One happy Caiman SEG new owner

[vandergraafuk]

What can I say that has not already been said. Finally managed to liberate my package from the Royal Mail depot l yesterday. I plumbed the bad boy in and I was staggered at what Stan's DAC is capable of. I am still trying to pick my jaw up of the floor. I had a full Naim system previously with a ndac and supercap and I can honestly say that it did not reveal what Stan's great DAC is. Now I know why they are keepers. Thank you Stan :eek: I can't wait to get a linear power supply and see what that does.....

[Covenant]

I would be interested in which linear supply you get, thinking of getting one myself.

[perlogalism]

If you fancy seeing what's possible for a lot less outlay than the Linear Power supply then have a look at this: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DC-12300-12V-3000mAh-Super-Rechargeable-Protable-Li-ion-Battery-w-Plug/222519950839?hash=item33cf38fdf7:g:WoAAAOSwlY1ZIoZ 8

It's what I run my SEG on and it's fantastic!

[Covenant]

If you fancy seeing what's possible for a lot less outlay than the Linear Power supply then have a look at this: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DC-12300-12V-3000mAh-Super-Rechargeable-Protable-Li-ion-Battery-w-Plug/222519950839?hash=item33cf38fdf7:g:WoAAAOSwlY1ZIoZ 8

It's what I run my SEG on and it's fantastic!

I use an Anker battery but it switches off after 20 minutes or so, maybe your solution is a good idea. is there a 15v version?

[perlogalism]

I use an Anker battery but it switches off after 20 minutes or so, maybe your solution is a good idea. is there a 15v version?

I haven't seen a 15v version but there are plenty of higher capacity 12v ones. Personally, I've never needed one as this lasts me a good couple of weeks at a time.

[Intenso]

Yep the SEGs a winner isn't it!

I've been very happy with mine and its competing quite well against a VPI Scout with Ortofon Quintet Bronze Cart!

I use an older version of this LPS and it works well.

I couldn't tell you if its any better or worse than anything else but I'm happy with it.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-version-15VA-linear-power-supply-LPS-5V-24V-for-choose-display-L166-55/112043512540?hash=item1a165052dc:g:LC4AAOSwgY9XdUw E

[Intenso]

If you fancy seeing what's possible for a lot less outlay than the Linear Power supply then have a look at this: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DC-12300-12V-3000mAh-Super-Rechargeable-Protable-Li-ion-Battery-w-Plug/222519950839?hash=item33cf38fdf7:g:WoAAAOSwlY1ZIoZ 8

It's what I run my SEG on and it's fantastic!

Wow that is cheap.

Is it safe?

[StanleyB]

Wow that is cheap.

Is it safe?

They do the job, although some of the designs are a bit dodgy in their design of the ground connection. But I have bought and checked out two of those designs, and they measured OK isolation wise.

[Landloper]

I have similar Chinese Lithium DC 12v battery but with a larger capacity (20,000 mAh), Tony. No safety issues I'm aware of (so far). Charges and discharges without incident. Very cheap [£21] way of getting off grid.

[Landloper]

+1

SEG performs way beyond its price tag and you get unrivaled customer service from Mr.Beresford.

[Intenso]

Mmmm, think I'll have a little punt on one at the price.

Although the sellers feedback doesn't inspire.

Went for this one in the end.

Slightly cheaper and better feedback...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12V-3000mAh-Super-Powerful-Rechargeable-Li-ion-Battery-EU-Plug-Charger-Adapter/263153119612?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

[Covenant]

The problem is the power supply. For that price the SMPS will be the tattest bit of tat imaginable. No, on reflection, I think I will go for a linear supply.

[vandergraafuk]

I was going to go down the DIY route, I have nearly completed a home brew linear power supply for my Trichord Dino. It has been an interesting journey the costs spiralled a bit as I was starting out from scratch and component purchases require bulk buying, when you only need a few of the components. That said I am looking forward to finishing and hearing it working and hopefully a beneficial improvement. That said I have been looking at the linear power supplies on offer from China and you just can't beat the price on the diy train. I have been looking around and have found this outfit from Hong Kong that specialise in linear power supplies for audio equipment. Website here www.swagmanlab.com they also have a UK presence on your favourite auction site https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Upgrade-Audiophile-Linear-Power-Supply-M2TECH-YOUNG-DAC-CAS-15V-DC-/282612462930?hash=item41cd03f552
The prices are reasonable IMHO. Although I have no experience of their works could be worth a punt. I will keep everyone updated with which path I take.

