{"product_id":"gatoaudioppa1wn","title":"Gato Audio PPA-1 Phono Preamplifier, Walnut High Gloss","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Gato Audio PPA-1 is a dedicated phono preamplifier from the Danish manufacturer Gato Audio for MM and MC cartridges.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt's Gato's first standalone phono stage – and it arrives with reference-level ambitions right away. A current-mode MC input, freely adjustable MM capacitance, two fully separate, storable inputs and a dedicated headphone amplifier all sit behind the understated high-gloss front. Supplied as a single unit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy the Gato Audio PPA-1?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause here, every detail is aimed at the groove. The MC input works in current mode: it amplifies the cartridge's current rather than its voltage, automatically finding the best load for virtually any system – with no impedance guesswork and minimal noise. For MM systems, you set the capacitive load (100 to 790 pF) directly on the front panel or via remote control. Gain is 40 dB (MM) or 60 dB (MC), with an additional +15 dB in reserve for temperamental low-output MCs that don't play by the rules. Two fully configurable inputs remember all settings individually – ideal for two turntables or a deck with two tonearms. The circuit is a hybrid of discrete and IC stages with a newly developed, discrete push-pull FET output stage, built fully balanced. Designed and built in Copenhagen.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat you'll hear\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA pitch-black background and a wealth of fine detail that gets lost with weaker phono stages. The current-mode MC input keeps noise down, while the balanced FET output stage keeps the soundstage wide and stable – instruments stand cleanly separated, and micro-dynamics and reverb tails are preserved. A switchable subsonic filter keeps footfall and record warp out of the bass without ever sounding like a filter.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWho is the PPA-1 for – and who isn't it for?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eStraight talk: the PPA-1 is for anyone who takes vinyl seriously and wants a flexible, extremely quiet reference phono stage for MM and MC – ideally with two systems or tonearms and headphone ambitions. If you're running an entry-level turntable with a standard cartridge, you'll never unlock its potential: that's a Formula 1 gearbox on a shopping trolley. And if you expect digital connections, you're in the wrong place – the PPA-1 is deliberately, purely analogue.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWill the PPA-1 suit my cartridge?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn all likelihood, yes. MM runs at 47 kΩ with adjustable capacitance, MC via the load-free current-mode input, and the +15 dB of extra gain also captures very quiet MC systems. We're happy to work out with you which combination gets the most out of your setup.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOur verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA Danish reference phono stage that combines understatement with substance: quiet, flexible, uncompromisingly tuned for analogue – and remarkably reasonably priced for this league. Want to know whether it suits your turntable and cartridge? Tell us what you're running – we at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil will advise you on load, gain and integration, and set up the PPA-1 properly during installation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTechnical data – Gato Audio PPA-1\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e dedicated phono preamplifier (MM\/MC)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGain (1 kHz):\u003c\/strong\u003e MM 40 dB, MC 60 dB (depending on cartridge impedance)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdditional gain:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0 \/ +3 \/ +6 \/ +9 \/ +12 \/ +15 dB\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMC input:\u003c\/strong\u003e current mode (current-driven, automatic matching)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInput impedance MM:\u003c\/strong\u003e 47 kΩ\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCapacitive load MM:\u003c\/strong\u003e 100 \/ 220 \/ 320 \/ 470 \/ 570 \/ 790 pF (front panel or remote control)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSubsonic filter:\u003c\/strong\u003e switchable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTotal harmonic distortion (THD+N):\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.015 %\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSignal-to-noise ratio:\u003c\/strong\u003e 80 dB\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMax. output level:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6 V RMS (RCA) \/ 12 V RMS (balanced)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeadphone output:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.3 mm jack, dedicated amplifier with analogue volume control, 1 Ω\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnalogue inputs:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2× RCA pair (MM\/MC), gold-plated\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnalogue outputs:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1× RCA pair + 1× XLR pair (Neutrik), gold-plated\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTrigger:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12 V on\/off (mini-jack)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePower supply:\u003c\/strong\u003e 115\/230 VAC, 50\/60 Hz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePower consumption:\u003c\/strong\u003e standby \u0026lt; 1 W, idle 30 W, max. \u0026lt; 60 W\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions (W×H×D):\u003c\/strong\u003e 32.5 × 10.5 × 42 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10 kg\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Walnut High Gloss\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e designed and built in Copenhagen, Denmark\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScope of delivery:\u003c\/strong\u003e single unit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ch3\u003eDoes the PPA-1 support MM and MC cartridges?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes, both. MM runs at 47 kΩ with adjustable capacitance (100–790 pF), while MC runs through a current-driven current-mode input that adapts automatically. Gain is 40 dB (MM) or 60 dB (MC), plus +15 dB in reserve for quiet systems. Both inputs are freely configurable.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCan I connect two turntables?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes. The PPA-1 has two separate inputs that each remember all their settings individually – for two turntables or one deck with two tonearms. When you switch, you don't need to readjust anything; each system keeps its load, capacitance and gain.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eDoes the PPA-1 have a headphone output?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes. The front panel has a 6.3 mm jack with its own discretely built headphone amplifier and analogue volume control. Plug in a pair of headphones and the line outputs switch off automatically – so you can enjoy vinyl directly and quietly, too.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat finishes is the PPA-1 available in?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn Black, White and Walnut (real wood veneer), each with a high-gloss lid, and on request in an individual custom colour finish. That way it matches your speakers or your living space. Gato produces the custom colour finish to order.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhy buy the Gato Audio PPA-1 at HD Zürisee?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause a phono stage only really shines with the right cartridge and a clean setup. Here in Wädenswil, we work out the load, capacitance and gain for your system, match turntables and cables to suit – and install everything with our own technician.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGoes well with:\u003c\/strong\u003e the right \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/plattenspieler\"\u003eturntable\u003c\/a\u003e, a fine \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/tonabnehmer\"\u003ecartridge\u003c\/a\u003e and a high-quality \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/kabel\"\u003einterconnect cable\u003c\/a\u003e to connect it all.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gato Audio","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53279304384848,"sku":null,"price":3495.0,"currency_code":"CHF","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0932\/3262\/8048\/files\/gato-audio-ppa-1-phono-vorverstaerker-nussbaum-hochglanz-schraegansicht.jpg?v=1785898607","url":"https:\/\/hdzuerisee.ch\/en\/products\/gatoaudioppa1wn","provider":"HD Zürisee AG","version":"1.0","type":"link"}