Nice! Another convert in the house I agree on how it excels for low-volume listening. The matching PS Audio class D power amps are no slouch...just sayin'. I have the S300, and have to think the monoblock M700s are even better.
Joe, just let me know if you want me to bring my S300 down for the meet. It's light, and travels well.
"Sometimes I do what I want to do. The rest of the time, I do what I have to." - Cicero, in Gladiator
I'm going to exercise it's Jazz-chops when I get home.
I did experience the sometimes mentioned "remote control conflict" on the forums. PS Audio said that some companies are not properly registering their remote codes, and it can cause issues. Mine is STRANGE. My new 65" Vizio reacts to the GCD remote, but ONLY if I'm using the smartcast app page on the TV, or watching anything from it. It was an easy fix, I just switched to my Oppo to watch Netflix. No conflict there. It doesn't affect watching DirecTV on the P65-F1 Vizio.
Source: Bluesound Node 2i | Preamp/DAC: PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell | Power Amp: Parasound Halo A21 | Speakers: PSB Imagine T2 | Cables: Signal Cable Analog 2 XLR; Kimber 8VS Bi-Wire; DH Labs D-75 Dig Coax | AC Power: Panamax M5300-PM
I'm going to exercise it's Jazz-chops when I get home.
I read this as "Jazzercise"
"Electronic music is human sound adapting to indulge technology, and for some, it feels like the signature sound of energy. New and abstract sounds over hypnotic rhythms can conjure vast soundscapes for escape, pleasure, and transcendence."
I wish they made a version of this without a DAC for slightly less money. I would buy it.
"Electronic music is human sound adapting to indulge technology, and for some, it feels like the signature sound of energy. New and abstract sounds over hypnotic rhythms can conjure vast soundscapes for escape, pleasure, and transcendence."
It's smoothness reminds me of a Yamaha C-85 I had in the 80's. I like that the volume control is ANALOG. After 15 years of benchmark front-ends, I was worried that I was going to be disappointed. I was wrong. I'm running the Oppo in via coaxial dig, and the DirecTV DVR via Toslink.
Source: Bluesound Node 2i | Preamp/DAC: PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell | Power Amp: Parasound Halo A21 | Speakers: PSB Imagine T2 | Cables: Signal Cable Analog 2 XLR; Kimber 8VS Bi-Wire; DH Labs D-75 Dig Coax | AC Power: Panamax M5300-PM
I'm going to exercise it's Jazz-chops when I get home.
I did experience the sometimes mentioned "remote control conflict" on the forums. PS Audio said that some companies are not properly registering their remote codes, and it can cause issues. Mine is STRANGE. My new 65" Vizio reacts to the GCD remote, but ONLY if I'm using the smartcast app page on the TV, or watching anything from it. It was an easy fix, I just switched to my Oppo to watch Netflix. No conflict there. It doesn't affect watching DirecTV on the P65-F1 Vizio.
One of the many reasons I use a Harmony remote, i just don't seem to get the cross device interference with it.
Nice! Another convert in the house I agree on how it excels for low-volume listening. The matching PS Audio class D power amps are no slouch...just sayin'. I have the S300, and have to think the monoblock M700s are even better.
Joe, just let me know if you want me to bring my S300 down for the meet. It's light, and travels well.
PLEASE!! yes, would love to hear that. I have been contemplating the M700's but just not sure they would outperform the Linns
That's great thanks so much!
PRE/DACS - PS AUDIO STELLAR GAIN, CAMBRIDGE AUDIO CXN V2
SOURCE - DENON 2910, SONY CDX355, JVC XM448, REGA P2 (MODDED) ANIA CART, REGA FONO MC, XBOX 1 S, TIVO BOLT
POWER/WIRES - AQ NIAGARA 5000, AQ HURRICANE HC (2M), AQ MONSOON HC (2M) , AQ COLORADO XLR (2M & 1M) AND RCAs(1M), AQ VICTORIA(1M), ACOUSTIC ZEN SATORI W JUMPERS(3M), ATLAS EOS PC, WW STRATUS X3/AURORA X1 PC, AQ CARBON HDMIs
MISC- OKKI NOKKI RCM, HARMONY ELITE, SONY 75XBR900E
I agree on how it excels for low-volume listening.
