View Full Version : Dorado II and SEG 42 Firmare.
The Dorado II and SEG firmware is a worthwhile replacement for the Dorado I. The Dorado II on it’s own is a subtle change, the SEG firmware brings as Stan says, improvements to timbre and detailing.
On minor gripe if it bothers you is the Dorado’s LED is very bright, but the Dorado is small enough to be hidden.
Mike
Black insulation tape on the LED should dim it down nicely.
It doesn’t bother me, but it could be an issue for someone. Rather than use insulation tape, I would live with it.
Mike.
Theadmans
09-01-2020, 19:23
When did the SEG 42 Firmware come out?
I got my SEG (with the latest firmware) and Dorado MK I at the tail end of 2018.
...I am not sure what version of the SEG Firmware I have - but if there is a later version I am keen on updating.
Stan would be able to tell you, if you opened up the Caiman the firmware chip is behind the LED’S, the number on the Dorado chip is SEG 42.
The one I removed is SEG 36.
One minor gripe if it bothers you is the Dorado’s LED is very bright, but the Dorado is small enough to be hidden.
Dazzling would be one way to describe that LED!
Can highly recommend these, use them all around the house:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/LightDims-Original-Strength-CoversDims-Different/dp/B009WSJNCW
StanleyB
10-01-2020, 09:28
I shall look into turning the LED brightness down on the next production run.
killie99
11-01-2020, 13:18
I have a Dorado mk1 and it’s led isnt bright at all - maybe mine was changed by the previous owner (it’s green rather than blue as stated in hhe user manual)
StanleyB
11-01-2020, 21:32
I have a Dorado mk1 and it’s led isnt bright at all - maybe mine was changed by the previous owner (it’s green rather than blue as stated in hhe user manual)
The first ever production of the Dorado had green LEDs. The brightness was lower. Blue LEDS give off more light for the same circuit component values.
Hi Stan,
I thought you should know. The upgrade was sweet. I had a linear PSU running at 13.8 V https://www.rapidonline.com/rapid-lp-514-209g-fixed-out-13-8v-4-6a-cigar-socket-psu-85-1714
It worked well with good bass and detail but the upgrade brought out a really nicer edge to detail and punch.
Thanks very much for your contribution to affordable high end audio.
Keep it coming.
You should probably look at developing a power amp:D. I am sure it will be a great success.
Abraham
StanleyB
17-02-2020, 19:55
Hi Stan,
I thought you should know. The upgrade was sweet. I had a linear PSU running at 13.8 V https://www.rapidonline.com/rapid-lp-514-209g-fixed-out-13-8v-4-6a-cigar-socket-psu-85-1714
It worked well with good bass and detail but the upgrade brought out a really nicer edge to detail and punch.
Thanks very much for your contribution to affordable high end audio.
Keep it coming.
You should probably look at developing a power amp:D. I am sure it will be a great success.
Abraham
Glad that you liked the improvements that the Dorado brings :).
Power amp? I used to make those years ago. But these days not many people buy a power amp. They invest in airbuds instead...
What differences are there of the SEG-42 Firmware Upgrade over the SEG-30?
Theadmans
24-05-2020, 12:19
What differences are there of the SEG-42 Firmware Upgrade over the SEG-30?
...I would be interested in the answer to this too please?
I have just whipped the lid off my SEG and it has SEG-30...
...any advantages in me having SEG-42 ?
...I would be interested in the answer to this too please?
I have just whipped the lid off my SEG and it has SEG-30...
...any advantages in me having SEG-42 ?
A reply from Stan
The SEG-42 firmware has some extra code to handle the Dorado II properly if the DAC does a soft reset by its own. With the SEG-30 the firmware loses the stored settings.
Theadmans
11-06-2020, 18:25
A reply from Stan
The SEG-42 firmware has some extra code to handle the Dorado II properly if the DAC does a soft reset by its own. With the SEG-30 the firmware loses the stored settings.
Thanks Jerry - I've only got a Dorado I not II - so I guess I am fine with SEG-30
Gmanuk101
14-07-2020, 06:06
excellent! Stan has my mine also for upgrade.. I'm quite excited :)
Hypnotist
17-07-2020, 07:27
Be interested to know your thoughts now its back Gmanuk
Gmanuk101
18-07-2020, 03:00
just waiting on Stan getting back to me - I'll post a few thoughts after I've had a few good hours listening time. :)
Gmanuk101
24-07-2020, 14:00
ok so the dac came back this morning.
I'm using Qobuz via macbookPro usb to dac
Played some, Beastie Boys (Paul's Boutique) CD Quality, and the rest at Qobuz hiRes: Tool (10,000), Anna Calvi (Hunter) and some Aphex Twin (various).
All I can describe it as having more space and punch, I'm experiencing more solid low ends and a better stage really.... my ears like it loads and would highly recommend.
customer service is always 1st rate too!
Hypnotist
25-08-2020, 08:07
ok so the dac came back this morning.
I'm using Qobuz via macbookPro usb to dac
Played some, Beastie Boys (Paul's Boutique) CD Quality, and the rest at Qobuz hiRes: Tool (10,000), Anna Calvi (Hunter) and some Aphex Twin (various).
All I can describe it as having more space and punch, I'm experiencing more solid low ends and a better stage really.... my ears like it loads and would highly recommend.
customer service is always 1st rate too!
Thanks for the update.
I've just bought a TeraDak Pro linear power supply conversion module DIY DC12V For my Macbook Pro.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001287747810.html?spm=a2g0s.12269583.0.0.19a01 1668vCmn0
Wondering if a Dorado could be used as the linear power supply for this?
Giovanni68
20-10-2020, 16:00
How do I find out which rev do I have in my Seg acquired end of 2018? I guess I have to open the case and lookup for the eprom is that correct? Does it make some kind of improvement the upgrade?
Grazie
Landloper
20-10-2020, 16:38
How do I find out which rev do I have in my Seg acquired end of 2018? I guess I have to open the case and lookup for the eprom is that correct? Does it make some kind of improvement the upgrade?
Grazie
Yes. There's usually a rev number inside the unit.
Giovanni68
25-10-2020, 15:33
I opened mine and I guess firmware is rev 3, tell me if I am correct on this and, please, tell me which improvements did eventually bring the new firmware.
Grazie e buona domenica
Giovanni
https://i.ibb.co/zRJS7Cq/Caiman.jpg (https://ibb.co/zRJS7Cq)
Landloper
25-10-2020, 17:57
I opened mine and I guess firmware is rev 3, tell me if I am correct on this and, please, tell me which improvements did eventually bring the new firmware.
Grazie e buona domenica
Giovanni
https://i.ibb.co/zRJS7Cq/Caiman.jpg (https://ibb.co/zRJS7Cq)
Firmware is Rev.2.9, Contact Stanley Beresford through his contact page at Home Hi-Fi. He'll be able to answer your questions and advise on the options for any upgrades. Here's the link.
http://www.homehifi.co.uk/S/contact.htm
The contact address is at the bottom of the page.
StanleyB
26-10-2020, 17:57
The latest firmware is SEG-42A
Giovanni68
26-10-2020, 20:19
The latest firmware is SEG-42A
Ciao Stan,
how are you doing, is the UK/England/London in big paranoia like here in Italy with regards to the pandemic?
Stan I guess the firmware is unplug-plug and play, just remove old one and install new one by sitting it into its connector, is that correct?
What kind of improvements the new firmware brings sound and functionality wise?
Grazie e ciao a tutti
Giovanni
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