*I forgot to mention. The price is a bit steep at $4000 but not as steep as their Perfect Wave Series. Is the value there? I think so but that's for you to decide* PS Audio Stellar Gold: www.psaudio.com/products/stellargold-dac PS Audio Trade-in Program: www.psaudio.com/pages/trade-ins Gear Mentioned in this Video: PS Audio Airlens: www.psaudio.com/products/airlens?variant=45146140672290 Video: kzitem.info/news/bejne/y7B-p6iHi32Clqg Aurender N20: aurender.com/home/n20/ Video: Coming Soon Eversolo DMP A6: dreamediaav.com/products/eversolo-dmp-a6?ref=6 Video: kzitem.info/news/bejne/pomQ3oF6sZOhoGUsi=iHJeGOSNHRlnAO0e NAT Transmitter Monoblock: www.nataudio.com/products/vacuum-tube-power-amplifiers/transmitter-hps.html Video: kzitem.info/news/bejne/tq2D32qvj5Ref5w Support on Patreon: www.patreon.com/jayiyagi follow on Instagram: instagram.com/jays_iyagi/ follow on Facebook: facebook.com/jayiyagiofficial Follow soundstage take 2 reviews: kzitem.info/door/PLPOzvlhtSqn5xdc__ftuSt4Rxy_wm5Af0 Speaker stands: amzn.to/3ssRhI3 Better speaker stands: solidsteel.it/my-product/ss-7-vintage-hi-fi-speaker-stands/ acoustic panels I use: ua-acoustics.com/ acoustic curtain: amzn.to/31d1zAM BDI Cabinet I use: bit.ly/2OJRwQQ amzn.to/3chBuFZ other BDI Cabinets: bit.ly/3ctxXV1 amzn.to/30bsUCH my fav hifi tweaks: (Isoacoustics devices) amzn.to/3j5FGvM 0:00 New PS Audio "OCTO" DAC! 2:57 PS Audio Stellar Gold DAC Features 5:44 PS Audio Stellar Gold DAC Sound Review 11:12 PS Audio Stellar Gold DAC Pre-amp 12:52 Best Streamers for PS Audio Stellar Gold DAC
@libertyss32
Ай бұрын
To many 9's / 6's in the price. I'd pay 4000 for it, not a dollar less.
@jazzabana
Ай бұрын
I have a smsl vmv d1se and I recently found out that those filters change the sound characteristics the most when you r using the preamp of the dac. Give it a try🖐
@Jayiyagi
Ай бұрын
@@jazzabana ouuu. Will do. Thanks!
@dajikbatarang1
Ай бұрын
Only thing is PS audio looses value fast on the secondary market. The last gen direct stream jr can be had for 500-600USD or about 800-900 CAD. That piece retailed for 4k USD only a few years ago.
@anhy10ful
Ай бұрын
Would you buy this DAC for $4000 or a Refreshed DirectStream DAC MK1 for around $1500? ($6000 before)
@brentshock3787
Ай бұрын
Very much enjoying how objective your reviews are becoming. You are establishing credibility for me and quickly becoming my go to reviewer. Keep up the amazing job young man!
@Jayiyagi
Ай бұрын
Thank you!
@suwatt6019
Ай бұрын
@@brentshock3787 He's almost 30, young man lmao!
@thepickyaudiophile
Ай бұрын
Darren is a total hifi hero, very happy that you find this DAC to be a home run! I recommend the hifi podcast to anyone for a view into the designers experience and mindset (unless anything subjectivity and low global feedback freaks you out!) 😊
@John-Edward
Ай бұрын
Great job Jay!! So happy for you that that you have done so well since leaving Audio Excellence! They have managed to what you started going, and made it pretty fun, but you do a really great job!! 😎
@michaelwright1602
Ай бұрын
This Stellar lineup from PS Audio is pretty solid in regards to DACs. I have their Stellar Gaincell DAC/Preamp, the last model prior to this new one, and can tell you it easily replaced my Denafrips Venus II 12th DAC. They can be found occasionally on sale at PS Audio, and on the used market. If you can find one, grab it. I have mine now doing duty in my secondary system after purchasing the ToneWinner AD-1PRE+ DAC/Preamp. I do not know what ToneWinner did with the ES9038 DAC, but me and my friend have put it up against some of the big name DACs in that $1500 to $6000 range and it just keeps winning. Something to look at.
@rw3915
Ай бұрын
I'm glad PS Audio keeps on innovating, and sending new products to market. This company is connected to many regular working folks just trying to eke out a living. I hope PS Audio has continued success.
