PS AUDIO Stellar Phono Preamplifier Owner’s Manual
- June 2, 2024
- PS AUDIO
Table of Contents
Owner’s Reference
Stellar™ Phono Preamplifier
Safety Information
Important Safety Instructions
READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS
HEED ALL WARNINGS
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. OBJECTS ILLED WITH LIQUIDS, SUCH AS VASES, SHOULD NOT BE PLACED ON THE APPARATUS. THIS APPARATUS MUST BE CONNECTED TO A MAINS SOCKET OUTLET WITH A PROTECTIVE EARTH CONNECTION.
Clean only with a dry cloth. Do not place flammable material on top of or
beneath the unit.
The PS Audio® Stellar Phono Preamplifier is a passively cooled component that
requires adequate ventilation at all times during operation.
Do not remove or bypass the ground pin on the end of the AC cord. All PS
Audio® products ship with a grounding-type plug. If the provided plug does not
fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete
outlet.
Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms.
When making connections to this or any other component, make sure all
components are powered off. Turn off all systems’ power before connecting the
PS Audio® component to any other component. Make sure all cable terminations
are of the highest quality.
THERE ARE NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE THIS PS AUDIO PRODUCT.
REFER ALL SERVICE NEEDS TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
Please contact your authorized dealer, distributor, or PS Audio® directly if
you have any questions or concerns that are not addressed in this reference
manual.
PS Audio® , the sine wave logo, and PerfectWave PerfectWave® are
registered trademarks of PS Audio, Inc., and are restricted for use by PS
Audio, Inc., its subsidiaries, and authorized agents. Stellar Stellar™
,Power Plant™ , MultiWave™ , CleanWave™ , and Gain Cell™ are trademarks of
PS Audio, Inc.
This product was designed and assembled in Boulder, Colorado with globally
sourced components.
© 2021 PS Audio, Inc. All rights reserved. Rev B.
Introduction
Thank You
Thank you for purchasing PS Audio’s Stellar Phono Preamplifier. This is your
comprehensive Operator’s Guide, intended to provide a full overview of the
Stellar Phono Preamplifier’s functions and capabilities. It is our intention
to provide you with full details about the Stellar Phono Preamplifier and to
answer any and all questions you may have.
If you have additional questions or concerns that are not addressed in this
guide, please contact us and we will be happy to assist you.
Contact Information
PS Audio, Inc.
4865 Sterling Drive
Boulder, CO 80301
1 (800) PSAUDIO
service@psaudio.com
www.psaudio.com
A Message From The Design Engineer
It is inconvenient, yet utterly enthralling, to realize that measurements
don’t always correlate with what we hear. This realization is what’s been
fueling my design career; it’s so exciting and invigorating to know there are
mysteries to be solved. Some of the most commonly used circuit typologies
suffer from what I call overexposed sound – the edge transients lead with far
too much high frequency energy and the overall tonality has a grey sheen that
washes out the tonal contrast. Many have claimed that this is what happens
when a circuit is transparent and has low distortion. I beg to differ.
The Stellar Phono is a fully discrete phono preamp that utilizes proprietary
circuits that don’t rely on high amounts of global feedback to lower complex
distortion or increase bandwidth. To the contrary, they were designed to be
innately transparent and present the music with a correct display of tonal
balance. The circuitry is DC coupled from the input to output and doesn’t
contain any complementary circuits. The signal path is relatively short and
utilizes MOSFET and JFET semiconductors biased in pure Class A.
After hundreds of hours of listening with many different cartridges and
systems, I ended up with a phono preamp that always presents the music in the
correct light. It gets out of the way of the music and lets you focus on
really what matters – our connection with the music and most importantly the
opportunity to share those moments with the people in our lives.
So put on one of your favorite recordings, drop the needle in the groove, and
kick back.
Welcome to the HiFi family.
-Darren Myers
Getting Started
Symbols Found On The Stellar Phono
Indicates compliance with European Union Legislation for relevant safety (Low
Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU) and EMC (EMC Directive 2014/35/EU) requirements.
Is intended to tell the user that parts inside the product are a risk of
electric shock to persons.
Is intended to tell the user that important operating and servicing
instructions are in the papers with the appliance.
Signifies that the instrument complies with European Union Waste Electrical
and Electronic Equipment Directive.
Indicates that the unit is in compliance with the European Union Reduction of
Hazardous Substances Directive.
Included With The Stellar Phono
- 6-foot Power Cable
- Owner’s Reference Manual
- Remote Control
The Remote
- The On/Off button activates/deactivates idle mode.
- The MM/MC button toggles between moving magnet and moving coil inputs.
- The Gain button toggles between Low, Med, and High.
- The Mute button activates/deactives the mute function.
