Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Gorgeous design with sinuous curves and high wife approval factor, with a chassis that's all aluminum and available with an upper deck in white, black, or walnut veneer
- Features a built-in DAC and integrated Bluetooth and can be ordered with a networking module that adds streaming
- Customer service has been exceptional with fast international delivery and proactive loan of the PRD-3S while waiting for a newer model to be ready
- Produces an inimitable flow and richness of sound that remains continuously audible and acoustically transparent
- Offers a wealth of digital and network connectivity
Product Considerations
- The mConnect app, used for streaming from online services, can be a bit slow and lacks some functionalities compared to the native apps
- The display on the back for dimming the front display is not a good design and not easy to use
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Gato ensemble (PRD-3S and two power amps) has an edge—actually a wide margin—over the DVLA-400
- The CDD-1 player's DAC does its job a little more transparently than the PRD-3S's integrated DAC, giving tracks slightly more weight in terms of the fundamental tone
Takeaway: The PRD-3S is an impressive piece of kit with excellent build and sound quality, along with great connectivity. It is a great choice for both digital and analog enthusiasts and offers superb customer service.
All
PRD-3S
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Frequency response: 20 Hz-100 kHz - 0.5 dB
- Signal to noise ratio: > 110 dB
- Line out maximum level: 13V balanced, 6,5V unbalanced
- Total Harmonic Distortion: < 0,001% pre out
- Input impedance: 20 kO RCA or 40 kO Balanced
- Line output impedance: 75 O
- Voltage gain: 10 dB
- Power Requirements: 115 VAC/230 VAC, 50 Hz/60 Hz, 30W max
- Power consumption stdb/idle/max: < 1W/14W/30W
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 325 x 105 x 420 mm / 12.8 x 4.1 x 16.5"
- Weight: 7 kg / 15.4 lb
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Gato Audio products exhibit a distinct design aesthetic, characterized by elegant curves, brushed aluminum, and the option for high-gloss black, white, or walnut top covers.
- The brand incorporates high-quality DACs, often Burr-Brown PCM1794A chips, with upsampling of digital signals to 24-bit/192kHz for enhanced sound reproduction.
- They integrate a custom-designed network player module (NPM) that offers extensive streaming capabilities and Roon endpoint functionality, transforming their amplifiers into versatile all-in-one solutions.
- Gato amplifiers aim to emulate the sonic characteristics of Class AB amplifiers while utilizing the efficient, cool-running Class D topology, often employing International Rectifier circuits in their designs.
Select products
DIA-250S NPM
- Positioning: Positioned as a versatile and cost-effective integrated amplifier in Gato Audio's lineup.
- Description: Offers a powerful 250W per channel output with a built-in Roon Ready network player. Its Class-D amplification and advanced D/A converter provide smooth and detailed audio, distinguishing it from the more powerful DIA-400S NPM. This model is suitable for small to medium-sized rooms and offers excellent value for those with a moderate budget, while still providing extensive connectivity options for various digital sources.
AMP-150
- Positioning: Gato Audio's reference integrated amplifier, known for its high aesthetic and technical quality.
- Description: Features Gato Audio's TwinFET technology, which ensures minimal distortion and a pure sound. With 150W per channel, it offers less power than the DIA-400S NPM but focuses on delivering a more traditional analog sound experience.
DIA-400S NPM
- Positioning: The flagship model in Gato Audio's integrated amplifier series, offering the highest power and advanced features.
- Description: Combines a robust 400W per channel Class-D amplifier with a Roon Ready network player, providing exceptional performance for demanding audio setups. Its advanced digital and analog connectivity, along with high-definition Bluetooth, sets it apart from the DIA-250S NPM.
