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.
Do not place flammable 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 unless absolutely necessary
to reduce hum from ground loops of connected equipment. This may cause RFI (radio frequency
interference) to be induced into your playback setup. All PS 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.
Read these instructions
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 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 fuses inside this product.
THERE ARE NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE ANY PS AUDIO PRODUCT. REFER ALL
SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL
Please contact your authorized dealer, distributor, or PS Audio if you have any questions not
addressed in this reference manual.
PS Audio
subsidiaries, and authorized agents.
®
is a registered trademark of PS Audio Inc., and is restricted for use by PS Audio, Inc., its
4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301 Introduction
PH: 720.406.8946 support@psaudio.com www.psaudio.com 15-076-01-1
Rev A
Congratulations on your choice of a Stellar power amplifier. Stellar proudly represents our company’s commitment to honoring
music and preserving its magic. Every effort to put musical performance above any other consideration has been lavished
upon these products. They are personal. PS Engineer Darren Myers put his heart and soul into these designs and he’s rightly
proud of the results.
Stellar’s design imperative was to produce a truly musical sounding power amplifier that proudly competed with any amplifier
under $5,000. Myers took the challenge and set to work on a new concept—a hybrid that would combine the best of today’s
technology with time-honored techniques leveraging PS Audio’s forty plus years of experience.
The results are extraordinarily musical. Even from the earliest prototype we knew the Stellar power amplifier series was going
to be something special. Stellar amplifiers never draw attention to themselves, a rare quality in amplifiers of any price.
Combine the Stellar power amplifier with its mate, the extraordinary Stellar Gain Cell DAC for a complete system. The synergy
between these two units is remarkable.
Each Stellar product is hand-built in our Colorado facility. We take great pride in what we build, how it sounds, and how the
end user is treated. We’re PS Audio, and making music and keeping our customers happy and thrilled is what we’re all about.
Owner’s Reference Stellar S300 and M700 Amplifiers
4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301 Introduction
PH: 720.406.8946 support@psaudio.com www.psaudio.com 15-076-01-1
Rev A
Once your Stellar Amp is unpacked, you’ll need to find a convenient place to set it. We recommend floor
mounting on a platform or shelf mounting as close to the speakers as possible. If the source equipment
(preamp or DAC) is far away from the Stellar, it is recommended to use balanced interconnects if
possible. Placement of the Stellar is important from several aspects: proper cooling and best audio
practices. Make certain wherever you place the Stellar there is adequate ventilation space above and
below the unit.
Once you have chosen the location for the Stellar you can use the supplied AC power cable to connect
it to the AC power or you can use an aftermarket power cord. Power cords make a difference and we
do not recommend using the supplied power cord for critical listening or long term use. We strongly
recommend the use of a PS Audio PerfectWave® Power AC cable or any excellent aftermarket power
cable for best results as it is always preferable to feed your equipment with the best power cables
possible. Choosing an excellent power cable will make a significant performance improvement over
the stock power cable.
The Stellar, as with all PS Audio products, is country specific to its incoming AC voltage. This means
the units can only be operated at its preset voltages, such as 230 for most of Europe and Asia, 100
volts for Japan and 120 for the US and other similar countries. Immediate damage can occur if you try
and power the Stellar with a voltage it was not designed to operate on.
Cables Matter
Connect the
Speaker Cables
Black Terminal is
Not Ground
Connecting cables matter. Carefully choose your speaker cables and connecting cables to the
equipment. Our preference for input cables is balanced, XLR type, but well built single ended RCA
cables are fine as well. Speaker cables can make or break the performance of an amplifier and great
care should be taken in using only the best match for your loudspeakers and Stellar amplifier.
With the amplifier firmly seated where you have selected, it is time to connect the speaker cables.
The Stellar S300 and M700 use custom machined connectors. These connectors were specially
engineered to match the performance specifications of the Stellar Amp.
The connectors can accept spade, banana or wire connections. There are two sets for each channel
on the S300 and two sets for the singly mono channel on the M700. Most systems will use only
one set of the binding posts to connect the speaker cable. Use only the finest speaker cables and
connectors.
Note that you should never connect speaker cables while the amp is on. If one speaker lead is
connected (+ or -) and the other lead brushes up against the chassis, there is the potential to present
the speaker with 25VDC . This voltage has the potential to damage a driver (usually the woofer) in a
speaker.
Its important to note that the Stellar Amplifier is a fully balanced BTL amplifier. As such the Black
terminal is not ground. If connecting the Stellar to a Rel Acoustics Subwoofer its important to consult
the manufacturer’s service documentation to ensure the Stellar is appropriate for the subwoofer.
4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301 Owner’s Reference
PH: 720.406.8946 support@psaudio.com www.psaudio.com 15-076-01-1
Rev A
Some may wish to biwire their speakers to the Stellar. This practice involves using one shotgun
configured cable or two separate cables. In either case, connect one cable to one set of binding posts,
the other to the second set. On the loudspeaker side, one pair of cables goes to the tweeter binding
posts, the remaining set to the woofer section.
