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

The Gato Audio DPA-4004 is a configurable four-channel power amplifier in Class-D technology, whose channel pairs can be bridged for more power.

Four independent power amplifiers, each with its own switch-mode power supply, sit in a non-magnetic chassis from Copenhagen. The inputs are doubled up – balanced via gold-plated Neutrik XLR, unbalanced via gold-plated RCA – the speakers connect via four pairs of safety banana terminals, and a 12-volt trigger wakes the amplifier together with the rest of the chain. This version comes in gloss white.

Why the Gato Audio DPA-4004?

Because four amplifiers in one chassis create order, and you distribute the power freely: two zones each with a stereo pair, two bridged channels for demanding speakers, or a combination of both. The six-channel DPA-2506 uses the same body – the DPA-4004 simply redistributes the power over fewer, but stronger channels.

What you get

Distributable power with headroom: 400 watts into 8 ohms per channel in four-channel operation, 2× 800 watts bridged, 1× 800 watts plus 2× 400 watts mixed – into 4 ohms double that in each case. The frequency response spans 2 hertz to 70 kilohertz, total harmonic distortion stays below 0.01 percent, and the noise ratio is above 110 decibels. An amplifier you notice by the music, not by the background noise.

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

For anyone needing four robust channels from one unit: home cinema, multiroom, active concepts, bi-amping. Plainly put: as the driver for a single stereo pair it's overkill – the AMP-150 or the PWR-222 monos are enough there. And anyone wanting to feed six channels should go straight for the DPA-2506.

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

In the allocation: four channels at 400 watts into 8 ohms versus six channels at 250 watts. Chassis, dimensions and weight are the same; the decision comes down to the number of zones and the power needed per speaker.

Our verdict

Powerful, flexible and pleasantly unassuming – and in gloss white one of the few amplifiers that doesn't look out of place in a bright living room. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil we plan the channel allocation for your rooms, check the right preamp, and take care of the installation.

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 white
• 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 can I run on the DPA-4004?

Four channels, so two complete stereo pairs in two zones. Anyone needing more power instead of more channels bridges: the DPA-4004 then delivers 2× 800 watts into 8 ohms, or mixed 1× 800 watts plus 2× 400 watts. We settle on the configuration together before installation.

Does the DPA-4004 work without a preamplifier?

No. It is a pure power amplifier with no volume control and no source selection; a preamplifier or an AV preamp must go ahead of it. The Gato PRD-3S is the obvious choice, but any preamp with an XLR or RCA output works just as well, including multiroom systems with pre-out.

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

The allocation of power. Four channels at 400 watts into 8 ohms each for the DPA-4004, six channels at 250 watts each for the DPA-2506 – with identical chassis, the same dimensions and 13 kilograms of weight. What matters is how many zones or speakers you actually feed.

Can I connect the DPA-4004 balanced?

Yes. Every channel has a balanced XLR input from Neutrik and an unbalanced RCA input, with an input impedance of 40 kilohms balanced and 20 kilohms unbalanced. Balanced connections pay off especially with long cable runs in multiroom installations.

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

Because we've been planning systems for decades instead of just shipping boxes. We work out with you which channels go where, which preamp fits, and how the cable runs go. Our technician then takes care of installation and commissioning. Get in touch by phone, WhatsApp or email.

Goes well with

Ahead of the DPA-4004 belongs a preamp – our selection is under Preamplifiers. Comparable units can be found under Power amplifiers, matching Floorstanding speakers, the components for Home cinema and the necessary Cables & Connectors.