Gato Audio PPA-1 User manual

1
1
User Manual
PPA-1 Phono Preamplifier

2

3
Contents
Contents 3
Don’t Be a Stranger 4
Package Contents 4
Safety First! 5
About the PPA-1 6
General Design 6
Current Mode MC 6
Voltage Mode MM 6
Dedicated Headphone Amplier 6
Setting Up Your PPA-1 6
Basic connection 6
Connecting (Multiple) Turntables 6
Connecting Headphones 6
How Does it Work? 8
Capacitance Selection 8
Input Selection 8
Power On & Standby 8
Subsonic Filter 9
Enabling & Adjusting Headphone Volume 9
Gain Setting 9
Cartridge Type Selection 9
RC-6 Remote Control 12
How to insert/replace the battery 12
Troubleshooting 13
Make it Last! 14
If All Else Fails… 14
Technical Specications 15

4
Don’t Be a Stranger Package Contents
Thank you for purchasing the Gato Audio PPA-1 Phono Preamplier. We are absolutely
condent that it will bring you many hours of listening pleasure.
We hereby cordially invite you to join the Gato Audio
family by registering your product online. For new
products, we oer to extend your factory warranty by
three years on top of the two years we provide by law
- in total ve years warranty - if you choose to regis-
ter. It’s fast and easy and you can do it by typing this
address into your internet browser or scan this code:
www.gato-audio.com/product-registration
You may also consider signing up for our newsletter to receive information about exciting
new products, events and technical updates.
We are also present on several social media like Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn. Tag
your new Gato Audio gear with #gatoaudio. We would love to see it!
All this and more at www.gato-audio.com
Our very best,
Gato Audio
• 1 Gato Audio PPA-1 Phono Preamplier
• 1 Mains cable
• 1 Gato Audio PPA-1 remote control (RC-6)
• 1 CR2032 3 V battery
• This manual 
Please check that the following is included in the package:

5
100 mm / 4” 100 mm / 4”
pF Input Sub
Off
0 +15
+3 +12
+6 +9OnIN1570
220
100
790
320 690
470 IN2
MM MC
dB
PPA-1
Standby Cartridge
Mains Plug and Cable:
• Only use mains cables that adheres to safety standards - like the one included with
this preamplier
• Insert the mains plug fully into the mains outlet socket
• Do not defeat the ground connection
• Do not move the preamplier around while it is connected to mains
• Do not place heavy objects on the mains cable or place the cable near high-tempera-
ture objects
• Do not use damaged mains plugs or socket outlets
Liquids:
Electricity and liquids are not a safe combination, therefore:
• When cleaning the preamplier, remove the mains plug
• Do not handle the mains plug with wet hands
• Do not spray any liquid directly onto the preamplier
• Do not place liquid containers above or near the preamplier
• Keep liquids away from the preamplier
…And:
• This is not a toy and should not be handled like one (by children OR adults)
• Do not remove the covers of the preamplier (for service see page 14)
• Do not attempt to put foreign objects inside the preamplier (for service see page 14)
• Do not cover the preamplier with cloth, while it is connected to mains
• Do not place the preamplier on sloped or unstable surfaces
• When the preamplier will not be used for a long time, remove the mains plug
• Never connect or disconnect cables when the preamplier is switched on
• This unit is made for indoor temperature (15-25OC or 59-77 OF). If it has been exposed
to cold temperature, let it adjust itself to indoor temperature before use
• Make sure that your preamplier is able to breathe by securing a minimum safe dis-
tance around the heat sinks of 100 mm or 4 inches
Safety First!

