View Full Version : Latest Greatest Upgrade to Caiman SEG
I just received Stan's latest clock/firmware/power supply upgrade to my Caiman SEG. Definitely improved PRaT over what was already very fine sound. Plucked strings, bowed strings, percussion, bass, piano and voices all now have even more texture, drive and realism. ... more "in the room" presence. No question it's an improvement. I'm sure Stan will have more to say, but I just wanted folks to be aware that his latest creation is well worth the upgrade.
I just received Stan's latest clock/firmware/power supply upgrade to my Caiman SEG. Definitely improved PRaT over what was already very fine sound. Plucked strings, bowed strings, percussion, bass, piano and voices all now have even more texture, drive and realism. ... more "in the room" presence. No question it's an improvement. I'm sure Stan will have more to say, but I just wanted folks to be aware that his latest creation is well worth the upgrade.
Hi Lee, thanks, can you upgrade the SEG yourself?
I'm not sure about a self-installed upgrade. Stan upgraded mine, so best contact him for details. BTW, I've been listening all day and can't seem to stop. Voices are so much more articulate and moving. Films, too, have new life. Good luck getting yours updated.
Sherwood
06-10-2018, 15:37
Hi Lee, thanks, can you upgrade the SEG yourself?
Yes for the firmware upgrade. Just replace an EPROM in socket.
Geoff
Yes for the firmware upgrade. Just replace an EPROM in socket.
Geoff
:eek:
StanleyB
06-10-2018, 18:09
It's a simple process that is fully described on my website.
Covenant
07-10-2018, 08:31
Just got my Dorado and firmware update.
Nice metal box, not expected for the price but I would have liked the 'on' switch position to be up so that it matched the SEG.
Took about two hours to settle down in my system after which the sounstage opened up and the sound qualilty improved with more punch.
A superb, value for money product-typically Beresford.
Just got my Dorado and firmware update.
Nice metal box, not expected for the price but I would have liked the 'on' switch position to be up so that it matched the SEG.
Took about two hours to settle down in my system after which the sounstage opened up and the sound qualilty improved with more punch.
A superb, value for money product-typically Beresford.
Nice review. Is it improving further over time?
Andrew
Covenant
07-10-2018, 20:26
Hi Andrew
Absolutely, I sat in the dark this evening listening and the sound seemed to wrap around me. The level of detail retrieval has steadily improved as well.
The best money I have spent this year.
Nice review. Is it improving further over time?
Andrew
Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk
Just yesterday, I installed the SEG30 chip and connected the new Dorado running at 15v. My system uses 2 SEG's, one for the treble and on for the midrange/bass.
Anyways, separation of instruments has just blown me away. What an upgrade! Christmas has definitely come early this year. Oh yeah, many thanks need to go to Sean at Custom Hifi Cables. I have a DC3 PS which he custom built for me.
BUT, Stan has dun it again guv! 'nuff said.
Tad.
I just bought the firmware upgrade and Dorado, which should be arriving tomorrow. This is for my Caiman II.
Does anyone know:
* Is the firmware upgrade something to use in order to ensure compatibility with the Dorado?
* Or is the firmware an independent upgrade from the Dorado and worth A/B sound testing before trying out the Dorado?
Cheers,
Andrew
Sherwood
11-10-2018, 08:41
I just bought the firmware upgrade and Dorado, which should be arriving tomorrow. This is for my Caiman II.
Does anyone know:
* Is the firmware upgrade something to use in order to ensure compatibility with the Dorado?
* Or is the firmware an independent upgrade from the Dorado and worth A/B sound testing before trying out the Dorado?
Cheers,
Andrew
No
Yes
StanleyB
11-10-2018, 08:42
Just play some complex music composition. Then try some classic guitar, piano concerto etc. You'll soon hear the difference. The added benefit is that the Dorado also improves the headphone output.
Just play some complex music composition. Then try some classic guitar, piano concerto etc. You'll soon hear the difference. The added benefit is that the Dorado also improves the headphone output.
Will do. Looking forward to Friday. I’ll report back on the individual upgrades - firmware first, then Dorado.
Andrew
I fitted the SEG 30 chip today and also installed the Dorado. I now use my “Chinese” 15v LPSU to power the Dorado which then powers the SEG releasing the much better LongDog MCRU 15v LPSU to power the Capella. Prior to the arrival of the Dorado it was the other way around. I left things a few hours to warm up before any listening,
Anyway, despite suffering the tail end of a head cold the improvement the Dorado brings to the table is IMO immense.
Earlier in the day I had a quick listen to Thea Gilmore on CD through amp and speakers. My first thoughts were “clarity”. The music just seems so “clean” with a much larger dynamic range. A bit like back in the day playing the half speed master version of your favourite vinyl album compared to the standard pressing. Simply more of everything and more musical.
Earlier this evening I put a DVD movie through - I had to reduce the volume from my normal position because the bass was so powerful!