@Charles12509
Ай бұрын
I have regained confidence in you Jay, a very honest review…keep,it up ..
@extracla55ic
Ай бұрын
Great review! I’m hooked on R2R and am impressed if an ESS solution can exceed the subjective performance over the Denafrips Terminator. It is a bargain if so - I’ll have to demo one!
@hificonspiracy
Ай бұрын
Hi Jay, great review. Thank you for showing the inside of the unit.
@stephannordmann5346
Ай бұрын
This is the best DAC which I heard from PS Audio🤔 and in general??? I am a fan of NUPRIME AMG DAC it is a total difference to 99 % of all DAC s it sound like the old Wadia more analog 🎉
@riccitone
Ай бұрын
@@stephannordmann5346 I’ve been curious about that one. Even more about the newer pre and power amp offerings from Nuprime 👍🏼👍🏼
@BaileyWiggebutt
Ай бұрын
Agree about the Nuprime.
@hermannschmidt9788
Ай бұрын
Everybody and their mother is using the ESS chip that way. The Gustard X30 does even use 32 DACs in 4 chips if counted the PS Audio way.
@mitchellburns92
Ай бұрын
I’ve heard some good things about the x30 especially when compared with the terminator
@riccitone
Ай бұрын
Very impressive Dac! Great review…Another very interesting and special ess implementation is that of the Okto Research Dac 8 stereo where the chip is optimized fully without adding noise. All the same features as this one but only around 1.4 k us. It’s a VERY natural sounding yet highly detailed dac. Super clear while still holographic. It made me decide not to bother with r2r anymore 👍🏼
@michaelwright1602
Ай бұрын
The ToneWinner AD-1PRE+ is another one. I just had a $6000 PS Audio DAC in here, and it kicked it to the curb. The ToneWinner just hits and checks all of the boxes in the way they implemented this ES9038 chip. It retails for around $1100, at least that is what I paid. The Black ToneWinner looks outstanding, and is built like a tank. All of the controls are like a fine Swiss watch in operation and feel. Nothing cheap about it.
@jerrysnead2842
Ай бұрын
Interesting I was tempted yo try the Laiv dac but I like my SGD since it has 2 I2S inputs
@redstarwraith
Ай бұрын
PS audio's Stellar phono preamp is another piece that is very, very good.
@yerfdogjohnny
Ай бұрын
Yes it is. I owned one for a few years. My guess is that they are working on a new phono preamp.
@yerfdogjohnny
Ай бұрын
You should also mention PS Audio’s great trade-in program. If you have a piece of gear in working order and it’s original MSP is $1000 you can put up to $1000 trade-in credit towards the purchase of the $3999 Stellar Gold DAC which makes the purchase $2999.
@psyphonyxaudio
Ай бұрын
Sounds like a good improvement on this unit. That parallel DAC topology seems to be a valuable way to handle the signal.. coupled with that linear PSU.
@66westbound
Ай бұрын
Great review Jay, very helpful as I shop around for my next dac. Right now I am using PS Audio Gain Cell dac-preamp, & it works great. The Stellar Gold would make a nice upgrade.
@MW-nb4dv
Ай бұрын
It would be great to see you review the matching preamp more. I'd love to see it compared to the Athena. And if there are others with multiple balanced inputs worth looking at.
@Jayiyagi
Ай бұрын
I will be! Make sure you are subscribed so you don't miss it ;)
@jerrysnead2842
Ай бұрын
I have it, sold my BHK when I compared them, nuff said
@jerrysnead2842
Ай бұрын
Love mine, compared directly to the MKII and preferred it. I could see how many would like the "more" analog sound of the MKII though
@DrNoahBoddy004
Ай бұрын
It’s a nice digital-to-analog converter. If, and when PS Audio ever has a semi-annual sales event, I’ll purchase one, in a flash. It’s until then, I’ll continue listening to my CD collection through my tried, and true Marantz DV-7001 dvd player.🌹
@sloboat55
Ай бұрын
Excellent descriptions . My Tradutto has been in my rig over two years, its on fire.
@macmansantana7736
Ай бұрын
The 2008 McIntosh MCD 500 used one of the first ESS 8 channel DACS in differential mode. Nothing new here.
@Sagaris380
Ай бұрын
Thanks for the review. That explains your comment on my post the other day lol. I can't wait to get this into my system!
@VanHohenheim1904
Ай бұрын
Any plans on getting their bookshelf speakers in for review?
@Jayiyagi
Ай бұрын
yes I have my eyes on the FR5. Heard them at Axpona and was floored!
