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Gato Audio PRD-3 User Manual

1. ste To set up your Mac to stream audio to the PRD 3 A Built in Line Output e Source ii 1 Built in Digital Output Format 44100 0 Hz 2ch 24bit E Ch Volume Value dB Mute Master en 100 0 00 CO LA e 100 0 00 2 A 100 0 00 O io USB D in 2 out Open Finder Choose Utilities gt Open Audio MIDI setup In Audio MIDI setup select the Gato Audio USB 2 0 device and then choose Use this device for sound output Set your prefered sample T ES Configure Speakers rate and bit resolution at Format MINO Configure speakers r I O Use this device for sound output E i USB audio troubleshooting USB audio devices have stronger requirements for both USB hardware and software than other USB devices The following section describes the most common issues that may rise and their possible solutions Known hardware issues and possible solutions A faulty hardware component e g USB cable or USB port may not have an impact on standard USB devices such as a FLASH drive or a printer but can be catastrophic for a USB audio device USB cables Quite often the USB cable or its connectors is the cause for USB signal distortions Some cables available in the market are not suited for USB 2 0 high speed communication 480 Mbps Also the maximum allowed cable length of 5 meters should not be exceeded Try using a different cable Try a shorter cable less than 2 meters Stay aw
2. open Control panel Select Hardware amp sound gt click on Sound Select Gato Audio PRD 3 as To adjust output format click Properties and playback device and click Set Default select the Advanced tab xk Sound EJ Speakers Properties Playback Recording Sounds Communications General Levels Enhancements Advanced f Select a playback device below to modify its settings Default Format Realtek Digital Output 16 bit 44100 Hz CD Quality Realtek High Definition Audio 16 bit 48000 Hz DVD Quality d E16 bit 96000 Hz Studio Quality 16 bit 192000 Hz Studio Quality Select the sample rate and bit depth to be used when running Speakers in shared mode Realtek High Definition Audio Read 24 bit 48000 Hz Studio Quality v P Test am z 24 bit 44100 Hz Studio Quali this device Speakers stas 24 bit 48000 Hz Studio Quali yr 3 udio PRD 3 usb 2 ILS J 24 bit 96000 Hz Studio Quality i 24 bit 192000 Hz Studio Quality Set Default Mi Properties a Ces Mac Installation and Set Up No driver installation is needed on the Mac The driver will be installed ano Audio Devices automatically when the PRD 3 is connected to your Mac for the first amp putti une pur Gato Audio USB 2 0 Audio Out T 4 Clock source Gato Audio Internal Clock 5 9 time Built in Digital Input gt i Input WO it A Built in Output
3. and a very clean internal clock generator for ultra low jitter in the digital domain The PRD 3 preamplifier is well suited for use together with active speakers power amplifiers or as a high quality DAC Analogue Input Stage 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 D A Converter The built in D A converter offers real high end performance enabled by the use of a dedicated power supply a balanced driven 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 USB Versatility The true 24bit 192kHz digital input via the state of the art asynchronous USB circuit is especially worth highlighting It enables the poss
4. to complete the installation Setup Completing the Gato Audio USB Audio Driver v1 61 0 Setup Wizard Click Finish to complete the installation Choose your prefered destination for the installation and click Install Setup Choose Install Location Choose the folder in which to install Gato Audio USB Audio Driver v1 61 0 Setup will install Gato Audio USB Audio Driver v1 61 0 in the following folder To install in a different folder dick Browse and select another folder Click Install to start the installation Destination Folder Space required 2 1MB Space available 20 5GB Bak Instal Cancel During the installation process on Windows XP you may see this message Please just click Continue anyway Software Installation t The software you are installing has not passed Windows Logo s testing to verify its compatibility with Windows XP Tell me why this testing is important Continuing your installation of this software may impair or destabilize the correct operation of your system either immediately or in the future Microsoft strongly recommends that you stop this installation now and contact the software vendor for software that has passed Windows Logo testing Continue Anyway STOP Installation Gato Audio PRD 3 Preamplifier DAC After the installation follow these steps to setup Windows to stream to your Gato Audio device g 3 Click Start gt
5. 14 Do not attempt to put foreign objects inside the preamplifier for service see page 14 Do not cover the preamplifier with cloth Do not place the preamplifier on sloped or unstable surfaces When the preamplifier will not be used for a long time remove the mains plug Never connect or disconnect cables when the preamplifier is switched on This unit is made for indoor temperature 15 259 C or 59 77 F If it has been exposed to cold temperature let it adjust itself to indoor temperature before use Make sure that your preamplifier is able to breathe by securing a minimum safe distance around the heat sinks of 100 mm or 4 inches The preamplifier can get hot during use Normal operating temperature is from room temperature to 50 C or 122 F 100 mm 4 Jos a GA CZ Standby PRD 3 Gato Audio PRD 3 Preamplifier DAC About the preamplifier General design The Gato Audio PRD 3 preamplifier is designed and built to a vision of combining technology sonic performance connectivity versatility stunning looks and compact design It features a built in D A converter with electrical optical and USB inputs High quality analogue input is via RCA connectors or via XLR connectors for true balanced signals Unbalanced and a double pair of balanced line outputs are provided The PRD 3 features low noise analogue circuitry true 24bit 192Khz conversion upsampling of the lesser quality