6
Basic connection
Follow these steps for setting up your system in this sequence:
1.Place the PPA-1 as per the instructions on page 5
2.Connect inputs and outputs to the preamplier
3.Connect ground from the turntable
4.Connect mains power cable to the preamplier and turn it on
5.Select input and volume setting. Enjoy!
Connecting (Multiple) Turntables
The PPA-1 supports two turntables to be connected at the same time. Simply connect
the turntables to each RCA input. If possible connect ground from the turntables to the
ground terminal on the PPA-1.
Connecting Headphones
Connect the 6.3mm headphone jack to the front of the PPA-1, just below the volume
knob. Turn the volume knob to activate the headphones and adjust volume level.
Setting Up Your PPA-1
General Design
The PPA-1 is a sophisticated phono stage with a built in headphone amplier, designed
with maximum sonic performance and exibility in mind. The Preamplier features two
separate and individually congurable inputs. Line stages for both MM and MC cartridges
are available for both inputs as well as a wide range of extra gain and load settings can
be applied.
Individual power supplies for the delicate analog circuits and the digital control secures
a healthy separation of audio and logic. The PPA-1 features low noise voltage regulators
and a well designed grounding that secures high dynamics and headroom as well as a
low noise oor.
Current Mode MC
As a rarity we designed the MC input stage as current mode that diers from typical volt-
age mode circuits by having a low input impedance oering higher damping and mini-
mizes noise and distortion. Any tendency of oscillation or peaky behavior of a cartridge
is drastically dampened and not amplied throughout the rest of the preamplier. Due
to this special circuit design, the capacitive feature is diabled and cannot be selected for
MC cartridges.
Voltage Mode MM
In contrast the MM input stage is voltage amplied as many MM cartridges oer relatively
high output impedance and works best with a x load of 47Kohm together with a select-
able capacitance as oered by the PPA-1. Low noise amplication and equalizing circuits
for the MM input is shared with that of the MC line stage.
Dedicated Headphone Amplifier
Enjoy the intimacy of the vinyl grooves directly in a pair of quality headphones via the
front mounted 6.3mm jack. A separate and discreetly designed MOSFET headphone am-
plier with analog volume control will ensure top notch performance, while the line level
outputs automatically deactivate.
About the PPA-1

7
Trigger
In Out
Input 1
Mains
Neutral
Live
Made in
Denmark
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK OR FIRE, DO
NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO MOISTURE OR RAIN.
DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS
INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
RL Input 2Ground RL
Com
pF Input Sub
Off
0 +15
+3 +12
+6 +9OnIN1570
220
100
790
320 690
470 IN2
MM MC
dB
PPA-1
Standby Cartridge
6.3mm Headphone
Output
Standby MM/MC Selection
Capacitance
Selection
Turntable Input
Selection
Headphone
Volume
Subsonic Filter
Selection
Gain
Selection
Mains
Socket
Turntable
Input 2
Turntable
Input 1
Turntable
Ground
Fuse
Compartment
Mains
Switch
Unbalanced
Output
Balanced
Output
12 V Trigger Out
12 V Trigger In
Communication

8
pF Input
IN1570
220
100
790
320 690
470 IN2
Standby
How Does it Work?
Power On & Standby
Use the mains switch on the back of the preamplier to turn it on. The preamplier is now in
standby mode. Only the microprocessor and the standby LED are powered during standby.
Therefore, the PPA-1 has an ultra-low standby power consumption of less than 1W.
Activate the preamplier by pressing On on the remote control or the Standby button on
the front panel. When the preamplier enters standby mode again, it will remember the
selected input channel and settings.
Input Selection
Use the Input button on the front panel to select between the two turntable input channels.
Inputs can also be selected with the remote. All settings made (capacitance, subsonic, gain
and cartridge) are automatically saved for each input and recalled when the input is changed.
Capacitance Selection
Select the desired capacitance level by turning the Capacitance knob
marked with pF or use the remote control. Please nd the recommended
value in the technical documentation for your specic cartridge. Capaci-
tance settings are only available for MM cartridges.

9
Sub
Off
0 +15
+3 +12
+6 +9On
MM MC
dB
Cartridge
Cartridge Type Selection
The PPA-1 supports both Moving Magnet and Moving Coil type cartridges.
Select your cartridge type by pressing the cartridge button.
Subsonic Filter
Activate the subsonic lter by turning
the knob marked with Sub to On or
use the remote control. Turn it to O
to deactiveate it.
Enabling & Adjusting Headphone Volume
The volume knob controls both the volume of the headphone amplier and switches the
outputs between the line outputs and the headphone. Both outputs cannot be activated at
the same time. Turn the knob all the way counterclockwise mutes headphones and activates
line outputs. By turning the knob clockwise will mute the line outputs and adjust the volume
to the headphones.
Gain Setting
Select the desired gain level by turn-
ing the Gain knob marked with dB or
use the remote control.

