PS Audio StellarGold Preamplifier User guide

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Page 1

Owner’s Reference

Instructions for Use

Owner’s Reference Stellar

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Preamplier

Stellar

PS Audio® Inc. 800-PSAUDIO 4865 Sterling Drive Boulder, Colorado 80301

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Preamplier

Page 2

Owner’s Reference

Safety Instructions

Owner’s Reference Stellar

Read these instructions

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Preamplier

Heed all warnings Follow all instructions

WARNING. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

Clean only with a dry cloth. For the Piano Finish Top refer to the instructions on page 8 of the Quick Start Guide.

Do not place ammable material on top of or beneath the component.

All PS Audio components require adequate ventilation at all times during operation. Rack mounting is acceptable where appropriate.

Do not remove or bypass the ground pin on the end of the AC cord. If the provided plug does not t 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 or when unused for long periods of time.

When making connections to this or any other component, make sure all components are o. Turn o 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 ANY PS AUDIO PRODUCT. REFER ALL SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment o and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: —Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. —Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. —Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit dierent from that to which the receiver is connected. —Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. Modications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user's authority to operate the equipment under FCC rules.

Please contact your authorized dealer, distributor, or PS Audio if you have any questions not addressed in this reference manual.

PS Audio Inc., its subsidiaries, and authorized agents.

Rev. A2

is a registered trademark of PS Audio International Inc., and is restricted for use by PS Audio International,

PS Audio® Inc. 800-PSAUDIO 4865 Sterling Drive Boulder, Colorado 80301

Page 3

Introduction

Welcome

Owner’s Reference Stellar

The PS Audio Stellar

The Stellar enjoying extremely high slew rate, high bandwidth, low distortion signal handling capabilities that honor the music.

Based on a combination of JFET and BJT devices along with hand-selected purist components, the musical signal is delivered without the interference of capacitors in the signal path. Each ampliﬁcation stage is based on a minimal global feedback design that achieves its low distortion status through careful balancing and high current design choices.

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Preampliﬁer is an aordable state-of-the-art Preamp.

Preampliﬁer features two hand crafted discrete audio ampliﬁcation stages, both

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Its high current class A output stage is more than capable of driving long cable lengths without compromise so that your power ampliﬁer enjoy all the beneﬁts Stellar oer.

Nearly as important in this level of Preamp is its power supply. Here, Stellar the performance enhancement aorded by multiple two-stage linear power regulators for both the analog and digital sections. Feeding these ultra low noise 2-stage regulators is an oversized toroidal power transformer with separate windings for analog and digital.

The PS Audio Stellar who cares about the sonic qualities aorded their systems. We believe this new instrument will further our company's quest to bring audio excellence to the world and will provide years of musical ecstasy.

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Preamp represents a major step up in performance for any music lover

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Preampliﬁer has to

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Preamp enjoys

PS Audio® Inc. 800-PSAUDIO 4865 Sterling Drive Boulder, Colorado 80301

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Table Of Contents

Owner’s Reference Stellar

Quick Start Guide Unpacking 1 Connections 2-3 Power Up 3 Product Registration 4 Main Display 5

Operating Guide Front Panel Controls 6 Mode Switch 6 Restart 6 Volume 6 Input Selection 6 Main Menu: Balance 6-7 Main Menu: Coupling 7 Main Menu: Versions 7 Main Menu: Sub-Menus 8 Audio Sub-Menu: Input Trim 8 Audio Sub-Menu: DAC Input 8-9 Audio Sub-Menu: Phono Input 9 Audio Sub-Menu: RCA 2 Fixed Volume 9 Audio Sub-Menu: Max Volume 9 System Sub-Menu: Backlight 10 System Sub-Menu: Trigger Timeout 10 System Sub-Menu: IR Enable 10 System Sub-Menu: Firmware Update 10-11 System Sub-Menu: Factory Reset 11 Remote Control 12

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Reference Product Speciﬁcations 13-14 Menu Flow Chart 15-17

Warranty Information 18-19 Service Information 20

Special thanks to Hi-Fi Family member Brian Woodard for his contributions to this manual.

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Quick Start Guide

Unpacking

Owner’s Reference Stellar

Figure 1: Front Panel Controls

Description

Ready/Operational mode switch

Menu button

Remote infrared receiver

Display

Volume control

The following items are included with the StellarGold Preampliﬁer:

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Preamplier

• Power Cord

• Stellar Remote

• This Owner’s Reference

Carefully unpack the unit and place it in the chosen location. Care should be taken to keep it away from power ampliﬁers or large, potentially hum-inducing products.