- These are the resistive loading options for moving coil.
Front Panel View
- PS Audio Logo LED Button
- Mute LED Indicator
- Input LED Indicators
- Gain LED Indicators
- Loading LED Indicators
- Infrared Remote Sensor
Rear Panel View
1 Master Power Switch
2 IEC AC Power Inlet
3 Fuse Socket
4 5 Volt -12 Volt Trigger Input
5 5 Volt – 12 Volt Trigger Output
6 Balanced Right Output
7 Single-Ended Right Output
8 Single-Ended Left Output| 9 Balanced Left Output
10 Moving Magnet Right Input
11 Moving Magnet Left Input
12 Ground Binding Post
13 Moving Coil Right Input
14 Moving Coil Custom Loading
15 Moving Coil Left Input
---|---
Installation Considerations
Location
Once your new Stellar Phono Preamplifier is unpacked, you will need to find a
convenient place to set it. To avoid RF interference from other components in
your system, such as computers and servers, we recommend placing the Stellar
Phono as far away from these devices as possible.
Mounting
The Stellar Phono Preamplifier should be placed with consideration of
providing air circulation to the unit. If you wish to install the Stellar
Phono into your component rack, the purchase of an aftermarket, custom-
designed shelf may be necessary.
If your equipment is located a long distance from the Stellar Phono, it is
preferable to use a long, heavy gauge shielded power cable between the AC
receptacle in the wall and the Stellar Phono, rather than long individual
cables between the connected components.
Plugging In The Power Cable
You may use either the provided power cable or an aftermarket power cable
to connect your unit to AC power. For best results, we strongly recommend the
use of a PS Audio PerfectWave® Power AC cable, or any high-quality
aftermarket power cable. It is always preferable to feed your equipment using
an excellent power cable, as there will be a significant performance
improvement over the stock power cable.
To connect your unit to AC power, plug the flat end of the power cord into the
IEC AC inlet and the pronged end into a wall socket.
Plugging In Your Equipment
With the Stellar Phono powered off, plug the cables from your turntable into
either the moving magnet or moving coil (depending on the output voltage of
your cartridge) RCA input jacks on the rear panel of the phono preamplifier.
If your turntable has a grounding wire, we highly recommend connecting it to
the grounding post on the rear panel of the Stellar Phono.
Next, connect the cables from your line preamplifier to either the balanced
XLR or singleended RCA jacks on the rear panel of the Stellar Phono. Keep in
mind, single-ended cables have 6dB less gain, so if you are using a cartridge
with low gain (<0.2mV) you will want to use balanced XLR cables.
Powering On Your Stellar Phono
Once the unit is connected to power, flip the master power switch on the rear panel to the on position. The PS Audio Logo LED button on the front panel will glow blue when the unit is powered on and ready for use. When powering on your Stellar Phono Preamplifier using the master power switch, it will always load the factory default settings: moving magnet, low gain, and 47K ohm loading. The unit will always power up in mute.
Idle Mode
The master power switch on the rear panel should remain on at all times
(except when making new connections). When your connected equipment is not in
use, the Stellar Phono can be placed in Idle mode. Putting your unit in Idle
mode will deactivate all of its output relays.
Idle mode can be activated/deactivated by pressing the PS Audio logo button,
located on the upper left hand corner of the Stellar Phono’s front panel. When
the logo button is not lit, the Stellar Phono is in idle mode. Idle mode can
also be activated/deactivated by pressing the On/Off button in the top left
hand corner of the remote.
When toggling in and out of idle mode, the phono preamplifier will retain its
most recent settings. However, if you power down your unit using the master
switch on the rear panel, the Stellar Phono will load the factory default
settings on the next power up. CAUTION: Activate idle mode before powering
down your unit using the rear panel master
CAUTION: Activate idle mode before powering down your unit using the rear
panel master power switch.
Operation Guide
Front Panel LEDs
Mute – When the Mute LED is illuminated red, the Stellar Phono Preamplifier is
muted.
You can activate/deactivate mute by using the remote control or holding in the
front panel PS Audio logo LED button for 3 seconds.
Input – The Input LED indicates which input you have selected. Using the
remote, you can toggle between moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC)
cartridge inputs.
Gain – The Gain LED indicates the selected level of amplification. Using the
remote, you can select the correct gain setting, which is dependent on the
cartridge’s output voltage.
MM: 44dB (Low), 50dB (Medium), 56dB (High)
MC: 60dB (Low), 66dB (Medium), 72dB (High)
**Loading – The Loading LED indicates the selected resistive loading. Using
the remote, you can select the correct resistive loading, which is mandatory
for flat frequency response.
