Precision tube D/A converter equipped with a complete set of digital inputs and CD playback support.
 
Gaia is the ancient Greek goddess of the Earth, the origin of life and a symbol of natural harmony. The name carries the idea of ​​connecting technology with the organic world – solid roots, balance and music rooted in nature.
 
Highlights
Tube Output Dual-mono DAC & CD Player
Multi-level galvanic isolation of digital elements
Symmetrical signal path design
 
Main Features
Four-layer PCB Topology of Digital Parts
The selected topology enables us to create very short digital signal paths, design circuits that effectively suppress high-frequency interference, and achieve superior technical performance at the same time
 
Top-of-the-Class DAC Configuration
The Gaia C2 features Texas Instruments PCM1792A D/A converters, delivering 24-bit resolution and supporting sampling rates up to 192kHz. Thanks to their minimal distortion and symmetrical design, the Gaia C2 guarantees precise and natural sound and low noise reproduction
 
Tube Output Stage
The Gaia C2 output stage features two 6922 / 12AX7 tubes, delivering a smooth, natural sound characterized by musicality and rich harmonics. Its carefully designed circuit merges the warm qualities of tubes with the precise performance of a digital source.
 
Multi-level Galvanic Seperation of Digital Elements
Thanks to multi-level galvanic isolation, both the S/PDIF inputs and the I2S bus are separated from the subsequent D/A converters. This design prevents noise and interference from impacting the signal, ensuring high-quality sound reproduction on these inputs
 
Product Features
Tube-based D/A Converter and CD Player
A standalone 24-bit Texas Instruments PCM1792A / 192 kHz D/A converter for each channel
Dedicated tube output using 2 x 12AX7 / 2 x 6922 (E88CC) tubes and high-quality Mundorf capacitors
A high-precision CD drive with an eject tray-loading mechanism
Super symmetrical passive filters optimized for the highest steepness
PCM 44.1 kHz - 192 kHz playback and DSD64, 128, 256
Two digital filter options, Natural and Dynamic
PCBs utilize our premium CMT™ technology
Focus on keeping the I2S digital signal paths short, feeding the D/A converters
Implemented the input power filter
 
Specifications
Analog Outputs:
1 RCA pair
1 XLR pair
Frequency Range (XLR & RCA):
20 - 20000Hz -1.0dB
Output Impedance (XLR & RCA):
<110Ω
Total Harmonic Distortion (1kHz) at XLR:
<0.0007% at 0 dBFS
Total Harmonic Distortion (20 - 20000Hz) at XLR:
<0.001% at 0 dBFS
Signal-to-noise ratio at XLR:
>110dB (A-wt)
Crosstalk (Channel Separation) at XLR:
<-118dB at 10kHz, 0dBFS
Analog Output Voltage RCA/XLR:
2Vrms / 4Vrms at 0 dBFS
DAC Configuration:
2 x PCM1792A (Dual mono) with 2 digital filters
Digital Inputs:
1 x CD Input (PCM 16-bit / 44kHz)
1 x USB-B (PCM up to 24-bit / 192kHz & DSD up to DSD256)
1 x Opto (PCM up to 24-bit / 192kHz)
1 x Coax (PCM up to 24-bit / 192kHz)
1 x AES/EBU (PCM up to 24-bit / 192kHz)
Digital Output:
1 x Coax (PCM up to 24-bit / 192kHz)
1 x Opto (PCM up to 24-bit / 192kHz)
Tube Complement:
2 x 6922 (E88CC)
2 x 12AX7LPS
1 x 6CA4EH
Power:
230V / 50Hz / 70VA
Dimensions (W x H x D):
435 x 176 x 484mm
Weight (Net):
18kg
Weight (Gross):
26kg