PS Audio has released a line of new components - The Paul McGowan Signature Series, which includes a preamp, DAC, disk transport and phonostage. All components feature innovative circuitry and offer impressive performance.
The PMG Signature Phono Preamplifier (by PS Audio engineer Darren Myers) is designed using a zero-feedback architecture (the first time in PS Audio’s history). The model offers dual inputs for both moving coil and moving magnet cartridges, and remote-controlled loading and gain options. The fully discrete FET design delivers the highest quality of playback.
This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database
Model name
PMG Signature Phono Preamplifier
Inputs (balanced)
2
Inputs (single-ended)
2
MC current-sensing input impedance (Ω)
N/A
MM/MC voltage input impedance (Ω)
N/A
Output impedance (Ω)
N/A
Gain (dB)
N/A
Playback EQ curves accuracy (dB)
N/A
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
N/A
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (%)
N/A
Dimensions (mm)
444.5 x 101.6 x 368.3
Weight (kg)
13.6
Official link
The PMG Signature SACD Transport with galvanically isolated outputs and ultra-low jitter design and I2S output offers the highest quality playback from any disc media or files/digital streams.
This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database
Model name
PMG Signature SACD Transport
Transport
Yes
Player
Yes
SACD support
Yes
Engine
N/A
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (for CD) (Hz)
N/A
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (for CD) (Hz)
N/A
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (for SACD) (Hz)
N/A
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (for SACD) (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)
N/A
Output Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Dynamic range (for CD) (dB)
N/A
Dynamic range (for SACD) (dB)
N/A
Signal to Noise Ratio (for CD) (dB)
N/A
Signal to Noise Ratio (for SACD) (dB)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (for CD) (%)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (for SACD) (%)
N/A
Dimensions (mm)
444.5 x 101.6 x 368.3
Weight (kg)
13.6
Official link
The PMG Signature 512 DAC powered by PureStream DSD512 engine uses SpectraWave 64-Tap Sequencer, a precision digital filter engineered to eliminate jitter, guarantees a native 8X DSD stream.
This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database
Model name
PMG Signature 512 DAC
Conversion type
N/A
Engine
PureStream DSD
DSD compatability
Yes
Parameters
up to 24 bit / 352.8 kHz and DSD256
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
20
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
20 000
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)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (% at 22 kHz)
<0.1
Dimensions (mm)
36 x 43 x 10
Weight (kg)
13.6
Official link
Finally, the PMG Signature Preamplifier with low noise and distortion floor of -150 dB looks very impressive. The model features zero-feedback Diamond buffers and a high-resolution stepped attenuator ensures precise volume with 1/10th dB channel accuracy.
This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database
Model name
PMG Signature Preamplifier
Analog inputs (balanced)
4
Analog inputs (single-ended)
2
Analog outputs (balanced)
2
Analog outputs (single-ended)
2
Gain (dBu)
12.6
Input sensitivity (mV)
N/A
Output voltage (V)
N/A
Input impedance (balanced) (Ω)
100 000
Input impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
50 000
Output impedance (balanced) (Ω)
100
Output impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
100
Maximum output level (balanced) (dBu)
N/A
Maximum output level (single-ended) (dBu)
N/A
Volume control range (dBu)
N/A
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
N/A
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
N/A
Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR, unweighted) (dB)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (THD+N) (%)
<0.0003
Dimensions (mm)
444.5 x 101.6 x 368.3
Weight (kg)
15.4
Official link
FiiO plans to release a new DAC with a headphone amplifier and a preamplifier FiiO K15. Detailed performance characteristics of the new product will be announced after the presentation at the CanJam exhibition in London - but it is already known that the model will go on sale in August 2025 for an affordable 599 euros. Of course, FiiO K15 supports Hi-Res up to PCM 32/768 and DSD512.
D&A (Digi & Aesth) has introduced a relatively inexpensive ($699) digital-to-analog converter with headphone amplifier D&A Alpha PRO. Alpha Pro was developed on the basis of the flagship ESS Technology ES9039MSPRO chip, it supports signals up to PCM 32/768, DSD512 and hardware decodes MQA.
Cyrus Audio has officially unveiled the Cyrus 40 PPA phono preamplifier – the model has been previously demonstrated at exhibitions and is now available for sale at a suggested retail price of €2,499 or $2,899.
Cambridge Audio has released an improved version of its famous network integrated amplifier – this month the Cambridge Audio EVO 150 SE will go on sale. The device uses Class D amplification based on NCOREx “Tuned by Cambridge” modules and delivers 2 x 150 watts to 8 ohm speakers. The amplifier is equipped with a built-in digital-to-analog converter based on the advanced ESS Technology Sabre ES9018K2M chip.
Bluesound has introduced a new generation of the Bluesound Powernode network integrated amplifier. The model now uses gallium nitride (GaN) amplification technology and is equipped with three amplification channels for the center speaker in home theater mode. At the same time, the Bluesound Powernode can operate in traditional stereo mode – then the power will be 2 x 100 watts, and when switching to three-channel mode – 80 watts.