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

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

Gato Audio builds it in Copenhagen: a non-magnetic chassis, four full-fledged power amplifiers with their own switch-mode power supplies, gold-plated XLR and RCA inputs for every channel, and four pairs of speaker terminals. A 12-volt trigger switches the unit on and off together with the system. This version comes with genuine walnut veneer under gloss lacquer – grain included, each unit slightly different.

Why the Gato Audio DPA-4004?

Because it bundles four power amplifiers and leaves the distribution to you: two zones each with a stereo pair, two bridged channels with noticeably more punch, or the mixed form. The six-channel DPA-2506 uses the same body – the DPA-4004 relies on fewer channels with more power. And wood on a power amplifier is a rare sight. Too rare.

What you get

Power as needed: four channels at 400 watts into 8 ohms each, bridged 2× 800 watts, mixed 1× 800 watts plus 2× 400 watts – into 4 ohms these figures double. Add over 110 decibels of signal-to-noise ratio, under 0.01 percent distortion, and a frequency response that stays clean well below and above what's audible.

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

For home cinema and multiroom systems as well as bi-amping setups needing four channels – especially where the unit stands visibly in the living space. Plainly put: for a pure stereo chain that's too much amplifier; that's what the AMP-150 or the PWR-222 monos are for. Beyond four channels, the DPA-2506 takes over.

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

Four channels at 400 watts into 8 ohms versus six channels at 250 watts – with the same chassis, the same dimensions and the same weight. So the question isn't which is bigger, but how many speakers you want to feed.

Our verdict

A flexible four-channel amplifier in a chassis variant that doesn't look like a utility room in the living room. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil we settle with you which channels take on which speakers, choose the matching preamp, and set everything up on site.

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, walnut veneer gloss
• 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 zones does the DPA-4004 feed?

Up to two stereo zones, each with two channels at 400 watts into 8 ohms. If you need power on fewer channels instead, bridge them: 2× 800 watts, or mixed 1× 800 watts plus 2× 400 watts. The allocation gets settled during installation.

Do I need a preamp for the DPA-4004?

Yes. With no volume control and no source selection, the DPA-4004 depends on a preamplifier – a classic one, an AV preamp, or a multiroom hub with preamp outputs. The Gato PRD-3S is the in-house partner; technically any preamp with an XLR or RCA output fits.

Is the DPA-4004 or the DPA-2506 the right choice?

That comes down to channel count. The DPA-4004 offers four channels at 400 watts into 8 ohms each, the DPA-2506 six channels at 250 watts each, with the same chassis and the same weight. More rooms favour the six-channel version, more power per channel favours the DPA-4004.

Is the walnut chassis genuine veneer?

Yes, Gato Audio uses genuine walnut veneer and lacquers it in gloss. That's why each unit looks slightly different – grain is nature, not a printed image. Besides walnut, gloss black and gloss white are available, as well as individual custom colours on request.

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

Because four channels only make sense once someone allocates them properly. We plan the zones, choose the preamp to match your speakers, and take care of cabling and commissioning. Tell us about your room – by phone, WhatsApp or email to Wädenswil.

Goes well with

Our Preamplifiers make a good partner ahead of it. Further Power amplifiers for comparison, Floorstanding speakers for the zones, Home cinema components for multi-channel operation, and Cables & Connectors for the signal paths are also in our shop.