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Used
Gato
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Product Strengths
- Gorgeous design with sinuous curves and customizable panels, rating very highly in wife approval factor
- Delivers a wonderfully uniform sound with an inimitable flow, a richness of sound that remains continuously audible and acoustically transparent
- Integrated DAC based on a PCM1794 chip from Burr-Brown processes all incoming digital signals with 24 bits or 192 kilohertz, delivering perfect conversion and richness in the upper bass realm
- Wealth of connections to support both digital and analog focused people including digital audio converter, integrated Bluetooth, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and support for Roon streaming, DLNA, UPnP, Qobuz, Tidal, and Deezer
Product Considerations
- The mConnect app, which is a third-party app, can be a bit slow and has limitations compared to the actual streaming applications
- Display shows the running progress of the CD, but not the elapsed minutes and seconds
- The drive's lens must be carefully dusted from time to time as the drive is not fully closed
Takeaway: The Gato Audio PRD-3S is an impressive piece of kit with great build and sound quality, alongside a wealth of digital and analog connections. It offers a balanced and timeless sound that is ready for the future with its innovative technology and design.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Much wider soundstage with good separation of instruments, deepening the soundstage beyond the back of the speakers
- Vocals are suspended in mid-air, replicating a live recording
- Notes of acoustic instruments are crisp and well articulated
- Handles dynamics with aplomb with tight, crisp, and clear percussion
- Resolves heavy metal clearly, even at neighbor-scaring volume levels
Product Considerations
- A software bug related to Bluetooth interfered with Roon or mConnect
- A hardware failure occurred on the display shortly after receiving the unit
- The reviewer felt like a beta tester due to the software bug
- Custom colors for the upper decks are available, but one reviewer was concerned the design could be a portal for dust
- It is not possible to order the DAC, phono stage, and network module all at once due to expansion slot limitations
Takeaway: The PRE-1 offers a premium listening experience with exceptional sound quality and clarity, creating a truly immersive musical experience. Although there were a few initial hiccups, the sound quality makes it worth considering.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Impressively Revealing
With a revolutionary preamp circuit-board that reduces interference and an incredibly clean signal path, Edge NQ plays your favourite music with astonishing depth. Stream, plug-in and play to enjoy every note in perfect clarity.
Edge NQ Preamplifier With Network Player and Edge W
All the Sources
Edge NQ lets you enjoy music from any source. As well as digital coaxial, HDMI, USB and S/PDIF connections, there's also Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Qobuz, AirPlay, Bluetooth aptX HD, Internet Radio and UPnP Playback. Roon Ready certification enhances your browsing experience. Wherever songs are played from, Edge NQ stays true to the character of every instrument and uncovers a musicality you've never heard before.
Edge NQ Preamplifier with Network Player and Edge W
Astonishing Digital Detail
With a wealth of connections including digital coaxial, ARC (Audio Return Channel), USB and S/PDIF, our engineers have ensured that all of your digital content can be enjoyed, at up to 24-bit/384kHz and DSD 256. Edge NQ offers an incredibly revealing sound that has detailed tone, rhythmic drive and taut bass.
EDGE
Sonic Balance
Edge NQ was designed with a unique PCB. Our engineers replaced conventional capacitors with a DC coupled topology and also added a solid state volume control. The end result is a clean signal path that's perfectly balanced at any volume.
EDGE
Award-Winning Streaming Software
Edge NQ boasts the very latest version of our award-winning streaming module. Designed in-house, right here in the UK, it features a new, faster chipset and support for both 24bit/192kHz and DSD128 files. The addition of Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Qobuz, AirPlay, Bluetooth aptX HD and Internet radio means you can enjoy your music whatever the source. Roon Ready certification enhances your browsing experience.
Edge NQ Preamplifier and Network Player close-up of volume dial
Chromecast Built‑in
Thanks to Chromecast Built-in hundreds of music services, including Sirius XM & Soundcloud, can be enjoyed on the Edge NQ. Just tap the cast button in your favourite app to stream music from your smartphone, tablet or laptop in stunning high definition sound, up to 24bit/96kHz.
Edge NQ Preamplifier and Network Player close-up
Fixed Line-out Mode
If you wish to connect the Edge NQ to an integrated amplifier rather than a power amplifier, the streaming functionality can be used independently of the preamplifier. The preamplifier can be disabled via the dedicated Edge app for iOS and Android.
