Auralic from Vancouver has introduced the Gemini 2000 and 1000 headphone docks. These include a DAC, Class-A headphone amplifier, integrated 2TB SD extended capacity (SDXC) card and, not least, headphone storage. Designed by Auralic utilizing an exclusive profile licensed from Swedish firm Klutz Design the Geminis stand less than 12 inches (30cm) high and weigh “a comforting” 6.2 pounds (2.8kg). The sculpted upper portion is a precisely milled wood chassis with a mirror-like finish with five coats of hand-polished lacquer in any of five colors – black, white, red, yellow and blue.
The organic form includes two metal knobs for winding headphone cable atop a base in made from milled and polished brass for solidity and heat dissipation. The base comes in two finishes – gold and chrome – for the Gemini 2000, and titanium gray for the Gemini 1000. The dock conceals amplifier and DAC technology from Auralic’s VEGA digital audio processor and Taurus MkII balanced headphone amplifier.
Both Gemini models support “all high-resolution music formats”, including DXD, DSD and double-rate DSD as well as sampling rates from 44.1K to 384K. Their amplifier sections provide Class-A power outputs up to 2000 milliWatts for the Gemini 2000, more than enough to drive any higher-quality model; and 1000mW for the Gemini 1000. Both the docks come equipped with quarter-inch and XLR headphone jacks. The Gemini 2000 is a fully balanced design.
Each Gemini includes an integrated SDXC card reader that allows it to host a vast personal music library. After connecting a Gemini to a computer, two device icons appear on the computer screen. One reveals an audio interface for the amplifier and DAC functions. The other allows a user to equip the Gemini with up to two terabytes of music. Each Gemini comes with a 4GB SD card loaded with computer driver and a User's Guide. Each Gemini’s base includes a USB port, an SDXC card slot, a phone jack for connection to Android devices, an optical Toslink input, buttons for Power On/Off and input selection, a “Niceness” (volume) control and a power socket.
The Gemini 2000 and 1000 headphone docks will be available at the beginning of November from Auralic and authorized dealers at suggested prices of $1,995 and $995 (MSRP), respectively.
