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

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
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. 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
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant
to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment o and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
—Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
—Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
—Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit dierent from that to which the receiver is connected.
—Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Modications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user's authority to operate the
equipment under FCC rules.
Please contact your authorized dealer, distributor, or PS Audio if you have any questions not addressed in this
reference manual.
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. A2
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
iiiiii
The PS Audio Stellar Gold Preamplifier is an aordable state-of-the-art Preamp.
The Stellar Gold Preamplifier features two hand crafted discrete audio amplification 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
amplification 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 amplifier enjoy all the benefits Stellar Gold Preamplifier has to
oer.
Nearly as important in this level of Preamp is its power supply. Here, Stellar Gold 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 Stellar Gold 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
Quick Start Guide
Unpacking 1
Connections 2-3
Power Up 3
Product Registration 4
Main Display 5
Operating Guide
Front Panel Controls 6
Mode Switch 6
Restart 6
Volume 6
Input Selection 6
Main Menu: Balance 6-7
Main Menu: Coupling 7
Main Menu: Versions 7
Main Menu: Sub-Menus 8
Audio Sub-Menu: Input Trim 8
Audio Sub-Menu: DAC Input 8-9
Audio Sub-Menu: Phono Input 9
Audio Sub-Menu: RCA 2 Fixed Volume 9
Audio Sub-Menu: Max Volume 9
System Sub-Menu: Backlight 10
System Sub-Menu: Trigger Timeout 10
System Sub-Menu: IR Enable 10
System Sub-Menu: Firmware Update 10-11
System Sub-Menu: Factory Reset 11
Remote Control 12
Reference
Product Specifications 13-14
Menu Flow Chart 15-17
Warranty Information 18-19
Service Information 20
Special thanks to Hi-Fi Family member Brian Woodard for his contributions to this manual.

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
Figure 1: Front Panel Controls
Description
1Ready/Operational mode switch
2Menu button
3Remote infrared receiver
4Display
5Volume control
The following items are included with the StellarGold Preamplifier:
• Power Cord
• Stellar Remote
• This Owner’s Reference
Carefully unpack the unit and place it in the chosen location. Care should be taken to keep it
away from power amplifiers or large, potentially hum-inducing products.
Referring to Figure 1 and the table, the remote infrared receiver (3) is located to the right of the
menu button. A direct line of sight with the receiver helps when using the remote.
Unpacking

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
2
2
1 3
14 22212016 191817
1311 121097
15
8654
Figure 2: Rear Panel Ports
Item Description
1 Fuse holder (refer to panel legend for fuse type).
2 Line cord receptacle.
3 PS Link connectors (support future advanced features).
4 Firmware update thumb drive connector.
5 Trigger outputs (connect to power amplifier trigger input to control amplifier power
with front panel standby button).
6 Right channel single-ended analog output #2 (outputs #1 and #2 carry the same
signal).
7 Right channel single-ended analog output #1.
8 Left channel single-ended analog output #2.
9 Left channel single-ended analog output #1.
10 Right channel single-ended analog input #2 (stereo inputs are individually selectable).
11 Left channel single-ended analog input #2.
12 Right channel single-ended analog input #1.
13 Left channel single-ended analog input #1.
14 Main power switch.
15 Right channel balanced analog output #2 (outputs #1 and #2 carry the same signal).
16 Right channel balanced analog output #1.
17 Left channel balanced analog output #2.
18 Left channel balanced analog output #1.
19 Right channel balanced analog input #2.
20 Right channel balanced analog input #1.
21 Left channel balanced analog input #2.
22 Left channel balanced analog input #1.
Connections

