View Full Version : Caiman SEG with battery / Linear PSU
Bourneendboy
17-11-2017, 16:20
I'm on the lookout for a second-hand 15v Linear PSU, but am also considering battery options.
I'd like to know whether a battery can or does run at 15v? I'm thinking something from Anker rather than a car type battery.
A secondary benefit with the Anker is that I could also power my Chromecast with it at the same time.
Sherwood
17-11-2017, 16:35
I'm on the lookout for a second-hand 15v Linear PSU, but am also considering battery options.
I'd like to know whether a battery can or does run at 15v? I'm thinking something from Anker rather than a car type battery.
A secondary benefit with the Anker is that I could also power my Chromecast with it at the same time.
Not sure if its what you are looking for but I bought a usb cable that converts the 5v usb output of my Anker (type) battery to 12v. Works fine with SEG which has tiny current drain. Not sure if you can get a 15v usb adapter?
Geoff
Geoo
Bourneendboy
17-11-2017, 16:42
Not sure if its what you are looking for but I bought a usb cable that converts the 5v usb output of my Anker (type) battery to 12v. Works fine with SEG which has tiny current drain. Not sure if you can get a 15v usb adapter?
Geoff
Geoo
Could you post a link to one please Geoff as I'm not sure what you mean :)
Sherwood
17-11-2017, 16:47
https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_3_12?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=usb+voltage+converter+cable&sprefix=usb+voltage+%2Celectronics%2C148&crid=O1ZUGHXMOWHH&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Ausb+voltage+converter+cable
Take your pick!
Geoff
Bourneendboy
17-11-2017, 16:53
Cheers Geoff!
clarkey555
17-11-2017, 17:35
Hi Bill
Deben tracer after that you won’t even think about another power source JOB SORTED!!!!
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171117/4de83089e4ab097a74c9ddd4c1c9ffed.jpg
Apologies for the light on the photo
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
clarkey555
17-11-2017, 17:40
Here’s a link
https://www.tracerpower.com/12v-8ah-lithium-polymer-battery-pack.html
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I use a Tracer LiFePO4 12V 16Ah battery to power my Caiman SEG (as well as two of my monoblocks). It lasts a couple of weeks between charges - I turn it all off when not in use. Note: you cannot trickle charge the LiPO4 batteries.
I am sure a smaller capacity, cheaper version, like this one, https://www.tracerpower.com/tracer-12v-35ah-lifepo4-battery.html, would do just fine for the Caiman alone. LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) are the safest Lithium batteries and should have a much longer life (1400 discharge cycles vs. 300 for LiPo). I gave up on LiPo for the monoblocks when one of them swelled-up and died (although I still use the Ankaka battery to power my RPi) and I didn't like the idea of big lead-acid batteries in the house.
Bourneendboy
17-11-2017, 21:03
Interesting stuff - will have a read up!
If I were to run on 15v, does the SEG have to be modified in anyway?
Interesting stuff - will have a read up!
If I were to run on 15v, does the SEG have to be modified in anyway?
I was running mine with a 15V linear PSU without modifications and no problems before I went to the LiFePO4 battery. I seem to recall Stanley Beresford says they are good to 16V, so 15V should be safe.
Bourneendboy
17-11-2017, 21:08
I was running mine with a 15V linear PSU without modifications and no problems before I went to the LiFePO4 battery. I seem to recall Stanley Beresford says they are good to 16V, so 15V should be safe.
How does the Tracer compare to the 15v Linear PSU?
How does the Tracer compare to the 15v Linear PSU?
The battery does not have a blue glowing LED display :) ...the bass has a bit more authority and the imaging also slightly more 3D with the battery. Not a huge amount in it. I was more motivated to have one less box and no mains powered equipment at all (not to mention fewer lights). It is this one 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. I asked them to make sure it was properly earthed when I bought it. It seems to output a pretty stable 15.1V.
I was about to list it on e-bay but if you (or anyone) would be interested to buy and try it, please send me a PM.
Bourneendboy
20-11-2017, 19:43
The battery does not have a blue glowing LED display :) ...the bass has a bit more authority and the imaging also slightly more 3D with the battery. Not a huge amount in it. I was more motivated to have one less box and no mains powered equipment at all (not to mention fewer lights). It is this one 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. I asked them to make sure it was properly earthed when I bought it. It seems to output a pretty stable 15.1V.
I was about to list it on e-bay but if you (or anyone) would be interested to buy and try it, please send me a PM.
About to send you a PM
wee tee cee
22-11-2017, 06:12
Im really lucky to have a cellar bellow my listening room. I plumbed in a big car battery and solar panel many moons ago with help from Stan regards set up and connections.
I found getting off mains-even with an airlink balanced mains box was just quieter, especially on cans. The noise floor dropped off.
Big car batteries tend not to go down too well with yer other half-aesthetically speaking!!!!
vandergraafuk
22-11-2017, 21:42
Received my 15V linear supply bought from swagmanlab in Hong Kong. First impression is its taken the SEG to another level. Much more air. I can follow instruments clearly. It was not a night and day thing just added a little extra. Happy days.:eyebrows:
Bourneendboy
22-11-2017, 21:49
I have Alastair's on it's way to me, so hopefully get to listen over the weekend.
