Gato Audio PRE-1 Preamplifier, Custom Colour High Gloss

The Gato Audio PRE-1 is a dual-mono, fully balanced reference preamplifier from the Danish manufacturer Gato Audio.

Gato developed it as an equal partner to the PWR-222 mono power amplifiers: balanced throughout, with separate power supplies per channel, an OLED display with an analogue VU meter, freely nameable inputs and a dedicated headphone amplifier. Two expansion slots keep it open for the future. Supplied as a single unit.

Why the Gato Audio PRE-1?

Because it leaves the signal as untouched as almost no other preamp. The PRE-1 is fully balanced from input to output – including the tricky volume control – and built on the dual-mono principle: the left and right channels each have their own low-noise power supply, with shared circuitry only for logic and control. The result is figures that speak for themselves: 120 dB signal-to-noise ratio, 0.001 % distortion and over 113 dB of channel separation. Using the OLED display, you name each input and set a level offset per source – no more volume jumps between a quiet phono source and a loud digital one. And because a 32-bit microprocessor only handles logic and operation, the signal path stays purely analogue. Designed and built in Copenhagen.

What you'll hear

A great deal of quiet, and a soundstage that genuinely opens up in width and depth. Because the PRE-1 contributes almost no noise or sonic character of its own, voices and instruments stand tangibly in the room, and micro-dynamics and delicate reverb tails are preserved. Paired with powerful power amplifiers – above all the Gato PWR-222 – it performs at reference level: controlled, natural, effortless.

Who is the PRE-1 for – and who isn't it for?

Straight talk: the PRE-1 is for anyone who favours separate components and wants a transparent, fully balanced reference preamp as the hub of their system – with five inputs, a headphone output and room to expand. If you'd rather have streaming and a DAC built in from the start, the PRD-3S NPM or a DIA-NPM integrated amplifier serves you more directly: the base PRE-1 is a purely analogue line preamp. And if you only run a single source, you're buying more preamp than you'll ever need here – lovely, but generously specified.

Can I add phono, DAC or streaming?

Yes. Two expansion slots accept optional Gato modules: an MM/MC phono stage (MMC-1), a SABRE DAC (ESS-1) and a Roon Ready streamer (NPM-2, only together with the DAC module). That way, the PRE-1 grows with your system. We're happy to discuss with you which expansion makes sense for you.

Our verdict

A Danish reference preamplifier that combines understatement with uncompromising engineering: fully balanced, dual-mono, extremely quiet – and the natural partner to the PWR-222 power amplifiers. Want to know whether the PRE-1 fits your chain? Tell us which power amplifiers, speakers and sources you're running – we at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil will advise you on the combination and sensible module expansion, and set it up properly during installation.

Technical data – Gato Audio PRE-1

• Type: dual-mono, fully balanced reference preamplifier (analogue)
• Output level: 2.2 V (0 dB) / 10 V max (RCA); 4.4 V (0 dB) / 20 V max (balanced)
• Voltage gain: 10 dB
• Total harmonic distortion (THD+N): 0.001 %
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 120 dB (A-weighted)
• Channel separation: > 113 dB
• Output impedance: 100 Ω
• Max. input level: 8 V (RCA) / 16 V (balanced)
• Input impedance: 20 kΩ (RCA and balanced)
• Frequency response: 7 Hz – 650 kHz (−0.3 dB)
• Analogue inputs: 3× RCA pair (RCA) + 2× XLR pair (Neutrik) – 5 inputs, gold-plated
• Analogue outputs: 1× RCA pair + 1× XLR pair (Neutrik), gold-plated
• Headphone output: 6.3 mm jack with volume control, output impedance 2.6 Ω
• Display & controls: OLED display + analogue VU meter, nameable inputs, level offset per input
• Expansion: 2 slots for optional Gato modules (MMC-1 phono MM/MC, ESS-1 SABRE DAC, NPM-2 streaming)
• Trigger: 12 V in + 2× out
• Power supply: 115/230 VAC, 50/60 Hz
• Power consumption: standby < 1 W, idle 50 W, max. < 90 W
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 32.5 × 10.5 × 42 cm
• Weight: 10 kg
• Finish: Custom Colour (individual high-gloss lacquer)
• Origin: designed and built in Copenhagen, Denmark
• Scope of delivery: single unit

Frequently asked questions

Is the PRE-1 fully balanced?

Yes, throughout. From the input through the volume control to the output, the PRE-1 remains balanced and is built on the dual-mono principle, with separate power supplies per channel. This delivers very low noise and low distortion – 120 dB signal-to-noise ratio and 0.001 % distortion.

Can I add phono, DAC or streaming later?

Yes. The PRE-1 has two expansion slots for optional Gato modules: an MM/MC phono stage, a SABRE DAC and a Roon Ready streamer (streaming only together with the DAC module). The base PRE-1 itself is a purely analogue line preamp – you add the modules as needed.

Will the PRE-1 suit my power amplifiers?

In all likelihood, yes. It offers balanced XLR and RCA outputs and a low output impedance of 100 Ω, so it can drive virtually any power amplifier. It was designed as a partner to the Gato PWR-222 mono power amplifiers, but works just as well with other amplifiers.

What finishes is the PRE-1 available in?

In Black, White and Walnut (real wood veneer), each with a high-gloss lid, and on request in an individual custom colour finish. That way it matches your speakers or your living space. Gato produces the custom colour finish to order.

Why buy the Gato Audio PRE-1 at HD Zürisee?

Because a preamplifier only really shines in the right environment – with matching power amplifiers, speakers and sensible module expansion. Here in Wädenswil, we work out the combination for your system, advise on expansion, and install everything with our own technician.

Goes well with: the right power amplifiers, high-quality floorstanding speakers and the right cables to connect them.