[vandergraafuk]

Oops pulled the trigger and bought one. :eyebrows:

[alphaGT]

A lot to be said for battery power. Pure DC, my phono preamp is battery powered, makes all the difference.


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[worrasf]

Having used a high quality battery similar to those mentioned (good) and Chinese linear PSU (better) I have recently installed a Nick Gorham linear PSU from MCRU and I have to tell you the improvement right across the board is superb and lifts the SEG to a new level of musicality and enjoyment.

FWIW, if on a budget and having experienced first hand the difference a high quality well deigned linear PSU makes if I had my time over again I'd miss out the battery/cheap LPSU and stick with the standard Walwart until I could punt up for a "proper one". Trust me you'll save money in the long run.

Steve

[Covenant]

Having used a high quality battery similar to those mentioned (good) and Chinese linear PSU (better) I have recently installed a Nick Gorham linear PSU from MCRU and I have to tell you the improvement right across the board is superb and lifts the SEG to a new level of musicality and enjoyment.

FWIW, if on a budget and having experienced first hand the difference a high quality well deigned linear PSU makes if I had my time over again I'd miss out the battery/cheap LPSU and stick with the standard Walwart until I could punt up for a "proper one". Trust me you'll save money in the long run.

Steve

That doesn't surprise me. Most people seem to find that a high quality supply makes a big difference whatever the equipment it supplies.

[worrasf]

That doesn't surprise me. Most people seem to find that a high quality supply makes a big difference whatever the equipment it supplies.

Indeed - but I was genuinely surprised how much better the Nick Gorham one is in comparison to the “Chinese” model - both running at 15v.
I guess it’s a case of “all circuits are not the same”.


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[Intenso]

Indeed - but I was genuinely surprised how much better the Nick Gorham one is in comparison to the “Chinese” model - both running at 15v.
I guess it’s a case of “all circuits are not the same”.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Just did a little web search.

Are these LPS near on £1K or have I got that wrong?

If right it does seem to be a bit of a mismatch to put that LPS together with an affordable DAC?

[worrasf]

Just did a little web search.

Are these LPS near on £1K or have I got that wrong?

If right it does seem to be a bit of a mismatch to put that LPS together with an affordable DAC?

Nope - £235 all in
[emoji3]


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[Intenso]

Nope - £235 all in
[emoji3]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I must have been looking at the wrong one.

Do you have a link?

[worrasf]

I must have been looking at the wrong one.

Do you have a link?

Here you go:

https://mcru.co.uk/product/regulated-linear-power-supply-selector/




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[Intenso]

Here you go:

https://mcru.co.uk/product/regulated-linear-power-supply-selector/




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Thanks looks nice...

[Landloper]

'I have recently installed a Nick Gorham linear PSU from MCRU and I have to tell you the improvement right across the board is superb and lifts the SEG to a new level of musicality and enjoyment..'

Me too, Stephen. Pricey, but I finally coughed up for a Long Dog Linear Power Supply as the SEG is a keeper for me. I can also swap out the SEG as the Long Dog powers other DACs have should I feel like a change.

[Bourneendboy]

Just bought a SEG and now wondering about a 15v PSU.

Any thoughts on one of these_

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Audio-iPower-Power-Cable-Black/dp/B01LXF2QMK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1510774534&sr=8-2&keywords=ifi+ipower+15v&dpID=41e4oFUF4RL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

[Bonky]

Just bought a SEG and now wondering about a 15v PSU.

Any thoughts on one of these_

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Audio-iPower-Power-Cable-Black/dp/B01LXF2QMK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1510774534&sr=8-2&keywords=ifi+ipower+15v&dpID=41e4oFUF4RL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

Hi, I bought one - but for my Rasp Pi. I couldn't tell the difference between it and the standard supply. My SEG runs from a cheapo Chinese linear supply; sounds fine to me.

R

[Bourneendboy]

Hi, I bought one - but for my Rasp Pi. I couldn't tell the difference between it and the standard supply. My SEG runs from a cheapo Chinese linear supply; sounds fine to me.

