H (43cm x 33.02cm x 8.255cm) |
| Shipping Weight | 25.1lbs (11.4 kg) |
| Shipping Dimensions | 22”W x 8”H x 17”D (55.88cm x 43.18cm x 20.32cm) |
| Color Options | Black Silver |
| Voltage Options (Factory set only) |
Japan 100V North America 120V Europe/Asia/Australia/New Zealand 230V |
| Mains Power Input | IEC C14 |
| Idle Power Consumption | 26W |
| Fuses | 100V: T250V-2.0AH (2A Slow Blow) 120V: T250V-1.6AH (1.6A Slow Blow) 230V: T250V-1AH (1A Slow Blow) |
| Accessories Included | US (NEMA 5-15P) (100V/120V versions) Schuko (CEE7/7) (230V version) UK (BS1363) (230V version) Remote Control |
| Audio Inputs | RCA (Unbalanced) MM,MC |
| Audio Outputs | RCA (Unbalanced) 1 Stereo Pair XLR (Balanced) 1 Stereo Pair |
| DC Trigger | 3.5mm 12VDC (2) |
Performance |
All measurements are with both channels operating, gain set to low, and balanced outputs. Input frequency is 1kHz. |
| Gain | MM: 44dB, 50dB, 56dB MC: 60dB, 66dB, 72dB |
| Input Loading | MM: 47KΩ (100pF) MC: 60Ω, 100Ω, 200Ω, 47KΩ, Custom 1-1KΩ |
| Output Impedance | Unbalanced <200Ω Balanced <200Ω per leg |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20KHz +/- 0.25dB |
| THD | 0.5V out @ 1kHz: <0.01% |
| Maximum Output | @1%THD: 24VRMS |
| Overload Margin | @1kHz: >22dB |
| S/N Ratio | MM: >82dB A-Weighted MC: >74dB A-Weighted |
| Interchannel Crosstalk | >74dB |
| Power Consumption | 26W |