Edge NQ Preamplifier with Network Player and Edge W
Perfect Partners
Edge systems are designed to work in perfect synchronisation. Match the Edge NQ with our highest performing power amplifier, Edge W, to create a hi-fi system with a sound, and a look, unlike anything else.
Product Strengths
- Exemplary build quality, with a visually pleasing design
- The StreamMagic app is well-made and capable, offering a good user experience
- Delivers music in an extremely lifelike manner, limited more by the source than its own limitations
- Offers a strong musical sense of rhythm across all inputs, contributing to a well-rounded performance
- Presents a clear, bold, and spacious presentation
Product Considerations
- The volume dial may be slightly loose
- Lacks a phono analog input
- The acceptance angle of the remote sensor is limited
- The USB has trouble with large music collections
- The high frequencies can be bright with the system
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Musical Fidelity M8Xi: The M8Xi has more power output and exhibits more control over loudspeakers, but lacks the built-in streaming of the Edge NQ
- Vs Naim electronics: The Edge system is neutral, and not as warm as the Naim electronics
- Vs Gold Note DS-10: Provides a bigger soundstage and more detail
- Vs PS Audio DSD Jr: The Cambridge Audio Edge NQ and the PS Audio DSD Jr are sonically comparable, but the NQ delivers more precise lateral focus
Takeaway: The Cambridge Audio Edge NQ is a versatile, well-designed preamplifier and network streamer that delivers high-quality sound. It provides an enjoyable listening experience, making it a great choice for those seeking both performance and elegant aesthetics.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our summary
Product Strengths
- The SP25 Prisma includes 4K dynamic HDR switching and eARC
- Eleven channels of processing and preamplification
- Dual eight channel DAC chips allow for unique digital to analogue conversion, allocating four channels of conversion when delivering signal to the pair of front left and right analogue outputs
- Versatile, with single ended analog inputs, USB, coaxial and optical digital inputs, and HDMI inputs
- Prisma streamer, wired and wireless
Product Considerations
- Good surround sound gets expensive fast
- Operation and setup can be complex
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The SP25 Prisma lacks the power amplifiers of the SPA25 Prisma, making it only an AV processor or preamplifier
Takeaway: The SP25 Prisma is designed for cinephiles and audiophiles. It provides the best home cinema experience with carefully considered features and functionality.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Ultra-low noise with remarkably quiet backgrounds and effortless transparency
- Delivers Al Harewood's delicate brush work with an outstanding balance of brush "edge" and "swish"
- Clear and distinct sound, with a soundstage that is tall, wide, and deep
- Natural and matter-of-fact nature, one that doesn't feel processed or constrained in any particular way
- The V10 is a highly musical phonostage that resolves fine details, honors tonal colors, and allows the dynamic life in music to breathe at levels that belie the unit's modest price
Product Considerations
- Adjustments to capacitance, gain, and impedance are accomplished by means of a bank of DIP switches on the rear panel, which can be a bit confusing
- The instruction manual states it's possible to set impedance "freely between 50 and 550 ohms" and add 6 addition dB of gain, but to do so contact your Hegel dealer for more information
- Not as versatile as the PS Audio Stellar
- The V10 does not try to mask physical imperfections on the record
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Simaudio MOON by Simaudio 610LP—the Hegel V10 performs so well in comparison to the much more expensive 610LP as to be encouraging
- Vs Aurorasound VIDA Prima—the Hegel V10 seemed to pull out more detail than the VIDA Prima
- Vs Aqvox Phono 2 Ci—V10 allows one to easily explore the musicians' context and intent better
- Vs Rega Aria 3—the V10 betters it by quite a way, showing how the Hegel has a more incisive and detailed nature
Takeaway: The Hegel V10 is a great sounding, well-made phono stage that produces the 3D, of both the music and the space behind it, while honoring the purity and simplicity of the recording. It has connectivity and configurability as well.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Comprehensive spec sheet
- Versatile phono stage with balanced outputs offers greater levels of gain
- Depth, detail, and an analogue character
- Flexible and capable
- Extracts the very best from any cartridge
- The casework feels solid and beautifully finished
Product Considerations
- Adjusting capacitance and loading via hidden dip switches under two small covers for left and right channels is a little trickier than the previous model's dial adjusters