Now you have my attention.
"Electronic music is human sound adapting to indulge technology, and for some, it feels like the signature sound of energy. New and abstract sounds over hypnotic rhythms can conjure vast soundscapes for escape, pleasure, and transcendence."
Nice! Another convert in the house I agree on how it excels for low-volume listening. The matching PS Audio class D power amps are no slouch...just sayin'. I have the S300, and have to think the monoblock M700s are even better.
Joe, just let me know if you want me to bring my S300 down for the meet. It's light, and travels well.
PLEASE!! yes, would love to hear that. I have been contemplating the M700's but just not sure they would outperform the Linns
That's great thanks so much!
Consider it done. Good/bad/or indifferent, it will be good to have input from the group on this class D amp. Make room for it! As you know, it has the same footprint as the preamp, and can easily be stacked. I can also scare-up a PSA power cable if needed.
"Sometimes I do what I want to do. The rest of the time, I do what I have to." - Cicero, in Gladiator
I agree on how it excels for low-volume listening.
Now you have my attention.
Low-volume listening is a big strong-suit of the PSA Stellar Gain pre IME. @steveinaz called it "low-level bass linearity", and I cannot argue with that. For me, the frequency response is instant and strong across the frequency spectrum, so no need for tone controls or 'loudness' controls at lower volumes.
"Sometimes I do what I want to do. The rest of the time, I do what I have to." - Cicero, in Gladiator
Low-volume listening is a big strong-suit of the PSA Stellar Gain pre IME. @steveinaz called it "low-level bass linearity", and I cannot argue with that. For me, the frequency response is instant and strong across the frequency spectrum, so no need for tone controls or 'loudness' controls at lower volumes.
I think I'm gonna order one and take it for a spin.
"Electronic music is human sound adapting to indulge technology, and for some, it feels like the signature sound of energy. New and abstract sounds over hypnotic rhythms can conjure vast soundscapes for escape, pleasure, and transcendence."
I encourage you to take advantage of their trade-in program. You can basically get 80% of MSRP for any working piece of equivalent gear. I got about $800 credit for a B&K power amp. There's no way I would have gotten $800 on the used market for an EX-442 power amp...just sayin'.
"Sometimes I do what I want to do. The rest of the time, I do what I have to." - Cicero, in Gladiator
It's kindof a cool concept. Although you have to factor in the costs that you'll pay out of pocket for boxing up and shipping things to Colorado.
"Electronic music is human sound adapting to indulge technology, and for some, it feels like the signature sound of energy. New and abstract sounds over hypnotic rhythms can conjure vast soundscapes for escape, pleasure, and transcendence."
Versus your time auditioning off CraigsList and getting half of current market value. I think a high-percentage value of original MSRP is worth more than the time of trying ot sell local.
"Sometimes I do what I want to do. The rest of the time, I do what I have to." - Cicero, in Gladiator
They said they would give $500 trade-in for a pair of LSiM 703s, but it'll cost me probably $200 to ship them there.
"Electronic music is human sound adapting to indulge technology, and for some, it feels like the signature sound of energy. New and abstract sounds over hypnotic rhythms can conjure vast soundscapes for escape, pleasure, and transcendence."
Thanks so much @jdjohn it will be easy to pull the Linn power cables/rca’s and speaker wires off in my setup and substitute the PS A
I think someone also mentioned phono pre’s and would love to swap those around too as I want to see if the Vincent is as good as I think it is or if I’m leaving performance in the table.
PRE/DACS - PS AUDIO STELLAR GAIN, CAMBRIDGE AUDIO CXN V2
SOURCE - DENON 2910, SONY CDX355, JVC XM448, REGA P2 (MODDED) ANIA CART, REGA FONO MC, XBOX 1 S, TIVO BOLT
POWER/WIRES - AQ NIAGARA 5000, AQ HURRICANE HC (2M), AQ MONSOON HC (2M) , AQ COLORADO XLR (2M & 1M) AND RCAs(1M), AQ VICTORIA(1M), ACOUSTIC ZEN SATORI W JUMPERS(3M), ATLAS EOS PC, WW STRATUS X3/AURORA X1 PC, AQ CARBON HDMIs
MISC- OKKI NOKKI RCM, HARMONY ELITE, SONY 75XBR900E
I encourage you to take advantage of their trade-in program. You can basically get 80% of MSRP for any working piece of equivalent gear. I got about $800 credit for a B&K power amp. There's no way I would have gotten $800 on the used market for an EX-442 power amp...just sayin'.
