PS Audio Stellar S300 Stereo Power Amplifier

Description

The problems faced when crafting a new power amplifier are many—delivering sufficient power, control, frequency extension, and dynamics while maintaining a perfectly layered soundstage under the most complex musical passages.

All amplifiers sound different. What determines sound quality are the components and topologies of the amp’s input voltage stage and output current stage. Each section should complement the other. Between them, the amp develops its sound.

Stellar’s design imperatives—affordable pricing, and uncompromised sonics—were major challenges solved by the invention of a unique new circuit christened the Analog Cell.

Stellar engineer Darren Myers had planned from the outset to take advantage of Class D’s high current, low distortion, ruler flat linearity for the output stage—knowing full well it is the input stage that determines sonic character. This critical interface between preamplifier and power amplifier is where Stellar’s magic would be unveiled; where Myers could lavish upon the music the sweet, tube-like quality of Class A biased MOSFETs. His challenge was to synergistically marry both input and output topologies, for which he invented Stellar’s Analog Cell.

The Analog Cell is the heart of the S300’s musicality, where richly overlayed layers of music’s inner details are preserved even in the most complex orchestral crescendos. The Analog Cell is a proprietary, fully differential, zero feedback, discrete, Class A MOSFET circuit, hand-tuned to capture the smallest micro dynamics without sacrificing the loudest macro dynamics music has to offer.

   Features

• • • • Stereo power amplifier
      • Dual mono, each with their own power supply
      • Zero-loss Analog Cell input stage
      • Powerful MOSFET output stage
      • RCA Single ended input
      • XLR “true” balanced input
      • 140 watts per channel 8Ω
      • 300 watts per channel 4Ω
      • 2Ω stable
      • Less than 0.1% thd 20Hz to 20kHz at rated power
      • Damping factor greater than 550 for excellent loudspeaker control
      • Front panel standby button
      • Effieicient operation with very little heat
      • Dual, solid copper, plated, output binding posts
      • 27 pounds
      • Input 12 volt trigger

    SPECIFICATIONS
    General
    Unit Weight: 6 kg
    Unit Dimensions (W x H x D mm):432 x 80 x 310. 331mm deep including connectors.
    Shipping Weight: 7.5 kg
    Shipping Dimensions (W x H x D mm): 560 x 210 x 432
    Color Options: Black
    Silver
    Voltage Options Factory set only: Japan 100V
    North America 120V
    Europe/Asia/Australia/New Zealand 230V
    Mains Power Inputs: IEC C14

    Audio Inputs
    RCA: (Unbalanced)
    XLR: (Balanced)
    Speaker Outputs S300: Copper base nickel plated binding posts (2 pair per channel)
    Other: DC Trigger Input: 3.5mm 5-15VDC
    Warranty: 3 years parts and labor

    Signal
    Gain: 30.5dB +/-0.5dB
    Sensitivity for rated output power: 1.01V
    Noise: 1kHz@300 Watts <-100dB
    Input impedance: Unbalanced: 50KΩ
    Balanced: 100KΩ
    Output Impedance: 50Hz, 2.8VRMS <0.007Ω Damping factor: 50Hz. 2.8VRMS 8Ω >1100
    4Ω >550
    Frequency Response: @2.8VRMS
    10Hz – 20KHz +/- 0.5dB
    10Hz – 50KHz +0.1/-3.0dB

    THD&IM
    1KHz, 1W/4Ω: <0.02%
    10-20KHz, 1W/4Ω: <0.02%
    10-50KHz, 1W/4Ω: < 0.05% (90kHz BW)
    1KHz, 37.5W/4Ω: < 0.01%

  • Output Power
    Both channels driven 120vac mains, 1kHz, 1% THD
    8Ω 140W minimum
    4Ω 300W minimum
    2Ω Stable for musical transients