Mod your Beresford 7520

Try looking here Clive http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=3740 .

Chris:)

I think it is this one Clive

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=3740

EDIT: Got to love simultaneous posts! At least we agree Chris! ;) EDIT 2: ...and Eddie! ;)

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Originally Posted by Clive

I've missed a description of this, presumably a resistor change. Can someone point me to a post describing this? (I have searched for Caiman bass mod)is it the MLC 5/6 mod?

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Should be here, if I read it correctly http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=3740

Rich, sounds like you got the exact meaning of what I was trying to say. What you're telling me sounds very reassuring. OK, I'll take the plunge then. And no, I won't be doing it myself, I can hold a soldering iron and even use it, far as caps and resistors are concerned, but I wouldn't mess with chips as tiny and myriad-legged as this one. Got an engineer lined up that will help on that.

Thanks mate :cool:

First time I've seen three replies all come up within seconds of each other (look at the times on the last 3 posts).

Must be a case of great minds all thinking alike ;)

Chris:)

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Originally Posted by Alexxus

Should be here, if I read it correctly http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=3740

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Thanks Everyone!

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Originally Posted by Stratmangler

First time I've seen three replies all come up within seconds of each other (look at the times on the last 3 posts).

Must be a case of great minds all thinking alike ;)

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And quick to the draw, too :lol: Most efficient work, even if I say so myself ;)

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Originally Posted by StanleyB

Try the Caiman bass mod. I am now using 47K, and with very good results.

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A quick update:
I have had better results on my system with 36K. Try 39K if you can't get 36K. Leo has had good results with 42K. The mod is designed around the use of the LM4562NA only! It works on both the Caiman and the TC-7520.

STan

Hi Stan,

I must be the only one that does not want more bass from the Caiman! Does the mod being tried just boost the amount of bass or are there other benefits as well.

Regards

Chris

Hi Stan/Chris

I also am a bit perplexed by the need for extra bass. My digital system is sounding better than it ever has and if anything I would have thought a reduction in bass (not really needed, but more akin to my feelings) would be required. It is not as great sounding as my Analogue system but as "her indoors" said - "thats not bad for a digital system" High praise indeed !!!!!!

Cheers

Nick

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Originally Posted by chrism

I must be the only one that does not want more bass from the Caiman! Does the mod being tried just boost the amount of bass or are there other benefits as well.

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This is work in progress:). It's merely a suggestion for those with the 4562NA who are looking for (more) foot tapping bass. It's not a 'must have' mod.

Stan

I cant work out exactly from the pictures the bass mod, I have done MLC 5/6 mod.
So where do I go from here?

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Originally Posted by Shanedudddy2

I cant work out exactly from the pictures the bass mod, I have done MLC 5/6 mod.
So where do I go from here?

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This mod? http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=3740 if so what is it your struggling with?

I cant tell what is changed in that picture exactly.
If someone who's done it could do a quick edit of the picture circling the changes as to what gets soldered where?
Id be very thankful :)
I can see the 2 resistors, but cant tell where they are connected to, and why is there a capacitor on connected to one of the legs of the opamp.
Sorry if this is a noob question :P

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Originally Posted by Shanedudddy2

I cant tell what is changed in that picture exactly.
If someone who's done it could do a quick edit of the picture circling the changes as to what gets soldered where?
Id be very thankful :)
I can see the 2 resistors, but cant tell where they are connected to, and why is there a capacitor on connected to one of the legs of the opamp.
Sorry if this is a noob question :P

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I edited the below pic, see if it makes things any clearer :)

The capacitor and resistor are soldered in series

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/j...ms/stanmod.jpg

Thank you, that helps a lot :)

Just thought I would post where I am up to. As of this morning 7520+ LM4032+WM8716 DAC. This afternoon I did the MCL5/6 mod and put back a 4562 op-amp in place of the 4032.
Very very pleased with the result-a far more intimate sound with good control of the bass. I presume its the MCL5/6 mod that has done this as previously with the 4562 I thought the bass a little muddy.
Its taken me ages to decide to do this partly as I have been trying Mike's digital cables and partly that I didn't like the idea of performing a vasectomy
on my dac.
So next week I should receive two OPA 2132 op-amps and I can see how these compare to the 4562.
The only thing bothering me is if I ever decide to put back MCL5/6 its going to be a bugger and a half as there isn't much space for soldering.
By the way Tirna's soldering is impeccable-there is no evidence that the dac chip has been replaced other than by checking the reference number-beautiful work.