Good to know, now you got my wheels spinin'.....dang you.
HT SYSTEM-2 channel
Sony 850c 4k
Pioneer elite vhx 21
Sony 4k BRP
SVS SB-2000
Dynaudio Audience 72
Polk FX500 surrounds
Cary xciter dac
Cullen modded Sonos
Joule la-100 pre
B&k Ref 4420 amp
Cables-
Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
Analysis plus crystal oval ic's
Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable
I am. It has that smooth tone but not overly colored. I run some very flat amps (Linn’s) and the overall sound is very enjoyable. Combine it with the record player and it does produce some magic. Play a CD through it and it’s not too sharp or jagged. The volume control, slope and how detailed it is at lower listening levels is amazing and probably its strongest feature.
This is why I am very curious to see how their power amps do. When we have our get together, we’ll be able to see if the class D is up to the power challenge. I am sure there is already great synergy with the pre.
PRE/DACS - PS AUDIO STELLAR GAIN, CAMBRIDGE AUDIO CXN V2
SOURCE - DENON 2910, SONY CDX355, JVC XM448, REGA P2 (MODDED) ANIA CART, REGA FONO MC, XBOX 1 S, TIVO BOLT
POWER/WIRES - AQ NIAGARA 5000, AQ HURRICANE HC (2M), AQ MONSOON HC (2M) , AQ COLORADO XLR (2M & 1M) AND RCAs(1M), AQ VICTORIA(1M), ACOUSTIC ZEN SATORI W JUMPERS(3M), ATLAS EOS PC, WW STRATUS X3/AURORA X1 PC, AQ CARBON HDMIs
MISC- OKKI NOKKI RCM, HARMONY ELITE, SONY 75XBR900E
The gain control remains in the analog realm, which in my opinion, is a good thing; regardless of source. Never been a fan of digital volume control, even though I realize the latest 32-bit set ups are really good.
Your opinion will differ depending on what pre you were using, so all of my comments are made in relation to the Benchmark DAC2 as my former preamp. The SGCD is a fuller-bodied sound. It's more upfront sounding (NOT in a treble perspective, but soundstage) and faster paced. The Benchmark is more casual, laid back, and a bit thin in comparison. The BM would be great for classical music lovers, and the PS Audio is better for Jazz/pop/rock music lovers. The BM is like a robot that does every single thing right, never makes a mistake, and can do anything---BUT, like a robot, it has no personality. You love it's dependability and accuracy, but It comes off a bit dry and lean when compared to the SGCD. Is the SGCD coloring the sound? I don't know---which came first, the chicken or the egg? But in all honesty, I prefer the tonal character of the SGCD.
I think the big stars of the SGCD show are:
1. Gain cell volume control
2. Over-sized toroidal transformer
3. It's built-in DAC
Source: Bluesound Node 2i | Preamp/DAC: PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell | Power Amp: Parasound Halo A21 | Speakers: PSB Imagine T2 | Cables: Signal Cable Analog 2 XLR; Kimber 8VS Bi-Wire; DH Labs D-75 Dig Coax | AC Power: Panamax M5300-PM
I always find it hard to put into words what something sounds like, you did a great job there describing what you are hearing from the PSA as I feel the same.
I have been a little fast with the upgrades to my system, so much so that I could not give a true review of any single piece. I mean when i got the new cart, I switched out the IC's on my phono pre at the same time!
I say all of this to say that the music that I used to run through the Marantz AVR as a pre to the same amps I am running now is a night a day difference in quality, musicality and pure enjoyment. Who knows how the cables,power,speakers all change that. I just know the system sounds great with EDM, rock, classical, at volume 20 and at volume 80.