The Stellar S300 and M700 Amplifiers accept either single ended RCA or balanced XLR connections
to the preamplifier or DAC feeding it. Regardless of the cable chosen, the Stellar will treat the incoming
signal in such a way that it becomes balanced throughout the amplifier’s circuitry.
Our preference for connection to the preamplifier is balanced XLR cables. Balanced signals are lower
in noise and take advantage of common mode rejection. Single ended RCA cables can also be good,
but we shy away from their use at lengths exceeding two meters.
Once connections have been made to both the loudspeakers and the preamplifier, it is time to plug
the AC power source in.
Stellar amplifiers are voltage specific. They operate ONLY at the voltage set at the factory. Do NOT
plug the Stellar into a voltage other than what it is set for. Failure to observe this rule may damage the
Stellar.
Owner’s Reference Stellar S300 and M700 Amplifiers
Power Up
Transient
Output Disable
Mode
Trigger Input /
Output
You are now ready to enjoy your first listen to the Stellar Amplifier. Making sure the preamplifier and the
system is on, push the front panel standby button on the Stellar front panel. When the blinking stops
and the PS logo turns steady on, the amplifier is ready to play music.
Upon startup, its common to hear a small sound from the connected speakers. This is normal and is
not harmful to the loudspeakers.
We recommend leaving the rear panel power switch active at all times, and placing the unit in Output
Disable Mode when finished listening. Output Disable Mode can be activated by pressing the front
panel PS Audio logo button, located on the upper left hand corner of the Stellar Amplifier’s front panel.
When the logo button is not lit, the amplifier is in Output Disable Mode. This mode keeps the amplifier
in a reduced power mode, maintaining excellent performance benefits while consuming little power.
The Stellar S300 and M700 Amplifiers have a 5V -12V Trigger for remotely powering the unit on and
off. It is important to note that the trigger “out” is intended to loop through to a second power amplifier.
The Stellar amplifier does not generate a trigger signal. An input Trigger DC voltage is required.
4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301 Owner’s Reference
PH: 720.406.8946 support@psaudio.com www.psaudio.com 15-076-01-1
Rev A
There are four conditions for the Stellar Amplifier:
The Logo Button is not illuminated. The unit in Output Disable Mode.
The Logo Button is fully illuminated. The Stellar is powered on and ready.
The Logo Button is flashing slowly. This is the boot sequence. The Logo Button will flash slowly for
10 seconds during power up. Then the Logo Button will become steady.
The Logo Button is flashing quickly. Then the unit powers off. This is the fault mode. The Logo
Button will flash quickly for 5 seconds and the unit will power down. Read more about Fault Protect
Mode in the troubleshooting section.
4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301 Owner’s Reference
PH: 720.406.8946 support@psaudio.com www.psaudio.com 15-076-01-1
Rev A
The Stellar Amplifier is designed to protect itself if it detects a dangerous signal surge or transient
that could damage the circuit. In these instances the Stellar goes into Fault Protect Mode. If you see
the blue logo button flashing quickly and the Stellar turns itself off, then it has entered this mode.
This can happen if the Stellar is heavily overdriven.
If this occurs remove power from the Stellar and disconnect all inputs and outputs. Then, power the
Stellar back on and verify that it powers on normally. If this is the case then power off the Stellar and
re-connect the speakers and sources. Try playing music back at a low level at first.
If after removing all connected equipment the Stellar continues to enter Fault Protect Mode , please
contact PS Audio.
Check to make sure power is going into the Stellar and it is connected to a live source. Make sure the
rear panel master power switch is in the on position. Push the front panel logo light. Check the speaker
cable connections to the speakers.
If there is hum coming from your loudspeakers it may be coming from your preamplifier, or it may come
from an interaction between components in your system and Stellar. This type of interaction is known
as a ground loop.
The first step to determine where the hum is coming from is to place the Stellar in Output Disable
Mode and remove the input connection from the preamplifier. Turn the amp back on and see if there
is hum. Chances are good there will not be. If the hum is a low frequency soft sound, see if its level
goes up and down with the preamp volume control. If it does, the problem is in the preamplifier. If not,
it may be in your connecting cables. Try a different set. If the hum is a sharper buzz it is most likely a
ground loop.
The easiest way to figure out where ground loop problems lie is by the process of elimination. You
need to determine where the hum or buzz is coming from within your system. If the hum/buzz goes
away when you remove the inputs to the power amp, your next step will be to reconnect the amp and
move further down the chain. It is important to do this in the correct order and take the time to perform
the test in a methodical step-by-step manner.
If you have a preamp, or processor that is feeding the power amp, your next step would be to
disconnect all inputs to the preamplifier or processor. Once these are disconnected, and the preamp
or processor is connected only to the power amplifier, turn the system on and again, listen for hum.
