PRD-3S NPM Preamplifier, DAC & Network Player

Smooth analogue music

The analogue input stage is where everything begins. It not only connects external inputs and the built-in D/A converter with the output stage, it adapts impedances, adjusts levels and switches signals. A super-gentle embrace of the delicate analogue signals is important for the total performance of the preamplifier. At Gato Audio we have utilized our many years of experience in "voicing" analogue amplifiers to make this particular stage perform at its very best. We tuned the input stage to perform with a natural and lifelike sound, affecting the original signal as little as possible.

More than just a Preamp

The built-in D/A converter offers real high end performance, enabled by the use of a dedicated power supply, a balanced-drive Burr-Brown PCM1794 D/A converter, an optimized high bandwidth I/V converter, and an analogue stage with low-Q, low pass filters. All digital inputs are upsampled to 24bit/192kHz. This D/A converter will upgrade any digital source - such as wired or wireless streaming from your computer or CD drive - to a high end level of detail and musical performance.

NPM - Network Player Module

The built in NPM is a powerfull way of transforming the PRD-3S into a high end network streamer. It connects to the network by Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi, and is controlled by a smartphone or tablet app or as a Roon endpoint. The following services are supported:

• Roon Ready
• Tidal
• Qobuz
• Deezer
• DLNA UpNP

Roon Ready

Roon is an incredibly rich and engaging way to browse and organize your music. It runs on most Mac, Windows, and Linux PCs, or on other products which include Roon Core. Being Roon Ready means that Gato Audio network players transparently discover and connect to Roon without any configuration, and bit-perfect audio is delivered from Roon to your network player. Together, Roon and Gato Audio deliver the power, flexibility, and performance of networked audio, with the easiest setup and highest reliability available.

Learn more about Roon here

High Definition Bluetooth

The Bluetooth input of the NPM supports aptX™ HD 24Bit audio. This means that your PRD-3S is able to receive audio from every smartphone or tablet app in a "better-than-CD" quality.