PS Audio Stellar Gold Quick start guide

Owner’s Reference
©2023 PS Audio Inc. All rights reserved.
Owner’s Reference Stellar Gold Preamplier
PS Audio® Inc. 800-PSAUDIO 4865 Sterling Drive Boulder, Colorado 80301
Instructions for Use
StellarTM Gold Preamplier

©2023 PS Audio Inc. All rights reserved.
Introduction
PS Audio® Inc. 800-PSAUDIO 4865 Sterling Drive Boulder, Colorado 80301
Owner’s Reference Stellar Gold Preamplier
ii
Read these instructions
Heed all warnings
Follow all instructions
WARNING. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
Clean only with a dry cloth. For the Piano Finish Top refer to the instructions on page 8 of the
Quick Start Guide.
Do not place ammable material on top of or beneath the component.
All PS Audio components require adequate ventilation at all times during operation. Rack
mounting is acceptable where appropriate.
Do not remove or bypass the ground pin on the end of the AC cord unless absolutely necessary
to reduce hum from ground loops of connected equipment. This may cause RFI (radio frequency
interference) to be induced into your playback setup. Removing or bypassing the ground pin on
any electrical component is potentially dangerous and should be avoided for safety reasons. A
polarized plug has two blades, one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades
and a third grounding prong. All PS products ship with a grounding type plug. If the provided
plug does not t into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus. Unplug this apparatus during
lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
When making connections to this or any other component, make sure all components are o. Turn
o all systems’ power before connecting the PS Audio component to any other component. Make
sure all cable terminations are of the highest quality.
THERE ARE NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE ANY PS AUDIO PRODUCT. REFER ALL
SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL
Please contact your authorized dealer, distributor, or PS Audio if you have any questions not
addressed in this reference manual.
This product is manufactured in the United States of America. PS Audio® is a registered trademark of PS Audio International Inc., and is
restricted for use by PS Audio International, Inc., its subsidiaries, and authorized agents.
Rev.5E
Safety Instructions

©2023 PS Audio Inc. All rights reserved.
Introduction
PS Audio® Inc. 800-PSAUDIO 4865 Sterling Drive Boulder, Colorado 80301
Owner’s Reference Stellar Gold Preamplier
iii
The PS Audio StellarGold Preamplier is an aordable state-of-the-art Preamp.
The StellarGold Preamplier features two hand crafted discrete audio amplication stages,
both enjoying extremely high slew rate, high bandwidth, low distortion signal handling
capabilities that honor the music.
Based on a combination of JFET and BJT devices along with hand-selected purist
components, the musical signal is delivered without the interference of capacitors in the
signal path. Each amplication stage is based on a minimal global feedback design that
achieves its low distortion status through careful balancing and high current design choices.
Its high current class A output stage is more than capable of driving long cable lengths
without compromise so that your power amplier enjoy all the benets StellarGold
Preamplier has to oer.
Nearly as important in this level of Preamp is its power supply. Here, StellarGold Preamp
enjoys the performance enhancement aorded by multiple two-stage linear power
regulators for both the analog and digital sections. Feeding these ultra low noise 2-stage
regulators is an oversized toroidal power transformer with separate windings for analog and
digital.
The PS Audio StellarGold Preamp represents a major step up in performance for any
music lover who cares about the sonic qualities aorded their systems. We believe this new
instrument will further our company's quest to bring audio excellence to the world and will
provide years of musical ecstasy.
Welcome

Table Of Contents
©2023 PS Audio Inc. All rights reserved.
PS Audio® Inc. 800-PSAUDIO 4865 Sterling Drive Boulder, Colorado 80301
Owner’s Reference Stellar Gold Preamplier
iv
Installation Considerations 1
Connecting StellarGold Preamp 2
Connecting the Output 3
Control and Operation 4
Front Panel Idle Button 4
Main display 4
Main Menu 5
Main Menu: Balance 5
Main Menu: Filter 6
Main Menu: Phase 6
Main Menu:Versions 6
Sub-Menu: Audio 7
Sub-Menu: System 8
Sub Menu: Network 8-9
Remote Control 10
Menu Flow Charts 11-13
USB not connecting 14
Warranty Information 15-16
Service Information 17
International Warranty & Service 17

