{"product_id":"gatoaudiopre1bl","title":"Gato Audio PRE-1 Preamplifier, Black High Gloss","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Gato Audio PRE-1 is a dual-mono, fully balanced reference preamplifier from the Danish manufacturer Gato Audio.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGato developed it as an equal partner to the PWR-222 mono power amplifiers: balanced throughout, with separate power supplies per channel, an OLED display with an analogue VU meter, freely nameable inputs and a dedicated headphone amplifier. Two expansion slots keep it open for the future. Supplied as a single unit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy the Gato Audio PRE-1?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause it leaves the signal as untouched as almost no other preamp. The PRE-1 is fully balanced from input to output – including the tricky volume control – and built on the dual-mono principle: the left and right channels each have their own low-noise power supply, with shared circuitry only for logic and control. The result is figures that speak for themselves: 120 dB signal-to-noise ratio, 0.001 % distortion and over 113 dB of channel separation. Using the OLED display, you name each input and set a level offset per source – no more volume jumps between a quiet phono source and a loud digital one. And because a 32-bit microprocessor only handles logic and operation, the signal path stays purely analogue. Designed and built in Copenhagen.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat you'll hear\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA great deal of quiet, and a soundstage that genuinely opens up in width and depth. Because the PRE-1 contributes almost no noise or sonic character of its own, voices and instruments stand tangibly in the room, and micro-dynamics and delicate reverb tails are preserved. Paired with powerful power amplifiers – above all the Gato PWR-222 – it performs at reference level: controlled, natural, effortless.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWho is the PRE-1 for – and who isn't it for?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eStraight talk: the PRE-1 is for anyone who favours separate components and wants a transparent, fully balanced reference preamp as the hub of their system – with five inputs, a headphone output and room to expand. If you'd rather have streaming and a DAC built in from the start, the PRD-3S NPM or a DIA-NPM integrated amplifier serves you more directly: the base PRE-1 is a purely analogue line preamp. And if you only run a single source, you're buying more preamp than you'll ever need here – lovely, but generously specified.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCan I add phono, DAC or streaming?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes. Two expansion slots accept optional Gato modules: an MM\/MC phono stage (MMC-1), a SABRE DAC (ESS-1) and a Roon Ready streamer (NPM-2, only together with the DAC module). That way, the PRE-1 grows with your system. We're happy to discuss with you which expansion makes sense for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOur verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA Danish reference preamplifier that combines understatement with uncompromising engineering: fully balanced, dual-mono, extremely quiet – and the natural partner to the PWR-222 power amplifiers. Want to know whether the PRE-1 fits your chain? Tell us which power amplifiers, speakers and sources you're running – we at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil will advise you on the combination and sensible module expansion, and set it up properly during installation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTechnical data – Gato Audio PRE-1\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e dual-mono, fully balanced reference preamplifier (analogue)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOutput level:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2.2 V (0 dB) \/ 10 V max (RCA); 4.4 V (0 dB) \/ 20 V max (balanced)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVoltage gain:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10 dB\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTotal harmonic distortion (THD+N):\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.001 %\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSignal-to-noise ratio:\u003c\/strong\u003e 120 dB (A-weighted)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChannel separation:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u0026gt; 113 dB\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOutput impedance:\u003c\/strong\u003e 100 Ω\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMax. input level:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8 V (RCA) \/ 16 V (balanced)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInput impedance:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20 kΩ (RCA and balanced)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequency response:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7 Hz – 650 kHz (−0.3 dB)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnalogue inputs:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3× RCA pair (RCA) + 2× XLR pair (Neutrik) – 5 inputs, 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\u003eHeadphone output:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.3 mm jack with volume control, output impedance 2.6 Ω\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDisplay \u0026amp; controls:\u003c\/strong\u003e OLED display + analogue VU meter, nameable inputs, level offset per input\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExpansion:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2 slots for optional Gato modules (MMC-1 phono MM\/MC, ESS-1 SABRE DAC, NPM-2 streaming)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTrigger:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12 V in + 2× out\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 50 W, max. \u0026lt; 90 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 Black 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\u003eIs the PRE-1 fully balanced?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes, throughout. From the input through the volume control to the output, the PRE-1 remains balanced and is built on the dual-mono principle, with separate power supplies per channel. This delivers very low noise and low distortion – 120 dB signal-to-noise ratio and 0.001 % distortion.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCan I add phono, DAC or streaming later?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes. The PRE-1 has two expansion slots for optional Gato modules: an MM\/MC phono stage, a SABRE DAC and a Roon Ready streamer (streaming only together with the DAC module). The base PRE-1 itself is a purely analogue line preamp – you add the modules as needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWill the PRE-1 suit my power amplifiers?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn all likelihood, yes. It offers balanced XLR and RCA outputs and a low output impedance of 100 Ω, so it can drive virtually any power amplifier. It was designed as a partner to the Gato PWR-222 mono power amplifiers, but works just as well with other amplifiers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat finishes is the PRE-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 PRE-1 at HD Zürisee?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause a preamplifier only really shines in the right environment – with matching power amplifiers, speakers and sensible module expansion. Here in Wädenswil, we work out the combination for your system, advise on expansion, 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\/alle-verstaerker\"\u003epower amplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e, high-quality \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/standlautsprecher\"\u003efloorstanding speakers\u003c\/a\u003e and the right \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/kabel\"\u003ecables\u003c\/a\u003e to connect them.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gato Audio","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53279346721104,"sku":null,"price":4995.0,"currency_code":"CHF","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0932\/3262\/8048\/files\/gato-audio-pre-1-vorverstaerker-schwarz-hochglanz-schraegansicht.jpg?v=1785898693","url":"https:\/\/hdzuerisee.ch\/en\/products\/gatoaudiopre1bl","provider":"HD Zürisee AG","version":"1.0","type":"link"}