Which MLC mod did you do Jerry? The removal, or the addition of the 100nF/36K? The latter has brought my NS1000M to life.

Just the removal Stan. I use floorstanding speakers in a small room so have, in the past experienced bass boom. This makes me a bit reluctant to try your latest mod although I havent ruled it out altogether.

Quick question. Does the MLC5/6 mod affect the headphone stage or just line out, or is it simply MLC8/9 that are responsible for that?

It affects the headphone stage as well.

Stan

So as a non headphone user, I could just to the mod to 5/6 and not bother with modding the other one?

Ta.

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Originally Posted by Codifus

I have the OPA2132 in the line-out side. ML5/6 caps clipped. The caps are still there, but the circuit is not complete, so to speak. I'm not sure which chip is on the headphone side anymore, you need magnifying glasses to read these tiny chips, but I either have the LM4562NA or the original NE5532 chip on the headphone side.

I am totally loving it. Very tuneful, lots of rhythm, deep bass. These are my speaker system observations, mind you, not headphones. I've actually never used the headphone side.

Stan, yes it is an FET opamp and it sounds really nice in your 7520.

The LM4562NA I tried before had the advantage of being cleaner as in less distortion for a given volume, but the OPA2132 is so full bodied, rhythmic, and really likes to dance:)


CD

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Got my OPA2132's today (for some reason they sent 3). I have two installed at the moment. Initial impression is of an extended but well controlled bass and a more focused sound stage. I will try replacing one 4562 in the headphone circuit over the week end.
Great value if you can find them.

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Originally Posted by Gazjam

So as a non headphone user, I could just to the mod to 5/6 and not bother with modding the other one?

Ta.

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Got my answer in another Thread. :)

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Originally Posted by Covenant

Got my OPA2132's today (for some reason they sent 3). I have two installed at the moment. Initial impression is of an extended but well controlled bass and a more focused sound stage. I will try replacing one 4562 in the headphone circuit over the week end.
Great value if you can find them.

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Good to hear! I have one OPA2132 in the line-out and the original NE5532 in the headphone socket. I'm still loving it. Every time I sit down to listen, even for just a moment, I don't want to get back up:)

CD

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Originally Posted by Codifus

Every time I sit down to listen, even for just a moment, I don't want to get back up:)

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That's the addictive part of the headphone amp in the TC-7520/SE:).

STan

Stan, I had a spare OPA2132-if you haven't tried this op-amp I could stick it in the post to you. They are hard to get in the UK.

Has anyone tried the various boutique cap upgrades in the signal path or power supply section?

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Originally Posted by Covenant

Stan, I had a spare OPA2132-if you haven't tried this op-amp I could stick it in the post to you. They are hard to get in the UK.

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Jerry,
if Stan hasn't a need for it I would buy it from you.

Of course if Stan wants it its his.



Thanks
Gary.

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Originally Posted by Covenant

Stan, I had a spare OPA2132-if you haven't tried this op-amp I could stick it in the post to you. They are hard to get in the UK.

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Cheers Jerry. I can certainly find good use for it:). I have been looking for one as it happens.

Stan

Stan-no problem-just let everyone know what you think about it compared to the 4562.
Gaz-I will be trying one OPA2132 and one 4562, if I like this combo I will send you the spare one.

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Originally Posted by Covenant

Stan-no problem-just let everyone know what you think about it compared to the 4562.
Gaz-I will be trying one OPA2132 and one 4562, if I like this combo I will send you the spare one.

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Jerry and Gaz,
Please keep me advised of how things work out. For my part I have a metal topped 4562HA op-amp currently having it's legs bent and trimmed and I intend to roll it into my 7520 on return - I'll keep you posted with my findings. Based on your superior knowledge and experience ;) and the fact that I do a 50/50 mix of headphone and speaker listening, where would you think the 4562 should go first, speaker or headphone circuit? (and which is which :doh: :scratch: :doh: :scratch: , to save me ploughing through pages of posts).
Cheers,

Speaker circuit on the left hand side, headphone circuit on the right as you look at the front.

