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FEATURE
PERSONAL FIDELITY
DAC
With some trickle-down technology
from AURALiC’s marvelous Vega
DAC, the Gemini’s DAC is capable
of decoding high resolution files including
CD-standard 44.1k, 48k and
DSD, double DSD and DXD.
In addition to the standard USB
connector, there’s the uniquely
shaped digital input for Android
phones and tablets. Finally, those
with a Toslink-enabled CD player or
Astell & Kern player can purchase the
appropriately terminated cable for
connection with the Gemini. As mentioned
earlier, Gemini sports a SDXC
card slot, and depending on the
card’s capacity, quite a bit of music
can reside within the amp itself, controlled
by the connected computer
with included software.
Connecting the Gemini to a Mac-
Book Pro laptop proves a breeze. After
tethering the Gemini to the computer
via the included USB, simply
go to the System Preferences, and
under the sound options AURALiC
appears as a selectable option. Once
done, iTunes recognizes the change
immediately and diverts all sound to
the Gemini. For those using Windowsbased
computers AURALiC provides
a Gemini driver to facilitate the interface
between the two machines.
Amplifier
Gemini 2000’s shiny base sports a
class-A amp design that takes all the
DAC, feeds it, and generates great
sound. As with the DAC section, the
amp benefits from trickle-down technology
borrowed from AURALiC’s
Taurus II headphone amp. Class-A
circuits, in addition to great sound,
generate a lot of heat and the Gemini
is no exception. Seriously, if the amp
remains powered up for an extended
period you won’t want to handle the
metal base. That’s one hot potato!
Don’t worry though; it is designed to
act as a heat sink and to handle the
temperatures safely. (continued)
148 TONE AUDIO NO.64
July 2014 149