Gato Audio DPA-4004 Multi-Channel Power Amplifier, Custom Colour Gloss

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

It's developed and built in Copenhagen: non-magnetic chassis, four independent power amplifiers each with its own switch-mode power supply, gold-plated connections all round. Each channel accepts the signal balanced via XLR or unbalanced via RCA, and a 12-volt trigger brings the unit out of standby together with the system. For this version, Gato paints the unit in your custom colour of choice, always in gloss. The product photo shows an orange-lacquered sample – an example colour; you choose your own colour freely.

Why the Gato Audio DPA-4004?

Because you decide where the power goes: four channels across two zones, two bridged channels for demanding speakers, or a mix of both. The same chassis also houses the six-channel DPA-2506 – the DPA-4004 simply redistributes the available power over fewer, but stronger channels. And because it matches your interior in colour instead of clashing with it.

What you get

Reserves you allocate yourself. Four channels each deliver 400 watts into 8 ohms; bridged, that becomes 2× 800 watts, mixed 1× 800 watts plus 2× 400 watts. Into 4 ohms, these figures each double. Frequency response up to 70 kilohertz, distortion below 0.01 percent, over 110 decibels of noise ratio: the amplifier stays out of the way and lets the speakers do the talking.

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

For home cinemas, multiroom installations and bi-amping concepts that want four robust channels from one unit – especially where the unit stays visible and needs to match the colour scheme. Plainly put: anyone running just one stereo pair is better off with the AMP-150 or the PWR-222 monos. And from five channels upward, the road leads to the DPA-2506.

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

Mainly in the channel count: four channels at 400 watts into 8 ohms here, six channels at 250 watts there. Dimensions and weight are identical, so the decision comes down to the number of zones, not the footprint.

Our verdict

A four-channel amplifier that adapts both technically and visually to your system: configurable, powerful, and in your custom colour still coherent even when it stands openly in the room. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil we clarify the shade with the manufacturer, plan the channel allocation, and tell you honestly if a size smaller would also do.

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 custom colour (freely selectable)
• 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 channels does the Gato Audio DPA-4004 have?

Four, and they're freely configurable. As a four-channel amplifier it feeds two stereo zones with 400 watts into 8 ohms each. Bridge two channels at a time and 2× 800 watts remain; mixed, it runs with 1× 800 watts plus 2× 400 watts. Into 4 ohms the figures double.

Can I choose the colour of the DPA-4004 freely?

Yes, Gato Audio paints this version in your colour of choice, always in gloss. The photo shows an orange-lacquered sample as an example, not the delivered variant. Tell us your desired colour or a RAL shade, and we'll check feasibility and lead time with the manufacturer.

Do I need a preamplifier for the DPA-4004?

Yes, absolutely. The amplifier has neither volume control nor source selection and only works behind a preamp. The Gato PRD-3S is a natural fit, as is any classic preamp, an AV preamp for home cinema, or multiroom systems with preamp outputs – balanced via XLR or unbalanced via RCA.

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

The DPA-4004 has four channels at 400 watts into 8 ohms each, the DPA-2506 six channels at 250 watts each. Both share chassis, dimensions and weight. Anyone feeding many zones takes the six-channel version; anyone wanting reserves per channel takes the DPA-4004.

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

Because with a custom finish, we know exactly what matters. We clarify the shade with the manufacturer, plan the channel allocation for your rooms, and prepare the installation. Questions about the room, speakers or preamp? Write to us or call us in Wädenswil.

Goes well with

Nothing works without a preamp: check out Preamplifiers. Alternatives to the DPA-4004 can be found under Power amplifiers, matching speakers under Floorstanding speakers, the multi-channel chain under Home cinema, and the connections under Cables & Connectors.