Gato Audio DIA-400S NPM Streaming Amplifier, Walnut High Gloss

The Gato Audio DIA-400S NPM is a streaming integrated amplifier that combines power amp, D/A converter and network player in a single housing.

The high-gloss-polished walnut lid is what defines this version: warm wood on cool aluminium, real veneer instead of foil. Technically you get the full DIA specification – 2× 400 watts at 8 ohms, a Roon Ready network player and a 24-bit/192 kHz converter, built in at the factory.

Why the Gato Audio DIA-400S NPM?

Because a complete chain sits in one housing here, without anyone skimping on the power amp. The Class-D power stage delivers 2× 400 W at 8 Ω and doubles to 2× 800 W at 4 Ω – reserves you'll hear with demanding speakers and simply enjoy otherwise. The Burr-Brown converter works with upsampling up to 24-bit/192 kHz, the network section is Roon Ready and plays Tidal, Qobuz and Deezer via LAN or Wi-Fi. Two RCA pairs and one XLR pair stay free for analog sources.

What you get

A unit that passes for furniture in a living space and is still the whole system. Sonically that means: a quiet background, dry bass, clean separation even when it gets loud. And because the amplifier stays cool and quiet, it's also allowed to stand where you can see it – with a walnut lid, anything else would be a waste.

Who is the DIA-400S NPM suited to – and who isn't it for?

Straight talk: the DIA-400S NPM is made for large rooms, demanding speakers and the wish for a single unit instead of a stack of devices. In normal living rooms with efficient speakers, the smaller DIA-250S NPM with 2× 250 W is entirely sufficient. And if you already own a good converter or streamer and are looking for pure power, the purely analog Gato AMP-150 AE is the better choice.

Is the walnut lid real wood?

Yes, Gato uses real walnut wood veneer under several layers of clear lacquer, polished to a high gloss. Every unit therefore has a slightly individual grain – two units never look exactly alike. Care is the same as for a piano-lacquer piece of furniture: soft cloth, no abrasives, no alcohol.

Our verdict

The most powerful system hub in the DIA series in its warmest finish – streaming, converter and plenty of power-amp output under a wooden lid that lets you forget the technology. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil we set up network, services and speakers together with you, so that music plays instead of configuration from day one.

Technical data

• Type: streaming integrated amplifier with D/A converter and network player
• Output power: 2× 400 W at 8 Ω / 2× 800 W at 4 Ω (Class D)
• Recommended speaker impedance: 4 – 16 Ω
• D/A converter: Burr-Brown PCM1794, 24-bit/192 kHz with upsampling
• Network player: Roon Ready, app control, DLNA/UPnP; Tidal, Qobuz and Deezer built in
• Network: Ethernet (LAN) or Wi-Fi
• Supported formats: MQA (via Roon), FLAC, WAV, AIFF, Apple Lossless, WMA, MP3, AAC, OGG, Monkey's Audio; gapless playback
• Digital inputs: 1× USB-B (asynchronous), 1× coaxial (RCA), 1× optical (Toslink); USB and coax up to 24-bit/192 kHz, Toslink up to 24-bit/96 kHz
• Bluetooth: aptX HD, 24-bit/48 kHz (Bluetooth 4.2)
• Analog inputs: 2× RCA stereo (unbalanced), 1× XLR stereo (balanced, gold-plated Neutrik)
• Analog outputs: 1× RCA stereo and 1× XLR stereo, factory-configured as pre-out
• Output level: line outputs in RCA and XLR; volume controlled at the unit and via remote control
• Headphone output: none
• Speaker outputs: 2 pairs of gold-plated binding posts (one pair per channel, banana-compatible)
• Additional connections: 3.5 mm link jack for system control
• Display: white LED dot-matrix display, dimmable
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (–0.5 dB); 2 Hz – 70 kHz (–3 dB)
• Total harmonic distortion (THD): < 0.01% at rated power
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 110 dB
• Gain: 26 dB (+10 dB headroom)
• Input impedance: 20 kΩ (RCA) / 40 kΩ (XLR)
• Power consumption: standby < 1 W, idle 35 W, max. 1600 W
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 32.5 × 10.5 × 42 cm
• Weight: 13 kg
• Finish: Walnut High Gloss (real wood veneer)
• Origin: designed and built in Denmark
• What's included: amplifier, power cable, Gato Audio RC-3 remote control with battery, antennas for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, user manual

Frequently asked questions

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

The power amp. The DIA-400S NPM delivers 2× 400 W at 8 Ω and 2× 800 W at 4 Ω, the DIA-250S NPM 2× 250 W and 2× 500 W. In dimensions, converter, Roon Ready streaming, Bluetooth and connections they're identical. The 400S is the choice for large rooms and demanding speakers.

Can I connect headphones to the DIA-400S NPM?

No, there's no headphone output on this model. For headphone use, connect your own headphone amplifier to the line outputs; from the same maker, the Gato SDA-1 fits well, combining a converter and headphone amplifier. Tell us which headphones you use, and we'll find the combination.

Do I need a streaming subscription for the DIA-400S NPM?

No. Tidal, Qobuz and Deezer are built in if you want to use them – none of the services is required. The amplifier retrieves your own files from the network via DLNA/UPnP, plus USB, Toslink, coax, Bluetooth and two analog input pairs. Even without a subscription, you have a fully-fledged system.

Can I connect an active subwoofer or an additional power amp?

Yes, that's what the line outputs in RCA and XLR are for, which Gato configures as pre-out. We clarify for you before you order whether their level follows the volume control or stays fixed – for a power amp, quite a lot hinges on that. Tell us what you want to add to the system.

Why buy the Gato Audio DIA-400S NPM at HD Zürisee?

Because we know which units prove themselves in everyday use and which combinations work well together. We advise on room, speakers and network, set up Roon and the app, deliver and install on site, and our own technician is on hand for service. Call, email, or use WhatsApp.

Goes well with

Floorstanding speakers with real wood veneer, compact bookshelf speakers, matching cables and a turntable for the analog side.