Aha! My mistake then, carry on as normal :)Quote:
Originally Posted by StanleyB
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Aha! My mistake then, carry on as normal :)Quote:
Originally Posted by StanleyB
Maybe not. It's too complicated to mod the PCB and add the microcontroller. I guess I'll have to remain the only person with an auto search Caiman:ner: ...
Hi Chaps.
Quite a while ago I stumbled across THIS inexpensive tube buffer and thought it would be interesting to try out. Then I noticed that aparently it can be used to replace the opamp output stage of CD players etc. So that got me wondering about whether I could use it like this in the Caiman. To make this work would I simply remove the opamp board from the Caiman and then wire the tube buffer basically as shown here:
http://www.homehifi.co.uk/images/mods/caiman/bypass.jpg
I was thinking that this would give a nice short signal path from the DAC output straight into the tube buffer.
If that's correct, the bit I don't understand is that the tube buffer doesn't amplify the signal at all, so will I get a really low level output going to my power amps? :scratch:
Thanks.
No,it says it outputs at 2v rms,which is standard line level.Should be fine.
And, do not forget Pass' FET buffer http://www.passdiy.com/pdf/B1%20Buffer%20Preamp.pdf which could be built into the box (probably very tightly)... Only Stanley can tell us if there is any gain in the opamp circuit/board. I'm guessing there is, especially after the "10k" mod, but for those with enough gain in their system they may want to try a buffer on the output of the output of the DAC.
From looking at the WM8716 datasheet, it has a maximum output of about 1V RMS but the Caiman has a maximum output of about 2.3V RMS I beleive. So there must be some gain being added by the opamps.
If I use the Caiman in it's standard state I have too much gain in my system. So I added an attenuator between my Caiman and power amps. This drops the signal by 10dB and allows me to have my volume dial around 12 o'clock at usual listening levels, so that's spot on.
So if the DAC chip has a maximum output of 1V RMS and this gets fed into a valve buffer that has no gain, then I'm guessing the maximun voltage my power amps will get is 1V RMS. So that may provide me with a similar level to my current attenuated Caiman.
Out of interest, does anyone know what 2.3V attenuated by 10dB is in volts? Knowing that would give me an idea of how likely this is to work.
Thanks.
It's about 700mV.
or in other words, the 1V output is about -7dB down on the on the 2.3V output. Sounds like you have plenty of gain to try a buffered output...
Hi 'tdog',
Welcome to AOS! :)
Before going any further, could you do me a favour please and pop into the Welcome area and introduce yourself to our members, giving your real first name, basic geographic location, system details and music tastes?
This is the required procedure for all new members joining our community - cheers! :cool:
Marco.
Hello to all!
Stan sent me my Caiman 2 month ago to Buenos Aires. So I have allready the 15V PSU.
I didnt belive in burning in, but I realized that it really matters here.
Great sound.
I changed the 15V PSU for a car-battery, a clear improvement.
I have to charge it once a week and thats it.
As it never can be good enough.....
Is there a way to optimize the Caiman for 12V?
greetz
Uwe