@titntin5178
Ай бұрын
Thanks Jay, it was interesting to hear your thoughts on this Dac, which I've certainly considered in the past and would like to hear one day. I'm very happy with my Chord M-scaler, Hugo TT2 combo, but I like what PS audio are doing with Octave records and their free radio station and I'd like to listen to one of their units and invest one day - maybe the Air stream will become my front end when I can afford a new streamer (though the HiFi Rose R130 is also top of the list). Thanks for your reviews, always a good watch
@mehmetcamat4458
Ай бұрын
If possible I would appreciate if you can review the LiAV Harmony DAC
@Jayiyagi
Ай бұрын
its been in the works! An interesting dac for sure
@vanbuitran1746
Ай бұрын
@@Jayiyagi quick question, do you think LaiV Harmony same tier in sound quality to Holo May/Terminator Plus/Rockna wavedream? It very hype right now. Thank you so much
@bradstone2603
Ай бұрын
I run four parallel DAC's, powered by four separate battery power supplies, eventually it will also receive it's signal via four separate optically isolated connections. I'm also experimenting with galvanic isolation on the output, but I'm not expecting a phenomenal difference from that...
@joeythedime1838
Ай бұрын
Nice review. Wondering how do you think the Airlens with the Stellar Gold DAC sound signature compares to HiFi Rose RS150B?
@stijnvanderlooy5311
Ай бұрын
Hmm. Wondering how this compares to a holo spring 3 kte + preamp board. Holo is nos... ps audio seems a really good brand
@Jayiyagi
Ай бұрын
To me, they are actually quite similar of a sound BUT I find Holo audio to be "softer" around the edges while the ps audio sounds more "meaty" and textured
@stijnvanderlooy5311
Ай бұрын
@@Jayiyagi that is great to hear. Maybe the PS would be an upgrade for some, including me. Great review. Thank you
@jasonhilliker2266
Ай бұрын
Have you heard the Weiss 204 DAC? Would be an interesting comparison, as it appears to be a similar design. Hoff talked me into going Weiss for the true to recording sound.
@mitchellburns92
Ай бұрын
Mate he has new fav dac every review
@anthonysaturno8265
Ай бұрын
Great review!
@milkman100001
Ай бұрын
the mk 2 bhk dace is fantastic too.a huge upgrade from the mk 1
@johnshepherd708
Ай бұрын
Their prices seem very steep for a direct to consumer model. They are making the manufacturing, distribution and dealer margins and yet are at the top of market.
@Jayiyagi
Ай бұрын
I agree that the price is steep and wish it can be lower
@johnkim3674
Ай бұрын
Great review as always. I bought the Doge DAC you reviewed a while back and you’ve earned my trust since then. Now I have an itch to upgrade. My current set up is Lumin U1 mini w/ Prado power supply, Burmester 032 intergrated and SF Serafino G2s, what DAC would you recommend? Thanks again and keep it up!
@Jayiyagi
Ай бұрын
Doge Dac is hard to beat for the price! I would say maybe look at ANK or Audio Note Dacs but be prepared to spend way more for an audible upgrade!
@johnmcdevitt9797
Ай бұрын
How would it compare to the McIntosh MDA200, same price point, quad balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit dac and preamp. I like the PRaT focused type sound signature from delta sigma chips. Test tracks like Michael Jackson - Billie Jean and Pixies - Where is My Mind, should sound like the way rice crispy treats taste, sweat with a snap, crackle, and pop! It needs rock factor the soft lovely dovey tunes are for R2R dacs and triodes, you switch up your kit for that style
@Zoomerland
17 күн бұрын
I too have never owned a PSA product in my 50 years of audiophile journey. Reviews for decades enjoy and recommend their products, and I love Paul and his videos, but Jay is not in Love with this dac. It is "more enjoyable"
@craigenputtock
Ай бұрын
As another KZitem hifi personality says, "Look inside a component and see if the value is there or not." And there is not $4K worth of value in that thing.
