DIA-400S is the most powerful in the line of integrated amplifiers from Gato Audio

The Gato Audio DIA-400S integrated amplifier / DAC with digital inputs is the most powerful in the line of integrated amplifiers from Gato-audio. This model is a combination of modern technologies, a non-trivial view of the design of audio equipment and the desire to make the best amplifier. In the Gato Audio DIA-400S amplifier, the purity of sound is ensured by the use of a number of original technologies, proprietary to the manufacturer. This is a cascade system (Class-D) with an independent power supply, and amplification using International Rectifier technology, and a PWM modulator, and an optimized HF generator and much more.

The Gato Audio DIA-400S amplifier has a technically advanced solution in the form of class D output stages with a separate power supply. The amplifying section is built on proven International Rectifier technology, with an optimized precision high-frequency generator and PWM modulator. Fast and accurate switching MOS-FET transistors, which have very low resistance in the open state, guarantee excellent operation at high frequencies with minimal possible losses. Output filters on high-quality polypropylene capacitors and coils with low active resistance convert powerful PWM signals back into detailed and soft analog sound.

The built-in Digital-Analog Converter provides true High End characteristics thanks to a specially dedicated power supply, a Burr-Brown PCM1794 chip with a balanced output, an improved current-voltage converter with an extended frequency range and an analog section with a low-Q low-pass filter. All digital inputs can be upsampled to 24-bit/192kHz. This DAC can elevate any digital source – such as wired or wireless streaming audio – to a higher level of detail and musicality.

During development, we paid special attention to the versatility and communication of the device. Gato Audio DIA-400S offers not only a wide range of digital and analog inputs, but also linear outputs, a trigger for external power amplifiers and a configurable home theater input. The home theater input can turn Gato Audio DIA-400S into a power amplifier with a fixed gain level to ensure uncompromising sound when used in surround sound systems.

High-End sound is formed by the well-coordinated work of a unique system: a built-in digital-to-analog converter with a separate power supply, a Burr-Brown PCM1794 microcircuit with a balanced input, an updated current-voltage converter with a wider frequency range, an analog part with low LPF. All this allows, for example, in combination with any digital source, to produce sound at the highest level of detail and musicality. The sound acquires a vintage tube hue, becoming more saturated and noble.

The Gato Audio DIA-400S amplifier can be used equally successfully with any playback equipment, including home theaters. The model has enough input/output pairs of different types to be able to connect it to any equipment. The

updated models with the “S” index are not just improved versions of the old ones, but rather new products based on the design of the previous ones. We spent a year developing new DAC circuits and new input circuits, making changes to the output stages and power supplies. The firmware was also updated and the connectors were improved. It goes without saying that the new amplifiers have noticeably improved the sound quality: the volume and picture have improved, calmness and detail are the key words to describe the changes.

The aptX® Bluetooth input built into the Gato Audio DIA-400S offers a high-quality solution for receiving audio streams from a PC, tablet or phone. It is a simple and well-functioning wireless interface option that is in demand by many people in their daily lives, giving flexibility when using amplifiers.

Gato Audio DIA-400S Specifications

Output power (230 VAC): 2x 400 W RMS 8Ω / 2x 800 W RMS 4Ω
Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz ± 0.5 dB
2 Hz – 70 kHz ± 3 dB
THD (for power amplifier): < 0.01 %
Signal-to-noise ratio: > 110 dB
Line output level (max): 13 V (balanced), 6.5 V (unbalanced)
THD (for preamp): < 0.001 %
Input impedance: 20 kΩ RCA or 40 kΩ (balanced)
Line output impedance: 75 Ω
Gain: 26 dB
Recommended load impedance: 4 Ω – 16 Ω
Connectors
Balanced analog inputs: 1 pair gold-plated XLR (Neutrik)
Unbalanced analog inputs: 2 pairs of gold-plated RCA (Stereo)
Digital inputs: 1x USB type B, 1x Toslink, 1x RCA,
1x aptX Bluetooth 4.0
Unbalanced analog outputs: 1 pair of gold-plated XLR (Neutrik)
Balanced analog outputs: 1 pair of gold-plated RCA (Stereo)
Speaker outputs: 2 pairs of gold-plated terminals (safety banana)
Trigger, 12 V: 1 mini jack
Dimensions and power supply
Power requirements: 115 VAC / 230 VAC, 50 Hz / 60 Hz
Power consumption: Standby <1 W, Idle <35 W, Max. < 1600 W
Dimensions (WxHxD): 325 x 105 x 420 mm / 12.8 x 4.1 x 16.5 “
Weight: 13 kg