# PMG Preamp vs Stellar Gold Preamp **URL:** \ **Category:** Preamplifiers\ **Created:** [November 10, 2025, 3:47pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/pmg-preamp-vs-stellar-gold-preamp/43081 "2025-11-10T15:47:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 14\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![randyhat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d2c977/32.png) [@randyhat](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/randyhat)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2025, 3:47pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/pmg-preamp-vs-stellar-gold-preamp/43081/1 "2025-11-10T15:47:52Z")
It seems that most people upgrading to the PMG preamp are comparing it to the BHK. I am shopping for a new preamp and have not had any previous or current models of PS Audio preamps. I have the Stellar P3 regenerator and the DSC MKII DAC. Both of the purchases were made within the past year. I need a preamp but am balking at another major purchase so soon. The Stellar preamp fits my budget but I am wondering if it will be a good long term choice or if I will feel the need to upgrade again in the near future. Currently I am using a 30 year old Audio Research LS-15 which has been great but is in need of service…hence my thinking to move on to something new. I am interested in hearing from anyone who has compared the Stellar pre to the PMG. Have you upgraded from the Stellar to the PMG? and if so how would you compare them sonically. Just reading the general description it would seem that the Stellar is much closer to the PMG than the BHK. Am I wrong? If I remember correctly they were both based on the designs of Darren Myers. I would appreciate any information you would like to share. Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![adifferentpaul](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/adifferentpaul/32/282181_2.png) [@adifferentpaul](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/adifferentpaul)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2025, 4:40pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/pmg-preamp-vs-stellar-gold-preamp/43081/2 "2025-11-10T16:40:48Z")
While I do not have the PMG preamp, I did have both the SGCD and the BHK preamp. The BHK preamp is much better than the SGCD, and many forum members report that they strongly prefer the PMG to the BHK. If the price if the PMG is simply way out of financial reach, the Stellar Gold might be a good option if you’re looking at new PS Audio gear. There are also options on the used market. The Music Room is a great place to get used upper level gear at reduced pricing. ---
**Author:** ![weedeewop](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/weedeewop/32/190064_2.png) [@weedeewop](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/weedeewop)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2025, 5:23pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/pmg-preamp-vs-stellar-gold-preamp/43081/3 "2025-11-10T17:23:34Z")
Buy the SGCD and with time you will wish you had opted for the PMG, after all it is human nature. Cave to your desires, it is only money 🤣 ---
**Author:** ![Philip\_Gan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/aeb1de/32.png) [@Philip\_Gan](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/Philip_Gan)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2025, 7:45am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/pmg-preamp-vs-stellar-gold-preamp/43081/4 "2025-11-12T07:45:41Z")
> [@randyhat](#): > > I am wondering if it will be a good long term choice or if I will feel the need to upgrade again in the near future I think the PMG will be the long term choice. It leaves the BHK in the dust. Completely different class. See what you can get for your current preamp, and what else you adjust in your budget! If it can stretch, you will be so very happy with the PMG for many years! ---
**Author:** ![rkindel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ac91a4/32.png) [@rkindel](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/rkindel)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2025, 12:04am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/pmg-preamp-vs-stellar-gold-preamp/43081/5 "2025-12-22T00:04:50Z")
I’ve had the PMG preamp in my sights from announcement. But the StellarGold went on sale. Decided I would try it and send it back if necessary. It wasn’t my cup of tea for over a week. Contacted PSA for a return authorization. The very next day it changed dramatically. Soundstage blossomed and the issues I had with its bass characteristics were largely resolved. Now I’ve completely reversed my opinion. It’s definitely the best preamp it heard in my system. Comparable to the PMG? Probably not but it really comes close to my ideal. Just requires quite a bit of break in. This preamp certainly surprised me. ---
**Author:** ![gthiel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/f6c823/32.png) [@gthiel](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/gthiel)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2025, 12:16am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/pmg-preamp-vs-stellar-gold-preamp/43081/6 "2025-12-22T00:16:48Z")
…and you can’t take it with you! ---
**Author:** ![Elk](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/elk/32/1240_2.png) [@Elk](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/Elk)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2025, 12:16am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/pmg-preamp-vs-stellar-gold-preamp/43081/7 "2025-12-22T00:16:49Z")
A helpful post. I suspect requesting the RA scared the unit into being better. ---
**Author:** ![rcf051](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/898d66/32.png) [@rcf051](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/rcf051)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2025, 2:10pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/pmg-preamp-vs-stellar-gold-preamp/43081/8 "2025-12-22T14:10:07Z")
My experience when I beta-ed the SG pre and compared it to the BHK pre was similar (both fed by DSD Mk 2). After break-in, my wife and I each preferred the SG to the BHK. Dead-quiet background, excellent soundstage, and tight, solid bass. I am very curious as to how the SG pre compares to the PMG pre. I suspect going forward my next step would be the PMG 512 for the greatest improvement in the system. Happy holidays to all—Bob ---
**Author:** ![rkindel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ac91a4/32.png) [@rkindel](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/rkindel)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2025, 3:49pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/pmg-preamp-vs-stellar-gold-preamp/43081/9 "2025-12-22T15:49:59Z")
Sounds like you are closer to tasting the PMG preamp than I am. If and when it happens I sure who appreciate your thoughts on the differences here on the forum. ---
**Author:** ![Craig\_Burgess](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/craig_burgess/32/258763_2.png) [@Craig\_Burgess](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/Craig_Burgess)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2025, 4:34pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/pmg-preamp-vs-stellar-gold-preamp/43081/10 "2025-12-22T16:34:59Z")
I’ve really enjoyed mine. It’s been about a year now. Got a bit of a “package deal” with a refurbed Mk1 DAC. ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman01810](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/87869e/32.png) [@Spiderman01810](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/Spiderman01810)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2026, 1:09am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/pmg-preamp-vs-stellar-gold-preamp/43081/11 "2026-01-08T01:09:44Z")
Have you tried running the DSD Mk 2 directly to your power amps? Currently I have a DMP A10 going directly via XLR to my M1200 monos and it’s really nice. But, I am considering a preamp, just wondering about the upgrade being worth it. ---
**Author:** ![adifferentpaul](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/adifferentpaul/32/282181_2.png) [@adifferentpaul](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/adifferentpaul)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2026, 1:27am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/pmg-preamp-vs-stellar-gold-preamp/43081/12 "2026-01-08T01:27:54Z")
> [@Spiderman01810](#): > > considering a preamp, Yes. A used (therefore reduced price) upper level preamp can be a great choice, and might prevent the need to upgrade the preamp a few years from now. ---
**Author:** ![rcf051](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/898d66/32.png) [@rcf051](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/rcf051)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2026, 3:38am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/pmg-preamp-vs-stellar-gold-preamp/43081/13 "2026-01-08T03:38:59Z")
I have not, largely because I really like the sound through my SG pre. I would give it a try now, but we are out of the country the next couple of months, so the earliest I could try would be mid-March. Wish I could be of more help. Bob ---
**Author:** ![rkindel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ac91a4/32.png) [@rkindel](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/rkindel)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2026, 12:00pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/pmg-preamp-vs-stellar-gold-preamp/43081/14 "2026-01-08T12:00:17Z")
I go back and forth on the question of MKII directly to amp or through SG preamp. When my system is at its best I think I get the best results direct. More information in the extreme bottom and more delicacy throughout. Sometimes I prefer the slightly more spacious soundstage that preamp provides. Both ways are really good and it’s nice having the choice.