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Post by miller65 on Dec 21, 2016 14:12:23 GMT
Currently running my unit from a rechargeable Anker battery 12V , as the new SEG is now capable of accepting up to 15V does anyone have experience of comparing a 15V Linear power supply against battery power ?
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Post by miller65 on Dec 21, 2016 11:54:15 GMT
Thanks for the info guys I will contact the companies mentioned in the new year for pricing etc .
Unfortunately I do not have a poor high jitter CD transport to check out the difference and merits of Stans reclocking but from the comments think I may go ahead at some stage and reclock the CXC.
My own school of thought is that I found a definite improvement in using Electric beach Rockin Rollers and also internal dampening the cd case on the CXC so I in line with MartinT comments I would assume a better quality transport would yield better results but guess thats a debatable subject in itself !
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Post by miller65 on Dec 15, 2016 8:58:59 GMT
Thanks for the feedback I will look into the costs etc I know Fidelity Audio Doncaster offer the service as I have used them previously Chevron Audio Derby I believe Colin who runs the business is now semi retired , does anybody know any other companies worth considering ?
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Post by miller65 on Dec 14, 2016 17:38:29 GMT
The mode I use on the Caiman SEG mode 3 is described as Data recovered clock processing mode a PLL option is also available but I prefer the mode 3 option
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Post by miller65 on Dec 14, 2016 13:32:52 GMT
Thanks for your input Stan , so just to clarify in your view the reclocking of a cd transport would show no discernable difference in sound quality as the Caiman reclocks anyway ? I was under the impression jitter reduction would improve the signal from the cd player and therefore the DAC would be processing a more accurate reproduction of the cd prior to reclocking .
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Post by miller65 on Dec 13, 2016 19:06:37 GMT
I have a Cambridge CXC transport and would also like other peoples opinions experiences on reclocking . I run the transport through Caiman SEG ( mode 3 ) although really pleased with the results just wondered if an advantage to having the CXC reclocked .You read many things about reclocking reducing jitter etc but as I am no techie not sure if the performance of the Caiman would be improved as I not sure how the DAC processes the music received ?
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Post by miller65 on Dec 9, 2016 11:48:20 GMT
Just purchased the new Caiman SEG from Stan which replaced my Caiman 11 , my main logic was to use the SEG as a pre amp directly into my Avondale S100 power amp allowing me to take my Lightspeed attenuator out of the system as I use cd as my main listening source . I previously tried the Caiman 11 directly into the power amp but the improvements to the preamp stage done by Stan with the SEG have to my ears improved the already excellent results and taken the sound signature onto another level. The main area of improvement is the ability to delve deeper into recordings with an extra degree of clarity and instrument separation retaining the analogue sound and bringing out nuances in the mix I had not heard before ( using in mode 3 ) This new Caiman SEG is for me a keeper and another winner from the Beresford stable , a real bargain given the modest cost !
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Post by miller65 on Dec 9, 2016 11:29:53 GMT
I recently bought a manufacturer refurbished CXC online which replaced a heavily modded Marantz CD63 KI and have been really pleased with the results .It is used via coaxial into a Beresford Caiman SEG and has taken my system onto another level , I agree with earlier comments the cd drawer is fairly lightweight plastic as most budget/mid players are and is a little noisy but this is only a minor criticism . The sound has also developed over time and obviously does benefit from burn in for me I think it is a real bargain I looked at various players to use as transports inc older Pioneer Rega Apollo etc but glad I plumped for the Cambridge. Just wonder if it could improve yet further still by fitting a new clock from someone like Fidelity Audio ?
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Post by miller65 on Feb 21, 2016 17:48:45 GMT
Thanks for the link to Electric beach website John I will drop him an email look good value if still around £18 I will also consider the RDC cones as a possible alternative
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Post by miller65 on Feb 21, 2016 17:42:40 GMT
The electric beach Rocknrollers look very similar in concept to the Something solid dissipating feet which utilises end grain balsa with carbon feet , anyone tried these ?