Quick Start Guide
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PS Audio® Inc. 800-PSAUDIO 4865 Sterling Drive Boulder, Colorado 80301
Owner’s Reference Stellar Gold Preamplier
3
Referring to Figure 2, connect the desired components to your Stellar Gold Preamplifier as
follows:
Connect inputs to your analog sources using the appropriate connections. There are four stereo
analog inputs, which are accessible via the balanced XLR inputs (19–22) and two single-ended
RCA connectors (10–13). Connect your sources to the appropriate inputs.
Connect outputs to your power amplifier (or other line-level component) using the appropriate
connections. The Stellar Gold Preamplifier features two output types: RCA and XLR. The RCA
connector delivers a single-ended output for compatible power
amplifiers while the XLR connector delivers a balanced signal to compatible inputs. Both can be
connected at the same time, allowing one to drive a power amplifier and the other, a subwoofer
or headphone amplifier, 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 (2) 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 Preamplifier to one of PS Audio's award-winning AC power products such
as the P12, P15, or P20 Power Plants.
Optionally, connect power amps to trigger ports (5). 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 Preamplifier front panel standby button (1) is activated. The +12V signal will stop
when the Preamplifier is in standby mode. These trigger outputs are typically used to switch on/
o compatible power amplifiers when the Stellar Gold Preamplifier is active.
Once everything is connected, it si time to power up the Stellar Gold Preamplifier. Move the rear
panel main power switch (14), to the ON position. We recommend the master power switch be
left in the On position and AC power continue to be supplied even when the preamplifier is not in
use. Use the front panel standby/operate mode switch (1) instead of the main power switch. This
keeps power on to critical circuitry thereby avoiding the stabilizing warmup period and additional
wear on components due to power cycling.
Connections
(Continued)
Power Up

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
4
To register your new Stellar Gold Preamplifier, look on the back panel and note the serial number.
Using any web browser, go to www.psaudio.com, click Support and select Product Registration
from the menu. When you have completed the registration process, go to the Registrations
page. The link to this page ( ) is located at the top right hand corner of the website after you
are logged in. Click the link then select Product Registrations in the left hand column.
If you do not have web access, you may register via mail or phone. Notification of software
upgrades to this product are available only to registered owners via the website and email.
Product
Registration

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
5
When powered on, “PS Audio” appears followed by the main display as shown in
Figure 3.
Figure 3: Main Display
Description
1Balance indicator. When visible, waves indicate to which side of zero center
the balance is oset.
2AC coupling indicator. When vsisble, AC coupling is selected.
3Currently selected input
4Current volume level
As shown in Figure 3, the main display shows the currently selected input (3) and the volume
level (4). If the balance setting is oset to either side of zero center, the balance indicator (1)
appears with a wave graphic indicating which side of center the balance is oset. Likewise, if AC
coupling is currently selected, the AC coupling indicator (2) appears.
The input selection can be changed by pressing the menu button. Repeated presses scroll
through the four options:
1. XLR 1
2. XLR 2
3. RCA 1
4. RCA 2
The selected input is active the instant the indicator changes. Pressing and holding the menu
button or adjusting the volume restores the main display. If no further action occurs after 15
seconds, the main display returns.
To enter the menu system, press and hold the menu button until the display changes. Repeated
pressing scrolls through the menu items while turning the volume knob adjusts the setting. Most
changes take eect immediately.
For detailed operating instructions, see the Operating Guide (pages 6–15).
Main Display
Menu System

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
6
Figure 4: Front Panel Controls
Description
1 Ready/Operational mode button
2 Menu button
3 Remote infrared receiver
4 Display
5 Volume control
The Ready/Operational mode button (1) controls whether the StellarGold Preamplifier is in
Operational mode (illuminated) or Ready (dark) mode. The Ready mode is designed to keep
power on to critical internal circuitry, including power supply capacitors, thermally sensitive
semiconductors and integrated circuits.
Press the button to select ready or operational mode. In Ready mode, the display and outputs
are turned o, but all 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 unit. It's
best to wait 30 seconds before powering back on.
The volume level is shown on the display panel (4). Turn the volume control knob (5) right or left
to adjust the volume level. The displayed level ranges from 0 to 100.
To select an input, execute a quick press of the menu button (2) 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
Restart
Front Panel
Controls
Menus
Volume
Input Selection
Mode Button

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
7
button (2). 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 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. 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.
If the balance setting is oset to either side of zero center, the balance indicator (blue arrow)
appears with a wave graphic indicating which side of center the balance is oset
Use the volume knob to select AC coupled or DC coupled. A sine wave icon will appear on the
home screen when AC is selected (see green arrow).
When set to AC, a capacitor in the signal path will block any DC voltage that might be coming
from the source equipment. This mode is generally more compatible with various equipment, but
the capacitor will add some coloring to the sound. When the coupling mode is set to DC, this
capacitor is bypassed, so any DC that is coming from the source equipment will get passed (and
amplified) by the preamp. If you are experiencing any ticks or pops when changing inputs (or
other times) try the AC coupled mode. Otherwise, we recommend the DC coupled mode for best
sound quality.
This menu display shows the versions of the Stellar Gold Preamp's operating firmware. 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
Main Menu
Coupling
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
8
Click the menu button twice to enter a sub-menu. Do a quick press of the menu button to click
through sub-menu items. 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
• RCA 2 Fixed Vol
• Max Volume
Input Names (sub-menu)
The Input Names sub-menu setting allows renaming the four input connections from a preset list
of common names to aid in identifying the connected source. Foilow these steps to assign the
names BLU RAY, CD, DVD, PHONO, SACD or STREAMER:
1. Double-click the menu button to enter the name list.
2. Turn the knob to locate the desired input. Press the menu button to select.
3. Turn the knob to select the desired name. Press the menu button to select.
4. Turn the knob to select OK or Cancel. Press the menu button to confirm or cancel.
5. Double-click the menu button to return to the main settings menu.
Input Trim (sub-menu)
The Input Trim sub-menu setting allows trimming the volume level of each input to provide a
consistent level between input sources. It is best to start by observing the level of your most
used or favorite source and then trimming the other source levels to match. Follow these steps
to adjust input levels:
1. Double-click the menu button to enter the input list.
2. Turn the knob to locate the desired input. Press the menu button to select.
3. Turn the knob left or right to set the level. Changes take eect immediately.
4. Double-click the menu button to return to the main settings menu.
DAC Input
The DAC Input sub-menu setting optionally identifies which input is connected to your DAC.
When set, the Stellar Gold Preamplifier automatically switches to that input whenever a valid DAC
IR remote control code is received, saving you the step of first selecting the DAC input. Follow
these steps to identify the input:
1. Turn the knob to select “O” or the desired input to identify.
Audio Sub-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
9
2. Press the button to select.
3. Double-click the menu button to return to the main settings menu.
Phono Input
The Phono Input sub-menu setting, like the previous setting, optionally identifies which input is
connected to your phono stage. When set, the Stellar Gold Preamplifier automatically switches to
that input whenever a valid phono stage IR remote control code is received, saving you the step
of first selecting the PHONO input. Follow these steps to identify the input:
1. Turn the knob to select “O” or the desired input to identify.
2. Press the button to select.
3. Double-click the menu button to return to the main settings menu.
RCA 2 Fixed Volume
The RCA 2 Fixed Volume sub-menu setting allows fixing the volume setting of the RCA 2 input.
This feature allows connecting a source to RCA 2 that has its own volume control or other
conditions where a constant volume level is desired. Options are “O” (disabled) or 1–100.
Follow these steps to set the volume level:
1. Turn the knob to select “O” or the desired volume level.
2. Press the button to select.
3. Double-click the menu button to return to the main settings menu.
Max Volume
The Max Volume sub-menu setting sets the upper limit of the main 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. Follow these steps to set the volume level:
1. Turn the knob to select “100” or the desired maximum volume level.
2. Press the button to select.
3. Double-click the menu button to return to the main settings menu.
The System sub-menu allows setting various control parameters. The sub-menu is entered by
double-clicking the menu button which presents the following settings:
• Backlight
• Trigger Timeout
• IR Enable
• Firmware Update (sub-menu)
• Factory Reset (sub-menu)
System Sub-
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
10
Backlight
The Backlight sub-menu setting allows adjusting the brightness of both the Standby mode
switch (1) and the Display (4) to compliment the room lighting. Options range from 1–10 with 10
being brightest. Follow these steps to set the brightness:
1. Turn the knob to select the desired brightness level.
2. Press the button to select.
3. Double-click the menu button to return to the main settings menu.
Trigger Timeout
The Trigger Timeout sub-menu setting permits adding a delay to the trigger output signal to
adjust the time between placing the StellarGold Preamplifier in Operational mode and when a
power amplifier connected to the trigger output is signaled to power up. The delay can be set to
one of “O”, “0s”, “5s”, “10s”, “20s”, “30s”, “45s” or “1m”. Follow these steps to set the delay:
1. Turn the knob to select “O” or the desired delay time.
2. Press the button to select.
3. Double-click the menu button to return to the main settings menu.
IR Enable
The IR Enable sub-menu setting can be used to prevent the remote control from interfering
with other remote-controlled components in your system. Turn the knob to select one of the
following:
• O: disables the remote control function eliminating all interference.
• IR1: The default setting. Use this if no interference is experienced.
• IR2: Selects alternate code set. Use this if the Stellar remote aects other components.
When you change this setting, you also need to change it on the remote. To do so, press and
hold the Light Bulb button (bottom of the remote) and the circular O button (top center of the
remote) at the same time. If the remote backlight flashes white once, you are now on IR1. If it
flashes white twice, you are now on IR2.
Firmware Update (sub-menu)
This feature allows you to select from multiple rmware loads on a USB thumb drive. It provides a faster
and easier method of upgrading and downgrading new rmware for A/B style testing.
Preparing the USB thumb drive

