Phonostages — Gato Audio PRE-1

The PRE-1 from Danish manufacturer Gato Audio is a dual mono line-level stereo preamplifier that also includes a headphone stage. Its phono and digital functions come from optional plug-in boards, so the base unit handles analogue line sources and a record player needs the MMC-1 module fitted.

Key specs that matter

Connections comprise three gold-plated RCA input pairs and two balanced Neutrik XLR input pairs, and feed a single RCA plus a single XLR output. A 6.3 mm headphone socket with separate level control is placed on the front, and a single 12 V trigger input is matched by two trigger outputs. With the MMC-1 board installed, gain at 1 kHz is 40 dB for MM and 60 dB for MC, adjustable in 3 dB steps up to 15 dB, MM impedance is 47 kOhm, and MM capacitance ranges from 100 to 790 pF in six steps. That module measures 0.015% THD plus noise, an 80 dB A-weighted noise figure, and uses one RCA turntable input. The unit measures 325 x 105 x 420 mm and weighs 10 kg.

Engineering and use context

The analogue circuit keeps a balanced topology all the way from input to output, including the digitally controlled analogue attenuator, and double output buffers provide high current with low output impedance. Each channel, left and right, is fed by a separate power transformer, and a third transformer feeds the digital circuits, giving ten separate windings and thirteen voltage regulators in total. Every input can be named, given its own gain setting or switched off when unused. The optional ESS-1 SABRE converter board handles MQA, DSD64, DSD128, DSD256 and PCM up to 24 bit and 384 kHz through one USB, two optical and two coaxial inputs, with 0.003% THD plus noise and 113 dB signal-to-noise ratio. An NPM-2 Roon Ready streamer can be added once the ESS-1 is fitted. Start-up takes about 15 seconds, after which a red logo marks standby. A long press on the front mute button switches from line outputs to headphones, the display can be dimmed, and inputs are chosen from a front knob or the RC-8 remote control. A mute button silences the output fully and restores the previous level when pressed again, and the input naming menu is navigated with the volume knob or the remote plus and minus keys. Consumption is below 1 W in standby, 50 W at idle and 90 W at most.

Pairing

The balanced output suits an amplifier fitted with balanced inputs, and Gato Audio lists the PRE-1 as the partner for its PWR-222 mono blocks.

Alternatives

Within Gato Audio's range, the PPA-1 is a standalone phono stage with two configurable MM or MC inputs and its own headphone output.