@Jayiyagi
Ай бұрын
if you are not an engineer, it is really a perceptual value by opening it up and start judging. It's like opening up a high-end watch or car that was made for simple long term no fail operation and going "well there's not enough metal and parts in this thing to justify the price!" I've had far too many experiences in hifi where a more "empty" component straight up demolished many other "fuller" brick weight components. A good example of that is the PS audio Stellar Gold here but also the audible illusion 2b pre-amplifier comes to mind
@cvalk
Ай бұрын
@@JayiyagiI agree with your sentiment and also appreciated your second example (Audible Illusions). Coincidentally, my setup is a Denafrips IRIS connected to PS Stellar Gold DAC via I2S > Audible Illusions Modulus M3B pre > Prima Luna EV0 300 amp. Both the M3B and Stellar Gold have an elegant simplicity to them and sound phenomenal. The only issue I have is that the high gain of the M3B combined with the stepped attenuator volume controls makes it hard to dial in an ideal listening volume without engaging the digital volume control on the Stellar Gold. I tried RCA -10db attenuators going into the amp, but I feel they degrade the sound. In your review, are you saying that on the Stellar Gold, when you enable the digital volume control (i.e. not locked to 100%), that it enables a discrete preamp circuit that's not otherwise used? Or, another way of phrasing it, with digital volume control enabled but set to 100%, is the DAC operating any differently then with the digital volume control disabled and locked to 100%? If so, that's very interesting and something I didn't know prior to watching this review.
@dougdavis8986
Ай бұрын
Review the Stellar Strata integrated with its new phono stage please.
@paulmorris1225
Ай бұрын
So, to your ears, and given that you worked for Audio Excellence and had access to the full PS Audio range, this betters the DirectStream?
@Jayiyagi
Ай бұрын
Previous gen
@Xquielkun
Ай бұрын
Great video Jay! When you compared the stelar against terminator II and its soundstage, did you tried them side by side with same components?
@Jayiyagi
Ай бұрын
it was the terminator plus (my previous reference dac) that I compared to and yes it was in the same setting
@Xquielkun
Ай бұрын
@@Jayiyagithank you! As always loving your videos, keep it up! 😉
@joostn8w8nachtvlinder75
Ай бұрын
why is tte rim on top of the capacitator(left from front) bend upwards?
@barneyrubble9309
Ай бұрын
Paul comes across as the kind uncle who has all the answers... He's not and he doesn't. At a hifi show they had their top line speakers wired out of phase and never noticed untill a listener pointed it out to them...the fact they couldn't tell themselves says a lot in my book.
@Jayiyagi
Ай бұрын
nobody really has all the answers and it's very common for manufactures under show settings to make mistakes like this. I've been an exhibitor at a show and had to work many extra hours with less than optimal time left over for sleep and food. You see an exhibitor making a mistake? Let them know privately and be kind. I'ts not a huge deal
@Coneman3
Ай бұрын
I wasn’t impressed with their sound at a Hifi show.
@jerrysnead2842
Ай бұрын
@Jayiyagi yep worked Capitol Audiofest a few years, very hard and tiring
@I-tg4dr
Ай бұрын
@@Jayiyagi why privately? because you are a paid shitty reviewer
@Jayiyagi
Ай бұрын
@@I-tg4dr because Karen, it’s simply human courtesy. It has nothing to do with being a reviewer or paid shill. Wiring things out of phase by accident happens at shows, in our homes, in custom installations and it is really nothing to fuss over, as like I said it’s an easy accident and can be easily amended. If you are going to make a big fuss over someone making a mistake at a high stress show setting, you better be damn sure that you are the most perfect at what you do and have never made any minor mistakes during your life time. And if you believe that, go get help. Also I’ll remind you once again that my reviews are not paid unless specified with disclaimers as I have always done with sponsored contents which make up less than 1 percent of my videos.
@bebbop
Ай бұрын
Hi Jay. There are any chances to test Axxess L1? Probably the cheapest stand-mount speakers developed by Borresen.
@Jayiyagi
Ай бұрын
I don't have any plans to review that speaker but I'll give it a try later!
@iokuse8498
Ай бұрын
Are those real 🌺🌹 flowers? Iike that
@marekkouril7134
Ай бұрын
Hi, have you heard Gustard A26 (2x AK4499EX)?
@kenwong9796
Ай бұрын
What is that block of aluminum on the floor?
@JD-mm4ub
Ай бұрын
What PS Audio components have you listened to?
@Jayiyagi
Ай бұрын
many many over the years. Too many to remember all the models and name them all
@laowho
Ай бұрын
look like they have a convert
@Ricky-cl5bu
Ай бұрын
You can’t get ps audio in UK we have Naim Rega etc
@alreyes121
Ай бұрын
You can get PS Audio gear from Signature Audio Systems UK.
@flyergowest
Ай бұрын
👍
@roberthaysley4245
Ай бұрын
Jay you need a thesaurus, you are using the word plethora way too much. If Howard Cosell hadn’t pulled it out of mothballs it would still not be in use.
