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Jackytwoshoes
21-11-2012, 09:38
I' m really sorry but I'm having trouble deciphering the many pages of discussion over this. Is there a guide that I can follow to try the passive mod on my Caiman?

I'm using the variable outs with a Quad 405-2. Does the passive mod work on the variable outputs or not?

Can anyone recommend a capacitor value to work with the quad?

Thanks, sorry if if this has been covered umpteen times.

MartinT
21-11-2012, 09:49
This should help, Jack:

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=6910&highlight=Caiman

Jackytwoshoes
21-11-2012, 09:58
Thanks, but that's the very thread that's difficult to follow/decipher!

Krisbee
21-11-2012, 12:04
I'm using the variable outs with a Quad 405-2. Does the passive mod work on the variable outputs or not?

I always thought the answer to your question was no. The passive mod is for fixed outputs only.

Certainly one solderless version of the passive mod for the earlier TC-7520 meant removing the opamp board, so both the headphone and variable out function was lost. (see http://theartofsound.net/forum/showpost.php?p=135736&postcount=117 & http://www.hifispotter.com/?p=435 )

Hence Stan developed the "Gator Board" which was incorporated in the final iteration of his Caiman DAC, the TC-7520SEG.

May be some has a "gator board" they are not using.

chrism
21-11-2012, 12:38
Hi,

The passive mod allows you to use the fixed and variable outputs. It is easy to do and you just take the headphone board out and wire two caps (many many many to choose from) into the sockets. This is well documented and the pictures shown in the thread are best to see what you do.

If you don't like it it can easily be swapped back.

The Gator addressed the fact that some power amps had a gain / match problem from the passive mod and the volume can sometimes be affected.

Regards

Chris

Covenant
21-11-2012, 13:51
It's worth the effort. I still love my 7520 with Wolfson chip, Gator board and Silmic 11 caps.