I’m currently streaming my favourite iPhone playlist so I know it well and listening with Beyer Dynamic DT990 600 ohm headphones (it’s late) driven by the Capella. Not the easiest ‘phones to drive properly. But they have never sounded better. This is what they should sound like but previously have come up a bit short in the all important “foot tapping” area. The dynamics are truly impressive. Bass is incredibly deep and controlled yet the really fine background detail like snare drums or shakers is not drowned out - these aspects of the mix have more clarity than pre-Dorado. There is no over emphasis of any particular instrument or frequency. Tracks I know well sound the best I’ve ever heard on my system. Clearly, some of the improvement listening through the Beyers will be down to the LongDog LPSU replacing the "Chinese" one driving the Capella but I'd heard all of these differences earlier through the Crofts/Epos M22i's.
TBH I am finding it difficult to describe the finer points of the music because I keep getting dragged back to just listening. It’s a big bold statement but the addition of the Dorado really does allow you to just listen to the music and not the kit.
I have no idea what the little box is doing or how it works but at less than £100 including the SEG 30 it’s arguably the best, most cost effective upgrade ever. [emoji106][emoji106][emoji106][emoji106][emoji106]
Steve
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
[QUOTE=worrasf;1020592]
I have no idea what the little box is doing or how it works but at less than £100 including the SEG 30 it’s arguably the best, most cost effective upgrade ever.
Steve
Is the Dorado less than £100? If so, I'm right there!
Theadmans
15-10-2018, 18:00
Only a small point but does the Dorado come with a fly lead to connect its output to a SEG?
Also I get the idea that you effectively charge up the Dorado from your own PSU (in my case a Chinese Linear 15v job). Once the Dorado's green light comes on do you leave the supplying PSU on (or is there an advantage to switching off the supplying PSU and letting the Dorado do the work?).....
Sorry if I am misunderstanding how the Dorado works (I am just trying to get my head round what it can do).
StanleyB
15-10-2018, 18:24
Only a small point but does the Dorado come with a fly lead to connect its output to a SEG?
Also I get the idea that you effectively charge up the Dorado from your own PSU (in my case a Chinese Linear 15v job). Once the Dorado's green light comes on do you leave the supplying PSU on (or is there an advantage to switching off the supplying PSU and letting the Dorado do the work?).....
Sorry if I am misunderstanding how the Dorado works (I am just trying to get my head round what it can do).
Yes the Dorado ships with a DC to DC flylead.
Yes you charge up the Dorado with either the optional low noise linear charger, or use your own linear PSU.
I have around 20 pieces left in stock, so you better hurry if you want to get hold of one before the next delivery next month.
Only a small point but does the Dorado come with a fly lead to connect its output to a SEG?
Also I get the idea that you effectively charge up the Dorado from your own PSU (in my case a Chinese Linear 15v job). Once the Dorado's green light comes on do you leave the supplying PSU on (or is there an advantage to switching off the supplying PSU and letting the Dorado do the work?).....
Sorry if I am misunderstanding how the Dorado works (I am just trying to get my head round what it can do).
No you keep it plugged in when in use
StanleyB
15-10-2018, 19:24
No you keep it plugged in when in use
Good observation. I do get lost in too many questions in the same sentence...
I've had the Dorado and SEG30 upgrades since last Friday. The main differences pre upgrade are 1. separation of artists/instruments 2 rhythm and melody easier nofollow than before. Is this all in my head????? Orchestral classical is next week.
Did I mention silence? If a single instrument recording plays in a darkened room. Ooooooh!
Oh well, time to start on the favourite tunes list, again!!!
Using a Cambridge Azur 752 BD to play CDs/BDs. All connections Optical.
Full marks to Stan.
Pepperamip
16-10-2018, 07:25
Is the Dorado and firmware upgrade for owners with the seg supercap upgrade already in place?
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StanleyB
16-10-2018, 07:42
Is the Dorado and firmware upgrade for owners with the seg supercap upgrade already in place?
The Dorado can be used on any of Bushmaster or Caiman DACs, irrespective of which mods are already installed. The Dorado and SEG-30 firmware sort out signal separation, lower the noise floor, and increase the dynamic range.
If you have the supercap mod as well, then you are half way there with the requirements for the temperature control CMOS clock mod. That improves PRaT (pace, rhythm, and timing). The clock mod adds more depth to the sound when used in combination with the Dorado and the SEG-30. The main reason for that seems to be due to the reduction in jitter.
Pepperamip
16-10-2018, 07:43
The Dorado can be used on any of Bushmaster or Caiman DACs, irrespective of which mods are already installed. The Dorado and SEG-30 firmware sort out signal separation, lower the noise floor, and increase the dynamic range.
If you have the supercap mod as well, then you are half way there with the requirements for the temperature control CMOS clock mod. That improves PRaT (pace, rhythm, and timing). The clock mod adds more depth to the sound when used in combination with the Dorado and the SEG-30. The main reason for that seems to be due to the reduction in jitter.Thanks Stan. I know what's going on my Xmas wish list
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