I find 4562 particularly suitable for the headphone part, at least with my headphones (Senn HD580) but it's quite good with the line out as well, it's a question of taste, so give both a try, see which you prefer. I do the same 50/50 mix, btw ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Alexxus

Speaker circuit on the left hand side, headphone circuit on the right as you look at the front.

I find 4562 particularly suitable for the headphone part, at least with my headphones (Senn HD580) but it's quite good with the line out as well, it's a question of taste, so give both a try, see which you prefer. I do the same 50/50 mix, btw ;)

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Thanks Eddie, just what I needed. My headphones are Senn HD280 so, hopefully, they may perform similarly to your 580s.
Cheers,

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Originally Posted by DaveK

Jerry and Gaz,
Please keep me advised of how things work out. For my part I have a metal topped 4562HA op-amp currently having it's legs bent and trimmed and I intend to roll it into my 7520 on return - I'll keep you posted with my findings. Based on your superior knowledge and experience ;) and the fact that I do a 50/50 mix of headphone and speaker listening, where would you think the 4562 should go first, speaker or headphone circuit? (and which is which :doh: :scratch: :doh: :scratch: , to save me ploughing through pages of posts).
Cheers,

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I dont use headphones Dave so I am not the person to ask. I think, from what I have read that the op-amps are in series so replacing one affects the other to a degree. If you are replacing the op-amp yourself get an anti-static wristband (I fried one op-amp before I got one)

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Originally Posted by StanleyB

Cheers Jerry. I can certainly find good use for it:). I have been looking for one as it happens.

Stan

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If anyone is interested, I got my OPA2132s from this gent on ebay;

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...:MEWNX:IT#shId

They're pretty cheap and I can vouch for the quality:)

CD

ordered 2 of those mostly boredom n curiosity, will post how I think they are with my headphones(K701, D2000's) and speakers (Wharfedale 9.2's) when they arrive

The more I use my Caimanised 7520 with the OPA2132's the more I like it. It has greater presence then the 4562 and voices seem more natural. A real bargain if you can get one.
Stan I posted my spare op-amp today but dont hold your breath because the post is bad news at the moment.

Jerry,
based on your observations (using the same Caimanised Dac as myself) I ordered a couple today. :)

I dont want to go down the road to unsatisfaction with always changing opamps etc, but your description of more prescence, more natural vocals are what I always thought would make the Caiman sound a little bit more to my liking.

So good to hear these amps do that.

This "bass mod" schenanigans I've read about...you think its necessary really?

I use floorstanders in a smallish room like yourself, and "more" bass isn't really what I'm after. Tighter, more defined....sure. But not more.

I'm hoping the 2132's extra prescence add that little bit I would wish for.

Thanks
Gary.

Hi Gaz,
Glad you are trying the 2132-at least if you dont like it you have not wasted a lot of money!
I have decided against the bass mod at the moment, I find the bass more than sufficient and if anything a little deeper with the 2132. Never say never though. The MCL5/6 mod was a success.

Have you spoken to Jimmy re the squeezebox yet?

Gazzer, if you don't like the 2132, I'm here for a quick, clean and safe disposal of one of 'em :lol: Just out of curiosity, more than anything, although I still got the AD826 to try once my DAC gets back from the guy putting in the Wolfson chip.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gazjam

Jerry,
based on your observations (using the same Caimanised Dac as myself) I ordered a couple today. :)

I dont want to go down the road to unsatisfaction with always changing opamps etc, but your description of more prescence, more natural vocals are what I always thought would make the Caiman sound a little bit more to my liking.

So good to hear these amps do that.

This "bass mod" schenanigans I've read about...you think its necessary really?

I use floorstanders in a smallish room like yourself, and "more" bass isn't really what I'm after. Tighter, more defined....sure. But not more.

I'm hoping the 2132's extra prescence add that little bit I would wish for.

Thanks
Gary.