Not sure I can do anything else but waste money now with adding/taking anything away. But I didn't say that..
PRE/DACS - PS AUDIO STELLAR GAIN, CAMBRIDGE AUDIO CXN V2
SOURCE - DENON 2910, SONY CDX355, JVC XM448, REGA P2 (MODDED) ANIA CART, REGA FONO MC, XBOX 1 S, TIVO BOLT
POWER/WIRES - AQ NIAGARA 5000, AQ HURRICANE HC (2M), AQ MONSOON HC (2M) , AQ COLORADO XLR (2M & 1M) AND RCAs(1M), AQ VICTORIA(1M), ACOUSTIC ZEN SATORI W JUMPERS(3M), ATLAS EOS PC, WW STRATUS X3/AURORA X1 PC, AQ CARBON HDMIs
MISC- OKKI NOKKI RCM, HARMONY ELITE, SONY 75XBR900E
Previous to the PSA Stellar Gain, I had been using a Peachtree Audio Nova pre w/DAC. The Nova only has one analog input, which was one reason I started shopping around. The aforementioned volume control on the SG really is nice, which I know sounds a little arbitrary, but it's true! The volume control on the Nova was not very precise. I was immediately impressed with how quiet the SG is - no noise floor to speak of. With the Nova, I could hear the typical low-level hiss with my ear next to the tweeters. It was acceptable, and quite normal from what I read, but with the SG it was totally quiet. And like Joe mentioned, you can just keep turning it up and up.
Steve used "upfront" regarding the sound, and again I agree. I have called it very forward. There is gobs of detail, but not to the point of being clinical. Bass is uber-tight, which initially may come across as thin, but just when you say that, you realize it's there when you need/expect it. You really hear the bass instrument itself, not just a thump or bump, so you could say it's very refined bass.
I'm currently running two different phono rigs through two of the analog inputs. The only digital source I have is a Logitech Squeezebox Touch; I go digital-out with it via coax, and into the SG's DAC. What can I say? It sounds...Stellar
At the time when I bought mine, they were running a special combo price with it and the S300 power amp, and then with the trade-in program it was a very attractive deal. Again, the trade-in amount is up to (I think) 80% of original MSRP, but it has a ceiling based on the purchase price of the new gear. And of course the trade-in gear has to work So the key is finding a piece of used gear at the right price for maximizing the allowance. They have a calculator on their website https://www.psaudio.com/buying-options/trade-ups/ Click the green 'Trade In and Save' button. If you make a purchase, you have 30 days before having to send in your used gear, or sending the new PSA piece back, but you get the discount upfront.
I'll be taking some PS Audio gear for a test drive! Just ordered the Stellar Gain Cell pre/DAC, and Stellar S300 amp.
"Electronic music is human sound adapting to indulge technology, and for some, it feels like the signature sound of energy. New and abstract sounds over hypnotic rhythms can conjure vast soundscapes for escape, pleasure, and transcendence."
Realizing this stuff really boils down to personal preferences, I hope you like it. It'll be interesting to hear your observations. I found it "settled down" pretty well after an hour of run time, though I'm sure more break-in will only improve things.
Source: Bluesound Node 2i | Preamp/DAC: PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell | Power Amp: Parasound Halo A21 | Speakers: PSB Imagine T2 | Cables: Signal Cable Analog 2 XLR; Kimber 8VS Bi-Wire; DH Labs D-75 Dig Coax | AC Power: Panamax M5300-PM
PS Audio quoted a 200 hour break-in for the S300 amp, so I will have to avoid jumping to early conclusions.
"Electronic music is human sound adapting to indulge technology, and for some, it feels like the signature sound of energy. New and abstract sounds over hypnotic rhythms can conjure vast soundscapes for escape, pleasure, and transcendence."
Should I have sprung for the M700 monoblocks instead?!
"Electronic music is human sound adapting to indulge technology, and for some, it feels like the signature sound of energy. New and abstract sounds over hypnotic rhythms can conjure vast soundscapes for escape, pleasure, and transcendence."
Comments
Joe, just let me know if you want me to bring my S300 down for the meet. It's light, and travels well.
