DENAFRIPS GAIA DDC Digital to Digital Converter Owner’s Manual

DENAFRIPS GAIA DDC Digital to Digital Converter

Product Information

• Product Name: GAIA DDC
• Owner’s Manual Version: V2.0 20th June 2021

INSTALLATION & SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
This DDC is designed and built to provide trouble-free performance, but as with all electronic devices, it is necessary to observe a few precautions

• Unpack the DDC carefully.
• Position the DDC on a stable, horizontal surface, i.e. sturdy rack.
• The DDC supports voltage 100-250VAC worldwide voltage. Please connect the AC.

INTRODUCTION
No specific information is provided in the user manual for this section.

DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS
DIGITAL ISOLATION
The GAIA Digital Signals are completely isolated by the 50-Mbps high-speed photocouplers. The optical isolation yields even lowered noise floor and achieve a high signal-to-noise ratio.

OCXO
The GAIA is equipped with dual OCXO operating at audio frequencies 45.1584Mhz, 49.152Mhz. Encapsulated in a metal casing, located at the center of the DDC, these OCXOs are specially designed for high-end audio applications with ultra- low phase noise and ultra-accuracy. The dual OCXOs are powered by the O-core transformer, supplying a constant current to the OCXOs. The adequate power reserves ensure the superior linearity and stability of the OCXOs.

ADAPTIVE FIFO BUFFER RECLOCKING
The DENAFRIPS approach to address the jitters issue by FIFO BUFFER RECLOCKING. The adaptive FIFO buffer stores the source digital audio data in the memory. These data are read from the memory using the ultra-low phase noise, ultra- accuracy OCXO, located right in the DDC. This technology is close to perfection, especially with the local OCXO. The jitter is so small that it can be neglected.

PROPRIETARY, STATE-OF-THE-ART USB INTERFACE
No specific information is provided in the user manual for this section.

PROPRIETARY SPDIF DIGITAL AUDIO RECEIVER
The SPDIF Coaxial, Optical, AES/EBU input support up to 24bit/192kHz digital audio format. The GAIA abandons the use of Digital Audio Receiver chips. The digital data is decoded by the onboard FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and the signal path is shortened and eliminates undesirable coloration.

DDC ARCHITECTURE
No specific information is provided in the user manual for this section.

CLOCK IN
The GAIA supports clock-in of audio frequencies 45.1584Mhz, 49.152Mhz. It makes a perfect companion with the TERMINATOR II or TERMINATOR-PLUS to synchronize the CLOCKS.

OPERATING INSTRUCTION
Quick Start Guide
Figure 1. Front Panel

1. Setup Button: Press the setup button once to enter configuration mode. In configuration mode, the user may enable/disable the CLOCK-IN feature.
2. Input Selection Button: Press the following button to select the desired input to use with the GAIA DDC.
   • USB
   • OPT
   • AES
   • COAX

To configure the CLOCK-IN feature

1. Press the Setup button once (enter config mode)
2. Press OPT button twice
3. The CLOCK light should be on/off as the OPT button is pressed momentarily
   • CLOCK light on = Enable clock in
   • CLOCK light off = Disable clock in
4. To confirm the setting, press the Setup button once to save and exit config mode

INSTALLATION & SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

This DDC is designed and built to provide trouble-free performance, but as with all electronic devices it is necessary to observe a few precautions:

• Unpack the DDC carefully.
• Position the DDC on a stable, horizontal surface, i.e. sturdy rack.
• The DDC supports voltage 100-250VAC worldwide voltage. Please connect the AC power cord with the earth(ground) pin unless it is absolutely required to reduce hum from the ground loops of the connected devices.
• Always ensure that when disconnecting and reconnecting your audio equipment the mains supply is turned off.
• Position the power cord and signal interconnects where they are not likely to cause trip and fall hazards.
• Do not use the DDC near water, or place water-filled containers on the DDC. Entry of liquid into the DDC is hazardous and may cause electric shock and/or fire hazards.
• Do not place the unit under direct sunlight or heat source.
• Do not remove any covers or try to gain access to the inside. There are no user adjustments or fuses to change without qualification.
• Clean regularly with a damp soft cloth. Do not use any cleaning agents as they might damage the surface finish.
• The electronics in modern hi-fi equipment are complex and may, therefore, be adversely affected or damaged by lightning.
• For protection of the audio system during electrical storms, disconnect the main plugs.

INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the DENAFRIPS GAIA DDC. It is a state-of-the-art Digital to Digital converter is one of the finest available on the market. The flagship DDC is built upon the success of the DENAFRIPS Digital Know-How. GAIA DDC isolates and buffers the digital signal, and re-clocks them via the local OCXO. The cleansed, ultralow jitters’ digital output can be connected to any external DAC. It is the answer to the Digital Audio System. The top-quality performance of the GAIA DDC is for the serious audiophile who seeks the very last bit of ultimate refinement.

DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS
DIGITAL ISOLATION
The GAIA Digital Signals are completely isolated by the 50-Mbps high-speed photocouplers. The optical isolation yields even lowered noise floor and achieved a high signal-to-noise ratio.

OVEN-CONTROLLED CRYSTAL OSCILLATOR – OCXO
The GAIA is equipped with dual OCXO operating at audio frequencies 45.1584Mhz, 49.152Mhz. Encapsulated in a metal casing, located at the center of the DDC, these OCXOs are specially designed for high-end audio applications with ultra- low phase noise and ultra accuracy. The dual OCXO is powered by the o-core transformer, supplying a constant current to the OCXO. The adequate power reserves ensure the superior linearity and stability of the OCXO.

ADAPTIVE FIFO BUFFER RECLOCKING
The DENAFRIPS approach to address the jitters issue by FIFO BUFFER RECLOCKING. The adaptive FIFO buffer store the source digital audio data in the memory. These data are read from the memory using the ultra-low phase noise, ultra- accuracy OCXO, located right in the DDC. This technology is close to perfection, especially so with the local OCXO. The jitter is so small that it can be neglected.

PROPRIETARY, STATE-OF-THE-ART USB INTERFACE
The GAIA is equipped with the proprietary USB Audio Solution, powered by STM32F446 Advanced AMR-Based MCU. DENAFRIPS redesigned and optimized circuitry, allow the DDC to be used as a high-end DDC with computers/streamers. It supports 24bit/768kHz PCM data stream, and native processing of DSD up to DSD512. It comes with a licensed THESYCON USB Driver for Windows Platform.
NOTE: The USB Module is designed to trigger on only when USB Input is selected. This is intended design to reduce digital input interface cross- interference for the best sound reproduction.

PROPRIETARY SPDIF DIGITAL AUDIO RECEIVER

The SPDIF Coaxial, Optical, AES/EBU input support up to 24bit/192kHz digital audio format. The GAIA abandon the use of Digital Audio Receiver chips. The digital data is decoded by the on-board FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), the signal path is shortened, and eliminated the undesirable coloration.

DDC ARCHITECTURE
DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING – All digital input data are stored in the onboard FPGA high-speed RAM.

OCXO – These data are read from the memory using the ultra-low phase noise, super accurate OCXO, located right in the DDC. The processed data are sent to the digital outputs. DIGITAL OUTPUTS – The cleansed, ultra-low jitters data are output via multiple digital output interfaces simultaneously to the external DAC.

CLOCK IN
The GAIA supports clock-in of audio frequencies 45.1584Mhz, and 49.152Mhz. It makes a perfect companion with the TERMINATOR II or TERMINATOR-PLUS to synchronize the CLOCKS.

OPERATING INSTRUCTION

Quick Start Guide

Setup Button

• Press the setup button once to enter configuration mode. In configuration mode, the user may enable/disable the CLOCK-IN feature.
• Press the Setup button once (enter config mode)
• Press OPT button twice
• The CLOCK light should be on/off as the OPT button is pressed momentarily
• CLOCK light on = Enable clock in
• CLOCK light off = Disable clock in
• To confirm the setting, press the Setup button once to save and exit config mode

Input Selection Button
Press the following button to select the desired input to use with the GAIA DDC.

• USB
• OPT
• AES
• COAX

Digital Audio Signal Input Sampling Rate
The following table illustrates the Input Sampling Rate LED status

44.1 kHz

| 44.1K| 44.1 kHz
88.2K| 88.2 kHz
176.4K| 176.4 kHz
352.8K| 352.8 kHz
705.6K| 705.6 kHz
 |
 |  |