Referring to Figure 1 and the table, the remote infrared receiver (3) is located to the right of the menu button. A direct line of sight with the receiver helps when using the remote.

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Quick Start Guide

Connections

Owner’s Reference Stellar

1 3

14 22212016 191817

Item Description

1 Fuse holder (refer to panel legend for fuse type).

2 Line cord receptacle.

3 PS Link connectors (support future advanced features).

4 Firmware update thumb drive connector.

5 Trigger outputs (connect to power ampliﬁer trigger input to control ampliﬁer power

with front panel standby button).

6 Right channel single-ended analog output #2 (outputs #1 and #2 carry the same

signal).

Figure 2: Rear Panel Ports

8654

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1311 121097

7 Right channel single-ended analog output #1.

8 Left channel single-ended analog output #2.

9 Left channel single-ended analog output #1.

10 Right channel single-ended analog input #2 (stereo inputs are individually selectable).

11 Left channel single-ended analog input #2.

12 Right channel single-ended analog input #1.

13 Left channel single-ended analog input #1.

14 Main power switch.

15 Right channel balanced analog output #2 (outputs #1 and #2 carry the same signal).

16 Right channel balanced analog output #1.

17 Left channel balanced analog output #2.

18 Left channel balanced analog output #1.

19 Right channel balanced analog input #2.

20 Right channel balanced analog input #1.

21 Left channel balanced analog input #2.

22 Left channel balanced analog input #1.

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Quick Start Guide

Connections (Continued)

Owner’s Reference Stellar

Referring to Figure 2, connect the desired components to your Stellar follows:

Connect inputs to your analog sources using the appropriate connections. There are four stereo analog inputs, which are accessible via the balanced XLR inputs (19–22) and two single-ended RCA connectors (10–13). Connect your sources to the appropriate inputs.

Connect outputs to your power ampliﬁer (or other line-level component) using the appropriate connections. The Stellar connector delivers a single-ended output for compatible power ampliﬁers while the XLR connector delivers a balanced signal to compatible inputs. Both can be connected at the same time, allowing one to drive a power ampliﬁer and the other, a subwoofer or headphone ampliﬁer, for example.

Please be advised that the XLR output has twice the output voltage as the RCA output. Typically this results in 6dB louder sound through units connected via the XLR input. Care should be taken to match levels accordingly.

Connect the AC cable into the receptacle (2) in back and plug the unit into your Power Plant or into the wall. While the supplied cord is of good quality, it is recommended that you replace it with a high-end power cord for optimum performance. It is also recommended that you connect your new StellarGold Preampliﬁer to one of PS Audio's award-winning AC power products such as the P12, P15, or P20 Power Plants.

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Preampliﬁer features two output types: RCA and XLR. The RCA

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Preampliﬁer as

Power Up

Optionally, connect power amps to trigger ports (5). There are two trigger ports on the rear panel. Each of the two trigger jacks outputs a +12V signal to connected equipment when the Stellar

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Preampliﬁer front panel standby button (1) is activated. The +12V signal will stop when the Preampliﬁer is in standby mode. These trigger outputs are typically used to switch on/ o compatible power ampliﬁers when the Stellar

Once everything is connected, it si time to power up the Stellar panel main power switch (14), to the ON position. We recommend the master power switch be left in the On position and AC power continue to be supplied even when the preampliﬁer is not in use. Use the front panel standby/operate mode switch (1) instead of the main power switch. This keeps power on to critical circuitry thereby avoiding the stabilizing warmup period and additional wear on components due to power cycling.

PS Audio® Inc. 800-PSAUDIO 4865 Sterling Drive Boulder, Colorado 80301

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Preampliﬁer is active.

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Preampliﬁer. Move the rear

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Quick Start Guide

Product Registration

Owner’s Reference Stellar

To register your new Stellar Using any web browser, go to www.psaudio.com, click Support and select Product Registration from the menu. When you have completed the registration process, go to the Registrations

page. The link to this page ( ) is located at the top right hand corner of the website after you are logged in. Click the link then select Product Registrations in the left hand column.

If you do not have web access, you may register via mail or phone. Notiﬁcation of software upgrades to this product are available only to registered owners via the website and email.

