2. amps-preamps
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PS Audio Stellar Gain DAC/Pre-amp as first foray into separate pre-amp?

Well, I've been researching and considering various pre-amps with home theater bypass, but just came across this much more affordable PS Audio Stellar Gain DAC/pre-amp.  The idea is to get something for two channel audio that has home theater bypass, so as to be able to continue to use my Denon AVR for movies and multi-channel SACD and DVD-Audio.  But I want to improve the CD and flac playback I'm now getting out of the AVR.  I would also want to get better two channel SACD audio quality than I get through the AVR over HDMI, but it seems that I would have to purchase a proprietary PS Audio SACD player that has the I2S connector to make that happen. 

The plan would be to connect my universal player via optical or coaxial digital to the Stellar Gain DAC, instead of my current signal path of the Oppo into the AVR via HDMI.  I would also connect my turntable(high output MC cartridge) to the Stellar Gain unit.  I could also connect the optical digital output from my 4K TV to the Stellar gain.  The Stellar Gain unit would be connected to my Krell FPB 400cx power amp via XLR cables(I'm not sure if this would be a good output impedance match). 

The Stellar Gain DAC/pre-amp seems very reasonably priced, at $1,700, for its capabilities and for the sound quality indicated by professional reviews.  Plus, near mint used units are available for ~$1,200.  Thoughts? 
mtrot

Showing 2 responses by ajnackman

ajnackman
60 posts
 
Just beware of the silnote sale. I've never tried their cables but they are always on sale - seems to be a marketing technique from what I can tell.
ajnackman
60 posts
 
You have an analog set of interconnects coming from the AVR to the Stellar? If I understand correctly you must be evaluating based on a source through the AVR (TV/DVD?). I would look at a musical source directly fed into your stellar to evaluate the sound of the unit. I’m not sure how the stellar’s HT bypass is setup, but I would think the gain/pre stages are completely bypassed and the signal is sent directly to your power amp. The AVR is still doing all of your processing/DtoA conversion in the configuration you have.

I have an integrated 2 channel and home theater system. I use my AVR for home theater but all of my music sources are fed directly into my DAC so that I bypass the AVR completely. That sounds far better in my opinion.
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