Music streamer, not music server, I believe
Yes, Stellar Strata has WIFI built in and streaming is over that (it also has ethernet if you’d prefer).
That’s not naive, it’s a good question. The amp is different. The S300 is a 300 watt per channel power amplifier while the Strata has a 200 watt per channel amplifier inside.
Separates will always have advantages over one-box solutions for some people and one-box wonders are just what others are looking for.
It really depends on the situation and person.
Thanks, Elk! It is. It’s been a long time coming. Just about 1 year in development, Strata is a remarkable product that we’re excited to share with the world.
“Full function analog preamp”
So that means includes phono input? Or no?
This is what I was getting at in my question in the network section about a Stellar series media streamer. Paul suggested I try a Sonore product. I think Strata is what I am looking for. Wish I knew about it a couple of months ago before I bought my SGCD. Not a big fan of playing the buy/sell/trade game. However, I guess it is time to upgrade from my Rotel power amp. My wish would be a Strata without an amp section for those of us who would like a PSA version of a streamer/DAC/preamp. Or conversely, a SGCD with Stella capabilities. It’s kind of ironic that I sold a Rotel integrated and gave up those capabilities in order to purchase the better quality DAC but now I’m headed back in that direction.
oh…that is interesting…
I’m interested in the differences between the DAC in the SGCD (which is pretty awesome) and the one in the Stella. I’m assuming they are not the same DAC.
(new SGCD owner myself).
No phono pre inside. It’s a line level pre.
Paul’s exactly right. For some, this is unit they’ve been waiting for. For other’s, they only want the streaming aspect of it. As I’ve mentioned in another thread, lets make some noise for a Stellar streamer and Paul will see we want it!
Thanks. Will it sound better than NAD M10 and Naim Uniti Atom? Haha, you probably can’t answer that, but doesn’t hurt to ask! Those are the one-box competitors I can think of. Looking forward to hearing more about this product. Thanks again -
Any info on how DAC is same or different from your previous designs would be great too if info able to be disclosed
Last video of John Darko about the Hegel H390 I watched I think he mentioned Roon ready and Hegel says Roon on their WEB-Site.
But the Hegel H390 is a higher (double) price category. I like the Stellar looks and an integrated would be interesting. But streaming can not be the only source, I like disk spinners, analog and digital. I am still hoping on a Stellar server with I2S and disk player/ripper.
I suggest giving PSA a call. I’m sure they’ll work with you in terms of trading in your SGCD for the Strata in a way that’s financially feasible for you. They are very flexible in that way. But the Sonore Ultra Rendu and the SOTM Ultra are both highly thought of. Sonore specifically works well with PSA gear as the owner of the company is a DirectStream owner. It’s not unreasonable to think that the Ultra Rendu will be at least equal to, or surpass the Strata for just the streaming part. The Strata looks great as an all in one amp/DAC/Streamer solution though.
Not having a marketing strategy for PS Audio in hand, I would like to suggest a plan that may or may not make sense. A series of devices that can be factory configured to provide SGCD only, or plus streamer, or plus streamer and amp. These could fit the needs of most mid level music lovers. But still leave the flexibility to mix and match components.They would be a step up from Sprout, but below BHK.
The NAD M10 is one spectacular product. I heard it and played with it at the Toronto AudioFest in October. The feature set is well thought out and in a small form factor. I’m thinking of one for my office. Paul needs to see one. It will force a rethink of what a small product can do.
Also, I believe the NAD includes room correction dsp built in, which can be very useful
Maybe a $1,999 black Friday preorder special??? That would jumpstart interest in product!
Our mechanical engineer rendered a beautiful mockup of the Strata’s rear panel and it looks nearly identical to the real thing (which we’ve yet to photograph).
The Strata sounds amazing!
A remarkable number and types of connections in a small space. And it appears there is a nice amount of space between the speaker terminals.
Indeed. We did our best with the available room. The little WIFI antenna (the little black box on the upper left side) was a real coup. Most WIFI enabled amplifiers have those goofy looking stick antennas hanging out the back and that’s something we just wouldn’t
tolerate on a unit as good looking as Strata.
Can’t wait to unveil this beauty to the world.
Finishing up the PS Connect iPhone and Android apps that will control Strata now.
I did not even notice the antenna.
I like the dedicated ground.
@Paul what type of DAC is in there?