I did experience the sometimes mentioned "remote control conflict" on the forums. PS Audio said that some companies are not properly registering their remote codes, and it can cause issues. Mine is STRANGE. My new 65" Vizio reacts to the GCD remote, but ONLY if I'm using the smartcast app page on the TV, or watching anything from it. It was an easy fix, I just switched to my Oppo to watch Netflix. No conflict there. It doesn't affect watching DirecTV on the P65-F1 Vizio.
I read this as "Jazzercise"
One of the many reasons I use a Harmony remote, i just don't seem to get the cross device interference with it.
PLEASE!! yes, would love to hear that. I have been contemplating the M700's but just not sure they would outperform the Linns
That's great thanks so much!
POWER - PS AUDIO M700, LINN LK240, MARANTZ SR5013
PRE/DACS - PS AUDIO STELLAR GAIN, CAMBRIDGE AUDIO CXN V2
SOURCE - DENON 2910, SONY CDX355, JVC XM448, REGA P2 (MODDED) ANIA CART, REGA FONO MC, XBOX 1 S, TIVO BOLT
POWER/WIRES - AQ NIAGARA 5000, AQ HURRICANE HC (2M), AQ MONSOON HC (2M) , AQ COLORADO XLR (2M & 1M) AND RCAs(1M), AQ VICTORIA(1M), ACOUSTIC ZEN SATORI W JUMPERS(3M), ATLAS EOS PC, WW STRATUS X3/AURORA X1 PC, AQ CARBON HDMIs
MISC- OKKI NOKKI RCM, HARMONY ELITE, SONY 75XBR900E
Now you have my attention.
I think I'm gonna order one and take it for a spin.
I think someone also mentioned phono pre’s and would love to swap those around too as I want to see if the Vincent is as good as I think it is or if I’m leaving performance in the table.
POWER - PS AUDIO M700, LINN LK240, MARANTZ SR5013
PRE/DACS - PS AUDIO STELLAR GAIN, CAMBRIDGE AUDIO CXN V2
SOURCE - DENON 2910, SONY CDX355, JVC XM448, REGA P2 (MODDED) ANIA CART, REGA FONO MC, XBOX 1 S, TIVO BOLT
POWER/WIRES - AQ NIAGARA 5000, AQ HURRICANE HC (2M), AQ MONSOON HC (2M) , AQ COLORADO XLR (2M & 1M) AND RCAs(1M), AQ VICTORIA(1M), ACOUSTIC ZEN SATORI W JUMPERS(3M), ATLAS EOS PC, WW STRATUS X3/AURORA X1 PC, AQ CARBON HDMIs
MISC- OKKI NOKKI RCM, HARMONY ELITE, SONY 75XBR900E
Good to know, now you got my wheels spinin'.....dang you.
Sony 850c 4k
Pioneer elite vhx 21
Sony 4k BRP
SVS SB-2000
Dynaudio Audience 72
Polk FX500 surrounds
Cary xciter dac
Cullen modded Sonos
Joule la-100 pre
B&k Ref 4420 amp
Cables-
Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
Analysis plus crystal oval ic's
Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable
Kitchen
Sonos zp90
B&k 1430
Tad 803 speakers
You guys diggin' what the pre amp section does on this piece ?
Sony 850c 4k
Pioneer elite vhx 21
Sony 4k BRP
SVS SB-2000
Dynaudio Audience 72
Polk FX500 surrounds
Cary xciter dac
Cullen modded Sonos
Joule la-100 pre
B&k Ref 4420 amp
Cables-
Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
Analysis plus crystal oval ic's
Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable
Kitchen
Sonos zp90
B&k 1430
Tad 803 speakers
This is why I am very curious to see how their power amps do. When we have our get together, we’ll be able to see if the class D is up to the power challenge. I am sure there is already great synergy with the pre.