R

Stan's replied to a message I sent with the question and he has said the if I is a waste of time.

[Intenso]

Mmmm, think I'll have a little punt on one at the price.

Although the sellers feedback doesn't inspire.

Went for this one in the end.

Slightly cheaper and better feedback...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12V-3000mAh-Super-Powerful-Rechargeable-Li-ion-Battery-EU-Plug-Charger-Adapter/263153119612?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

Well it arrived today and to my ears is certainly a welcome addition sounding less cluttered than the cheap Chinese LPS.

Only drawback is the lead is very short...

[pitadavespa]

Hi!

Anyone tried something like this?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4-USB-80000mAh-Car-Jump-Starter-Portable-Booster-Battery-Charger-Power-Bank-UK/282789273448?hash=item41d78ddf68:g:HAAAAOSwy0JaRhs E

[StanleyB]

Not like that specifically. If it gives out a 12V that does not shut down then it should do the job. Some of these charging packs shut down if they don't detect a current being drawn above a certain limit. The SEG draws about 100mA, and that's too low for some charging banks that have an auto shut down.

[Marco]

Hi Stan,

Out of curiosity, what are the main differences/improvements between a Bushmaster II and the SEG - and could an example of the former be sent to you, to be upgraded to the latter?

I'm assuming, of course, that the SEG is your current benchmark for performance :)

Marco.

[wee tee cee]

Marco,
Not to step on Stans toes but the improvements are quite a leap.

I still have a BM2 out on loan to one of my sons friends....fine dac.

The caiman 2 upped the game gaim,sonically.

The SEG is in a different league as both a dac and hpa.

I haven't tried it as a pre!

My son runs it in a croft pre/power set up and loves it( he has been blagging my 700s and using it as a hpa).

I run mine in my av set up with a tq claymore/spendor sp1s...its terrific!

I have not bothered with linear psu/battery as straight out the box its spot on.

[Marco]

Nice one, Tony - and noted. I currently have a BM attached to my Blu-ray player in my home-cinema system, which I also use to play CDs, and fancied a wee upgrade! I'm sure Stan will advise in due course :cool:

Marco.

[Wakefield Turntables]

I've got a SEG and I think you'll be enjoying it when you buy one.

[StanleyB]

Nice one, Tony - and noted. I currently have a BM attached to my Blu-ray player in my home-cinema system, which I also use to play CDs, and fancied a wee upgrade! I'm sure Stan will advise in due course :cool:
Hi Marco, I can send you a AoS membership invoice. Just PM me to let me know.

[Marco]

PM sent :)

Marco.

[pitadavespa]

Not like that specifically. If it gives out a 12V that does not shut down then it should do the job. Some of these charging packs shut down if they don't detect a current being drawn above a certain limit. The SEG draws about 100mA, and that's too low for some charging banks that have an auto shut down.

Point taken.

My question is: some of these packs can give 12V, 15V and 19V (for instance).
How do they do that? If the batteries one have inside are 12V (again, for instance), they'll have to step it up to 15V and 19V. I'm sure they do it using some type of switching-mode, right?
So they CANNOT be considered a clean power source like a real 12V battery.

Am I right?
But some people swear by them!
How's that?


Thanks

[StanleyB]

The 12V is normally the clean supply. The 15 and higher voltage can be from an inbuilt voltage step up circuit. Those can be noisy on the 15V. But some of the power packs use those 3.8V cells. Those that do can have tap off points for different voltages.

[pitadavespa]

Thanks Stanley. I completely agree with you, although I have almost none knowledge in electricity/electronics.

IF (:D) I buy a SEG from you, I'll try it with an "old fashion" 12V (in fact 13.8V) linear power supply. I have it for 20 years, and I believe it's a clean power source. BUT... it's transformer hums a bit, and I can hear it if not playing music (even after using dumping material) and that really bothers me.

Stanley, (I'm sure this was asked you several times) is there any advantage in 15V over 12V on the SEG?

Thanks,
Luis

[Jerry B]

Just bought a SEG, to replace a Bushmaster II with mods.

Getting it sent to Tony at Coherent Systems for his PSU, and some mods.