2. amps-preamps
  3. 166678-144705

PS Audio Stellar Phono

Evening,

Curious as to if anyone has experienced a PS Audio Stellar Phono Preamp? Did you try it at home or at a dealer? I'm considering trying one out for an in home demo to put up against my Musical Surroundings Nova III with the linear power supply to see how it compares. Any insight into either the in home trial is even worth it at this close of a price point? Michael Fremer's views on the Stellar is what has me very very curious and has me considering moving over. I'm a fan of my P10 from PS Audio and feel the Stellar Phono may be the next step. 
j-wall

Showing 7 responses by j-wall

j-wall's avatar
j-wall OP
377 posts
 
@rsf507 @jcoehler can you guys be a little more specific on what you did or didn't like about it? Also what are you running for a phonostage now? I've been dreaming of ARC, but will have to buy an older generation used. 
j-wall's avatar
j-wall OP
377 posts
 
@ml8764ag I'd be curious how much the older Musical Surroundings stuff has changed to the III that I have. I'm probably going to dive in and give it a shot. I'm hesitant to take it home for fear I'd keep it. I'd love a Herron but I've heard Keith may be bowing away. 

@smholl ok goldnote research is now on my list to explore. I continue to hear about it so I'll be doing some digging. Possible side by side with my amateur ears and listening skills. 
j-wall's avatar
j-wall OP
377 posts
 
Shielding is a real issue huh? My cables are a rats nest so I guess I'll have to plan accordingly. I'll most likely pull the trigger. I read a post yesterday about the PH10 being blown out of the water by the Stellar.
j-wall's avatar
j-wall OP
377 posts
 
@vinylvalet that's what I meant about Keith Herron bowing out. 

It seems like the Stellar has had some issues in terms of reliability and units blowing up. Are these early adopters or as of recently? PS audio is currently 10 days on backorder so I'd be curious if this is just parts or if they've changed some parts and have issue sourcing with all the other manufacturers. 
j-wall's avatar
j-wall OP
377 posts
 
@firenze please keep us in the loop. I haven't decided if I'm going modwright or ps audio!
j-wall's avatar
j-wall OP
377 posts
 
Thanks to both @firenze and @jmeyers for the responses. I've decide to go all tube and jump to the Chinook original. Fan-f'n-tastic upgrade over my Nova III. Like night and a day improvement. I definitely gained a ton at twice the price. Still considering taking a stellar home to A/B, but my god is the Chinook silent and fantastically dynamic. Bass if off the charts. 
j-wall's avatar
j-wall OP
377 posts
 
@revdeg now that's a screaming recommendation if I've ever heard one. Also, I'm sure the SE is superior, but that much Superior? To knock a $3k phono off its throne? Now I'm really interested. I'm going on a limb and looking at an Allnic 1205 now...
More to discover