MM: Resistive loading – 47KΩ fixed loading
MC: Resistive loading – 60Ω, 100Ω, 200Ω, 47KΩ, and custom loadings
The custom loading option allows you to use the potentiometers on the rear
panel to select between 1 – 1000 ohms.
* These features can only be changed via the remote control.
Moving Magnet
A moving magnet cartridge is the preferred path for getting started in analog
since they are not as picky with set up, cost less, are more durable, and are
not as discriminating
when it comes to the quality of the recording or pressing.
The default settings for moving magnet are low gain and 47K ohms loading. To
adjust these settings, you will need to use the remote.
Setting the Correct Gain
We recommend the following gain settings for each range of output voltages:
4mV – 10mV: MM, Low Gain
2.5mV – 4mV: MM, Medium Gain
1mV – 2.5mV: MM, High Gain
Resistive and Capacitive Loading
The resistive loading for moving magnet inputs is fixed at 47K ohms and cannot
be adjusted. However, this is the preferred loading for most moving magnet
cartridges. When it comes to capacitive loading, moving magnet cartridges can
be fairly picky. Typically, moving magnet inputs are loaded at around 100
picofarads, similar to the Stellar
Phono.
The capacitance of the RCA cables running from your turntable to the phono
preamplifier is important, since it will affect sound and add to the fixed
input capacitance of the phonostage. The correct amount of capacitance in a
cable may range depending on the cartridge. Most users of moving magnet
cartridges will be very happy with cables of average capacitance and the
100pF loading, but you may try different cables if you wish to change the
capacitive loading of the Stellar Phono. It’s always best to talk to the
manufacturer of your cartridge to see what they recommend.
Moving Coil
The default settings for moving coil are low gain and 100Ω loading. To adjust these settings, you will need to use the remote.
Setting the Correct Gain
MC cartridges generally have lower output voltages that typically range from
.15mV to 2.5mV. We recommend the following input and gain settings for each
range of output
voltages:
1mV – 2.5mV: MM, High Gain
0.7mV – 1mV: MC, Low Gain
0.35mV – 0.7mV: MC, Medium Gain
<0.35mV: MC, High Gain
Setting the Correct Loading
Moving coil cartridges typically have a low self-inductance and resistance,
causing them to perfom better with low resistive loading (typically less than
500 ohms). Because of the low resistance, the capacitive loading effects are
pushed well above the audio band. High output moving coil cartridges normally
like to be loaded at 47K, making them a perfect match with the high gain
moving magnet setting. The optimal loading for a phono cartridge is always
supplied by the manufacturer. This is a good starting position, but we
encourage trying different loadings to see what sounds best. The phono
cartridge cannot be damaged by loading it incorrectly.
CAUTION: Mute your Stellar Phono Preamplifier before changing the custom
loading setting using the rear panel potentiometers.
Troubleshooting
Noise
If a whining, whistling, beeping, or other noise is coming from the Stellar
Phono Preamplifier, it is likely due to RF interference from another
component. Components such as computers and servers should be located as far
away from the phonostage as possible. We recommend using high-quality,
shielded interconnect cables between the turntable and phonostage. If
necessary, you can also add a clamp ferrite to the RCA cable that runs between
your turntable and your Stellar Phono.
Hum or Buzzing from Speakers
If you can hear a hum or buzzing noise coming from your speakers and it goes
away when muting your Stellar Phono, verify that you have selected the proper
gain setting for your cartridge. High noise could be a sign of the gain being
set too high. Also, make sure that the grounding wire from your turntable (if
it has one) is connected to the binding post on the rear panel of the Stellar
Phono.
If you are using single-ended cables, try a pair of balanced (XLR) cables to
see if the noise is reduced or eliminated.
If you are still experiencing a hum or buzz coming from your speakers, it may
be due to cartridge interference. To test, mute the phonostage and unplug the
input RCA cables. Check to see if the noise is still there. If so, move the
turntable to a different location and repeat the test.
Loud Popping
If you hear a loud popping noise when touching the tonearm or turntable,
verify that your turntable’s grounding wire is connected to the binding post
on the rear panel of the Stellar Phono Preamplifier. Not all turntables have a
grounding wire, so if yours does, we highly recommend that you use it.
Music Sounds Distorted
If your music sounds distorted or the soundstage is ill defined or
incorrect, check the alignment of your cartridge.
You may also check the verticle tracking angle (VTA) of the tonearm and
verticle tracking force (VTF) of the cartridge. If you are unsure how to do
this, please contact the manufacturer of your tonearm or cartridge.