Operating Guide
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Owner’s Reference Stellar Gold Preamplier
11
• You can have as many les on the USB thumb drive as you want, but only the rst ve valid les for
the device are displayed.
• The les must be named stellar_pre_v#.#.#.bin. For example, stellar_pre_v2.4.1.bin.
• You can have other bin les for other products on this thumb drive (for example, stellar_dac_
v2.1.2.bin). Only les that start with "stellar_pre_" will be loaded by the Stellar Gold Preamp.
WARNING: In the past, you would update a unit by copying an "image.bin" le to the thumb drive. This
method still works to automatically update a unit after a reboot (you do not need to go through the
menus to use the image.bin le). The image.bin le takes precedence over the stellar_bin_xxx.bin les. It
is recommended to NOT have an image.bin le on the thumb drive if you are using the stellar_pre_xxx.
bin les and the System | FW Update method to update les.
Upgrading/ Downgrading
• Plug the USB thumb drive into the unit in USB-A slot on the back panel marked FW.
• Enter the menus and go to System | FW Update.
• The les will display on the screen in alphabetical order.
• Scroll up or down to highlight the le you want to load.
• Press the menu button to select the le.
• A progress screen will display. The update process will initialize and then a progress indicator in
percentage complete will display.
• Once complete, the progress screen will indicate the unit is resetting.
• The unit will reset. The Logo LED will blink rapidly as the unit is being programmed.
Notes
• If you select the same version that is already loaded, the upgrade will be skipped and the Logo LED
will not blink. The unit will still reset.
• If there is an error, the error will be displayed.
- If you have problems with loading rmware, you can contact PS Audio customer
support with the error you see.
- Press the menu button to exit from the error screen
• You can exit the FW Update screen using a long press of the menu button.
Factory Reset (sub-menu)
The Factory Reset sub-menu setting returns all menu items to their original factory settings.
Note : Any custom settings performed since the last Facory Reset, or first use, will be lost.
1. Double-click the menu button to start the reset process.
2. Turn the knob to select “Reset”.
3. Press the menu button to begin.
After a few seconds, the preamplifier automatically restarts at the main menu with restored
factory settings.

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
12
Your Stellar Gold Preamp comes
with a full-function remote control.
In addition to operating your
Stellar Gold Preamp, this remote
works with all Stellar products and
most functions will translate to the
PerfectWave line.
Remote Code Settings:
Your Stellar Gold Preamp comes
with a default code set. If your
remote is interfering with other
devices, you can switch to the
second code set.To do so, press
and hold the Light Bulb button
(bottom of the remote) and the
circular O button (top center of
the remote) at the same time. If
the remote backlight flashes white
once, you are now on IR1. If it
flashes white twice, you are now on
IR2.
You will also need to update the
unit. See Firmware Update section
of this manual for instructions.
Button Guide:
• On: Takes the Preamp out of
Ready (Idle) mode and puts it in
Operational mode. In addition, it
undoes the Dim function.
• O: Puts the Preamp in Ready
(idle) mode.
• Dim: Dims the logo button and
turns o the screen and control
navigation backlight. Press On
to undo it.
• Analog Inputs: Lets you select
the desired input.
Remote

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
13
Physical:
Unit Weight 24.1 lbs or 10.9 kg
Unit Dimensions 17"W x 3.3"H x 13"D (with knob, without
knob 12"D)
[43.18 cm x 8.38 cm x 33.02 (with knob,
without 30.48 cm)]
Shipping Weight 27.6 lbs or 12.5 kg
Shipping Dimensions 22"W x 8"H x 17"D
[55.88 cm x 20.32 cm x 43.18 cm]
Power Requirements:
Input Power Model specic 100VAC, 120VAC, or
230VAC 50 or 60Hz
Power Consumption 15W
Connectors:
Audio Inputs RCA / Single-Ended: 2 pair
XLR / Balanced: 2 pair
Audio Outputs RCA / Single-Ended: 2 pair
XLR / Balanced: 2 pair
Trigger Output 2
USB For USB rmware update only
Performance:
Max Gain 12.6dB
Frequency Response 15Hz-150kHz, +/- 0.1dB
Input Impendance 50K Ω RCA / Single-Ended
100K Ω XLR / Balanced
Bandwidth 5Hz-500kHz, -3dB
THD < .0002% @ 1kHz, 1VRMS input
Product
Specications