Quick Start Guide
©2023 PS Audio Inc. All rights reserved.
PS Audio® Inc. 800-PSAUDIO 4865 Sterling Drive Boulder, Colorado 80301
Owner’s Reference Stellar Gold Preamplier
1
• ThefollowingitemsareincludedwiththeStellarGoldPreamplier:
• Power Cord
• Stellar Remote
• Quick Start Guide
• Carefully unpack the unit and place in the chosen location.
• Careshouldbetakentokeepitawayfrompowerampliersorlargepotentially
hum inducing products.
• The IR infrared receiver is located to the right of the menu button. A direct line
of sight will help with the Preamp's IR sensor when using the remote.
•Connect inputs to your analog sources using the appropriate connections.
• There are 4 analog inputs,which are accessible via the 2 balanced XLR inputs
and 2 single ended RCA connectors. Connect your sources to the appropriate
connection.
• Connectoutputstoyourpoweramplierusingtheappropriateconnections.The
Preamp features two output types: RCA and XLR.
• The RCA connector delivers a single ended output for compatible power
ampliers.
• The XLR connector delivers a balanced signal to compatible power
amplicationdevices.
• They can both be connected at the same time, allowing you to connect one to
apoweramplierandtheothertoasubwoofer(forexample).
• Please be advised that the XLR output has twice the output voltage as the
RCA output. Typically this results in 6dB louder sound through units connected
via the XLR input. Care should be taken to match levels accordingly.
•Connect the AC cable into the receptacle in back and plug the unit into your Power
Plant or into the wall.
• While the supplied cord is of good quality, it is recommended that you replace
it with a high-end power cord for optimum performance. It is also recommended
that you connect your new StellarGold Preamplier to one of PS Audio's award-
winning AC power products such as the P12, P15, or P20 Power Plants.
• Connectpowerampstotriggerports(thisisoptional).Therearetwotriggerports
on the rear panel. Each of the two trigger jacks outputs a +12V signal to connected
equipment when the Stellar Gold Preamplierfrontpanelstandbybuttonisactivated.
The+12VsignalwillstopwhenthePreamplierisinstandbymode.Thesetrigger
Unpacking and
Connections

Quick Start Guide
©2023 PS Audio Inc. All rights reserved.
PS Audio® Inc. 800-PSAUDIO 4865 Sterling Drive Boulder, Colorado 80301
Owner’s Reference Stellar Gold Preamplier
2
Register the Unit
outputsaretypicallyusedtoswitchon/ocompatiblepoweramplierswhenthe
Stellar Gold Preamplierisactive.
Onceeverythingisconnected,itsitimetopoweruptheStellarGoldPreamplier.Switchthe
master power switch, located on the rear panel of the unit, to on.
• We recommend the master power switch be left in the On position and AC
powercontinuetobesuppliedevenwhenthepreamplierisnotinuse.Instead,
pushthefrontPSLogobuttontoputthepreamplierinReadyorStandbymode
when not in use. This will keep the power on to critical circuitry.
Onceon,PSAudioashesacrossthedisplayandthenthemaindisplayappears.
• Themaindisplayshowsthevolume.Turningthevolumeknobchangesthevolume(1-
100).
• When you modify certain settings, such as the balance, the main display will indicate
thiswithanicon(seebelowimage).
• To change the input, do a quick press of the menu button. Then press it again to scroll
through the input options (RCA 1 or 2, XLR 1 or 2) until you land on the input you want.
Changes take eect immediately.
To enter the menu system, execute a long press of the menu button. To scroll through
menu items, do another quick press of the menu button. Use the volume knob to change
an item's value. Changes typically take eect immediately.
For more on operating the Preamp and navigating menus, see the Operating section of this
manual (pages 3-7).
To register your new unit, look on the back panel of Stellar Gold Preamp and note the serial
number. Using any web browser, go to www.psaudio.com, click on Support and select
Product Registration from the drop down menu. Once you have completed the registration
process, you can go to the PS website and look at the My Registered Products page. The
link to this page is located at the top right hand corner of the website once you are logged
in. If you do not have web access, you may register the unit via mail or phone. Notication
of software upgrades to this product will be available only to registered owners via the web
and email.
Power Up the Unit
Main Display
menu button
volume
current input
AC coupling
selected
balance >0
Menu