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Post by miller65 on Feb 21, 2016 17:19:27 GMT
Done a few searches for Electricbeach Rocknrollers found an old ebay sale but no longer appear to be available does anyone have contact details or know where they can be purchased
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Post by miller65 on Feb 21, 2016 11:39:23 GMT
I have now installed the Caiman -11 in my system after super service and a very quick delivery , thanks Stan . From the first few moments of playing a cd I could tell straightaway the DAC improved the sound quality in terms of a better flow to the music and a more analogue type sound , initially I listened using the mains lead supplied , the difference and improvement was not subtle and it was easier to follow specific instruments . I continued to listen for a few hours listening to cds I knew very well , all cd s without exception allowed me to hear further into the mix with oodles of extra detail. In view of Martins and other peoples comments I had also decided to buy a battery and switched my listening through the Anker Astro Pro2 ( 2nd gen ) rechargeable battery , all I can say is WOW the sound is without doubt the best by a long way I have ever heard from my system , initial improvements seem even more focused the dynamics are improved along with clarity and micro detail , vocals are incredible . I doubted I could achieve the sound quality I strived for without spending a considerable sum and must admit I was sceptical but thought with the relatively modest cost of the Caiman it was worth the risk . The results have far surpased my expectations , dont know how you do it for the money Stan but thanks again a brilliant Dac in my mind and a real Hi fi bargain . I am currently doing my listening through mode 3 , although I will trial the other modes over the next few weeks , this mode appears to be a touch more dynamic than mode 4 with cd but it is very early days. Just one question regarding the battery I initially fully charged it connected to the Caiman and was surprised it ran down to 40% power after only 48 hours , are other users finding this normal ? I thought it better to leave the Caiman powered up with the battery connected 24/7 and will now just charge when not listening to music although it does allow me to use the DAC when plugged into the mains is that a better option leave it on charge all the time . Just wondered what other users found the best option ? Thanks again to everyone who contributed not enough hours in the day to listen to music !!
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Post by miller65 on Feb 4, 2016 18:57:32 GMT
Thanks once again for all the feedback and to you Jerry for the kind invitation to visit with your dacs , unfortunately although i live in the UK I am a good distance from you in the north , South Yorkshire to be specific ! Having now read the sizeable thread on the Caiman II your comment Martin T regarding running your Ayre cd player close I feel I really need to take the plunge , I would be surprised given all the positive reviews /comments etc if it did not improve my Marantz and yes Stan detail is probably no 1 on my priority list. It may be a few weeks before I order but when I do I will post my thoughts .
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Post by miller65 on Feb 3, 2016 21:05:31 GMT
Thanks everyone for your comments and input , further food for thought I guess . The Marantz player is the only one I ve owned and all my upgrades have been with other components , personally I do not find the sound unpleasant but do believe I can do better hopefully without too much outlay .One thing is certain all the modifications to the Marantz have shown a marked improvement giving me a better insight into the recordings and a clearer more detailed sound . Interesting your mention of Rega DSJR as I have fond memories of a Rega Planar3 turntable many years ago and often wondered what a Saturn sounded like , both as a standalone player and possibly as a transport ? Denon is not a player I have considered but really any purchase at the moment would need to be around £250 ish and even then I need to move a couple of old pre amps first I may well take the plunge and buy a Caiman 11 at what is a relatively low cost in hi fi terms and dependant on results possibly consider another transport at a future date , the further complication is that my pre amp only has one output and at some stage I intend to add a network player , so a Dac would if it works well solve a couple of issues .
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Post by miller65 on Feb 2, 2016 20:55:47 GMT
The modifications were done professionally but unfortunately my technical knowledge is somewhat limited to say the least . My understanding is that the power supply was upgraded including new regulators and a large transformer , new clock fitted and large number of capacitors replaced . The various modifications done over a couple of stages have shown a definite improvement but I am now looking for the next step as I believe a more transparent sound is available I just cannot afford to spend what I assume would be £1500 + to show an appreciable difference , I have compared my player with a standard Audiolab 8200 and believe it shades this player. Just wonered if any members had any positive results using the Dac with mid priced or higher cd players before I commit ?
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Post by miller65 on Feb 2, 2016 19:51:49 GMT
HI all New to the forum and just looking for a bit of advice and possibly your own experiences . I currently run a modified Marantz cd 63mk11 signature version which has had a new clock fitted , upgrade to the power supply , new capacitors etc but am looking to upgrade , unfortunately funds are a little limited at present and was considering as an option running my player through a dac possibly the Beresford Caiman . Basically would the Dac offer any upgrade in sound quality , appreciate the proof is listening but wondered if anyone had first hand experience with this combination ? I understand from Stan Beresford some of you are currently using the Caiman in your systems ? I am striving to extract as much detail as possible from redbook cd without loosing any of the dynamics ,for the record the rest of my system is Avondale S100 power amp , Lightspeed attenuator , Robson Acoustics Prima speakers .
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