Gato Audio DPA-4004 Multi-Channel Power Amplifier, Gloss Black

The Gato Audio DPA-4004 is a four-channel Class-D power amplifier whose channels can be used individually or bridged in pairs into more powerful channels.

It's built in Copenhagen, and it shows: non-magnetic chassis, gloss finish, four full-fledged amplifiers with their own switch-mode power supplies. Every input is available balanced as XLR and unbalanced as RCA, the speakers connect via four pairs of gold-plated terminals, and a 12-volt trigger wakes the unit together with the system. This version comes in deep gloss black.

Why the Gato Audio DPA-4004?

Because it packs four amplifiers into one chassis and leaves it to you how the power is distributed: four channels for two zones, two bridged channels for thirsty speakers, or a mix of both. It shares its chassis and weight with the six-channel DPA-2506 – it redistributes the same footprint over fewer, but stronger channels.

What you get

Power that can be redistributed. In four-channel operation, 400 watts into 8 ohms are available per channel; bridged, that's 2× 800 watts, or mixed, 1× 800 watts plus 2× 400 watts – into 4 ohms, double that in each case. Add a frequency response spanning 2 hertz to 70 kilohertz, over 110 decibels of signal-to-noise ratio, and total harmonic distortion below 0.01 percent. Figures at which the amplifier stays in the background, where it belongs.

Who is the DPA-4004 suited for – and who is it not?

For multiroom installations, home cinemas and bi-amping setups that want four powerful channels from a single unit. Plainly put: for a simple stereo system that's too much amplifier – that's what the AMP-150 or the PWR-222 monos are for. And anyone needing to feed more than four channels should reach for the DPA-2506.

How does the DPA-4004 differ from the DPA-2506?

In the number of channels and the power per channel: four channels at 400 watts into 8 ohms for the DPA-4004, six channels at 250 watts for the DPA-2506. How many zones and speakers you want to feed decides the question – not the model name.

Our verdict

A flexible four-channel amplifier that adapts to the system rather than the other way around: powerful, cleanly built, unobtrusive in operation. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil we plan with you how the four channels get distributed across rooms and speakers – and tell you honestly when a smaller solution is enough.

Technical data

• Type: four-channel amplifier, Class D, freely configurable (4, 3 or 2 channels)
• Power at 8 Ω: 4× 400 W · 2× 800 W (bridged) · 1× 800 W + 2× 400 W
• Power at 4 Ω: 4× 800 W · 2× 1600 W (bridged) · 1× 1600 W + 2× 800 W
• Recommended speaker impedance: 4–16 Ω individually, 8–16 Ω bridged
• 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
• Input impedance: 20 kΩ (RCA) · 40 kΩ (XLR)
• Inputs: 2 pairs XLR balanced (Neutrik, gold-plated) · 2 pairs RCA unbalanced (gold-plated)
• Speaker connections: 4 pairs gold-plated safety banana terminals
• Trigger: 12V standby trigger (mini-jack)
• Power supply: 115/230 V AC, 50/60 Hz, max. 2000 W
• Power consumption: < 1 W standby · 75 W idle · 2000 W maximum
• Chassis: non-magnetic, gloss black
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 32.5 × 10.5 × 42 cm
• Weight: 13 kg
• Manufacturer: Gato Audio, Copenhagen (Denmark)
• Scope of delivery: power amplifier, power cable, mini-jack cable for the trigger, manual

Frequently asked questions

How many speakers does the Gato Audio DPA-4004 drive?

In four-channel operation, four individual channels, so two stereo pairs across two zones. Two channels can be bridged into a more powerful one: that gives 2× 800 watts into 8 ohms, and a mixed 1× 800 watts plus 2× 400 watts is also possible. You trade channel count for power, exactly as your system needs it.

Do I need a separate preamp for the DPA-4004?

Yes. The DPA-4004 is a pure power amplifier with no volume control and no source selection, and therefore needs a preamplifier or an AV preamp ahead of it. The Gato PRD-3S is a match both sonically and visually, as is any preamp or multiroom system with balanced or unbalanced preamp outputs.

What's the difference between the DPA-4004 and the DPA-2506?

The number of channels and the power per channel. The DPA-4004 delivers four channels at 400 watts into 8 ohms each, the DPA-2506 six channels at 250 watts each. Chassis, dimensions and weight are the same for both, so the decision comes down to the number of zones.

Is the DPA-4004 suitable for bi-amping?

Yes. Each of the four channels can be addressed individually and connected either balanced or unbalanced, so the DPA-4004 drives one speaker pair with two channels each in bi-amping. This requires speakers with separate connection terminals – we check that together on your model beforehand.

Why buy the Gato Audio DPA-4004 at HD Zürisee?

Because a multi-channel amplifier needs planning, and we provide it. As an authorized specialist dealer in Wädenswil, we work out the channel allocation with you, clarify preamp and cabling, and our technician Mauri sets up the system at your home. Call or write to us.

Goes well with

The DPA-4004 definitely needs a preamp – find one under Preamplifiers. More powerhouses are under Power amplifiers, matching partners under Floorstanding speakers and Home cinema. For everything in between: Cables & Connectors.