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DACs — PS Audio StellarGold DAC
Description, images, technical data and specifications
PS Audio StellarGold DAC
Image source — © PS Audio
The StellarGold DAC is an accomplished digital-to-analogue converter from PS Audio, built around the flagship-tier ES9038PRO conversion chip with an exceptional signal-to-noise figure. The StellarGold DAC brings PS Audio's more accomplished current engineering to standalone digital conversion.
Key specs that matter
The ES9038PRO conversion chip handles digital-to-analogue conversion - a well-regarded flagship-tier chip. DSD compatibility reaches DSD256, with PCM support up to 32-bit/768kHz. Output impedance is 200 ohms balanced or 100 ohms single-ended. Signal-to-noise ratio exceeds an exceptional 127dB, with total harmonic distortion plus noise under 0.002% at 22kHz. At 431.8 x 76.2 x 304.8mm and 10.2kg, the StellarGold DAC represents PS Audio's more accomplished current chip-based digital source engineering.
Sound and use context
Expect exceptionally clean, detailed conversion reflecting the exceptional over-127dB signal-to-noise figure and low 0.002% distortion figure, representing PS Audio's more accomplished current chip-based engineering.
Pairing
PS Audio's own amplifier catalogue offers natural, brand-coherent pairings within the same broader catalogue.
Alternatives
PS Audio's own DirectStream DAC MK2 offers a distinctive custom-FPGA-based alternative within the same broader digital source catalogue.
Key specs that matter
The ES9038PRO conversion chip handles digital-to-analogue conversion - a well-regarded flagship-tier chip. DSD compatibility reaches DSD256, with PCM support up to 32-bit/768kHz. Output impedance is 200 ohms balanced or 100 ohms single-ended. Signal-to-noise ratio exceeds an exceptional 127dB, with total harmonic distortion plus noise under 0.002% at 22kHz. At 431.8 x 76.2 x 304.8mm and 10.2kg, the StellarGold DAC represents PS Audio's more accomplished current chip-based digital source engineering.
Sound and use context
Expect exceptionally clean, detailed conversion reflecting the exceptional over-127dB signal-to-noise figure and low 0.002% distortion figure, representing PS Audio's more accomplished current chip-based engineering.
Pairing
PS Audio's own amplifier catalogue offers natural, brand-coherent pairings within the same broader catalogue.
Alternatives
PS Audio's own DirectStream DAC MK2 offers a distinctive custom-FPGA-based alternative within the same broader digital source catalogue.
Specifications
Model name
StellarGold DAC
Conversion type
N/A
Engine
ES9038PRO DAC
DSD compatability
Yes
Parameters
up to 32 bit / 768 kHz and DSD256
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
N/A
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
N/A
Gain (dBu)
N/A
Output Level (balanced) (V)
N/A
Output Level (single-ended) (V)
N/A
Input Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Input Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
200
Output Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
100
Analog outputs
N/A
Signal to Noise Ratio (dB)
>127
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (% at 22 kHz)
<0.002
Dimensions (mm)
431.8 x 76.2 x 304.8
Weight (kg)
10.2
Official link