6. GATO Hi AUDIO PRD 3 Preamplifier DAC User Manual Gato Audio PRD 3 Preamplifier DAC GATO AUDIO Contents Don t be a stranger Package contents Safety first About the preamplifier General design Analogue Input Stage D A Converter USB Versatility Connectivity e LED Display Setting up your preamplifier Basic connection ne Overview Connecting a computer to USB Connecting an Apple iPad to USB How does it work Power ON Standby Adjusting th VolUME i IRA alato MUN cai ste tete Input selection Display dimmina Sample rate read out Direct RC 2 remote control How to insert replace the battery Functions tec Installing USB Driver Requirements Windows PC Installation and Set Up Mac Installation and Set Up USB audio troubleshooting Makeitlast If all ls fails Technical specifications 6 O 29 6 29 O 6 ioo o NNN O io Oo Oo 0 Oo Oo 10 10 NA Xl en 42 13 14 14 AS Gato Audio PRD 3 Preamplifier DAC Don t be a stranger Thank you for purchasing the Gato Audio PRD 3 We are absolutely confident that it will bring you many hours of listening pleasure We hereby cordially invite you to join the Gato Audio family by registering your pro
7. ay from special USB cable offerings optimized for audio or cables which include additional functionality such as status LEDs PCB mounted USB ports On some PC main boards or laptops signal quality of some USB ports is insufficient for USB audio streaming The cause could be that on the PCB USB signals are routed close to a switching voltage regulator for example Try using a different USB port to connect the audio device USB hubs and front panel mounted USB ports External USB hubs and ports mounted on a front panel or elsewhere in the PC case are a possible source of USB signal distortion Quality of cables or connectors used to connect the external USB port with the main board could be insufficient or internal cables are placed close to the power supply or other sources of electrical noise Try using a USB port that is mounted directly on the main board Known software issues and possible solutions Due to the real time nature of USB audio streams there are also requirements for the operating system and third party software components installed on the system Software components that make real time behavior of the operating system worse are not compatible with audio streaming applications in general Conflicting drivers Generally it can be stated that the set of device drivers that ships with Windows behaves well If problems occur then they are typically caused by third party drivers that are to be installed for hardware which Windows doe
8. cloth lightly dampened in a mix of clean lukewarm water and a single drop of dish washing liquid Then wipe the surfaces dry using a soft dry cloth e Be careful never to use hot water or any type of concentrated detergent solvent thinner or any other volatile substance on the surfaces or you may cause permanent damage to the surface coating Keep the cabinet away from prolonged contact with rubber or PVC materials Donotexpose the preamplifier to direct sunlight or other heat sources If all else fails don t panic Every Gato Audio product comes with a minimum 2 year warranty See our website for details This warranty does not cover damage or wear directly or indirectly caused by improper use violence tampering with or unauthorized access to or servicing of any part of the product If you are in need of service or repair please do not hesitate to contact us at hello gato audio com or visit our website www gato audio com for more information Technical specifications Frequency response Signal to noise ratio Line out maximum level Total Harmonic Distortion Input impedance Line output impedance Voltage gain Connectors Balanced analogue inputs Unbalanced analogue inputs Digital inputs Balanced analogue outputs Unbalanced analogue outputs Trigger 12V Size amp Power Power Requirements Fuse Power consumption stdb idle max Dimensions WxHxD Weight GATO AUDIO 20 Hz 100 kHz 0 5 dB g
9. duct online You may also consider signing up for our newsletter to receive information about exciting new products events and technical updates All this and more on www gato audio com Our very best Gato Audio Package contents Please check that the following is included in the package e 1 Gato Audio PRE 3 preamplifier 1 mains cable 1 Gato Audio RC 2 remote control e 1 CR2032 3 V battery 1 CD ROM with USB driver for Windows This manual which you should be reading now GATO AUDIO Safety first Mains plug and cable Insert the mains plug fully into the mains outlet socket Do not use any mains cable other than the one provided with this preamplifier Donot defeat the ground connection Donot move the preamplifier around while it is connected to mains Do not place heavy objects on the mains cable or place the cable near high temperature objects Donotuse damaged mains plugs or socket outlets Liquids Electricity and liquids are not a safe combination therefore When cleaning the preamplifier remove the mains plug Donothandle the mains plug with wet hands Do not spray any liquid directly onto the preamplifier Donot place liquid containers above or near the preamplifier Keep liquids away from the preamplifier And This is not a toy and should not be handled like one by children OR adults Do not remove the covers of the preamplifier for service see page
