Gato Audio PRD-3S NPM: Roon Ready preamp featuring a high-precision DAC

The Gato Audio PRD-3S NPM is the company's first pre-amplifier to feature a high-precision DAC and USB port. The inputs are: optical and coaxial digital, two pairs of unbalanced analog RCA and one balanced XLR, as well as an asynchronous USB port, providing the most accurate data transfer from a computer or mobile device to date. For connection to a power amplifier, there are a pair of unbalanced output connectors on RCA and two balanced on XLR. A pair of latest generation Burr-Brown PCM1794 chips are used as a digital-to-analog converter, supporting input signal quality up to 24 bits, 192 kHz, and in addition to conversion, performing preliminary upsampling. Built-in NPM is a powerful way to transform the PRD-3S into a high-precision network streamer. It connects to the network via an Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi and is controlled by a smartphone or tablet app or as a Roon endpoint.

The Gato Audio PRD-3S NPM preamplifier features low analog noise, 24-bit/192kHz sampling conversion, oversampling of lower-quality recordings, and a very precise clock generator that provides ultra-low jitter for digital circuits.

Input analog circuits – the beginning of the beginning. They not only connect the input connectors and the built-in DAC along with the output stage, but also match the impedance, adjust the levels and switch signal sources. Accurate processing of delicate analog signals is very important to the overall sound of the preamp. Gato Audio's decades of experience in analog amplifier design have enabled them to create these demanding circuits with unparalleled sound quality. We tuned the input stage for a natural and lively sound, keeping the impact on the original signal to a minimum.

The built-in Digital-to-Analog Converter provides true High End performance thanks to a dedicated power supply, Burr-Brown PCM1794 chip with balanced output, an improved current-voltage converter with an extended frequency range and an analog part with a low-Q low-pass filter. All digital inputs can be upsampled to 24bit/192kHz. This DAC can elevate any digital source – such as wired or wireless streaming audio – to higher levels of detail and musicality.

During development, we paid special attention to the versatility and communicability of the device. The Gato Audio PRD-3S NPM not only offers a wide selection of digital and analog inputs, but also line outputs, a trigger for external power amplifiers, and a configurable home theater input. The home theater input can turn the Gato Audio PRD-3S NPM into a fixed-gain preamplifier for uncompromising sound when used in surround sound systems.

Updated models with the “S” index are not just improved versions of old ones, but rather new products based on the design of previous ones. We spent a year developing new DAC circuits and new input circuits, making changes to the output stages and power supplies. The firmware has also been updated and the connectors have been improved. Needless to say, the new amplifiers have noticeably improved sound quality: volume and picture have improved, calmness and detail are the key words to describe the changes.

The aptX® Bluetooth input built into every updated model offers a high-quality solution for receiving audio streams from your PC, tablet or phone. This is a simple and well-functioning wireless interface option that is used by many people in everyday life, giving flexibility when using amplifiers.

The following services are supported:

Roon Ready
Qobuz
Deezer
DLNA UpNP

Roon Ready: Roon is an incredibly rich and attractive way to view and organize your music. It runs on most Mac, Windows and Linux computers or other products that include Roon Core. “Roon Ready” means that Gato Audio network players transparently open 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 network audio, with the easiest setup and highest reliability.

Gato Audio PRD-3S NPM Specifications

Frequency Response 20Hz-100kHz – 0.5dB
Signal to Noise Ratio >110dB
Linear Maximum Level 13V balanced, 6.5V unbalanced
Total Harmonic Distortion <0.001%
Input Impedance 20k ohms RCA or 40 kOhm Balanced
Output line impedance 75 Ohm
Voltage gain 10 dB

Balanced analog inputs 1 pair gold-plated XLR Neutrik
Unbalanced analog inputs 2 pairs 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.
Balanced analog outputs 2 pairs gold-plated XLR Neutrik
Unbalanced analog outputs 1 pair gold-plated RCA Stereo
Trigger, 12V 1 pc. Mini-jack

Bit depth / sampling rate: 24 bit / 192 kHz
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, DLNA 1.5 and UPnP AV1.0, Roon Ready, multi room support
Integrated streaming services: TIDAL, Deezer, Qobuz
Supported audio formats: MQA (Roon), AAC, AIFF, MP3, FLAC, WAV, WMA, Apple Lossless, OGG, Monkey's, Supports gapless playback
Control application: Mconnect Control for iOS (iPhone and iPad) and Android (phones and tablets)
Network interfaces: Wireless: 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz, wired: Ethernet 10/100
Wi-Fi modes: Client mode, Soft AP Mode (virtual router)
Wi-Fi options: WPS support
Bluetooth: Version 4.2, aptX HD support ( 24bit, 48kHz)

Power requirements 115VAC/230VAC, 50Hz/60Hz, 30W max.
Power consumption stdb / idle / max <1 W / 14 W / 30 W
Dimensions (WxHxD) 325 x 105 x 420 mm
Weight 7 kg

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