Operating Guide
©2023 PS Audio Inc. All rights reserved.
PS Audio® Inc. 800-PSAUDIO 4865 Sterling Drive Boulder, Colorado 80301
Owner’s Reference Stellar Gold Preamplier
3
The front panel PS logo button, located on the upper left hand corner of the unit, is the Ready/
Operational Mode control for Stellar Gold Preamp. This control has two modes: Ready Mode
and Operational Mode. Ready Mode (Idle) is designed to keep power on to critical internal
circuitry, including power supply capacitors, thermally sensitive semiconductors and integrated
circuits.
Press this front panel button to activate the Ready Mode or to place Stellar Gold Preamp in
Operational Mode. When pressed to activate the Ready Mode, the display as well as the
outputs are turned o, but all the unit’s critical internal circuitry remains active.
If you wish to conserve energy consumed by Stellar Gold Preamp, it will be necessary to
use the rear panel power switch. Using this rear panel switch will remove power from critical
components. In order to gain maximum performance levels, you will need to turn the power on
at least 1 hour before use.
Should the Preamp need to be rebooted, use the rear panel power switch to power cycle the
instrument. It's best to wait 30 seconds before powering back on.
The main display shows you the volume. Turning the volume knob right or left changes the
volume (0-100).
To select an input, execute a quick press of the menu button to the left of the display.
Continue pressing until you land on the input you want (RCA 1 or 2, XLR 1 or 2).
Alternatively, you can use the remote.
The Stellar Gold Preamp features a menu display
system that is accessible using the menu button.
To access the menu, execute a long press of the
menu button. A gear icon (see arrow) will appear in
the upper right corner showing that you are in the
Settings menu.
Once in the menus, a long press of the menu button (holding for more than two seconds)
will also exit the menus and return the unit to the Home screen. The menu screen will also
Reboot
Front Logo
Button
Menus
Main display
Select Input

Operating Guide
©2023 PS Audio Inc. All rights reserved.
PS Audio® Inc. 800-PSAUDIO 4865 Sterling Drive Boulder, Colorado 80301
Owner’s Reference Stellar Gold Preamplier
4
time out after 15 seconds of inactivity. Note that changes to settings are typically saved in
real time as the changes are made.
To scroll through menu items, press the menu button once in the menus. To change an
item's values, use the volume knob. The main menu has the below features.
• Balance
• Coupling
• Versions (informational only)
• Audio (sub-menu)
• System (sub-menu)
The Balance feature allows you to adjust the center location of the stereo image. Turn the
knob to the left to reduce the gain of the right channel, thus making the image come more
from the left channel, and turn the knob right to reduce the gain of the left channel, thus
making the image come more from the right
channel. The balance steps are each 1/4dB and
the range is 48 steps each way for a maximum
shift of 12dB.
When the balance is set to anything other than
the center position (0), there will be an icon on the Home screen to indicate this state (see
blue arrow).
Use the volume knob to choose either AC or DC coupling. When coupling is set to AC, a
sine wave icon will appear on the home screen (see green arrow).
This menu display shows the versions of the Stellar Gold Preamp's operating rmware. If
you need to contact our customer service team for help with your unit, please have this
information ready.
There are 2 sub-menus that can be accessed from the main menu. They are:
• Audio
• System
Click the menu button twice to enter a sub-menu. To click through sub-menu items, do a
quick press of the menu button. If you need to go back one level to the previous menu, do
two quick presses of the menu button.
The Audio sub-menu allows you to change the below:
• Input Names (sub-menu)
• Input Trim (sub-menu)
• DAC Input
• Phono Input
Main Menu
Coupling
Audio Sub-Menu
Balance
Versions
Sub-Menus

Operating Guide
©2023 PS Audio Inc. All rights reserved.
PS Audio® Inc. 800-PSAUDIO 4865 Sterling Drive Boulder, Colorado 80301
Owner’s Reference Stellar Gold Preamplier
5
• RCA 2 Fixed Vol
• Max Volume
Input Names (sub-menu)
This feature allows you to rename the inputs (XLR 1, XLR 2, RCA 1, RCA 2) using a preset
list with items like CD, DVD, Blu-ray, Phono, SACD, etc. This option has a sub-menu, so do
two quick presses of the menu button to enter it. To use this feature:
• Use the volume knob to scroll through the inputs until you land on the input you want to
rename. Press the menu button to select it.
• Use the volume knob to scroll through the list of names until you land on the name you
want. Press the menu button to select it.
• A pop up will appear to ask if you want to rename it. Click the menu button to choose
okay or use the volume knob to navigate to cancel rst if you change your mind.
• The input has now been renamed. Do a long press of the menu button to return to the
main display.
Input Trim (sub-menu)
This feature is helpful if one of your sources has a much higher or lower output than the
others. Input trim allows you to adjust the dB level on that input to better match the levels
of your other sources. This way when you switch between inputs the sound level will be
consistent. To use this feature:
• Use the volume knob to nd the input you would like to trim.
• Click the menu button once to select it.
• Use the volume knob to add or take away dBs (make it louder or quieter).
• Changes take eect immediately.
DAC Input
Use the volume knob on the Preamp to select which input on the Preamp your DAC is
attached to. Once selected, whenever the Preamp sees a valid DAC input IR code (when
you use your remote), the Preamp will automatically switch to this input. You can also select
"O" to disable this feature.
Phono Input
Use the volume knob on the Preamp to select which input on the Preamp your Phono is
attached to. Once selected, whenever the Preamp sees a valid Phono input IR code (when
you use your remote), the Preamp will automatically switch to this input. You can also select
"O" to disable this feature.
RCA 2 Fixed Volume

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PS Audio® Inc. 800-PSAUDIO 4865 Sterling Drive Boulder, Colorado 80301
Owner’s Reference Stellar Gold Preamplier
6
Operating Manual
Use the volume knob to set RCA 2 to a xed volume. Options are 1-100. To disable this
feature, scroll down to 0 or O.
Max Volume
Setting this value limits the maximum volume when using the up volume control. Use the
volume knob to set the max volume (1-100). Set to 100 to disable this feature. This value is
ignored if the Fixed Volume setting is enabled.
The System sub-menu allows you to change the below:
• Backlight
• Trigger
• IR Enable
• Factory Reset (sub-menu)
Backlight
The brightness of the display and logo button can be adjusted to suit your room. The range
is from 1 to 10, with 10 as the brightest.
Trigger Timeout
This feature allows the trigger output to be delayed a period of time after the Stellar Gold
Preamp is activated. In other words, you can adjust the time it takes for any other units
plugged into the trigger output of the Stellar Gold Preamp to turn on once the Preamp is
powered up. The time delay can be adjusted in increments from 0 to 60 seconds.
IR Enable
There are 3 options - O, IR1, and IR2. If you experience interference with your other
devices and your Stellar Gold Preamp when using the remote, you can change this setting.
• O: This makes it so that no remote works with the Stellar Gold Preamp.
• IR1: This is the default setting. If you are not experiencing interference with your other
devices, leave this setting.
• IR2: This changes the remote to a dierent code set. If your remote is interfering with
other devices, for example, turning o your television, change to this setting.
Factory Reset
This feature allows you to reset all of the conguration settings back to what they were
when the Stellar Gold Preamp was shipped from the factory. Any input names and other
settings you have changed will be erased.
Do two quick presses of the menu button to start the factory reset. It will ask "Factory
System Sub-
Menu