There are two Caimans...

[StanleyB]

From my youth growing up in the Amazon jungle I remember that there are two main types of Caimans. The black caiman and the bespectacled caiman. This has got me thinking. Maybe the bespectacled caiman equivalent would be a twin TOSLINK input and twin coax input DAC just like the TC-7510? The TC-7510 input configuration is still often requested on the TC-7520 and Caiman. So what about TC-7510 inputs equivalent of the Caiman? i.e. replace the USB socket for an extra TOSLINK socket instead. I don't use USB on my main audio system, but I could do with an extra TOSLINK input for my TV.

[Gazjam]

Probably a go-er Stan I'd say?

PC Caiman Users are probably in the minority all in and being able to hook up Sky box, AND the PS3 (or whatever) is a good selling point?

Like the 7510 with Caiman sound quality!

BUT...

You WOULD want to avoid confusion with several different models being SIMILAR but not exactly the same...remember the 7510 MK3/4/5/6 confusion?

Just a thought..

[StanleyB]

You WOULD want to avoid confusion with several different models being SIMILAR but not exactly the same...remember the 7510 MK3/4/5/6 confusion?

Good point.
Since the Caiman is hand assembled I might try a small run of twenty pieces of a twin optical/coax version in the new year.

[Kris]

Since it's hand assembled, maybe offer input options to buyers when ordering direct.

It would make sense to offer the inputs that the end users actually needed. Just lump all these under a SO version (special option) moniker. That way there'd only be two versions, standard and special option. On the back of the unit you could just say "SO: See data sheet", and include with each unit a data sheet with the serial number, detailing the special options included. This could cover not only differing inputs, but also any internal 'factory fitted' upgrades.

[StanleyB]

Only the first socket is interchangeable. So it is only possible to select between a USB or an extra TOSLINK during assembly.

[NickB]

Hi Stan

Curses Batman as someone said once I think - I would have had a twin TOS link instead of my USB one but probably would not have waited.

Nick

[Carson]

Hi Stan

Curses Batman as someone said once I think - I would have had a twin TOS link instead of my USB one but probably would not have waited.

Nick

Ditto, I'd love to have an optical input rather than a USB one.


What's involved in replacing the USB input with an optical one? Is it something that we might be capable of doing?

Maybe offer the 4th input as a module which can be swapped or replaced as needed, just a thought.

[Labarum]

The option would be good.

Is a user swappable module a possibility, at least for some users?

I have sometimes missed the extra optical in, and have not used the USB in often.

Some DACs parallel Toslink and RCA on the same switched input, so that must be a possibility, but would require extra casework

An analogue input would add flexibility as a Standac makes a great "Preamp" if you only have digital sources.

Edit:

Ashley of AVI recomends this switch box which is dirt cheap

http://www.astarsolutions.co.uk/prod...02&source=list

Not an elegant solution, but would serve for temporary or occasional use.

I don't know if the would be an insertion loss.

[Alex_UK]

I use a switchbox, as I need 3 optical inputs as well as the usb (PS3/XBOX360/SKY HD & PC) - so from my point of view, I wouldn't be interested - in fact it was the usb facility which drew me to the Caiman... but that's just me, probably in the minority.

[Marco]

Hi Alex,

I use a switchbox, as I need 3 optical inputs as well as the usb (PS3/XBOX360/SKY HD & PC)...

Just a quickie... But must your hi-fi system be hooked up to all that other 'paraphernalia', mate? It'll definitely not be doing the performance of your system any favours at all.

Switchboxes, and the associated noise generated by PCs and SKY boxes will definitely interfere with your system. Is there no way you can isolate your 2-channel set-up from the rest and simplify the set-up?

If you can, trust me, it will pay serious sonic dividends!

Marco.