@Ylojaketz
Ай бұрын
Can’t relate to PS Audio products. I’m not their demographic. Never let it be said that they don’t know how to price their products. Not suggesting the price doesn’t fairly represent what’s stuffed inside. Just everything is beyond what I’m willing to spend for what’s on offer.
@JohnLee-db9zt
Ай бұрын
Crisp? Meatiness? Is this a food critics channel? 😂
@wimvangogh6626
Ай бұрын
The multiple dac-story is in fact bull shit. It is one dac chip with 8 canals, and the these canals are used seperatly.. Matrix uses the same technology in in its Sabre X 3. I look forward to see the Matrix and PS compared!
@suwatt6019
Ай бұрын
Hi Jay, Im a serious audiophile and expect serious answers to my question. 1) I run the Pontus II DAC and my source is the Sonore opticalRendu renderer. I use a DDC out to the Pontus via i2s 2) My preamp is the PS Audio BHK running the Ray 12AU7 tubes (Highly recommended btw). Power amp is Pass Labs X350.8 and speakers Dynaudio Contour 20i's. 3) Would upgrade to Gold Stelller be synergy upgrade for my syst3m? 4) Thanks jay - please answer me. Ill tip you.
@Jayiyagi
Ай бұрын
Hey Suwat. I already answered you on the patreon telegram chat. The answer is no. I do not think your system will particularly benefit from adding the Gold Stellar DAC. Mainly due to the fact that your speakers (the dynaudios) are also similar in the direction of sound. In other words, I think it will be too much of a good thing leaning towards warmer or darker, which we know isn't you taste. BHK is fine, it is different than the gold stellar and does compliment your system well in my opinion. I would try different tubes though
@audiorick841
Ай бұрын
Dude you should probably try and keep it a little lighter… no need for such imperative demands. It can be a serious hobby but it should remain pleasant and fun. 😊
@dajikbatarang1
Ай бұрын
Someone owes Jay a tip
@Simplyveej
Ай бұрын
You sound entitled. Not sure you’ve done anything to expect anything.
@dougdavis8986
Ай бұрын
Dork
@stephenbailey9969
Ай бұрын
Power supply, processing and filtering for the dac chip, output stage all play a part in the sound. But calling this dac an 'octo' is a used car salesman's lie. It may be the best sounding PS Audio to date, but I wouldn't pay a dime to that company.
@jtfoto1
Ай бұрын
And your reason being?.
@stephenbailey9969
Ай бұрын
@@jtfoto1 With another company's much less expensive 'octo' being eight actual chips, this is a PS salesman's lie. This particular ESS chip isn't even the top of the line. Throw your money away if you want, but no thank you from me.
@Jayiyagi
Ай бұрын
@@stephenbailey9969 can you let me know which other company you are referring to?
@stephenbailey9969
Ай бұрын
@@Jayiyagi Topping D70 octo, the SMSL version that uses a CS chip has 12 chips, and their SU X uses two top of the line ESS chips. If PS Audio wants to be a premium company, then why cheap out on the chip sets? Doesn't make sense except in their profit margin.
@kouichi4
Ай бұрын
Vezzoso recently released the 8 x 9039pro and 8 x AK4499.
@gianboomer
Ай бұрын
I haven’t had a single good ps audio experience 🤷🏽♂️. Sorry to Paul. I really like his content just didn’t the gear
@Scottlp2
Ай бұрын
Because? Eg too warm and you like bright? Other sound qualities? Quality issues?
@mounirehab
Ай бұрын
Very poor finish , components & connectors .. even if it sounds good ...
@chrismacdonald4570
Ай бұрын
Well since it is audio the sound good part is the part that counts.
@DNSWRLD
Ай бұрын
@@chrismacdonald4570🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
@dukajoe
Ай бұрын
Next time they'll use unobtanium instead of gold
@jerrysnead2842
Ай бұрын
Have you held or used one because I have so your wrong
@mounirehab
Ай бұрын
Then if TOYOTA is running good it's equivalent to FERRARI !!!@chrismacdonald4570
@stevemd8947
Ай бұрын
I own multiple PS Audio components. I had the Gold DAC in my system. My R2R buried the Gold DAC - Typical DS sound. R2R is superior. The filters, chips and isolation are not new technology. I would be skeptical of this review.
@Jayiyagi
Ай бұрын
That’s great that you liked your R2R Dac more. Which R2R dac were you referring to?
@jasonbartelstone4193
Ай бұрын
Tell me you hate PS Audio without telling me you hate PS Audio.
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