Hermès, or Gaia?

Network Audio
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I’m wondering strictly from a “which one works better with the DS DAC” question. I know the Gaia has a better clock in it, which should make it better sounding, but I thought I’d read somewhere that the Hermès was newer and was an easy Plug’n’Play with the DS. There certainly seems to be more difficulty getting the Gaia to work, from what I’ve read so far. Looking for info on this.

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I got a Hermes a couple of weeks ago and I am astounded by the improvement in my overall sound reproduction with the DSD.

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Yes, the Hermes came out after the Gaia, but in this video, Alvin from Vinshine Audio explains that the only difference is the clocks and the case.

Comparison: DENAFRIPS Hermes & Gaia DDC - YouTube

The original Gaia did not allow configuring the I2S output to be compatible with the DS DAC, but a firmware update since then now allows it to be configured, so either unit can now be set to work with the DS DAC.

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Matrix. :slight_smile:

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I have the Gaia and had a Matrix. The Matrix has gone to audio Nirvana. It worked well until it’s death. The Gaia is simple to set up and the set up can be done while in the audio stream. It sounds very good and has a few more configuration options, input/output than the Hermes. It’s expensive for what it is but it should have a long life with many future devices.

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I’m pleased as can be with my MATRIX, yes, but cutting down on the number of boxes (and maybe even getting a small boost in sound quality :slightly_smiling_face:) is tempting me.

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Now you have me thinking - what goes away or gets simplified, if not the matrix? I’ve been focusing so much on vinyl lately…

Still so pleased with the digital — per common conglomeration of things talked about here in the last 2+ years, minus the latest and greatest (i.e. Drangon, HQ player, UltraRendu whatever, reclocking, recent power upgrade mod that one gent and his son seem to have been doing). I still have three farads for three different devices that are pre pre-amp…one for the DSD, Matrix, and my Roon endpoint.

Man, I’m afraid to ask as my (hidden) shelf space is full, and if the SQ gain is big enough…

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Matrix plus the linear power supply, plus the extra room needed for the power umbilical between the two.

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