Gato Audio DIA-400S NPM Streaming Amplifier, White 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.

White high gloss is the finish for bright living spaces: the amplifier visually disappears until you switch it on. Underneath is the full DIA-series specification – 2× 400 watts at 8 ohms, a Roon Ready network player and a 24-bit/192 kHz converter, built in at the factory. Connect speakers and network, and you're done.

Why the Gato Audio DIA-400S NPM?

Because it replaces an entire chain without holding anything back. The Class-D power stage provides 2× 400 W at 8 Ω and steps up to 2× 800 W at 4 Ω – it stays composed even when a speaker really draws current in the bass. The Burr-Brown converter computes with upsampling up to 24-bit/192 kHz, the network section is Roon Ready and brings in Tidal, Qobuz and Deezer via LAN or Wi-Fi. Two RCA pairs and one XLR pair are ready for analog sources.

What you hear

Quiet in the background, tight, well-defined bass and an image that doesn't collapse even at higher levels. Whether the music comes from the network, the USB input or an analog source, you'll barely notice a difference in character – and for a unit that does everything itself, that's precisely the achievement.

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

Straight talk: the DIA-400S NPM suits large rooms, demanding speakers and the wish to have amplifier, converter and streamer in a single housing. In a normal living room with efficient speakers, the smaller DIA-250S NPM with 2× 250 W does just as well. If you already have a good converter or streamer in the rack and are only looking for power, the purely analog Gato AMP-150 AE is the better choice.

Does white high gloss yellow over time?

The lid has a multi-layer high-gloss lacquer and is treated like a piano-lacquer surface: dust it with a soft, slightly damp cloth, no abrasives, no alcohol. Direct, constant sunlight doesn't agree with any lacquer – that applies to white units just as much as to the sideboard underneath.

Our verdict

Plenty of power amp, a complete digital section, a housing that doesn't stand out as a technical block in bright rooms – the tidiest way to build a large system. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil we set up network, services and speakers together with you, instead of just handing you a box.

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: White High Gloss
• 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?

Just the power. 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. Housing dimensions, converter, Roon Ready streaming, Bluetooth and connection panel are the same. You choose the 400S for large rooms and demanding speakers.

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

No, there's no headphone output on this amplifier. If you want to listen via headphones regularly, connect your own headphone amplifier to the line outputs – the Gato SDA-1, for instance, which combines a converter and headphone amplifier. We'll find you the combination that suits your headphones.

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

No. You can use Tidal, Qobuz and Deezer, but you don't have to. The amplifier plays your own music files from the network via DLNA/UPnP, plus USB, Toslink, coax, Bluetooth and two analog input pairs. A subscription is an option, not a requirement.

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'll confirm before you order whether their level follows the volume control or stays fixed – for a power amp, that's exactly the point that matters. Tell us what you want to add.

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

Because the box alone isn't a system yet. We clarify room, speakers and network with you, set up Roon and the app, deliver and install on site, and have our own technician in-house for service. Almost three decades of experience go into this advice. Call us or drop us a line.

Goes well with

Bright floorstanding speakers or bookshelf speakers on matching speaker stands, plus decent cables.