PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell DAC Instructions For Use Manual - page 6
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Owner’s Reference
Stellar Gain Cell DAC
Owner’s Reference
4826 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO 80301
Owner’s Reference
PH: 720.406.8946 support@psaudio.com www.psaudio.com
15-083-01-1
Rev A
3
Location
Digital Inputs
DoP
Connecting the
Stellar Gain Cell
DAC’s Inputs
Connecting the
Output
A good location for the Stellar Gain Cell DAC is in a cabinet or on a shelf at an easily accessible
height.
The IR (infrared) receiver for the remote is located to the left of the Display Screen. A direct line of
sight will help with Stellar Gain Cell DAC’s IR sensor.
The Stellar Gain Cell DAC and the Stellar S300 or M700’s were designed to stack on top of each
other if they are not placed on separate shelves. To do this, carefully place the DAC on top unit so it
rests on the amp. Do not remove the feet.
The Stellar Gain Cell DAC offers multiple digital input choices including: RCA, TOSLINK, USB, and
I
2
S. All inputs, including USB, are capable of accepting high-definition digital audio signals. The
TOSLINK input is capable of 96kHz, 24 bit audio. The COAX inputs are capable of up to 192kHz
/ 24 bit PCM., The USB can accept PCM up to 384kHz / 24 bit and up to DSD 128 DoP. The I2S
input an accept PCM up to 384kHz / 24 bit and up to DSD 128.
DoP (DSD over PCM) is a standard allowing single rate DSD to travel over USB and I
2
S. Currently,
to send DSD over USB the DSD files must first be converted to DoP standards to travel this route.
It is possible to send DSD files (without conversion to DoP) over Stellar Gain Cell DAC’s I
2
S inputs.
Most programs, such as Roon and JRiver Media Center will automatically convert DSD files to the
DoP standards on the fly. There are no sonic penalties for conversion to DoP as the raw DSD data is
unaffected by the process.
There are three methods of connecting the digital inputs of The Stellar Gain Cell DAC: S/PDIF, USB
and I
2
S. S/PDIF is a serial digital interface available as an optical source (TOSlink) or coaxial source
(RCA).
The Stellar Gain Cell DAC also has a built-in Analog Preamp with three inputs. Two single ended
RCA stereo inputs and a set of balanced stereo inputs and shared, optional RCA inputs.
The Stellar Gain Cell DAC is designed to drive a power amplifier directly, or as another input on a
preamplifier. The Stellar Gain Cell DAC has two types of analog outputs, balanced XLR or single
ended RCA. Be advised that most amplifiers and preamplifiers will produce 6dB higher level with the
balanced outputs relative to the single ended outputs. If you are using both outputs be advised they
will be at different levels. Our preference for connection to a power amplifier or preamplifier is through
the balanced XLR outputs of the Stellar Gain Cell DAC.