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 Analog Cell™ 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 the analog GainCell™. Developed by PS Audio founder Paul McGowan, the Gain Cell™ 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 Gain Cell eliminates this problem without additional circuitry in the signal path by varying its gain in response to front panel controls. Once the high-definition streaming module or 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.

Specifications – Stellar Strata MK2

General

Color Options	Black Silver
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)

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