Gato Audio DIA-250S NPM Streaming Amplifier, Custom Colour High Gloss

The Gato Audio DIA-250S NPM is a streaming integrated amplifier that bundles a network player, D/A converter and a Class-D power stage with 2× 250 watts in a single housing.

NPM stands for Network Player Module – the network module Gato Audio uses to turn the amplifier into a Roon Ready streamer at the factory. In this version, the lid comes in an individual custom colour: you specify the shade, Gato finishes it in high gloss. Important note on the photos: they show an orange-finished sample unit from the manufacturer illustrating the custom-colour option. You choose the colour freely – orange is only the illustration.

Why the Gato Audio DIA-250S NPM?

Because here you decide not just the technology but also the look, without the technology becoming an afterthought. The Class-D power stage delivers 2× 250 W at 8 Ω and 2× 500 W at 4 Ω, the Burr-Brown PCM1794 converts with upsampling to 24-bit/192 kHz, and the Network Player Module brings Roon Ready, DLNA/UPnP as well as Tidal, Qobuz and Deezer into the unit via Ethernet or Wi-Fi. It's controlled via the mconnect Control app, through Roon or with the remote control. Alongside that, USB, coax, Toslink, Bluetooth with aptX HD and two analog inputs remain for anything not on the network.

What you get

A one-off piece that matches your room – and an amplifier that doesn't hide behind its looks when it comes to sound. Bass with contour, calm midrange, a signal-to-noise ratio above 110 dB. Because every custom colour is finished individually, plan for some lead time here; in return, no one else has the same unit in their living room. Streaming subscriptions are an option here, not a requirement: internet radio, NAS files and the analog sources run just as well without one.

Who is the DIA-250S NPM suited to – and who isn't it for?

Straight talk: the custom colour is for you if black, white and walnut don't suit your decor, or you simply want something of your own. If you're in a hurry, a standard colour is the better bet – custom finishes take their time. If you already run an external high-end DAC or streamer, you'd be paying for functions twice here, and you're better served with a purely analog integrated amplifier. A turntable additionally needs a phono preamp, and for very large rooms the DIA-400S NPM is there.

Our verdict

The same technology as the standard colours, just in your shade: a complete streaming integrated amplifier that condenses the whole chain into one unit. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil we discuss your colour wish with you, check feasibility with the manufacturer, and then set up network, services and speakers.

"This is a remarkably well-sorted and extremely flexible amplifier, with a sound treading a confident path between power and poise, drama and delicacy." – Hi-Fi News, 2019 (Sound Quality 88%)

Technical data

• Type: streaming integrated amplifier with DAC and network player (NPM = Network Player Module)
• Output power: 2× 250 W at 8 Ω / 2× 500 W at 4 Ω
• Power stage: Class D
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.5 dB)
• Total harmonic distortion (THD): < 0.01% at rated power
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 110 dB
• D/A converter: Burr-Brown PCM1794, upsampling to 24-bit/192 kHz
• Network player (NPM): Roon Ready, DLNA/UPnP, Tidal, Qobuz and Deezer built in; controlled via the mconnect Control app (iOS/Android)
• Network: Ethernet (RJ45) or Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n (2.4 GHz)
• Audio formats: FLAC, WAV, AIFF, Apple Lossless, AAC, MP3, WMA, OGG, Monkey's Audio, MQA (via Roon) – up to 24-bit/192 kHz, including gapless playback
• Digital inputs: 1× USB Type B (asynchronous, up to 24-bit/192 kHz), 1× coaxial RCA, 1× optical Toslink (up to 24-bit/96 kHz)
• Bluetooth: 4.2 with aptX HD (up to 24-bit/48 kHz)
• Analog inputs: 2× unbalanced RCA (20 kΩ), 1× balanced XLR (40 kΩ)
• Output level: line outputs 1× XLR and 1× RCA (75 Ω), volume-controlled; input 1 switchable to fixed level via Direct/HT mode
• Headphone output: none – connect a headphone amplifier to the line outputs
• Speaker connections: 2 pairs of gold-plated binding posts (banana-compatible)
• Power consumption: < 1 W standby / 23 W idle / max. 1000 W
• Housing: non-magnetic aluminium housing, high-gloss lid
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 32.5 × 10.5 × 42 cm
• Weight: 10 kg
• Finish: Custom colour, individual high-gloss finish to customer specification
• Origin: designed and built in Copenhagen, Denmark
• What's included: amplifier, power cable, RC-5 remote control with CR2032 battery, Bluetooth antenna, user manual

Frequently asked questions

What does NPM stand for on the Gato Audio DIA-250S?

NPM is short for Network Player Module. This refers to the network module Gato Audio builds into the DIA-250S at the factory: Ethernet and Wi-Fi, Roon Ready, DLNA/UPnP as well as Tidal, Qobuz and Deezer. Without NPM, the DIA-250S would remain an integrated amplifier with a D/A converter, but without a network connection.

What colour do I get with the DIA-250S NPM in custom colour?

Whichever one you choose. The images show an orange-finished sample unit from Gato Audio that illustrates the custom-colour option – it's not a fixed delivery shade. You settle on your desired shade before ordering, and Gato then finishes the lid in high gloss. We check feasibility with the manufacturer beforehand.

What's the difference between the DIA-250S NPM and the DIA-400S NPM?

Mainly the power: 2× 250 W at 8 Ω for the DIA-250S NPM, 2× 400 W for the DIA-400S NPM. The network module, converter and connection panel are identical, and both are available in a custom colour. The 250S is plenty for normal to large living rooms; the 400S is meant for very large rooms.

Can I connect headphones to the DIA-250S NPM?

Not directly, the DIA-250S NPM has no headphone output. The route goes via the line outputs in XLR or RCA, which follow the volume control: that's where you connect a headphone amplifier. You mute the speakers with a long press on the standby button.

Why buy the Gato Audio DIA-250S NPM at HD Zürisee?

Because a custom finish needs coordination and isn't something for a quick add-to-cart click. We discuss the shade, lead time and the right system all around, handle the warranty as an authorised dealer, and set up the unit at your place on request. Call, send an email or a WhatsApp message.

Goes well with

You'll find colour-matched partners among the floorstanding speakers and the bookshelf speakers. If you'd like to compare, browse our full range of amplifiers – and matching cables round off the chain.