The discrete TC-7520(SE)(+) line output

From what I've read, I think the gator update makes the Caiman a better universal DAC. The passive output mod loses the headphone and variable output facility, and it appears the correct value cap has to be calculated for each application for correct maching. In the real world, rather than "ours," this just isn't sellable, so developing a better quality active output buffer which is nigh-on as good as the passive option, but retaining all the usability of the standard article, MUST be a good thing in the wider scheme of things I reckon.

Hi Dave,

You don't lose the variable output only the headphone use. You don't really need to worry about caps either. Most power amps appear happy with 10uf caps.

Regards

Chris

My Gator board arrived today - thanks for the usual swift response and service Stan.
Initial impressions are very good -there seems to be greater air, space and detailing in the music.
Bass is good too, although a little "tight", which should improve with useage.

As I said it's just an initial impression - I'll post up my thoughts in a week or so, but at the moment it's sounding very good:)

Just to remind everyone, I am using a 7520 with the Wolfson chip, Elna caps, Murata regs and a 15v Super Teddy Regged linear power supply. I didn't bother with the passive mod as I wanted to retain the headphone capability.Initially I tried the Gator with some Nichicon caps and whilst they were good, I thought them a little dry and uninvolving, also the bass was a bit lacking.
Stan, nice chap that he is, kindly swapped the board for the standard Gator which I have had running for a few days.
I will come right to the point and say that my listening experience is now as good as its ever been. The Gator is the best £30 I have spent on an upgrade and I really think it moves the Beresford brand into another league. The level of detail is breathtaking at times; the only downside to this is that poor quality recordings are revealed for what they are. The lower notes are full and rich but well controlled, mid and upper just right without any predominant areas and the soundstage has a better sense of depth.
For the first time I have become a bit dissatisfied with internet radio; Radio Paradise at 128aac is ok but higher resolution recordings reveal the Gators quality.
So why have so few people responded with comments? Am I imagining all this?
Stan deserves a bit more encouragement otherwise he might abandon the Caimen Mk 2 project!

I've only had my Caiman nine days and the Gator only two, so I had intended to wait a while before commenting, but the improvement made by the Gator is so obvious. Biggest gains seem to be in treble detail and 'air and space '. I've not really noticed any major changes in the bass, but my current speakers are pretty bass-light in any case.

It's a no-brainer and a steal at 30 quid. Great stuff Stan.

Sent from my HTC Tattoo using Tapatalk

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Originally Posted by Covenant

So why have so few people responded with comments? Am I imagining all this?
Stan deserves a bit more encouragement otherwise he might abandon the Caimen Mk 2 project!

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I just ordered Gator and waiting for it+burn in hence I could comment on it, but based on my previous experience with Passive mod with 7520 with upgraded DAC chip, I HOPE that Mr Beresford never abandons Caiman Mk2 project and comes up even with better sound quality.
Thank you Stan

There's no sinister reason for my silence on the Gator - it sounded very good, but unfortunately the inputs on my amp are too sensitive for the output of the board, and so for the moment I'm back to the passive mod - may have a play with it as a preamp into my Audiolab over Christmas.

I got my Gator today :).

I have just put it in, and I must say that it is a great improvement to an already excellent DAC. The bass is much tighter and more dynamic, the midrange is "sweeter" and the treble has more air and details.
The overall impression is that instruments and voices sounds more natural and are much more dynamic than before. I am impressed... Stan's the man!

I had the music on most of Sunday but not listening critically. I am too busy gushing over and preparing the house for new kittens in Feb ... :)

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Originally Posted by Peter Galbavy

. I am too busy gushing over and preparing the house for new kittens in Feb ... :)

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Ooh. You know we will require pictures?:)