POWER - PS AUDIO M700, LINN LK240, MARANTZ SR5013
PRE/DACS - PS AUDIO STELLAR GAIN, CAMBRIDGE AUDIO CXN V2
SOURCE - DENON 2910, SONY CDX355, JVC XM448, REGA P2 (MODDED) ANIA CART, REGA FONO MC, XBOX 1 S, TIVO BOLT
POWER/WIRES - AQ NIAGARA 5000, AQ HURRICANE HC (2M), AQ MONSOON HC (2M) , AQ COLORADO XLR (2M & 1M) AND RCAs(1M), AQ VICTORIA(1M), ACOUSTIC ZEN SATORI W JUMPERS(3M), ATLAS EOS PC, WW STRATUS X3/AURORA X1 PC, AQ CARBON HDMIs
MISC- OKKI NOKKI RCM, HARMONY ELITE, SONY 75XBR900E
Your opinion will differ depending on what pre you were using, so all of my comments are made in relation to the Benchmark DAC2 as my former preamp. The SGCD is a fuller-bodied sound. It's more upfront sounding (NOT in a treble perspective, but soundstage) and faster paced. The Benchmark is more casual, laid back, and a bit thin in comparison. The BM would be great for classical music lovers, and the PS Audio is better for Jazz/pop/rock music lovers. The BM is like a robot that does every single thing right, never makes a mistake, and can do anything---BUT, like a robot, it has no personality. You love it's dependability and accuracy, but It comes off a bit dry and lean when compared to the SGCD. Is the SGCD coloring the sound? I don't know---which came first, the chicken or the egg? But in all honesty, I prefer the tonal character of the SGCD.
I think the big stars of the SGCD show are:
1. Gain cell volume control
2. Over-sized toroidal transformer
3. It's built-in DAC
I have been a little fast with the upgrades to my system, so much so that I could not give a true review of any single piece. I mean when i got the new cart, I switched out the IC's on my phono pre at the same time!
I say all of this to say that the music that I used to run through the Marantz AVR as a pre to the same amps I am running now is a night a day difference in quality, musicality and pure enjoyment. Who knows how the cables,power,speakers all change that. I just know the system sounds great with EDM, rock, classical, at volume 20 and at volume 80.
Not sure I can do anything else but waste money now with adding/taking anything away. But I didn't say that..
POWER - PS AUDIO M700, LINN LK240, MARANTZ SR5013
PRE/DACS - PS AUDIO STELLAR GAIN, CAMBRIDGE AUDIO CXN V2
SOURCE - DENON 2910, SONY CDX355, JVC XM448, REGA P2 (MODDED) ANIA CART, REGA FONO MC, XBOX 1 S, TIVO BOLT
POWER/WIRES - AQ NIAGARA 5000, AQ HURRICANE HC (2M), AQ MONSOON HC (2M) , AQ COLORADO XLR (2M & 1M) AND RCAs(1M), AQ VICTORIA(1M), ACOUSTIC ZEN SATORI W JUMPERS(3M), ATLAS EOS PC, WW STRATUS X3/AURORA X1 PC, AQ CARBON HDMIs
MISC- OKKI NOKKI RCM, HARMONY ELITE, SONY 75XBR900E
Just as a reference, my comparison only involved a change of preamp/DAC; everything else in the chain was the same.
Steve used "upfront" regarding the sound, and again I agree. I have called it very forward. There is gobs of detail, but not to the point of being clinical. Bass is uber-tight, which initially may come across as thin, but just when you say that, you realize it's there when you need/expect it. You really hear the bass instrument itself, not just a thump or bump, so you could say it's very refined bass.
I'm currently running two different phono rigs through two of the analog inputs. The only digital source I have is a Logitech Squeezebox Touch; I go digital-out with it via coax, and into the SG's DAC. What can I say? It sounds...Stellar
At the time when I bought mine, they were running a special combo price with it and the S300 power amp, and then with the trade-in program it was a very attractive deal. Again, the trade-in amount is up to (I think) 80% of original MSRP, but it has a ceiling based on the purchase price of the new gear. And of course the trade-in gear has to work
Btw, they flip the trade-in gear at The Music Room https://tmraudio.com/
I guess you can tell your lovely wife that ^^^ is your birthday present to yourself
Vinyl: Fluance RT82 * Nagaoka MP-110 * Bottlehead Reduction + Integration Upgrade * KAB RF1
Video: Panasonic TH-50PZ850U * Panasonic DMP-UB200P-K * ROKU Premiere * Z-line Designs Elektra