Specifications
Stellar Phono Specifications
Unit Weight | 21.6lbs (9.8 kg) |
---|---|
Unit Dimensions | 17”W x 13”D x 3.25”H |
(43cm x 33.02cm x8.255cm)
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 (BS 1363) (230V version)
Remote Control
Audio Inputs| RCA (Unbalanced) MM,MC
Audio Outputs| RCA (Unbalanced) 1 Stereo Pair
XLR (Balanced) 1Stereo 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 <200KΩ
Balanced <200KΩ 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
Warranty Information
Registering Your Product
By registering your product, you are validating the start date of your
limited warranty. This limited warranty is in effect for 3 years from the date
the unit was first purchased from PS Audio or its dealers and agents. If you
do not register your product within 30 days of service, a copy of your
purchase receipt from an authorized PS Audio dealer may be used as proof of
purchase to establish the warranty start date. If no proof of purchase from an
authorized PS audio dealer or registration is provided, the production date
of the product will be used to determine the warranty start date. You can
register your product online, by phone, by mail, or by email.
What This Warranty Covers
This warranty covers defects in material and workmanship for products
purchased from PS Audio or its authorized dealers and agents. In the event
your product fails, your sole remedy under this limited warranty shall be to
return the product to PS Audio or an authorized PS Audio repair center. At the
option of PS Audio, the product will be repaired without charge for parts or
labor, replaced, or the purchase price refunded through the original point of
purchase.
Shipping
You are responsible to pay for the safe and proper shipment of the
warrantied product to PS Audio or its authorized repair center. Under this
limited warranty, PS Audio or its authorized repair center will pay the cost
of returning the repaired or replacement product to you.
What This Warranty Does Not Cover
This warranty does not cover damage due to:
- Accidents, carelessness, improper transportation, misuse, neglect, or abuse
- Failure to follow the operating instructions that are provided by PS Audio in the Owner’s Reference Manual (available for download at www.psaudio.com)
- Use in any manner inconsistent with PS Audio’s operating instructions (available for download at www.psaudio.com)
- Lack of routine maintenance
- Connection to an improper voltage supply Alterations or modifications to the unit
- Improper or unauthorized repair, including repairs not authorized by PS Audio or a PS Audio authorized repair center
- Fire, lightning, flood, “Acts of God,” or other contingencies beyond the control of PS Audio
- Products purchased through an unauthorized source (if you have questions as to whether or not a dealer is authorized, please contact customer support at www.psaudio.com
- Products with a factory-applied serial number that has in any way been altered, defaced, or removed
Limitations Under
This Warranty
In no event will PS Audio’s liability to you exceed the origianl purchase price of your unit. This warranty does not cover the cost of custom installation, customer instruction, setup adjustments, or signal reception problems. Consequential and incidental damages are not covered under this warranty. However, some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so this limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. In the event that your warrantied product cannot be repaired, PS Audio will either replace or refund the cost of the unit. We reserve the right to replace any out-of- stock, discontinued, or limited edition products with a comparable product. Discontinued products may not be available for warranty replacement.
Warranty Transfer
This warranty is for the benefit of the original purchaser of the product. The warranty may be trasferred to a subsequent purchaser during the 3 year warranty period. To do this, you must contact PS Audio directly to set up a transfer of warranty registration.
Service Information
Warranty Service Within North America
Please contact PS Audio customer support for service assistance, help with
locating an authorized PS Audio repair center, help with the operation of a
product, or for more information.
Obtaining An RMA#
In order to receive warranty service, you must first obtain a Return
Merchandise Authorization Number (RMA#) prior to returning any item. Please
contact PS Audio or an authorized PS Audio repair center to receive an RMA#.
The RMA# must be on all returned items. If it is not clearly marked, PS Audio
will return the package back to you, freight collect.
Packaging and Shipping
Original packaging should be used for the safe transit of your PS Audio unit
to the repair center. If you do not have the original packaging, PS Audio can
sell and ship replacement packaging to you. You are responsible for the cost
of shipping the product to a PS Audio authorized repair center. You should
insure the product for its full retail cost, in the event it gets lost or
damaged in transit. PS Audio is not responsible for damage incurred during the
transit of products sent to us. Shipping your product in non-PS Audio
packaging may void this warranty. PS Audio reserves the right to charge you
for new factory packaging to return your product after a repair.
State Law
This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also have other rights,
which vary from state to state.
International Warranty Service
PS Audio has authorized distribution in many countries of the world. In
each country, the authorized importing distributor has accepted the
responsibility for warranty of the products sold by that distributor. Warranty
service should be obtained where the product was purchased.
Changes To Our Products
PS Audio reserves the right to modify the design of any product without obligation to purchasers of previously manufactured products, and to change the prices or specifications of any products without notice or obligation to any person.
Your Product
Your Serial Number ————————–
Your Purchase Information —————–
Date of Purchase —————————–
References
- High-End Audio Products & Audio Equipment – PS Audio
- High-End Audio Products & Audio Equipment – PS Audio