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Preampliﬁer, look on the back panel and note the serial number.

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Quick Start Guide

Main Display

Owner’s Reference Stellar

When powered on, “PS Audio” appears followed by the main display as shown in Figure 3.

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Figure 3: Main Display

Description

Balance indicator. When visible, waves indicate to which side of zero center the balance is oset.

AC coupling indicator. When vsisble, AC coupling is selected.

Currently selected input

Current volume level

Preamplier

Menu System

As shown in Figure 3, the main display shows the currently selected input (3) and the volume level (4). If the balance setting is oset to either side of zero center, the balance indicator (1) appears with a wave graphic indicating which side of center the balance is oset. Likewise, if AC coupling is currently selected, the AC coupling indicator (2) appears.

The input selection can be changed by pressing the menu button. Repeated presses scroll through the four options:

1. XLR 1

2. XLR 2

3. RCA 1

4. RCA 2

The selected input is active the instant the indicator changes. Pressing and holding the menu button or adjusting the volume restores the main display. If no further action occurs after 15 seconds, the main display returns.

To enter the menu system, press and hold the menu button until the display changes. Repeated pressing scrolls through the menu items while turning the volume knob adjusts the setting. Most changes take eect immediately.

For detailed operating instructions, see the Operating Guide (pages 6–15).

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Operating Guide

Front Panel Controls

Figure 4: Front Panel Controls

1 Ready/Operational mode button

2 Menu button

3 Remote infrared receiver

4 Display

5 Volume control

Description

Owner’s Reference Stellar

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Preamplier

Mode Button

Restart

Volume

Input Selection

The Ready/Operational mode button (1) controls whether the StellarGold Preampliﬁer is in Operational mode (illuminated) or Ready (dark) mode. The Ready mode is designed to keep power on to critical internal circuitry, including power supply capacitors, thermally sensitive semiconductors and integrated circuits.

Press the button to select ready or operational mode. In Ready mode, the display and outputs are turned o, but all critical internal circuitry remains active.

If you wish to conserve energy consumed by Stellar panel power switch. Using this rear panel switch will remove power from critical components. In order to gain maximum performance levels, you will need to turn the power on at least 1 hour before use.

Should the preamp need to be rebooted, use the rear panel power switch to power cycle the unit. It's best to wait 30 seconds before powering back on.

The volume level is shown on the display panel (4). Turn the volume control knob (5) right or left to adjust the volume level. The displayed level ranges from 0 to 100.

To select an input, execute a quick press of the menu button (2) to the left of the display. Continue pressing until you land on the input you want (RCA 1 or 2, XLR 1 or 2). Alternatively,

you can use the remote.

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Preamp, it will be necessary to use the rear

Menus

The Stellar

PS Audio® Inc. 800-PSAUDIO 4865 Sterling Drive Boulder, Colorado 80301

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Preamp features a menu display system that is accessible using the menu

Page 11

Operating Guide

Main Menu

Balance

Owner’s Reference Stellar

button (2). To access the menu, execute a long press of the menu button. A gear icon (see arrow) will appear in the upper right corner showing that you are in the Settings menu.

Once in the menus, a long press of the menu button (holding for more than two seconds) will also exit the menus and return the unit to the Home screen. The menu screen will also time out after 15 seconds of inactivity. Note that changes to settings are typically saved in real time as the changes are made.

To scroll through menu items, press the menu button once in the menus. To change an item's values, use the volume knob. The main menu has the below features.

• Balance

• Coupling

• Versions (informational only)

• Audio (sub-menu)

• System (sub-menu)

The Balance feature allows you to adjust the center location of the stereo image. Turn the knob to the left to reduce the gain of the right channel, thus making the image come more from the left channel. Turn the knob right to reduce the gain of the left channel, thus making the image come more from the right channel. The balance steps are each 1/4dB and the range is 48 steps each way for a maximum shift of 12dB.

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Coupling

Versions

Sub-Menus

If the balance setting is oset to either side of zero center, the balance indicator (blue arrow)

appears with a wave graphic indicating which side of center the balance is oset

Use the volume knob to select AC coupled or DC coupled. A sine wave icon will appear on the home screen when AC is selected (see green arrow).