10. e Only the microprocessor and the standby LED are powered during standby Therefore the PRD 3 has an ultra low standby power consumption of less than 1W Standby Activate the preamplifier by pressing D on the remote control or the Standby button on the front panel When the preamplifier enters standby mode again it will remember the selected input channel and volume level Ifthe volume level is higher than 50 it will be reduced to 50 when the preamplifier exits standby mode Standby Adjusting the volume Turning the volume control knob clockwise increases the volume Turn it counter clockwise to decrease the volume The volume can also be adjusted by pressing the or button on the remote control Muting For complete silence simply press the h button on the remote control Press the mute button once more to return to the previous volume level Input selection Use the Input button on the front panel to select between the different input channels Inputs can also be selected with the remote by pressing the direct input selection buttons or the W or A buttons The input will switch the channels in this order QNI gt IN2 gt BAL gt USB gt RCA gt OPT gt Display dimming The display can be dimmed by a pressing the Display button on the RC 2 remote control or the Display button on the back of the preamplifier The display is now turned off except for two LEDs indicating the dimmed display state Whenever a change is made to the settin
11. gs of the preamplifier such as adjusting volume or changing input the display will light up for 4 seconds Display dim showing the change that is being made Press either of the buttons again to exit display dimming mode GATO AUDIO Sample rate read out The PRD 3 can read and display the sample rate of the USB RCA and OPT digital input channels The PRD 3 can be set to display this in two different ways 1 The display on the right shows the selected input channel eg USB Press the USB button on the RC 2 remote control and the sample rate will be shown in kHz instead of selected input channel name for 4 seconds 2 The display on the right only shows the sample rate When changing input channels the channel name will be shown for 4 seconds and then return to display the sample rate To toggle between the two read out modes press and hold the Display button on the back of the preamplifier for 2 seconds No sample rate available Direct The Direct function bypasses the volume control turning this preamplifier into a fixed level preamplifier This can be very useful in surround setups To activate this mode select input IN1 and press and hold the Input button on the front panel of the preamplifier for 4 seconds The left Home Theater direct display will read HT To disable the function press and hold the Input button on the front panel of the preamplifier for 4 seconds The preamplifier remembers this setting in s
12. ibility of a sonic performance vastly above that of any CD It is the key note of making this preamplifier a quality enhancing connection point for your Mac PC or even your iPad Connectivity We had our eye on versatility and connectivity when designing this preamplifier The PRD 3 offers not only a wide range of digital and analogue inputs but also line outputs a trigger signal for external power amplifiers and a configurable home theater input The HT input can turn the preamplifier into a fixed level preamplifier for use in a surround setup without compromising the sonic performance LED Display By choosing a large high contrast white LED dot matrix display we gave the PRD 3 a distinct appearance easy to understand easy to see and operate even at remote control distance In addition to displaying output level and selected input it also displays the sample rate of the digital input revealing the quality The LED display is fully dimmable by the remote control Setting up your preamplifier Basic connection Follow these steps for setting up your system in this sequence 1 Place the PRD 3 as per the instructions on page 5 2 Connect all inputs and outputs to the preamplifier 3 Connect mains power cable to the preamplifier and turn it on 4 Select input and volume setting Enjoy Overview Mains Ma
13. ins Fuse switch socket compartment Made in Denmark a O OSA ua id Display amp SN 001170 ce x eec n V unm p 12Vtrigger USB Optical Coaxial Analogue Balanced Analogue Display setting input input input inputs input output Ln Toggle On Off iPad Apple AirPort Express Sonos Phono Pre Amp High End CD Player Power Amp External Equipment Mac AppleTV Squeezebox Surround Pre Amp Receiver Professional Audio Active Speaker Equipment PC Harddisk Player CD DVD BD Player TV Subwoofer Laptop Streaming Player Docking Station CD DVD BD Player TV or Sat Cable Receiver Docking Station Volume read out Input Sample rate read out Standby button Volume control knob Input selection button Gato Audio PRD 3 Preamplifier DAC Connecting a computer to USB Before connecting the PRD 3 to your computer via USB please read installation instructions on page 11 Connecting an Apple iPad to USB It is possible to stream music from an iPad to the USB port of the PRD 3 An Apple Camera Connection Kit is required for this feature The kit is available from the Apple online store or other Apple accessory shops Plug the camera connector into the iPad dock connector and connect it to the PRD 3 with a USB cable Simply start your music app and enjoy the music How does it work Power on Use the mains switch on the back of the preamplifier to turn it on The preamplifier is now in standby mod
