RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
At US$700, this PS Audio STELLAR preamplifier is a genuine bargain, sitting well below the 25th percentile of US$855 from the 10 recent comparable USD listings where the median is US$913. This price is not just fair; it’s a strong deal that demands immediate attention from any savvy hi-fi buyer. The listing’s unknown condition note implies the seller may be uncertain about wear, but even accounting for that, US$700 is too low to ignore for a product known for its exceptional transparency, low distortion, and seamless integration with PS Audio’s DACs.
This STELLAR is well-regarded for delivering reference-level performance without the premium price tag, offering timing precision, rich midrange, and deep bass control that rivals units costing twice as much. Its original-owner condition (if true) and likely included power cord and manuals add meaningful upside, making this a clear buying opportunity rather than a risk. At this price, even minor age concerns or missing accessories pale in comparison to the value, and the product’s clean design and robust build further justify its reputation as a favorite among enthusiasts.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
PS Audio, a pioneering American hi-fi brand, traces its roots to 1973 when co-founder Paul McGowan launched the company in California alongside Stan Warren. Emerging from the analog golden age, it debuted with a standalone phono preamplifier, reflecting McGowan's early passion for vinyl playback honed through radio station connections and encounters with audio enthusiasts. The brand quickly evolved, embracing digital audio in the 1980s by releasing one of the first high-end CD players, the PS Audio CD-1, soon after Philips and Sony introduced the format.
Today, PS Audio specializes in premium electronics, including power amplifiers, preamplifiers, digital-to-analog converters (DACs), and integrated amplifiers, with a hallmark focus on power conditioning via innovative AC regenerators known as Power Plants. These devices, born from Stan Warren's mid-1980s discovery that oversized transformers enhance audio performance, remain a cornerstone. The lineup also encompasses digital lenses for refining streaming and disc playback, alongside select analog components, though it eschews speakers, headphones, turntables, or cables.
Positioned firmly in the high-end market, PS Audio commands respect among discerning audiophiles for its bold engineering and unwavering pursuit of musical purity. Celebrating 50 years in 2023, it occupies a niche as an innovator rather than a mass-market player, appealing to buyers who prioritize transformative power delivery and digital refinement in sophisticated systems.
See all PS Audio listings on RADAR.
