There are two Caimans...

[Themis]

Hi Dimitri,

Does the switchbox cause a break in the signal? If so, it's definitely affecting the sound. I wasn't referring to it in terms of interference generated - I was thinking more of the PC and Sky box there, which do cause interference.

However, adaptors of any description should be avoided at all costs unless they are absolutely necessary (i.e. there is no other option), as they cause significant sonic degradation. Also, all the other non-hi-fi 'gubbins' Alex has connected to his system won't be doing the performance of the hi-fi gear any favours.

I understand that Alex may have no other option, and so may have to do things this way, but I wanted to point out what was happening just in case he could avoid setting things up that way somehow

Marco.

I don't see how there could be any interfering in optical signals... there's no electric connexion, anyway.
A break in the signal ? Well, I don't think it works this way : I mean, at most you could get some jitter ? Well, a basic test could let us decide, still, I doubt there could be any "significant sonic degradation", especially with the dac's ASRC circuits.

I have an analog RCA switch (which is ultimately much worse than any digital switch) and I never noticed any "significant" degradation, if any. How could this be, anyway ? Provided that the switch is properly made, of course...
I mean, how do studios work ? The have countless switches and use no point-to-point connexions, anyway !

[Marco]

Hi Dimitri,

No idea of the 'whys or wherefores', but I've heard things like that degrade the sound before in my system a few times

Anyway, Alex can't hear it, so no matter

Marco.

[Themis]

No idea of the 'whys or wherefores', but I've heard things like that degrade the sound before in my system a few times

Marco, it's because I know you're not inventing things, that I'm trying to understand... It puzzles me, really.
If one day you come to swim in my pool in Montpellier, we'll try several switches (if we have time, and if we remeber about it by then). Perhaps your ears are more sensitive than mine, who knows ?

Anyway, as you say, Alex has no problem, that's what matters.

[Alex_UK]

The important thing to remember in my particular circumstances is that all of these optically connected sources are A/V - so it is of less importance than say a CD player - I may well try leaving the main Toslink cable (into the Caiman) disconnected if it is likely to make a difference, but with my modest system I doubt I would hear that difference either.

[chebby]

Please keep the USB at least until I upgrade (from my TC-7520) to a Caiman. I would not be able to buy it unless it had USB.

[StanleyB]

The stock Caiman is not getting changed, so no need to worry.
By the way, I have already sold and dispatched a couple of the twin TOSLINK Caiman, now known as the Caiman+. I hope to take some pics in the next few days.

[Themis]

The Caiman+ will be on sale at your online shop, or it's on "special order" only, Stan ?

[StanleyB]

I'll put it up once I have taken some pics in the next few days.

[Carson]

What's involved in replacing the USB port with a Toslink receiver?
I'm going to be doing it for this: http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=4933
(I have the Toslink receivers by the way.)

Also, did you get my PM Stan?

[Themis]

I'll put it up once I have taken some pics in the next few days.

Ok, thanks. As I keep updated a list of the available dacs, prices etc on a french forum, I'll have this done when you're ready.
And I will update the preview, also.