10

11

12
The RC-6 is an infrared remote control for the Gato Audio PPA-1.
How to insert/replace the battery
The RC-6 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
Standby
Display
Input
Capacitance
Subsonic
Gain
- Press the On button to exit standby
Press the O button to enter standby
- Press the Display button to dim the display
Press it again to restore the display to normal
- Press the Input 1 or Input 2 button to select turntable input
- Press any button in the Capacitance group to set capacitance
- Press the On button in the Subsonic group to turn on the subsonic lter
- Press the O button in the Subsonic group to turn it o
- Press any button in the Gain group to set gain
RC-6 Remote Control

13
The PPA-1 will not power up:
• Check the mains plug is securely fastened in the socket and mains switch is on.
• Check the mains fuse in the small compartment above the mains socket.
The PPA-1 powers up, but there is no sound coming from the speakers:
• Check the headphone volume knob is turned all the way counterclockwise.
• Check connections to your amplier and speakers.
• Check connections to your turntable.
There is no sound in the headphones, but there is sound coming from
the speakers:
• Check the headphone volume knob is turned up. This will enable the headphone
amplier.
• Check the headphone jack is securely fasted and pushed all the way into the socket
on the front panel.
• Check the headphone cable is not damaged and well connected to the headphone
itself.
• Check connections to your turntable.
There is a lot of humming in the speakers, when connected to one or
two turntables:
Check that the turntables are properly connected with ground to the PPA-1. Ground
loops and general grounding issues are common on turntable setups. Be sure to check
your turntable manual for specic advice for your turntable. Check signal cables and
grounding cables thoroughly in the whole setup.
Troubleshooting
The volume level is too low, and I have to turn my power amplifier all
the way up to hear the music.
• Check that your cartridge setting is correct. Refer to the cartridge manufacturer if it
is an MM or MC cartridge and adjust the setting of the PPA-1 accordingly.
• Check and adjust the gain setting on the PPA-1 to desired output level. +15dB is
available for very low output cartridges.

14
Please apply simple common sense to maintain the sound quality and lifespan of your
new Gato Audio preamplier. 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
with window cleaning detergent. Then wipe the surfaces dry using a soft dry cloth
• 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
• Do not expose the amplier to direct sunlight or other heat sources
Make it Last!
If All Else Fails…
…don’t panic! Every Gato Audio product comes with
a minimum 2-year warranty. You can also register your
new product on our website and extend the factory
warranty by three years to ve years in total. Scan the
code or type this address into your browser:
www.gato-audio.com/product-registration
This warranty does not cover damage or wear directly
or indirectly caused by improper use, violence, tam-
pering 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
[email protected] or visit our website www.gato-audio.com for more information.

15
Technical Specifications
Maximum Output Level
Gain (0 Db) 1 KHz
Gain Adjust
Input Impedance
Input Capacitance (MM)
THD + N (2,2 V / 4,4 V)
Signal to Noise Ratio (A Weighted)
Trigger
Connectors
Unbalanced Analogue Inputs, MM or MC
Unbalanced Analogue Output
Balanced Analogue Output
Unbalanced Headphone Output
Trigger, 12 V - in
Trigger, 12 V - in
Communication
Size & Power
Power Requirements
Fuse
Power consumption stdb/idle/max
Dimensions (WxHxD)
Weight
Unbalanced: 6 V RMS, Balanced: 12 V RMS
MM: 40 dB MC: 60 dB (depending on cartridge impedance)
0 dB, +3 dB, +6 dB, +9 dB, +12 dB, +15 dB
MM: 47 KΩ / MC: N/A
100 pf, 220 pf, 320 pf, 470 pf, 570 pf, 790 pf
0,015 %
80 dB
12 V in and out
2 pairs of gold plated RCA
1 pair of gold plated RCA
1 pair gold plated XLR Neutrik
1 pc 6,3 mm jack (with volume control)
1 pc mini jack
1 pc mini jack
1 pc mini jack
115 VAC or 230 VAC, 50 Hz/60 Hz
20 mm sand-lled, 1,6 AT
< 1 W / 30 W / 60 W
325 x 105 x 420 mm / 12.8 x 4.1 x 16.5”
10 kg / 22 lb

Mains
Live
Gato Audio
Marielundvej 28
2730 Herlev
Denmark
Phone: [phone]
www.gato-audio.com
[email protected]
510040 GA PPA-1 MAN 1.2 2311