Gato Audio PRD-3S NPM Streaming Preamplifier, Gloss Walnut

The Gato Audio PRD-3S NPM is a streaming preamplifier from the Danish manufacturer Gato Audio – with a built-in D/A converter and network player (NPM module). Supplied as a single unit.

It's the anchor point of Gato's reference pre-/power-amp system: a pure preamp with DAC and streaming that gathers your sources, sets clean levels, and passes them on to a separate power amplifier – such as the PWR-222 mono power amp.

Why the Gato Audio PRD-3S NPM?

Because separate pre- and power amps leave every task to a specialised unit. The PRD-3S bundles analogue and digital sources, a D/A converter and a network player in a demagnetised aluminium chassis – keeping the sensitive preamp signal away from the heat and power demands of a power amplifier. Balanced (XLR) as well as unbalanced (RCA) inputs and outputs with gold-plated Neutrik connectors allow any configuration; a 12V trigger coordinates switching on and off with the power amp.

What you get

A calm, neutral preamp with very low distortion (< 0.001 % at the pre-out) and built-in streaming – the control centre for a high-resolution pre-/power-amp system that you later scale freely via the power amplifier.

Who is the PRD-3S NPM suited for – and who is it not?

Plainly put: the PRD-3S NPM is for anyone who deliberately opts for separate pre-/power amps and wants streaming plus a DAC built right into the preamp. Anyone looking for a compact all-in-one solution is better and more affordably served by the streaming integrated amplifier DIA-250S or DIA-400S NPM – the PRD-3S absolutely needs a separate power amp and delivers no speaker power itself.

Which power amp suits the PRD-3S NPM?

The ideal partner is the Gato PWR-222 mono power amp: it plays in the same sonic league and is cleanly switched on and off via the PRD-3S's 12V trigger. In principle, any power amp with an RCA or XLR input fits.

Our verdict

The streaming control centre for a Danish pre-/power-amp system – neutral, quiet and flexibly expandable. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil we plan the combination of PRD-3S, power amp and speakers, and set up network and streaming together with you.

Technical data – Gato Audio PRD-3S NPM

• Type: streaming preamplifier with DAC & network player (NPM)
• Network player: NPM module, app-controlled; Roon Ready, Tidal/Qobuz/Deezer
• Network: Ethernet or Wi-Fi
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 100 kHz (−0.5 dB)
• Total harmonic distortion (THD): < 0.001 % (pre-out)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 110 dB
• Max. output level: 13 V balanced / 6.5 V unbalanced
• Input impedance: 20 kΩ (RCA) / 40 kΩ (balanced)
• Output impedance: 75 Ω
• Voltage gain: 10 dB
• Analogue inputs: 1× XLR balanced (Neutrik), 2× RCA stereo – gold-plated
• Analogue outputs: 2× XLR balanced (Neutrik), 1× RCA stereo, 1× trigger 12V (mini-jack)
• Digital inputs: USB-B, optical (Toslink), coaxial (RCA)
• Bluetooth: aptX HD (Bluetooth 4.2)
• Home cinema: configurable home cinema input (bypass)
• Power consumption: standby < 1 W, idle 14 W, max. 30 W
• Power supply: 115/230 VAC, 50/60 Hz
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 32.5 × 10.5 × 42 cm
• Weight: 7 kg
• Finish: gloss walnut
• Origin: developed and built in Copenhagen, Denmark
• Scope of delivery: single unit

Frequently asked questions

Do I absolutely need a power amp with the PRD-3S NPM?

Yes. The PRD-3S is a pure preamp with no speaker power. It passes the signal on to a power amplifier – ideally the Gato PWR-222. Anyone wanting power amp and preamp in one unit should get the DIA-250S or DIA-400S NPM.

What finishes is the PRD-3S NPM available in?

In black, white and walnut – each in gloss – as well as, on request, in an individual gloss custom colour finish.

Why buy the Gato Audio PRD-3S NPM at HD Zürisee?

Because a pre-/power-amp system needs planning – the right power amp, speakers, network. We put the chain together with you, set up streaming and Roon, and deliver and install with our own technician in Wädenswil.

Goes well with

The matching power amp Gato PWR-222, the right Floorstanding speakers and a Turntable as an analogue source.