- DIP switches are fiddly to use
- Busiest and brightest recordings can appear just a little sanitised
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The R35 offers a thorough update of its feature set, making it—on paper at least—one of the most versatile phono stages on the market today
- The R35 ups the ante by some margin, despite looking deceptively identical to the retired R32 front on
- Compared to the Hegel V10, the R35 is more playful dynamically with fatter bass, there is more depth in the soundscape, and a slightly larger range of timbres
Takeaway: The R35 is a versatile phono stage that can extract the best from any cartridge and has a comprehensive spec sheet. It offers depth, detail, and an analogue character that underlines vinyl's enduring appeal.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Crisp, clean, and spacious tone, which is fun to listen to, tonally neutral, and detailed
- Good and solid build quality
Product Considerations
- Substandard interface, with tiny buttons and labels, can be difficult to use
- In single-ended mode, the sound presentation can have slightly edgy mids
- Smaller interface font than the M6 makes the values slightly harder to read
- Size and weight might require sturdy shelf support
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- M6x has an appreciable reduction in its noise floor and improved dynamic range compared to M6 Vinyl
- M6x has a slightly well-lit upper midband and a drier and leaner bass compared to ModWright PH 9.0 tube phono stage
- M6x Vinyl is a clear step up, having a crisp, clean, and spacious tone compared to Rega Aria Mk3
Takeaway: The M6x is a versatile phono stage that offers balanced connections, multiple inputs and solid build quality. It is sonically neutral and lets records speak for themselves.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Offers a 'truthful' signal transmission with attributes of speed, low noise, vanishing grain, and purity—delivering a solid sonic performance
- Excellent build quality, with robust aluminum chassis and quality parts
- The knobs offer a silky-smooth feel, and the remote is well-designed and easy to use
- Offers a detailed sound
Product Considerations
- The XLR inputs and outputs are more for interface convenience, as the internal circuitry is single-ended
- Some reviewers note a lack of density in the lower midrange compared to other preamps
- The EX-P7 can sound too analytical if paired with already analytical components
- May not match high-end SET amplifiers in accurately conveying timbre and texture of vocals
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Denafrips Athena preamp, the EX-P7 is faster, more linear and agile, but lacks some density in the lower midrange
- Vs Kinki Studio EX-M1 Integrated Amplifier, the EX-P7 (paired with EX-B7 monoblocks) sounds beefier, more extended in the bass, and rounder, while the EX-M1 is leaner and feistier
- Vs Audia Flight FLS1 preamplifier, EX-B7 monoblocks combined with the FLS1 gained resolution, clarity and transparency
Takeaway: The Kinki Studio EX-P7 preamp is well-built and offers a technically correct sound, making it a great option for those seeking a detailed and revealing listening experience when paired with the right components. It is designed with quality components, inside and out, and the overall product exudes quality.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent streaming capabilities with support for AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal, Qobuz, and Bluetooth
- Versatile functionality as a streamer, DAC, and preamplifier
- The Prisma app is easy to use and allows for customization of settings and access to streaming services
- Good sound quality with a fresh, energetic, dynamic, and well-timed presentation using either digital or analogue sources
- Offers multi-room functionality, digital EQ, and room correction
Product Considerations
- The built-in DAC may not be as good as separate—higher-end DACs
- Sound quality using Chromecast and AirPlay may not be as good as using a direct USB connection
- The USB drive playback interface in the Prisma app may have issues with track ordering
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Primare SC15 Prisma Mk2 has more inputs, better build quality, and Chromecast than the Bluesound Node 2i, while the Node 2i is Roon Ready and has more polished software (BluOS)
Takeaway: The Primare SC15 Prisma Mk2 is a well-rounded device that combines streaming, DAC, and preamp functionalities into a single, stylish unit that provides a wide range of inputs and a good overall sound experience. It's a great option for those looking to simplify their setup without sacrificing features or sound quality.
Video review
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