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
14
THD+N < .0003% @ 1kHz, 1VRMS input
IMD .0005% @ 1VRMS input, CCIF, 20kHz
mean, 1kHz dierence
Crosstalk -115dB, One channel driven
Output level 10VRMS Single-ended / 20VRMS Balanced
@ 1% THD+N
Output Impedence 100 ohm

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
15
Navigating the Menus:
• To enter the menus, do a long press
of the menu button. A gear icon will
appear in the right corner of the screen
to show you are in the menus. Do
another long press to leave the menus.
Note: Menus time out after 15 seconds of
inactivity.
• Scroll through menu and sub menu
items using one press of the menu button. Use the volume knob to change values for specic items.
• Unless otherwise specied, scrolling to your choice and leaving it on the screen updates your
settings.
• Menu items with sub-menus are indicated by a right arrow. Press the menu button twice to enter
them.
• Two quick presses of the menu button take you back one menu level. For example, if you are in the
Audio sub-menu and press the menu button twice, you will return to the top level menu.
Note : You do not enter the menus to change the input. Instead, do a quick press of the menu button.
Continue pressing until you land on the input you want (RCA 1 or 2, XLR 1 or 2). Alternatively, you can
use the remote.
Top Level Menu
Press the menu button once to scroll through menu and sub-menu items. Use the volume knob to
change menu item values.
Balance • Turn knob left to reduce the gain of the right channel, thus making
the image come more from the left channel.
• Turn the knob right to reduce the gain of the left channel, thus
making the image come more from the right channel.
Coupling Turn knob to select AC or DC coupling.
Versions
(Informational Only)
Turn knob to scroll through the operating rmware versions.
Audio (Sub-Menu) Hit menu button twice to access the below settings:
• Input names
• Input Trim
• DAC Input
• Phono Input
• RCA2 Fixed Volume
• Max Volume
System (Sub-Menu) Hit menu button twice to enter this sub-menu and access the below
settings:
• Backlight
• Trigger Timeout
• IR Enable
• Firmware Update (sub-menu)
• Factory Reset (sub-menu)
Menu Charts
Top Level
Menu
Menu Button Volume Knob
Indicates Sub-Menu Item
In Menu Icon

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
16
Audio Sub-Menu
From the main menu, nd Audio then press the menu button twice to enter the Audio sub-menu. Hit
the menu button once to scroll through the sub-menu options.
Input Names (Sub-
Menu)
• Hit the menu button twice to enter Input Names.
• Use volume knob to scroll through inputs and highlight the input you want
to change.
• Once the name is highlighted, hit the menu button once.
• Use the volume knob to scroll through the naming options.
• Once the name you want is highlighted, hit the menu button once to select
it.
• A pop up will appear and ask "Rename....?" Hit the menu button to select OK
or use the volume knob to highlight Cancel rst if you change your mind.
Input Trim • Use the volume knob to highlight the input you would like to trim.
• Hit the menu button once to select it.
• Turn the volume knob right to add dBs and left to lower dBs.
DAC Input Use the volume knob to nd the input your DAC is attached to. Now when you
hit buttons relating to the DAC on your remote, the Preamp will automatically
switch to that input.
Phono Input Use the volume knob to nd the input your Phono is attached to. Now when you
hit buttons relating to the Phono on your remote, the Preamp will automatically
switch to that input.
RCA2 Fixed
Volume
Use the volume knob to select a xed volume (1-100) for RCA2. To disable this
feature, scroll to 0 or o.
Max Volume Use the volume knob to select a max volume (1-100). If undesired, select 100 to
disable.
System Sub-Menu
From the main menu, nd System then press the menu button twice to enter the System sub-menu.
Hit the menu button once to scroll through the sub-menu options.
Backlight Use the volume knob to select a brightness setting for the display
and logo button. Options are 1-10, where 10 is the brightest.
Trigger Timeout
(delay output to other devices
for short period after StellarGold
Preamp activated)
Use the volume knob to select O, 0s, 5s, 10s, 20s, 30s, 45s or 1
minute for trigger timeout. Select o to disable.
IR Enable Use the volume knob to select O (no remote works), IR1 (default)
or IR2 (if remote is interfering with other devices).
Firmware Update (sub-menu) This is a multi-step process. Please see the Firmware Update
section of this manual for instructions.
Audio
Sub-Menu
System
Sub-Menu