WOW! PS Audio Stellar Gold "PARALLEL" DAC is an R2R DAC KILLER!

[@Jayiyagi]

*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: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKurcqeHh7CEmdU Aurender N20: aurender.com/home/n20/ Video: Coming Soon Eversolo DMP A6: dreamediaav.com/products/eversolo-dmp-a6?ref=6 Video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4S9qYB6rcajo5Isi=iHJeGOSNHRlnAO0e NAT Transmitter Monoblock: www.nataudio.com/products/vacuum-tube-power-amplifiers/transmitter-hps.html Video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6iwqmmvi8dggsk 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: kzbin.info/aero/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]

To many 9's / 6's in the price. I'd pay 4000 for it, not a dollar less.

[@jazzabana]

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]

@@jazzabana ouuu. Will do. Thanks!

[@dajikbatarang1]

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]

Would you buy this DAC for $4000 or a Refreshed DirectStream DAC MK1 for around $1500? ($6000 before)

[@brentshock3787]

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]

Thank you!

[@suwatt6019]

@@brentshock3787 He's almost 30, young man lmao!

[@John-Edward]

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!! 😎

[@thepickyaudiophile]

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!) 😊

[@extracla55ic]

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]

Hi Jay, great review. Thank you for showing the inside of the unit.

[@Charles12509]

I have regained confidence in you Jay, a very honest review…keep,it up ..

[@michaelwright1602]

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]

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.

[@66westbound]

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.

[@riccitone]

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]

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]

Interesting I was tempted yo try the Laiv dac but I like my SGD since it has 2 I2S inputs

[@redstarwraith]

PS audio's Stellar phono preamp is another piece that is very, very good.

[@yerfdogjohnny]

Yes it is. I owned one for a few years. My guess is that they are working on a new phono preamp.

[@psyphonyxaudio]

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.

[@DrNoahBoddy004]

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.🌹

[@titntin5178]

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

[@stephannordmann5346]

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]

@@stephannordmann5346 I’ve been curious about that one. Even more about the newer pre and power amp offerings from Nuprime 👍🏼👍🏼

[@BaileyWiggebutt]

Agree about the Nuprime.

[@MW-nb4dv]

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]

I will be! Make sure you are subscribed so you don't miss it ;)

[@jerrysnead2842]

I have it, sold my BHK when I compared them, nuff said

[@Sagaris380]

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!

[@hermannschmidt9788]

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]

I’ve heard some good things about the x30 especially when compared with the terminator

[@jerrysnead2842]

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

[@joeythedime1838]

Nice review. Wondering how do you think the Airlens with the Stellar Gold DAC sound signature compares to HiFi Rose RS150B?

[@sloboat55]

Excellent descriptions . My Tradutto has been in my rig over two years, its on fire.

[@yerfdogjohnny]

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.

[@王翊慈-d5k]

hi jay , just hoping you can recommend some compact speakers like under 4.5 inches woofer , much thanks

[@bradstone2603]

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...

[@Scotiak]

Jay - have you tried the Black Ice tube Dac.

[@VanHohenheim1904]

Any plans on getting their bookshelf speakers in for review?

[@Jayiyagi]

yes I have my eyes on the FR5. Heard them at Axpona and was floored!

[@johnkim3674]

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]

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!

[@jasonhilliker2266]

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]

Mate he has new fav dac every review

[@macmansantana7736]

The 2008 McIntosh MCD 500 used one of the first ESS 8 channel DACS in differential mode. Nothing new here.

[@paulmorris1225]

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]

Previous gen

[@milkman100001]

the mk 2 bhk dace is fantastic too.a huge upgrade from the mk 1

[@johnshepherd708]

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]

I agree that the price is steep and wish it can be lower

[@Xquielkun]

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]

it was the terminator plus (my previous reference dac) that I compared to and yes it was in the same setting

[@Xquielkun]

@@Jayiyagithank you! As always loving your videos, keep it up! 😉

[@stijnvanderlooy5311]

Hmm. Wondering how this compares to a holo spring 3 kte + preamp board. Holo is nos... ps audio seems a really good brand

[@Jayiyagi]

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]

@@Jayiyagi that is great to hear. Maybe the PS would be an upgrade for some, including me. Great review. Thank you

[@anthonysaturno8265]

Great review!

