Gato Audio PRD-3S NPM - preamplifier, DAC & Network Player (walnut)

Gato Audio PRD-3S NPM - preamplifier, DAC & Network Player 

The anchor point in our reference pre- and power amplifier system now offers the option of our NPM streaming module. It makes the preamplifier capable of wireless streaming from various internet services and local networks.

Smooth analogue music
The analogue input stage is where everything begins. It not only connects external inputs and the built-in D/A converter with the output stage, it adapts impedances, adjusts levels and switches signals. A super-gentle embrace of the delicate analogue signals is important for the total performance of the preamplifier. At Gato Audio we have utilized our many years of experience in "voicing" analogue amplifiers to make this particular stage perform at its very best. We tuned the input stage to perform with a natural and lifelike sound, affecting the original signal as little as possible.

More than just a Preamp
The built-in D/A converter offers real high end performance, enabled by the use of a dedicated power supply, a balanced-drive Burr-Brown PCM1794 D/A converter, an optimized high bandwidth I/V converter, and an analogue stage with low-Q, low pass filters. All digital inputs are upsampled to 24bit/192kHz. This D/A converter will upgrade any digital source - such as wired or wireless streaming from your computer or CD drive - to a high end level of detail and musical performance.

Versatility and Connectivity
We had our eye on versatility and connectivity when designing this preamplifier. The PRD-3S offers not only a wide range of digital and analogue inputs, but also line outputs, a trigger signal for external power amplifiers, and a configurable home theater input. The HT input can turn the preamplifier into a fixed level preamplifier for use in a surround setup, without compromising the sonic performance.

NPM - Network Player Module
The built in NPM is a powerfull way of transforming the PRD-3S into a high end network streamer. It connects to the network by Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi, and is controlled by a smartphone or tablet app or as a Roon endpoint. The following services are directly supported:

• Roon Ready
• Tidal
• Qobuz
• Deezer
• DLNA UpNP

Roon Ready
Roon is an incredibly rich and engaging way to browse and organize your music. It runs on most Mac, Windows, and Linux PCs, or on other products which include Roon Core. Being Roon Ready means that Gato Audio network players transparently discover and connect to Roon without any configuration, and bit-perfect audio is delivered from Roon to your network player. Together, Roon and Gato Audio deliver the power, flexibility, and performance of networked audio, with the easiest setup and highest reliability available.

High Definition Bluetooth
The Bluetooth input of the NPM supports aptX™ HD 24Bit audio. This means that your DIA-400S is able to receive audio from every smartphone or tablet app in a "better-than-CD" quality.

Features:

• Built in Roon Ready Network Player, App controlled with integrated Tidal, Qobuz and Deezer
• Network connection with Ethernet cable or WiFi (WPS supported)
• Audio formats: MQA (Roon), AAC, AIFF, MP3, FLAC, WAV, WMA, Apple Lossless, OGG, Monkey's, Supports gapless playback
• Built in 24bit/192kHz D/A converter with upsampling
• Coax and asynchronous USB digital input up to 24bit/192kHz, optical up to 24bit/96kHz
• aptX HD Bluetooth 4.2 receiver, supports 24bit/48kHz
• Two unbalanced and one balanced inputs
• One unbalanced and two balanced outputs
• Nonmagnetic enclosure
• Direct function; enables use in home theater sytems
• Designed, developed and build in Copenhagen, Denmark

Specification:

FREQUENCY RESPONSE	20 Hz-100 kHz - 0.5 dB
SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO	> 110 dB
LINE OUT MAXIMUM LEVEL	13V balanced, 6,5V unbalanced
TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION	< 0,001% pre out
INPUT IMPEDANCE	20 kO RCA or 40 kO Balanced
LINE OUTPUT IMPEDANCE	75 O
VOLTAGE GAIN	10 dB
CONNECTORS
BALANCED ANALOGUE INPUTS	1 pair gold plated XLR Neutrik
UNBALANCED ANALOGUE INPUTS	2 pairs of gold plated RCA Stereo
DIGITAL INPUTS	1 pc USB type B, 1 pc Toslink, 1 pc RCA, 1 pc Ethernet, 1 pc WiFi, 1 pc aptX HD Bluetooth 4.2
BALANCED ANALOGUE OUTPUTS	2 pairs gold plated XLR Neutrik
UNBALANCED ANALOGUE OUTPUTS	1 pair of gold plated RCA Stereo
TRIGGER, 12 V	1 pc mini jack
SIZE AND WEIGHT
POWER REQUIREMENTS	115 VAC/230 VAC, 50 Hz/60 Hz, 30W max
POWER CONSUMPTION STDB/IDLE/MAX	< 1W/14W/30W
DIMENSIONS (WXHXD)	325 x 105 x 420 mm / 12.8 x 4.1 x 16.5"
WEIGHT	7 kg / 15.4 lb

 PRD-3S Awards: