The Fezz Gaia Mini is the first model in the Polish manufacturer's range of phono preamplifiers. Yet it offers audio solutions and performance well above its price.
Fezz Audio Gaia Mini: Overview
The Gaia Mini is built around a small aluminium enclosure available in several finishes. Its reasonable dimensions (21 x 21 x 9.5 cm) allow it to fit easily into small spaces.
The front panel has no buttons, only the "Fezz" logo, which is backlit to indicate that the unit is switched on.
On the back, you will find a pair of RCA inputs, a pair of outputs and a ground terminal. These connectors are of excellent quality. There is also a push button to select the cartridge type, either MM or MC. Mains connection is via an IEC C13 socket, so you can use a good power cable.
Fezz Audio Gaia Mini: Technology
The Fezz Gaia Mini is a phono preamp compatible with low and high output MC and MM cartridges. The manufacturer specifies an MM gain of 53 dB / 47 kΩ. Low output MC gain is rated at 60 dB with a 100 Ω load, making it compatible with most MC cartridges with an output level of 0.50 mV or higher.
The circuit is based on an OPA2132, a relatively simple yet effective way of designing a phono circuit while delivering an excellent signal-to-noise ratio (90 dB), low crosstalk (> 91 dB) and, above all, very low distortion, below 0.008% in MC mode!
Fezz Audio Gaia Mini: Sound
From the very first bars of listening to the Fezz Gaia Mini, we were struck by its dynamics and its silences.
The bass is particularly impressive in its weight, control and articulation.
The Gaia Mini delivers a rich, natural midrange that favours neutrality and realism while remaining nuanced. It is followed by fluid, precise treble that does not reach for artificial over-definition.
The soundstage is excellent for a product in this range. It offers good instrument separation while maintaining a realistic stereo image.
The Gaia Mini is an excellent little preamplifier that simply makes "music"!
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FAQ: Everything you need to know before buying the Fezz Audio Gaia Mini Phono Preamplifier
Which cartridges work with the Fezz Audio Gaia Mini?
The Gaia Mini accepts MM cartridges as well as low and high output MC cartridges. A push button on the rear panel selects the cartridge type. In MC mode, its 60 dB gain and 100 Ω load make it compatible with most models delivering 0.50 mV or more. To identify your cartridge, read our cartridge buying advice or our page about cartridges.
How do I connect the Gaia Mini to my system?
The rear panel features a pair of RCA inputs, a pair of RCA outputs, a ground terminal and an IEC mains inlet. Connect your turntable to the input, then run the output to a line input on your amplifier using RCA interconnect cables. Our guide to Hi-Fi cables and their roles explains each link in the chain.
Will the Gaia Mini fit in a small Hi-Fi rack?
Yes. Its aluminium enclosure measures just 21 x 21 x 9.5 cm, so it fits easily into small spaces. The button-free front panel simply shows the backlit Fezz logo as a power indicator. To learn more about this type of component, see our complete guide to choosing a phono preamplifier.
What does the Fezz Audio Gaia Mini sound like?
In our listening sessions, it stood out for its dynamics and the quality of its silences. The bass is solid and articulate, the midrange rich and natural, and the treble fluid and precise without artificial over-definition. The soundstage separates instruments well with a realistic stereo image, bringing out the best in your turntable.
FranckCompatibility: MM (Moving Magnet) and low/high output MC (Moving Coil)
Equalisation: RIAA curve
Power supply: Stabilised mains
MM gain: 53 dB
MC gain: 60 dB
MM input impedance: 47 kΩ
MC input impedance: 100 Ω
Total harmonic distortion (THD) MM: < 0.15%
Total harmonic distortion (THD) MC: < 0.008%
Crosstalk: > 95 dB
Signal-to-noise ratio (S/N): > 92 dB (MM) / > 90 dB (MC)
Dimensions: 212 × 212 × 95 mm
Weight: 3.5 kg