Are you using headphones?
vandergraafuk
22-11-2017, 23:25
I am currently listening with a old pair of sennheiser hd447. They are real cheapies and don't do the SEG justice. I am looking around for a decent pair. Stan mad a suggestion on my other thread along with some kind AOS members. Which I will need to explore. Finding anywhere local here in Hampshire is a bit limited. I will get round to it at some point. But just enjoying the music through main speakers at the moment.
wee tee cee
23-11-2017, 14:37
Got my segs this morning.
One for me and one for my son.
Didnt last long on my telly set up-got moved to my main system now on battery power.
Still running in but very very impressed.
Might have to get another for the telly!!!!
Bourneendboy
24-11-2017, 21:10
The 15v PSU has arrived and is all plumbed in and running nicely. Had a very brief listen earlier and has now been plugged in for a couple of hours, just settling in for a couple of hours listening.
Bourneendboy
13-12-2017, 21:06
I've had an Anker battery on the Chromecast for a couple of days and have decided to send it back. I don't think it adds anything and it's potentially not as good as the standard PSU - not convinced either way and would rather not have the gaff.
Also tried a Fisual Hollywood optical cable and prefer Stan's cable. That's enough messing around, going to enjoy what I have!
Covenant
21-01-2018, 10:32
After a while pondering what was available I decided to get a Chinese linear supply, this one:http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemVersion&item=121513877181&view=all&tid=1890653521002. I just couldn't justify paying the same sort of amount for a power supply as the SEG costs.
I picked it because it had an R-core transformer, however, at this price, I doubt it makes much difference which transformer is fitted. Anyway it took about two weeks to get here and was well packaged.
I am pleased with the quality and certainly feels heavy and well built. I gives out a steady 15.2v ( the extra .2v wont damage the SEG long term will it Stan?). The extra couple of volts seems to give a greater dynamic range and improves the sound stage.
I will need to do something with the voltage display though; its like Blackpool illuminations.
StanleyB
22-01-2018, 12:06
After a while pondering what was available I decided to get a Chinese linear supply, this one:http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemVersion&item=121513877181&view=all&tid=1890653521002.
I am pleased with the quality and certainly feels heavy and well built. I gives out a steady 15.2v ( the extra .2v wont damage the SEG long term will it Stan?). The extra couple of volts seems to give a greater dynamic range and improves the sound stage.
The extra 0.2V won't do any damage. Those Chinese linear power supply do the job of providing an unswitched DC output, unlike a SMPS. The tidying up of the DC voltage from the power supply is carried out inside the SEG by three different filtering circuits.
Covenant
22-01-2018, 14:40
The extra 0.2V won't do any damage. Those Chinese linear power supply do the job of providing an unswitched DC output, unlike a SMPS. The tidying up of the DC voltage from the power supply is carried out inside the SEG by three different filtering circuits.
Cheers Stan.
The extra 0.2V won't do any damage. Those Chinese linear power supply do the job of providing an unswitched DC output, unlike a SMPS. The tidying up of the DC voltage from the power supply is carried out inside the SEG by three different filtering circuits.
Hi there Stan,
As you know, for at least 3 years I've been using a 15v power supply from Custom HIFI cables in Leeds. It's a super modded DC3 with ALL the bells and whistles.
http://www.custom-hifi-cables.co.uk/home/power-supplies/dc3-power-supply.
Expensive it is, BUT, do I need another one, ever, probably not.
I have 2 SEG's which are wired up so that one controls the treble part and the other controls the mid range / bass of the speaker x overs. Coupled with 4 monoblocks driving 2 refurbished Mission 753's. The missions in my opinion are still super sounding and look elegant too.
Anyways, I've just had my SEGs uprated with parts received from Stan. After extensive listening on my own and with friends, we have come to a conclusion.
BEST MOD EVER. The sound stage is (and was) rock solid. It appears that the volume level does not have to be very high to reveal all the nuances in the music being played. My system is used for both TV and BD/CD output, using spdif optical cables.
Any thoughts here will surely only be applicable to my particular setup. All that counts is that I and my family / mates, etc., like what they hear. WE DO.
Stan, with this latest mod, you have another bargain. Great sound at an affordable cost. Just because it's expensive it must be good, does not apply in this house.
I'm going into hibernation and getting back to listening to some concert Blurays in glorious Stereo. It's still cold here in Montreal, only minus 11C.
Regards. T.
Covenant
06-02-2018, 20:05
BEST MOD EVER.
That settles it, I will have to have the mod done.
I have The DC1 power supply with a Custom Hifi Cables headphone amp, both bought as pre-production models a good few years ago. Outstanding, totally reliable products that deserve more attention. Its a pity Sean doesn't contribute here.
Jerry,
Agree with you 100%. Sean makes some tasty gear. My DC3 was custom built with six outputs, 4 x 18v and 2 x 18/15v. It's a monster and I have nothing but good words to say about the quality of his work.
Can't go wrong with a top notch power supply. hope you enjoy your upgrade. Please let me know your thoughts if and when you come down from cloud 9.
Kind regards.
T.
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