PRE-1 Dual Mono Balanced Preamplifier

The PRE-1 Dual Mono Balanced Preamplifier

Since the introduction of the PWR-222 mono power amplifiers we have craved for a fully balanced reference preamplifier to match the ultimate quality of the PWR-222's - to finally reach their real performance ceiling. Therefore, it is with great pleasure that we introduce to you the PRE-1: a dual mono, fully balanced reference preamplifier with optional Phono stage, SABRE DAC and Streaming modules available.

Fully Balanced

Straight from the input and all the way through the PRE-1 the circuits are of balanced design. This means even through the critical volume attenuation and all in and outputs we're maintaining fully symmetrical design, ensuring super low noise and distortion, preservation of every small detail - leaving a 3D soundstage, combined with natural and smooth musical presentation like you've never heard before...

Dual Mono

The PRE-1 features a dual mono design philosophy, splitting out left and right signal in each side of the preamplifier, each with its own dedicated low noise power supply for all analog circuits. Shared circuits are used only for logic and control, including the heavy duty 32-bit microprocessor overseeing all operations inside the PRE-1.

Fully Configurable

The bright and clear OLED display offers a more personalized operation than ever on a Gato Audio product, as all inputs can be named specifically by the user. The attenuation offset can likewise be set for each input individually, saying goodbye to the annoyance of low level sources. These are all small details that make the life with the PRE-1 just a tad nicer.

More Options

Although the features of the basic PRE-1 arequite extensive, it offers two slots for additional feature boards. We are offering three extensions boards to choose from:

• ESS-1 SABRE DAC board supporting MQA, DSD and 24/384kHz PCM
• MMC-1 phono stage supporting MM and Current Mode MC input
• NPM-2 Roon Ready network streamer supporting TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect and other services (this is only available together with the ESS-1 board)

Bespoke Cover

As standard we offer top covers in high gloss black, white and real walnut veneer to match the finish of our loudspeakers. But what if you prefer to have your PRE-1 match another brand of speakers or a piece of furniture or the color of your Lamborghini? Gato Audio offer to make bespoke top covers for you. We can paint them in virtually any color. So contact us at hello@gato-audio.com and tell us what you have in mind.

Features:

• Fully balanced design
• 5 analog input, 3xRCA and 2xXLR
• 2 analog outputs, 1xRCA and 1xXLR
• Gain and name setting for each input with memory
• Two option slots for upgrade modules:
• ESS-1 Dac module:
• Sabre DAC, ESS9038PRO chip:
• MQA support
• DSD up to 256
• 1xUSB, 2xOptical Toslink, 2xSPDIF RCA
• MMC-1 Phonostage module:
• MM/MC
• Adjustable capacitance load
• Adjustable gain
• NPM-2 Streaming module (only together with ESS-1 option):
• Roon Ready
• Tidal Connect
• Spotify Connect
• Qobuz
• Deezer
• Internet radio
• DNLA/UPNP
• MQA
• DSD
• Volume controlled headphone output, 6,3mm Jack
• Combi display with OLED and analog meter
• 12V standby trigger - in & out
• Remote controlled
• Designed, developed and built in Copenhagen, Denmark

Output Impedance100 ΩMaximum Input Level8 V Unbalanced, 16 V BalancedChannel Seperation> 113 dB

This product is under development. Specifications and features are expected but preliminary.