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PS Audio Stellar Strata MK2
The new Stellar™ Strata MK2™ combines the benefits of an exceptional analog preamplifier, a full-featured state-of-the-art DAC, a stereo 150-watt per channel power amplifier, and an amazing sounding MC/MM phono stage in one gorgeous package. Strata MK2's fully balanced analog preamplifier circuitry, state-of-the-art DAC, no compromise high-definition phono stage, and MOSFET based power amplifier create an extraordinarily rich, full-bodied musical experience few products can match. The Stellar Strata MK2 is the perfect foundation for those unwilling to compromise sound quality. Rich. Lush. Powerful. A music lover's answer to spiraling cost-no-object equipment without sacrifice.
Design
The idea of combining a cutting-edge DAC, full-featured analog preamplifier, high-definition MC/MM phono preamplifier, and a robust 150-watt per channel power amplifier was the basis of the Stellar Strata™ design imperative. We wanted an easy, simple, no-compromise musical experience, whether playing from a connected transport or tracking amazing vinyl. "Just add speakers" became engineering's rallying cry. Strata MK2 holds true to its promise of audiophile plug-and-play. Connect your speakers or headphones, press play, or lower the needle onto your vinyl, and music filled with the rich textures and toe-tapping energy you've always hoped for will delight even the most critical music lover.
Application
Audiophiles have long recognized the challenge of interconnecting multiple systems into a single synergistic musical experience. Interconnect choices, power supply options, and chassis isolation requirements all play into the building of a truly musical system—get any one part wrong and the system performance is compromised. Not so with Stellar Strata MK2. The chance for PS Engineering to optimize the audio synergy between Strata's four separate systems was immediately appealing: eliminate the variability of interconnection issues, voice the entire system as one component, optimize power supplies, control every aspect of sound quality up to the speakers.
Technology
At this instrument's heart is a new analog attenuator that elegantly solves the fundamental problem facing preamp designers. Volume control. Nearly all analog preamplifiers use sonically degrading elements inserted in the signal path to control volume. The MKII eliminates this problem by using an all new no-loss analog attenuator in response to front panel controls. Once the connected source has passed through the Class A analog preamplifier, it's time to connect to your speakers. Here, engineer Darren Myers used the Analog Cell where he could lavish upon the music the sweet, tube-like quality of Class A biased MOSFETs. Combined with the ruler flat high linearity of Strata MK2's high current output stage, richly overlayed layers of music’s inner details are preserved even in the most complex orchestral crescendos.
Once the high definition phono stage or connected source has passed through the Class A analog preamplifier, it's time to connect to your speakers. Here, engineer Darren Myers used a new version of our Analog Cell where he could lavish upon the music the sweet, tube-like quality of Class A biased MOSFETs. Combined with the ruler flat high linearity of Strata MK2's high current output stage, richly overlaid layers of music’s inner details are preserved even in the most complex orchestral crescendos. There's nothing like Strata MK2 when it comes to musicality. It's an all-in-one high-resolution audio solution just waiting for you to connect your speakers. Bring it on!
When you first pick up Stellar Strata MK2 Amplifier, you'll notice its solid build and heft. Every inch of Stellar suggests quality: from its rear panel connectors, Darren Myers designed MC/MM phono stage, to its internal high-end power amplifiers. Quality input and output connections, as well as beautifully constructed internals, will offer immediate assurance of quality from the very first moment you pull Strata MK2 out of its box.
Features
CLASS A BALANCED ANALOG PREAMPLIFIER
FULL FUNCTION DAC
MC/MM PHONO STAGE INPUTS
CLASS A HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER
150 WATT PER CHANNEL POWER AMPLIFIER
TWO I2S INPUT
FOUR TYPES OF DIGITAL INPUTS
DIGITAL LENS TECHNOLOGY
DSD DIRECT THROUGH I2S
192KHZ ASYNCHRONOUS COAX INPUT
384KHZ ASYNCHRONOUS USB
HIGH CURRENT CLASS A HYBRID OUTPUT STAGE
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PS Audio Stellar Strata MK2
Boasting muscular yet refined delivery, the PS Audio Stellar Strata MK2 is a compact integrated amplifier that blends a revamped Digital Lens DAC, a quiet MM/MC phono stage, and an energetic Class D power section into a single, well-built chassis. Its sound is lush, full-bodied with authoritative bass, a warm midrange and detailed treble—though some reviewers advise using the digital filters to tame occasional top-end brightness. Imaging and staging are wide and focused, and dynamics are punchy for its class. Build quality and ergonomics feel premium, with generous connectivity including dual I2S HDMI inputs, USB-B, XLR and multiple digital options. Ideal for vinyl lovers and listeners who want a powerful, compact centerpiece, the Strata MK2 delivers a feature-rich, performance-driven value proposition in its price band.
Pros
- Lush, musically engaging presentation with a notably quiet and capable built-in MM/MC phono stage.
- Deceptively powerful Class D amplification that provides strong punch, control and headroom for demanding speakers.
- Extensive connectivity and feature set — dual I2S (HDMI), USB-B, coax/optical, balanced XLR, two speaker pairs and a high-quality Digital Lens DAC.
- Solid, well-executed industrial design and chassis construction with premium controls and binding posts.
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Cons
- Top-end can be forward on some recordings; reviewers and bench tests recommend using the selectable digital filters to smooth high-frequency energy.
- MK2 omits the onboard network streamer present on the original Strata, so buyers who want a one-box streaming solution will need an external streamer (PS Audio suggests the AirLens).
Sound Quality
89/100
Dynamics
89/100
Class D power (≈100W/8Ω) is repeatedly praised as 'deceptively powerful' and 'never short of juice', with reviewers highlighting strong punch, slam and controlled delivery. Measured knee/clipping metrics and a few comments that it won't 'blow the walls out' temper the score but overall headroom and control are excellent for its topology and power.
Soundstage Imaging
89/100
Multiple reviewers report wide, deep and vivid staging with good imaging focus and separation—descriptions include 'big and enveloping', 'vivid focal point' and 'pinpoint imaging' in several setups. A few notes about slightly less fine edge/detail on very delicate high-frequency transients keep this from scoring into the mid-90s.
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Build Quality
91/100
The chassis and mechanical execution are consistently praised — hefty, solid construction, chunky binding posts and a premium feel. Internals and implementation (updated circuits, quiet phono module) are described as well executed, justifying a high score.
Features Connectivity
95/100
Very well equipped: balanced XLR input, multiple RCA inputs, two I2S HDMI inputs, USB-B, optical and coax, built-in high-quality DAC (Digital Lens/Sabre family), MM/MC phono with loading/gain options, headphone output and two pairs of speaker binding posts for bi-amping. The score is at the top of the allowed range for an exceptionally feature-rich integrated amp without network streaming.
Value for Money
93/100
At the $3,499 price point reviewers repeatedly call the Strata MK2 an excellent and competitive value—some even praise its ability to out-perform much costlier separates in certain setups (bi-amping with two units). Strong, repeated positive language about value and performance-for-price supports a high score in the 'justified premium' tier.
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