14. s not support by default So if a hardware component is supported by an in box driver then this driver is to be preferred and a third party driver should not be installed W LAN or Ethernet device drivers Quite often it can be observed that device drivers for W LAN adapters monopolize the computers CPU causing clicks and drop outs when streaming audio to USB A few Ethernet drivers also have such issues Try to find an updated W LAN driver or try an older version of the driver If no suited driver can be found disable W LAN or Ethernet while audio streaming is running Virus scanners or personal firewall software Normally this kind of software includes some components to perform filtering or scanning work in the computers CPU Often such components keep the CPU busy for long periods which can cause clicks and drop outs when streaming audio to USB Try to pause or disable the software while streaming audio to USB Try uninstall the software and use a different product with similar functionality Gato Audio PRD 3 Preamplifier DAC Make it last Please apply simple common sense to maintain the sound quality and lifespan of your new Gato Audio preamplifier Here are a few guidelines Regular care wipe the surfaces carefully by using a clean soft dry cloth Cleaning if necessary wipe the hard surfaces clean using a soft cloth dampened only with clean water Grease stains or finger marks can be removed carefully with a clean soft
15. t 110 dB 13 V balanced 6 5 V unbalanced lt 0 001 pre out 20 kO RCA or 40 kO Balanced 750 10 dB 1 pair gold plated XLR Neutrik 2 pairs of gold plated RCA stereo 1 USB type B 1 Toslink 1 RCA coaxial 2 pairs gold plated XLR Neutrik 1 pair of gold plated RCA Stereo 1 mini jack 115 VAC or 230 VAC 50 Hz 60 Hz 30W max 20 mm 630 MAT 115 VAC 315 mAT 230 VAC lt 1W 14W 30W 325 x 105 x 420 mm 12 8 x 4 1 x 16 5 7kg 15 4 Ib GATO AUDI Gato Audio Marielundvej 28 DK 2730 Herlev Denmark Phone 45 4095 2205 www gato audio com hello gato audio com 8 g E H 5 s f
16. tandby mode and when the PRD 3 is switched off Gato Audio PRD 3 Preamplifier DAC RC 2 remote control The RC 2 is an infrared remote control for the Gato Audio PRD 3 How to insert replace the battery The RC 2 runs on a standard CR2032 3 V button battery 1 Remove the small lid on the bottom side of the remote 2 Insert or replace the CR2032 3 V button battery 3 Reinstall the small lid on the bottom side of the remote Functions Display h Standby cb Press the button to put the preamplifier in standby D Press it again to turn it on 7 i Display Press the button to dim the display RCA Optical Press it again to restore the display to normal 3 gt D Mute h Press the button to mute the preamplifier Input 1 Input 2 Balanced Press it again to return to the previous volume level i 3 USB Press the button to select the digital USB input channel i RCA Press the button to select the digital coaxial input channel Optical Press the button to select the digital optical input channel Input 1 Press the button to select the analogue Input 1 channel Input 2 Press the button to select the analogue Input 2 channel Balanced Press the button to select the analogue balanced input channel Volume up Press the button to increase the volume Volume down Press the button to decrease the volume Next input channel A Press the button to select next input channel Previous input channel W Press the but
17. ton to select previous input channel GATO AUDIO Installing USB Driver Requirements Minimum computer configuration required for USB audio streaming Intel Core 2 1 6 GHz or AMD equivalent with 1 GB RAM USB 2 0 interface One of the following operating systems Windows XP with SP3 32 bit Windows Vista with SP2 32 bit amp 64 bit Windows 7 amp 8 32 bit amp 64 bit Apple OS X 10 6 4 Snow Leopard or higher Because there are so many PC configurations out there we cannot guarantee that you will be able to stream audio on USB even if your system meets the requirements above Windows PC Installation and Set Up Before you are able to stream audio from USB on your Windows PC the first time you will have to install the Gato Audio USB driver Connect your PRD 3 to a free USB port on your computer and load the CD ROM that came with the PRD 3 into your PC Setup will start automatically If not click on Start Computer Right click on the icon of your CD DVD drive and choose Install program Click Next to start installation Welcome to the Gato Audio USB Audio Driver v1 61 0 Setup Wizard This wizard will guide you through the installation of Gato Audio USB Audio Driver v1 61 0 Itis recommended that you dose all other applications before starting Setup This will make it possible to update relevant system files without having to reboot your computer Click Next to continue Click Finish

Gato Audio PRD-3 User Manual

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