CANOR Gaia C2 – High-End Tube DAC and CD Player in One
With the Gaia C2, CANOR Audio introduces a reference-class digital component that unites DAC and CD player in one elegant chassis. Its Dual-Mono converter design, pure tube output stage, and refined digital architecture aim to deliver analog warmth with digital precision. Designed for demanding audiophiles, the Gaia C2 bridges the gap between traditional CD playback and today’s digital sources.
- CANOR Gaia C2 combines high-end DAC architecture and integrated CD playback in a single tube-driven device. Featuring Dual-Mono PCM1792A converters, DSD256 support, and balanced outputs, it’s designed as a complete digital hub for audiophiles.
The Slovak audio specialist CANOR Audio has earned a reputation for combining classic tube expertise with advanced digital design. With the new CANOR Gaia C2, the company takes an ambitious step towards integrating the best of both worlds: a fully featured DAC and CD player in one refined high-end component. Positioned as the brand’s new flagship, the Gaia C2 targets discerning listeners who want an all-in-one digital centerpiece capable of bridging CD playback, streaming, and modern digital sources with true audiophile quality.
Key Facts – CANOR Gaia C2 Tube DAC and CD Player
- High-end DAC with integrated CD transport
- Dual-Mono design with two TI PCM1792A converters (one per channel)
- Tube output stage using 2×12AX7, 2×6922 (E88CC), and 1×6CA4EH
- Supports PCM up to 24-bit/192 kHz and DSD up to DSD256
- Two selectable digital filters: “Natural” and “Dynamic”
- Supersymmetrical passive filters in the output stage
- USB-B, AES/EBU, coaxial and optical S/PDIF inputs plus internal CD transport
- Coaxial and optical S/PDIF digital outputs
- Analog RCA and XLR outputs
- Full aluminum enclosure with resonance control
- Dimensions: 435 × 176 × 484 mm, Weight: 18 kg
- MSRP: € 6.749,-
Design and Chassis Concept
The Gaia C2’s enclosure is crafted entirely from aluminum, not merely for visual appeal but for functional acoustic benefits. The rigid structure shields the internal circuitry from external interference while minimizing mechanical vibrations.
Internally, CANOR follows strict layout principles: signal paths—especially the I²S interconnects—are kept exceptionally short, ensuring optimal timing and minimal distortion. The design offers generous space for the CD mechanism, power supply, and tubes, contributing both to long-term stability and elegant industrial design.
Digital and Analog Core
At the heart of the Gaia C2 lie two Texas Instruments PCM1792A converters operating in true Dual-Mono mode. Each channel has its dedicated DAC path, a hallmark of high-end engineering that ensures superior channel separation and dynamic range. The device supports PCM up to 24-bit/192 kHz and DSD up to DSD256, a resolution that – while not record-breaking – covers all realistic playback scenarios with outstanding fidelity.
The analog section is fully tube-driven, employing two 12AX7 and two 6922 (E88CC) tubes for amplification, along with a 6CA4EH rectifier. This topology yields a natural, open presentation with the harmonic richness expected from CANOR’s tube heritage. Users can fine-tune the sound via two digital filters – Natural for smoother rendering and Dynamic for more transient detail – while supersymmetric passive filters refine the output even further.
Connectivity and Versatility
CANOR designed the Gaia C2 as a true digital control hub. Inputs include USB-B, AES/EBU, coaxial and optical S/PDIF, plus the internal CD drive – each selectable as an independent digital source. For output, the device offers both S/PDIF digital and analog RCA/XLR connections, enabling seamless integration with external DACs or amplifiers.
This flexibility makes the Gaia C2 equally suitable for hybrid setups, combining legacy CD playback with streaming or network sources via a single, high-quality interface. In everyday use, the Gaia C2 can serve as the heart of a modern digital system while retaining the tactile appeal and sonic authenticity of traditional media.
Evolution and Development
According to CANOR, the Gaia C2 is not a mere update to previous models such as the CD 1.10, but rather a ground-up redesign. The internal CD control board, power supply, and digital circuitry were completely re-engineered to meet today’s demands for signal integrity and noise isolation. The result is a device that embodies modularity, separation, and sonic refinement, setting a new reference point within CANOR’s digital lineup.
Everyday Use and Practical Benefit
In practice, the Gaia C2 simplifies digital playback for enthusiasts who seek top-tier performance without multiple components. Its tube output stage imparts a distinct character, often allowing it to feed power amplifiers or preamps without coloration. The dual output configuration (balanced and unbalanced) supports a wide range of setups, while the flexible input section accommodates everything from a high-end streamer to a laptop-based playback chain. It’s a design that blends audiophile tradition with modern usability.
Price and Availability
The CANOR Gaia C2 is now available through authorized retailers at a suggested retail price of € 6.749,-. Availability will expand across Europe in the coming weeks.
Conclusion
With the Gaia C2, CANOR Audio presents a meticulously engineered fusion of classic and modern digital audio. Its Dual-Mono DAC topology, refined tube output stage, and robust aluminum chassis position it as both a technical and emotional centerpiece in any high-end setup. For those who value the warmth of tubes, the convenience of an integrated player, and the transparency of high-resolution digital playback, the Gaia C2 stands out as an elegant, future-proof choice.
| Product | Canor Gaia C2 Tube DAC and CD Player |
|---|---|
| Price | € 6.749,- |
Technical Specifications
| Product | CANOR Gaia C2 Tube DAC and CD Player |
|---|---|
| Type | DAC with integrated CD player |
| DAC Chips | 2 × Texas Instruments PCM1792A (Dual-Mono) |
| Supported Formats | PCM up to 24-bit/192 kHz, DSD up to DSD256 |
| Tube Complement | 2 × 12AX7, 2 × 6922 (E88CC), 1 × 6CA4EH |
| Digital Filters | 2 selectable: Natural / Dynamic |
| Passive Filters | Supersymmetrical design |
| Digital Inputs | USB-B, AES/EBU, S/PDIF coaxial, S/PDIF optical, CD |
| Digital Outputs | S/PDIF coaxial, S/PDIF optical |
| Analog Outputs | RCA (unbalanced), XLR (balanced) |
| Chassis | Full aluminum with shielding and damping |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 435 × 176 × 484 mm |
| Weight | 18 kg |
| Brand | CANOR Audio |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Canor spol. s.r.o. |
| Distribution Austria | Audio Tuning Vertriebs GmbH |
| Distribution Germany | IDC Klaassen International Distribution & Consulting OHG |
| Distribution Switzerland | IDC Klaassen International Distribution & Consulting OHG |
| More about this manufacturer at HiFi BLOG |
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