Description
Gato Audio PRE-1 : Preamplifier
Since the introduction of the PWR-222 mono power amplifiers we have craved for a fully balanced reference preamplifier to match the ultimate quality of the PWR-222‘s – to finally reach their real performance ceiling. Therefore, it is with great pleasure that we introduce to you the PRE-1: a dual mono, fully balanced reference preamplifier with optional Phono stage, SABRE DAC and Streaming modules available.
One of 99 Originals – Limited Edition
For delivery in November 2022, we are building 99 PRE-1 Preamplifiers. These are all limited edition units with an extended and transferable 10 year warranty, and a special One of 99 Originals engraving.
Fully Balanced
Straight from the input and all the way through the PRE-1 the circuits are of balanced design. This means even through the critical volume attenuation and all in and outputs we’re maintaining fully symmetrical design, ensuring super low noise and distortion, preservation of every small detail – leaving a 3D soundstage, combined with natural and smooth musical presentation like you’ve never heard before…
Dual Mono
The PRE-1 features a dual mono design philosophy, splitting out left and right signal in each side of the preamplifier, each with its own dedicated low noise power supply for all analog circuits. Shared circuits are used only for logic and control, including the heavy duty 32-bit Coldfire microprocessor overseeing all operations inside the PRE-1.
Fully Configurable
The bright and clear OLED display offers a more personalized operation than ever on a Gato Audio product, as all inputs can be named specifically by the user. The attenuation offset can likewise be set for each input individually, saying goodbye to the annoyance of low level sources. These are all small details that make the life with the PRE-1 just a tad nicer.
More Options
Although the features of the basic PRE-1 arequite extensive, it offers two slots for additional feature boards. We are offering three extensions boards to choose from:
- ESS-1 SABRE DAC board supporting MQA, DSD and 32/384kHz PCM
- MMC-1 phono stage supporting MM and Current Mode MC input
- NPM-2 Roon Ready network streamer supporting TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect and other services (this is only available together with the ESS-1 board)
Preorder Perks!
Be one of the first 99 original owners of the PRE-1 by preordering now. You will get a special edition with the following perks:
- 10 Years of Extended Warranty
- Special Limited Edition unit marked with “One of 99 Originals”
- Delivery in November 2022
Features:
- Fully balanced design
- 5 analog input, 3xRCA and 2xXLR
- 2 analog outputs, 1xRCA and 1xXLR
- Gain and name setting for each input with memory
- Two option slots for upgrade modules:
- ESS-1 Dac module:
- Sabre DAC, ESS9038PRO chip:
- MQA support
- DSD up to 256
- 1xUSB, 2xToslink, 2xRCA
- ESS-1 Dac module:
-
- MMC-1 Phonostage module:
- MM/MC
- Adjustable capacitance load
- Adjustable gain
- MMC-1 Phonostage module:
-
- NPM-2 Streaming module (only together with ESS-1 option):
- Roon Ready
- Tidal Connect
- Spotify Connect
- Qobuz
- Deezer
- Internet radio
- DNLA/UPNP
- MQA
- DSD
- NPM-2 Streaming module (only together with ESS-1 option):
- Volume controlled headphone output, 6,3mm Jack
- Combi display with OLED and analog meter
- 12V standby trigger
- Remote controlled
- Designed, developed and built in Copenhagen, Denmark
Specifications :Â Gato Audio PRE-1
OUTPUT LINE LEVEL | Unbalanced: 2.2V (0dB) 6V Max, Balanced: 4.4V (0dB) 12V Max |
---|---|
VOLTAGE GAIN | 10dB |
THD + N | 0.001% |
SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO | 120dB |
TRIGGER | 12V in and out |
CONNECTORS |
|
UNBALANCED ANALOGUE INPUTS | 3 pairs of gold-plated RCA stereo |
BALANCED ANALOGUE INPUTS | 2 pairs gold-plated XLR Neutrik |
UNBALANCED ANALOGUE OUTPUT | 1 pair of gold-plated RCA stereo |
BALANCED ANALOGUE OUTPUT | 1 pair gold-plated XLR Neutrik |
UNBALANCED HEADPHONE OUTPUT | 1 pc 6,3mm jack (with volume control) |
TRIGGER, 12 V – IN | 1 pc mini jack |
TRIGGER, 12 V – OUT | 2 pcs mini jack |
COMMUNICATION | 1 pc mini jack |
OPTIONAL ESS-1 DAC MODULE | 1xUSB, 2xToslink, 2xRCA |
OPTIONAL MMC-1 PHONOSTAGE MODULE | 1 pair of gold-plated RCA stereo |
OPTIONAL NPM-2 NETWORK MODULE (ONLY TOGETHER WITH ESS-1 OPTION) | 2xUSB, 1xEthernet, 1xAntenna |
SIZE AND WEIGHT |
|
POWER REQUIREMENTS | 115 VAC/230 VAC, 50 Hz/60 Hz, <60W max |
POWER CONSUMPTION STDB/IDLE/MAX | < 1W/30W/<60W |
DIMENSIONS (WXHXD) | 325 x 105 x 420 mm / 12.8 x 4.1 x 16.5″ |
WEIGHT | 10 kg / 22 lb |