When set to AC, a capacitor in the signal path will block any DC voltage that might be coming from the source equipment. This mode is generally more compatible with various equipment, but the capacitor will add some coloring to the sound. When the coupling mode is set to DC, this capacitor is bypassed, so any DC that is coming from the source equipment will get passed (and ampliﬁed) by the preamp. If you are experiencing any ticks or pops when changing inputs (or other times) try the AC coupled mode. Otherwise, we recommend the DC coupled mode for best sound quality.

This menu display shows the versions of the Stellar need to contact our customer service team for help with your unit, please have this information ready.

There are 2 sub-menus that can be accessed from the main menu. They are:

• Audio

• System

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Preamp's operating ﬁrmware. If you

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Operating Guide

Audio Sub-Menu

Owner’s Reference Stellar

Click the menu button twice to enter a sub-menu. Do a quick press of the menu button to click through sub-menu items. If you need to go back one level to the previous menu, do two quick presses of the menu button.

The Audio sub-menu allows you to change the below:

• Input Names (sub-menu)

• Input Trim (sub-menu)

• DAC Input

• Phono Input

• RCA 2 Fixed Vol

• Max Volume

Input Names (sub-menu)

The Input Names sub-menu setting allows renaming the four input connections from a preset list of common names to aid in identifying the connected source. Foilow these steps to assign the names BLU RAY, CD, DVD, PHONO, SACD or STREAMER:

1. Double-click the menu button to enter the name list.

2. Turn the knob to locate the desired input. Press the menu button to select.

3. Turn the knob to select the desired name. Press the menu button to select.

4. Turn the knob to select OK or Cancel. Press the menu button to conﬁrm or cancel.

5. Double-click the menu button to return to the main settings menu.

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Input Trim (sub-menu)

The Input Trim sub-menu setting allows trimming the volume level of each input to provide a consistent level between input sources. It is best to start by observing the level of your most used or favorite source and then trimming the other source levels to match. Follow these steps to adjust input levels:

1. Double-click the menu button to enter the input list.

2. Turn the knob to locate the desired input. Press the menu button to select.

3. Turn the knob left or right to set the level. Changes take eect immediately.

4. Double-click the menu button to return to the main settings menu.

DAC Input

The DAC Input sub-menu setting optionally identiﬁes which input is connected to your DAC. When set, the Stellar IR remote control code is received, saving you the step of ﬁrst selecting the DAC input. Follow these steps to identify the input:

1. Turn the knob to select “O” or the desired input to identify.

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Preampliﬁer automatically switches to that input whenever a valid DAC

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Operating Guide

Owner’s Reference Stellar

2. Press the button to select.

3. Double-click the menu button to return to the main settings menu.

Phono Input

The Phono Input sub-menu setting, like the previous setting, optionally identiﬁes which input is connected to your phono stage. When set, the Stellar that input whenever a valid phono stage IR remote control code is received, saving you the step of ﬁrst selecting the PHONO input. Follow these steps to identify the input:

1. Turn the knob to select “O” or the desired input to identify.

2. Press the button to select.

3. Double-click the menu button to return to the main settings menu.

RCA 2 Fixed Volume

The RCA 2 Fixed Volume sub-menu setting allows ﬁxing the volume setting of the RCA 2 input. This feature allows connecting a source to RCA 2 that has its own volume control or other conditions where a constant volume level is desired. Options are “O” (disabled) or 1–100. Follow these steps to set the volume level:

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Preampliﬁer automatically switches to

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System SubMenu

1. Turn the knob to select “O” or the desired volume level.

2. Press the button to select.

3. Double-click the menu button to return to the main settings menu.

Max Volume

The Max Volume sub-menu setting sets the upper limit of the main volume control. Use the

volume knob to set the max volume (1-100). Set to 100 to disable this feature. This value is ignored if the Fixed Volume setting is enabled. Follow these steps to set the volume level:

1. Turn the knob to select “100” or the desired maximum volume level.

2. Press the button to select.

3. Double-click the menu button to return to the main settings menu.

The System sub-menu allows setting various control parameters. The sub-menu is entered by double-clicking the menu button which presents the following settings:

• Backlight

• Trigger Timeout

• IR Enable

• Firmware Update (sub-menu)

• Factory Reset (sub-menu)

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Operating Guide

Owner’s Reference Stellar

Backlight

The Backlight sub-menu setting allows adjusting the brightness of both the Standby mode switch (1) and the Display (4) to compliment the room lighting. Options range from 1–10 with 10 being brightest. Follow these steps to set the brightness:

1. Turn the knob to select the desired brightness level.

2. Press the button to select.

3. Double-click the menu button to return to the main settings menu.

Trigger Timeout

The Trigger Timeout sub-menu setting permits adding a delay to the trigger output signal to adjust the time between placing the StellarGold Preampliﬁer in Operational mode and when a power ampliﬁer connected to the trigger output is signaled to power up. The delay can be set to one of “O”, “0s”, “5s”, “10s”, “20s”, “30s”, “45s” or “1m”. Follow these steps to set the delay:

1. Turn the knob to select “O” or the desired delay time.

2. Press the button to select.

3. Double-click the menu button to return to the main settings menu.

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IR Enable

The IR Enable sub-menu setting can be used to prevent the remote control from interfering with other remote-controlled components in your system. Turn the knob to select one of the following:

• O: disables the remote control function eliminating all interference.

• IR1: The default setting. Use this if no interference is experienced.

• IR2: Selects alternate code set. Use this if the Stellar remote aects other components.

When you change this setting, you also need to change it on the remote. To do so, press and hold the Light Bulb button (bottom of the remote) and the circular O button (top center of the remote) at the same time. If the remote backlight ﬂashes white once, you are now on IR1. If it

ﬂashes white twice, you are now on IR2.

Firmware Update (sub-menu)

This feature allows you to select from multiple rmware loads on a USB thumb drive. It provides a faster and easier method of upgrading and downgrading new rmware for A/B style testing.

Preparing the USB thumb drive

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Operating Guide

Owner’s Reference Stellar

• You can have as many les on the USB thumb drive as you want, but only the rst ve valid les for

the device are displayed.

• The les must be named stellar_pre_v#.#.#.bin. For example, stellar_pre_v2.4.1.bin.

• You can have other bin les for other products on this thumb drive (for example, stellar_dac_

v2.1.2.bin). Only les that start with "stellar_pre_" will be loaded by the Stellar

WARNING: In the past, you would update a unit by copying an "image.bin" le to the thumb drive. This

method still works to automatically update a unit after a reboot (you do not need to go through the menus to use the image.bin le). The image.bin le takes precedence over the stellar_bin_xxx.bin les. It is recommended to NOT have an image.bin le on the thumb drive if you are using the stellar_pre_xxx. bin les and the System | FW Update method to update les.

Upgrading/ Downgrading

• Plug the USB thumb drive into the unit in USB-A slot on the back panel marked FW.

• Enter the menus and go to System | FW Update.

• The les will display on the screen in alphabetical order.

• Scroll up or down to highlight the le you want to load.

• Press the menu button to select the le.

• A progress screen will display. The update process will initialize and then a progress indicator in

percentage complete will display.

• Once complete, the progress screen will indicate the unit is resetting.

• The unit will reset. The Logo LED will blink rapidly as the unit is being programmed.

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Preamp.

Notes

• If you select the same version that is already loaded, the upgrade will be skipped and the Logo LED

will not blink. The unit will still reset.

• If there is an error, the error will be displayed.

- If you have problems with loading rmware, you can contact PS Audio customer support with the error you see.

- Press the menu button to exit from the error screen

• You can exit the FW Update screen using a long press of the menu button.

Factory Reset (sub-menu)

The Factory Reset sub-menu setting returns all menu items to their original factory settings.

Note

: Any custom settings performed since the last Facory Reset, or ﬁrst use, will be lost.

1. Double-click the menu button to start the reset process.

2. Turn the knob to select “Reset”.

3. Press the menu button to begin.

After a few seconds, the preampliﬁer automatically restarts at the main menu with restored factory settings.

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Operating Guide

Remote

Your Stellar

with a full-function remote control. In addition to operating your Stellar works with all Stellar products and most functions will translate to the PerfectWave line.

Remote Code Settings:

Your Stellar with a default code set. If your remote is interfering with other devices, you can switch to the second code set.To do so, press and hold the Light Bulb button (bottom of the remote) and the circular O button (top center of the remote) at the same time. If the remote backlight ﬂashes white once, you are now on IR1. If it ﬂashes white twice, you are now on IR2.

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Preamp comes

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Preamp, this remote

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Preamp comes

Owner’s Reference Stellar

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Preamplier

You will also need to update the unit. See Firmware Update section of this manual for instructions.