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Hi Gaz,
Ditto to all of that, me too. Are you going to bend and trim your own legs or get Jimmy to do it for you. If Jimmy is going to do it, I'm sure he would prefer you to shave tem first :lolsign::lolsign: (long live the Goons, in my memory anyway ;) ).
I've not heard anything from him re my little job but, judging by the posts on here, he may be too busy Caimanising 7520s - I'll e-mail him now to check whether he has received it.
Cheers,

Dave,
If I may reply on Gaz's behalf the 2132 has normal legs that just slip into the socket in the 7520. It takes literally 20 seconds.

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Originally Posted by Covenant

Dave,
If I may reply on Gaz's behalf the 2132 has normal legs that just slip into the socket in the 7520. It takes literally 20 seconds.

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Thanks Jerry,
20 secs for you probably = 20 mins for me, :lol: but it's nice to know.
I'm now waiting for Gaz's reply re shaving :lolsign: - he's into Goon humour so it should be funny ;) .
Cheers,

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Originally Posted by DaveK

Thanks Jerry,
20 secs for you probably = 20 mins for me, :lol: but it's nice to know.
I'm now waiting for Gaz's reply re shaving :lolsign: - he's into Goon humour so it should be funny ;) .
Cheers,

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Hey Dave, as Jerry said - no leg bending (or spreading) required with these babies - just plug and play!

As to shaving my legs first at Jimmys behest....
being a typical robust, earthy Scots Bloke (i.e. "dead hairy";), the thought of anything sharp nearing my shins fills me with horror.

I like my legs and want to keep them - even if just to stop my trousers from bending! :)

And as to Jimmy Drips preferring my legs to be shaved first....

just what do you think Jimmy and I actually DID that night he came over to mine to deliver my Caimanised Dac? :eyebrows:

Like my trousers, I'm happiest in an unbent state. ;)


Gary.

Nice one Gaz - :lolsign: - I'll believe you, I think!
Cheers,

Just been trying the OPA2132 in the line out, bit muddy for my taste so far, I'll give it another day or so
I may have to remove the 36k+100nf mod with this one

Next thing to try in a few days is a linear psu , I had such good results fitting Paul Hynes regs in the Sabre dac it seems only right to try the PR3G2 regged psu set to 12v with the Caiman based 7520

If the main type of psu used does make a difference sonically this thing will certainly be worth trying;)
Unlike most linear based psu's based around a three pin regulator this discrete one isn't bothered about seeing the large cap on the 7520 DC input

I found in my experience the bass mod just increased muddy bass levels, and make it more boomy, in a monotonic sense, again just my experience, i suppose others may more positive experience with it.

Nope, basically my experience as well.

The bass is certainly back down to about 100hz, but below that I'm getting significantly less than before I Caimanised my DAC, so I can only assume that it's down to the WM8716.
The whole reason the MCL 5 / 6 were cut originally was to give the DAC more clarity, broader soundstage, and to be honest, up to the point of 'Caimanisation' I was very happy with my modified 7520 (MCL5 / 6, dual 4562NA opamps). The difference with the caps cut was night and day.

I'm wondering how to boost the bass without muddying the waters again by connecting the MCL 5 / 6. The WM8716 has ridiuclous amounts of detail on the tops and mid, but it is a tad lacking on the low end.

I have had the 2132 op-amps installed in my caimanised 7520 for a week or two now and think its the best I have heard from the various op-amps tried.
Lovely soungstaging and a crisp deep bass with the MCL 5/6 mod but the thing I really like is the way voices are projected. A cliche I know but they seem to be in the room with you. I really dont think I want to try the 36K mod.
Leo-please try it again with the 36K removed and see what you think. Its such a cheap upgrade too.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Covenant

I have had the 2132 op-amps installed in my caimanised 7520 for a week or two now and think its the best I have heard from the various op-amps tried.
Lovely soungstaging and a crisp deep bass with the MCL 5/6 mod but the thing I really like is the way voices are projected.

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Hi Jerry,
Glad you're liking it, particularly as I (and Gaz) have got a couple of 2132s each on the way. Can you answer me these questions please?
1) have you put 2132s in both positions and if so ....
2) what's your opinion on the headphone output, or do you never listen that way?
3) the MLC 5/6 mod is an essential part of the improvement I take it - is it difficult and reversible?
Cheers,