Caiman II - my review and observations

[brainz2000]

So the new DAC had arrived and is on burn in currently...

I have owned all the Beresford DACs bar the Bushmaster 2 so I am keen to see how this new incarnation performs...

I still have a Gatorised Caiman I and an original Bushmaster to compare with so I will provide my views on the DAC with comparisons when I have time ... Probably starting at the weekend...

First impressions are always important...

Out of the box it projects more space and 3d positioning than any of its predecessors ... and the headphone performance is stunning ...

More to follow ...

Tim

[John]

It has a lot more detail than the Bushmaster mk 11 and depth like discovering your music collection all over again. It also has a very analogue based sound that makes it possible to listen for long extended periods

[MikeMusic]

Sounds like my BM II needs to be upgraded.........

[StanleyB]

My usual promise applies to the Caiman MKII as with any promises made with my previous DACs. If you can't hear a clear and obvious night and day improvement between the Caiman MKII and any other DAC, you can send the Caiman back to me . I even linked to some test files in another thread where I pointed out that you can finally tell the difference between mp3, FLAC, and WAV on playback. It has been the Holy Grail of DAC designs, and the Caiman MKII finally makes it possible to hear that difference.

[brainz2000]

So I find myself at almost 1am captivated by the music in a way I haven't for such a long time

In terms of set up, I am streaming from a vortexbox by USB to a Musical fidelity Vlink and into the Caiman 2 using the Co-axial output. This feeds my PrimaLuna valves which are then feeding my Royd Minstrels.

I should have gone to bed ages ago, but the sound, which has improved with burn in, is just captivating.

I can switch over and listen to the same output via the BushMaster, which is being fed from the same Vlink, on optical cable.

So what is the difference - it is like a cheap lens ... it is not as sharp or in focus, and the 3d image is OK, but just not as good.

The sound is very analogue and full of detail ...

Stan - this is really money well spent.... and I haven't even tried to use battery power yet ...

I think I may try it with a battery powered Bantam Gold ... if I feed it from a laptop, I can be totally mains independent ....

I am finally thinking solar powered hifi might be on the cards ...

More to follow ...

Tim

[John]

Its really pays to use battery with this to hear it at its full potential

[mkrzych]

Anyone can recommend battery power for Caiman 7520Seg - first take?

[TAD12]

hello there, why don't you try the anakaka rechargeable battery. Plenty of mentions of this in the Beresford banter site. Have used it with the Bushmaster Mk II and now using with the new Caiman 2. Just stunning. Also watch the bass, as this has been substantially extended. By the way, the Caiman 2 is head and shoulders above the Bush 2. If you need the link to purchase, here it is.
http://www.ankaka.com/english/USD/in...tery_p409.html
happy listening.
T12

[mkrzych]

hello there, why don't you try the anakaka rechargeable battery. Plenty of mentions of this in the Beresford banter site. Have used it with the Bushmaster Mk II and now using with the new Caiman 2. Just stunning. Also watch the bass, as this has been substantially extended. By the way, the Caiman 2 is head and shoulders above the Bush 2. If you need the link to purchase, here it is.
http://www.ankaka.com/english/USD/in...tery_p409.html
happy listening.
T12

Does it have selectable output voltage - Caiman SEG uses 15v? Do you use it connected all the time to the power supply, meaning that if discharging can be charged simultaneously?

[TAD12]

Yes it does, selectable output voltages of 12 16 and 19V, so looks as if you are out of luck, unless you can run your Caiman at 12v, I do not know the answer to that. I suppose that you can have it connected at all times but why? I just recharge when required. One overnight charge every so often, depending on use.
Hope this is of assistance.
T12