Button Guide:

• On: Takes the Preamp out of

Ready (Idle) mode and puts it in Operational mode. In addition, it undoes the Dim function.

• O: Puts the Preamp in Ready

(idle) mode.

• Dim: Dims the logo button and

turns o the screen and control navigation backlight. Press On to undo it.

• Analog Inputs: Lets you select

the desired input.

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Reference

Product Specications

Owner’s Reference Stellar

Physical:

Unit Weight 24.1 lbs or 10.9 kg

Unit Dimensions 17"W x 3.3"H x 13"D (with knob, without

knob 12"D) [43.18 cm x 8.38 cm x 33.02 (with knob, without 30.48 cm)]

Shipping Weight 27.6 lbs or 12.5 kg

Shipping Dimensions 22"W x 8"H x 17"D

[55.88 cm x 20.32 cm x 43.18 cm]

Power Requirements:

Input Power Model specic 100VAC, 120VAC, or

230VAC 50 or 60Hz

Power Consumption

15W

Connectors:

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Preamplier

Audio Inputs RCA / Single-Ended: 2 pair

XLR / Balanced: 2 pair

Audio Outputs RCA / Single-Ended: 2 pair

XLR / Balanced: 2 pair

Trigger Output 2

USB For USB rmware update only

Performance:

Max Gain 12.6dB

Frequency Response 15Hz-150kHz, +/- 0.1dB

Input Impendance

Bandwidth 5Hz-500kHz, -3dB

THD < .0002% @ 1kHz, 1VRMS input

50K Ω RCA / Single-Ended 100K Ω XLR / Balanced

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Reference

Owner’s Reference Stellar

THD+N < .0003% @ 1kHz, 1VRMS input

IMD

Crosstalk

Output level 10VRMS Single-ended / 20VRMS Balanced

Output Impedence 100 ohm

.0005% @ 1VRMS input, CCIF, 20kHz mean, 1kHz dierence

-115dB, One channel driven

@ 1% THD+N

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Preamplier

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Page 19

Reference

Menu Charts

Top Level Menu

Owner’s Reference Stellar

Navigating the Menus:

• To enter the menus, do a long press

of the menu button. A gear icon will appear in the right corner of the screen to show you are in the menus. Do another long press to leave the menus.

Note:

Menus time out after 15 seconds of

inactivity.

• Scroll through menu and sub menu

items using one press of the menu button. Use the volume knob to change values for specic items.

• Unless otherwise specied, scrolling to your choice and leaving it on the screen updates your

settings.

• Menu items with sub-menus are indicated by a right arrow. Press the menu button twice to enter

them.

• Two quick presses of the menu button take you back one menu level. For example, if you are in the

Audio sub-menu and press the menu button twice, you will return to the top level menu.

Note

: You do not enter the menus to change the input. Instead, do a quick press of the menu button.

Continue pressing until you land on the input you want (RCA 1 or 2, XLR 1 or 2). Alternatively, you can use the remote.

Press the menu button once to scroll through menu and sub-menu items. Use the volume knob to

Balance • Turn knob left to reduce the gain of the right channel, thus making

the image come more from the left channel.

• Turn the knob right to reduce the gain of the left channel, thus making the image come more from the right channel.

Coupling Turn knob to select AC or DC coupling.

Versions (Informational Only)

Audio (Sub-Menu) Hit menu button twice to access the below settings:

System (Sub-Menu) Hit menu button twice to enter this sub-menu and access the below

Turn knob to scroll through the operating rmware versions.

• Input names

• Input Trim

• DAC Input

• Phono Input

• RCA2 Fixed Volume

• Max Volume

settings:

• Backlight

• Trigger Timeout

• IR Enable

• Firmware Update (sub-menu)

• Factory Reset (sub-menu)

Menu Button

Top Level Menu

change menu item values.

In Menu Icon

Indicates Sub-Menu Item

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Volume Knob

PS Audio® Inc. 800-PSAUDIO 4865 Sterling Drive Boulder, Colorado 80301

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Reference

Audio Sub-Menu

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Audio Sub-Menu

From the main menu, nd Audio then press the menu button twice to enter the Audio sub-menu. Hit

the menu button once to scroll through the sub-menu options.

Input Names (SubMenu)

Input Trim • Use the volume knob to highlight the input you would like to trim.