48 kHz

| 48K| 48 kHz
96K| 96 kHz
192K| 192 kHz
384K| 384 kHz
768K| 768 kHz
 |
 |  |

DSD

| 64| DSD 64
128| DSD 128
256| DSD 256
512| DSD 512
 |

Parameter Settings
I²S Pinout Configuration

1. Press the Setup button once to enter configuration mode
2. Press the COAX button momentarily, and 48K 96K 192K LED will turn on/off in a fixed pattern to denote binary 000-111
3. Press the Setup button once to confirm the setting and exit configuration mode
    | LED|  | I2S PINOUT
   ---|---|---|---
    | 48K| 96K| 192K|  | PIN| DATA| BCK| LRCK
   MODE| DATA| BCK| LRCK|  | MODE| 1| 3| 4| 6| 7| 9
   0| 0| 0| 0|  | 0| DATA-| DATA+| BCK+| BCK-| LRCK-| LRCK+
   1| 1| 0| 0|  | 1| DATA+| DATA-| BCK+| BCK-| LRCK-| LRCK+
   2| 0| 1| 0|  | 2| DATA-| DATA+| BCK-| BCK+| LRCK-| LRCK+
   3| 1| 1| 0|  | 3| DATA+| DATA-| BCK-| BCK+| LRCK-| LRCK+
   4| 0| 0| 1|  | 4| DATA-| DATA+| BCK+| BCK-| LRCK+| LRCK-
   5| 1| 0| 1|  | 5| DATA+| DATA-| BCK+| BCK-| LRCK+| LRCK-
   6| 0| 1| 1|  | 6| DATA-| DATA+| BCK-| BCK+| LRCK+| LRCK-
   7| 1| 1| 1|  | 7| DATA+| DATA-| BCK-| BCK+| LRCK+| LRCK-

Description
AC Power Supply
CAUTION! GAIA supports worldwide AC mains, ranging from 100-250 VAC. Please use a good quality power cord with an earth/ground pin connected.

Digital Input Interface
There are 4 Digital Input Interfaces, namely, COAX, AES/EBU, OPT, and USB.

Digital Output Interface
There are 6 Digital Output Interfaces, namely, COAX, AES1, AES2, OPT, I2S-A, I2S-C. All outputs are active simultaneously.

CLOCK IN
The GAIA supports the following clock frequency input, leveraging the high- quality OCXO of the TERMINATOR II or TERMINATOR-PLUS DAC, it may be connected to GAIA CLOCK-IN to improve the sonic performance.

MASTER CLOCK
45.1548MHz, 49.152Mhz

Use Case Example
USB DRIVER INSTALLATION – WINDOWS OS
USB driver is required for Windows Operating System (Windows 7/8/8.1/10, X86/X64). The  USB driver is licensed by THESYCON to provide the highest quality audio playback for Computer Audio Systems.
NOTE: Mac and Linux OS do not require the USB driver.

Installation Guide

• Download the driver from the support page: https://www.denafrips.com/support
• Do not connect the USB cable from the computer to the DDC. Remove it before the
• USB driver installation
• Double-click the “DENAFRIPS_UsbAudio_v4.82.0” (or the latest version) to install the USB driver.
• Follow the on-screen instruction to complete the installation

Restart the computer to complete the installation

• Connect the USB cable to the DDC
• Power on the DDC. Select USB input
• The USB DDC shall be detected. The driver status can be monitored as follows

Select DENAFRIPS USB DDC as the default Windows OS Soundcard

Playback software recommendation

• room
• JRiver
• Foobar2000
• Sonic Studio Amarra

SPECIFICATIONS

AC Power

| Worldwide AC Power Supported 110 – 230V, 50/60Hz

In 110VAC mains, the min voltage ranges from 92V to max 126V In 230VAC mains, the min voltage ranges from 184V to max 253V

Power Consumption| < 30W

Digital Input

| Coax SPDIF via RCA

TOSLink x 1

AES/EBU x 1

USB

External Clock Input| 45.1584MHz

49.152Mhz

Digital Output

| Coax SPDIF via RCA

TOSLink x 1

AES/EBU x 2

I²S HDMI LVDS Standard I²S RJ45 LVCMOS Standard

Supported Format (DSD)

| DSD64 All Input DSD64 – DSD512 USB & I²S Only
Supported Format (PCM)| 24bit/44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz All Input

44.1 – 768 kHz on USB & 44.1 – 384kHz on I²S Only

Dimension| 340W x 260D x 66H mm (Feet +18mm)
Weight| 6.0kg

WARRANTY
DENAFRIPS GAIA purchased from the Authorized Distributor comes with 36 months of warranty from the date of purchase/delivery (whichever is later).

the return shipping fee.
Within Warranty Period| Customer to bear both way shipping fee. DENAFRIPS to repair at free of charge.
Out of Warranty| Customer to bear both way shipping cost. DENAFRIPS to provide repair/maintenance services at cost.

DENAFRIPS CO. LTD. & VINSHINE AUDIO PTE. LTD. (SINGAPORE)
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

References

• SUPPORT | Denafrips

Read User Manual Online (PDF format)

Download This Manual (PDF format)

Download this manual  >>