Should the hum now appear, it is a problem with your preamp or processor or their interaction with the
power amp. Before returning the preamp or processor to the manufacturer, try a cheater plug to break
a ground loop. Cheater plugs are simple devices that convert a three prong AC plug into a two prong
AC plug and in the act of converting three prongs to two prongs they disconnect the ground from the
wall socket. Try one of these on the preamp, or the power amp, or both.
If you determine that there is still no hum present when the preamp, processor or receiver is connected
with no inputs, then selectively begin plugging in your various inputs one at a time. After each
connection, check for hum until you discover the humming culprit. Use the same method described
above to remove the ground on the offending piece of kit.
4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301 Troubleshooting
PH: 720.406.8946 support@psaudio.com www.psaudio.com 15-076-01-1
Rev A
VCR’s, surround processors, and any device that is connected to a television cable or satellite dish can
cause a loud buzz and should always be suspect. If, by the process of elimination described above,
you determine it is a component like a cable TV box that is causing the hum/buzz to occur, and using
a cheater plug doesn’t help matters, it may be necessary to isolate the cable connection (CATV) with
an isolation transformer. This inexpensive device is available at most department store type outlets and
is sometimes called a ‘matching transformer’. If you have problems finding one, call your local cable
TV company for advice. The matching transformer will be placed between the cable TV cord and the
cable box, TV or processor.
Just remember, take the system down to its simplest level of connection. Find a way to hook the
system up with as many pieces of the system not connected as possible. Keep it simple and get it
to the point where the hum’s gone. Then start adding back components one at a time until the hum
returns.
Finding the problem is 9/10th of the work in finding a solution.
It may be that you have the polarity of the amplifier loudspeaker connection wrong on one channel.
When out of phase, polarity, will cause bass cancellation and should be avoided. Check to make sure
the red terminal on the Stellar goes to the red terminal on your loudspeaker.
There are no user serviceable fuses in the Stellar S300 or M700 Amplifiers.
4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301 Troubleshooting
PH: 720.406.8946 support@psaudio.com www.psaudio.com 15-076-01-1
Rev A
•Registering your product validates the warranty start date.
•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 a 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.
•Registration can be completed online, by phone, by mail, or by email.
•You may wish to sign up for PS Audio’s monthly newsletters, specials, product updates, and/or Paul’s Daily Posts.
What Does this Warranty Cover?
This warranty covers defects in material and workmanship for products purchased from PS Audio or its authorized dealers
and agents.
What Will PS Audio Do to Correct the Problem?
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. The product will be repaired without charge for parts or labor, replaced, or the purchase
price refunded through the original point of purchase, at the option of PS Audio.
What is the Period of Coverage?
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.
Who Pays for Shipping?
You are responsible to pay for the safe and proper shipment of the warrantied product to PS Audio or its authorized repair
center.
PS Audio or it’s authorized repair center will pay the cost of returning the repaired or replacement product to you under this
warranty.
What Does this Warranty 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 manuals (available for
download at psaudio.com)
•Use in any manner inconsistent with PS Audio’s operating instructions (available for download at 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
4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301 Warranty
PH: 720.406.8946 support@psaudio.com www.psaudio.com 15-076-01-1
Rev A
•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 psaudio.com)
•Products with a factory-applied serial number that has in any way been altered, defaced, or removed
Limitations on PS Audio’s Obligations Under this Warranty
•In no event will PS Audio’s liability to you exceed the original purchase price of the unit.
•This warranty does not cover the cost of custom installation, customer instruction, setup adjustments, or signal
reception problems.
•This warranty does not cover consequential and incidental damages. Some states do not allow the exclusion or
limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
•In the event your warrantied product cannot be repaired, PS Audio will replace or refund 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.
How Can the Warranty be Transferred?
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 transfer of registration.
Owner’s Reference Stellar S300 and M700 Amplifiers
How Do I Get Warranty Service?
To locate an authorized PS Audio repair center, for service assistance, or for help with the operation of a product or just for
information, please contact PS Audio customer support.
Warranty Service Within the US
•You must first obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization Number (RMA#) to receive warranty service and prior to
returning any item. Contact PS Audio or an authorized PS Audio repair center to receive an RMA#.
•You must put the RMA# on all returns. If it is not clearly marked, PS Audio will return the package back to you,
freight collect.
•You should include a description of the problem, along with the RMA# inside the packaging.
•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 packing, PS Audio can sell and ship to you replacement packaging.
•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 in 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.
4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301 Warranty
PH: 720.406.8946 support@psaudio.com www.psaudio.com 15-076-01-1
Rev A
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
Warranty Service Outside of the US
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 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.
4826 Sterling Dr.
Boulder, CO 80301
Phone - 720.406.8946
Fax - 720.406.8967
Email - support@psaudio.com
Web - psaudio.com
Owner’s Reference Stellar S300 and M700 Amplifiers
4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301 Warranty
PH: 720.406.8946 support@psaudio.com www.psaudio.com 15-076-01-1
Rev A