DAC Input Use the volume knob to nd the input your DAC is attached to. Now when you

Phono Input Use the volume knob to nd the input your Phono is attached to. Now when you

RCA2 Fixed Volume

• Hit the menu button twice to enter Input Names.

• Use volume knob to scroll through inputs and highlight the input you want to change.

• Once the name is highlighted, hit the menu button once.

• Use the volume knob to scroll through the naming options.

• Once the name you want is highlighted, hit the menu button once to select it.

• A pop up will appear and ask "Rename....?" Hit the menu button to select OK

or use the volume knob to highlight Cancel rst if you change your mind.

• Hit the menu button once to select it.

• Turn the volume knob right to add dBs and left to lower dBs.

hit buttons relating to the DAC on your remote, the Preamp will automatically switch to that input.

hit buttons relating to the Phono on your remote, the Preamp will automatically switch to that input.

Use the volume knob to select a xed volume (1-100) for RCA2. To disable this feature, scroll to 0 or o.

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System Sub-Menu

Max Volume Use the volume knob to select a max volume (1-100). If undesired, select 100 to

disable.

System Sub-Menu

From the main menu, nd System then press the menu button twice to enter the System sub-menu.

Hit the menu button once to scroll through the sub-menu options.

Backlight Use the volume knob to select a brightness setting for the display

and logo button. Options are 1-10, where 10 is the brightest.

Trigger Timeout (delay output to other devices for short period after StellarGold Preamp activated)

IR Enable Use the volume knob to select O (no remote works), IR1 (default)

Firmware Update (sub-menu) This is a multi-step process. Please see the Firmware Update

PS Audio® Inc. 800-PSAUDIO 4865 Sterling Drive Boulder, Colorado 80301

Use the volume knob to select O, 0s, 5s, 10s, 20s, 30s, 45s or 1 minute for trigger timeout. Select o to disable.

or IR2 (if remote is interfering with other devices).

section of this manual for instructions.

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Reference

System Sub-Menu Continued

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Factory Reset (sub-menu) • Hit the menu button twice to select factory reset.

• A pop up will appear and ask "Factory Reset System?" To continue with the reset, use the volume knob to highlight Reset and press the menu button. If you changed your mind, leave Exit highlighted and hit the menu button.

• After hitting the menu button, there will be a about a 5 second delay and then your Preamp will automatically switch o and then back on.

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Warranty

Registering

Coverage

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Product registration

By registering your product, you are validating the start date of your limited warranty. This limited warranty is in eect 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.

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Shipping

Not Covered

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

PS Audio® Inc. 800-PSAUDIO 4865 Sterling Drive Boulder, Colorado 80301

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Warranty

Limitations

Owner’s Reference Stellar

• 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 original 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

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Warranty Transfer

Warranty transfer

This warranty is for the beneﬁt of the original purchaser of the product. The warranty may be transferred 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.

PS Audio® Inc. 800-PSAUDIO 4865 Sterling Drive Boulder, Colorado 80301

Page 24

Service

If you require service in North America

Obtain an RMA number

Use original packing

Owner’s Reference Stellar

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.

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State law

If you are outside the US

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.

PS Audio® Inc. 800-PSAUDIO 4865 Sterling Drive Boulder, Colorado 80301

Page 25

Notes

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PS Audio® Inc. 800-PSAUDIO 4865 Sterling Drive Boulder, Colorado 80301

Page 26

Notes

Owner’s Reference Stellar

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Preamplier

PS Audio® Inc. 800-PSAUDIO 4865 Sterling Drive Boulder, Colorado 80301

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Notes

Owner’s Reference Stellar

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PS Audio® Inc. 800-PSAUDIO 4865 Sterling Drive Boulder, Colorado 80301

Page 28

Quick Start Guide

Owner’s Reference Stellar

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Thanks for being a part

Preamplier

of the PS Audio Family

At PS Audio, we’re family.

Not just a family that runs in bloodlines, but in frequencies.

Because while we may not all share the same genes here, we are all related by a passion, nay, obsession with listening to the music we love at the highest, most breathtaking quality possible.

And in our minds, that makes us kin.

In fact, we believe that every nutty, hertz counting audiophile out there is part of our tribe.

That’s how we’ve built our company over the last 50 years - with the kind of care and respect that you give to your family.

PS Audio® Inc. 800-PSAUDIO 4865 Sterling Drive Boulder, Colorado 80301