[@mehmetcamat4458]

If possible I would appreciate if you can review the LiAV Harmony DAC

[@Jayiyagi]

its been in the works! An interesting dac for sure

[@vanbuitran1746]

​@@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

[@craigenputtock]

As another KZbin 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]

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]

@@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.

[@joostn8w8nachtvlinder75]

why is tte rim on top of the capacitator(left from front) bend upwards?

[@johnmcdevitt9797]

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

[@barneyrubble9309]

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]

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]

I wasn’t impressed with their sound at a Hifi show.

[@jerrysnead2842]

​@Jayiyagi yep worked Capitol Audiofest a few years, very hard and tiring

[@I-tg4dr]

@@Jayiyagi why privately? because you are a paid shitty reviewer

[@Jayiyagi]

@@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]

Hi Jay. There are any chances to test Axxess L1? Probably the cheapest stand-mount speakers developed by Borresen.

[@Jayiyagi]

I don't have any plans to review that speaker but I'll give it a try later!

[@kenwong9796]

What is that block of aluminum on the floor?

[@iokuse8498]

Are those real 🌺🌹 flowers? Iike that

[@marekkouril7134]

Hi, have you heard Gustard A26 (2x AK4499EX)?

[@Zoomerland]

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"

[@dougdavis8986]

Review the Stellar Strata integrated with its new phono stage please.

[@JD-mm4ub]

What PS Audio components have you listened to?

[@Jayiyagi]

many many over the years. Too many to remember all the models and name them all

[@Ricky-cl5bu]

You can’t get ps audio in UK we have Naim Rega etc

[@alreyes121]

You can get PS Audio gear from Signature Audio Systems UK.

[@laowho]

look like they have a convert

[@suwatt6019]

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]

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]

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]

Someone owes Jay a tip

[@Simplyveej]

You sound entitled. Not sure you’ve done anything to expect anything.

[@dougdavis8986]

Dork

[@Ylojaketz]

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.

[@roberthaysley4245]

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.

[@flyergowest]

👍

[@JohnLee-db9zt]

Crisp? Meatiness? Is this a food critics channel? 😂

[@wimvangogh6626]

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!

[@stevemd8947]

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]

That’s great that you liked your R2R Dac more. Which R2R dac were you referring to?

[@annebokma4637]

No HDMI? 😂

[@gianboomer]

I haven’t had a single good ps audio experience 🤷🏽‍♂️. Sorry to Paul. I really like his content just didn’t the gear

[@Scottlp2]

Because? Eg too warm and you like bright? Other sound qualities? Quality issues?

[@stephenbailey9969]

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]

And your reason being?.

[@stephenbailey9969]

@@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]

@@stephenbailey9969 can you let me know which other company you are referring to?

[@stephenbailey9969]

@@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]

Vezzoso recently released the 8 x 9039pro and 8 x AK4499.

[@mounirehab]

Very poor finish , components & connectors .. even if it sounds good ...

[@chrismacdonald4570]

Well since it is audio the sound good part is the part that counts.

[@DNSWRLD]

​@@chrismacdonald4570🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@dukajoe]

Next time they'll use unobtanium instead of gold

[@jerrysnead2842]

Have you held or used one because I have so your wrong

[@mounirehab]

Then if TOYOTA is running good it's equivalent to FERRARI !!!​@chrismacdonald4570

[@jasonbartelstone4193]

Tell me you hate PS Audio without telling me you hate PS Audio.

[@Jayiyagi]

Idk how you got that impression 🤷‍♂️

[@lights80088]

PS audio way to expensive.

[@I-tg4dr]

rubbish dac in terms of sound and build quality!!