Esprit Gaia XLR Interconnect (Pair) – Handmade in France

At Esprit, an XLR interconnect is not released just because it is technically interesting. Richard Cesari says an XLR interconnect has to be right musically, and every cable is validated by ear before it is released.

The Esprit Gaia XLR Balanced Interconnect is a pair of balanced interconnects from Esprit's Gaia range. The Gaia XLR interconnect is assembled by hand at Esprit's workshop in Confolens, in 1.2, 1.8 and 2.4 m pairs.

Heritage

Esprit calls Gaia the culmination of the technologies it has developed, its most advanced architectures at their highest maturity, and the Gaia XLR interconnect is made in that spirit. Conductor density in the range is very high, built from pure copper strands of differentiated sections and, on some links, solid silver, and the Gaia XLR interconnect draws on that work. Dielectric polarization is exploited to the full, and soft and hard insulators are combined for what Esprit calls a rare balance of bass hold, fluid mids and harmonic coherence in the Gaia XLR interconnect.

By hand, in Charente

In Confolens, Charente, the Gaia XLR interconnect is made the way Esprit has always worked, entirely by hand. Esprit says this hand method lets it control every step of making the Gaia XLR interconnect and keep each one consistent. Each Gaia XLR interconnect then passes two complete inspections, one by its assembler and one at final packing, before it leaves the workshop. It is unhurried work, and the Gaia XLR interconnect is made at its pace.

What you hear

Esprit speaks of extreme transparency, a three-dimensional stage and impressive stability from the Gaia XLR interconnect. Its own summary of the Gaia sound is the finesse of the studio joined to the organic intensity of live music, an aim the Gaia XLR interconnect is built to serve.

The Gaia XLR interconnect combines PVC and silicone insulation: Esprit associates the firmer PVC with density and bass weight, and the softer silicone with a more fluid, open midrange and treble. Air forms part of the insulation of the Gaia XLR interconnect, as specified: multilayer high-temperature polyvinyl chloride (PVC) + silicone on air + kynar + viton. Polarization on the Gaia XLR interconnect holds its insulators under a continuous voltage so they stay in a stable state, which Esprit links to clearer micro-detail, a more structured stage and greater fluidity.

Finding your place in the range

The Gaia XLR interconnect is level 8 of Esprit's nine, above Eureka and below L'Esprit. The Gaia XLR interconnect comes in 1.2, 1.8 and 2.4 m lengths. We're always glad to help you choose, so write to us about the Gaia XLR interconnect at any time. You can see the Gaia XLR interconnect beside the other Esprit ranges in our Esprit collection.

Specifications

Questions

How does the Gaia XLR interconnect differ from the Eureka XLR interconnect?

The Gaia XLR interconnect sits one level above the Eureka XLR interconnect. Compared with the Eureka XLR interconnect, the Gaia XLR interconnect uses Eh Ag connectors in place of Eh 200, multilayer high-temperature PVC plus silicone on air plus Kynar plus viton insulation and shielding specified as non-floating, triple full plus partially filtered shielded on air plus double filtered.

Does the Gaia XLR interconnect use dielectric polarization?

Yes. Esprit lists the polarization of the Gaia XLR interconnect as "Yes". On the Gaia XLR interconnect, a continuous voltage keeps the insulators in a stable state, which Esprit says limits dielectric relaxation and absorption for more coherent, quieter transmission.

Which length of the Gaia XLR interconnect should I choose?

Measure the run between the two components and add a little slack so the Gaia XLR interconnect is not under tension. The Gaia XLR interconnect comes in 1.2, 1.8 and 2.4 m pairs, and a short, direct run is usually the simplest choice.

What does the Gaia XLR interconnect cost?

The Gaia XLR interconnect is $18,999 for 1.2 m, $27,999 for 1.8 m and $36,999 for 2.4 m per pair. Sales tax is included in the price of the Gaia XLR interconnect, and we deliver it free anywhere in the USA.

Where is the Gaia XLR interconnect made, and when will it ship?

Esprit builds every Gaia XLR interconnect by hand in its workshop in Confolens, France. The Gaia XLR interconnect usually ships in about 2 weeks, with free delivery anywhere in the USA and sales tax included in the price.

From our boutique to your listening room

HiFi Boutique is an authorized Esprit dealer. Delivery is free anywhere in the USA, and sales tax is included in the price. Hand-built in France — usually ships in about 2 weeks.