I've redeployed my PSU project for the Caiman DAC with very promising results. Some pics first:







This project uses the Superteddy circuit described here http://www.teddypardo.com/. It features a discrete voltage regulator (rather than the LM-317T used in the Teddy) followed by a filter gyrator circuit. In experiments I have found this circuit to feature good, but not great, voltage regulation, slow start-up, some drift but settling after about a minute, very fine control over output voltage, high current (2.5A) capability and very low noise indeed. This latter is what attracted me to the circuit in the first place.

In addition and not shown in the pic above, I added another Nichicon 2200uF Fine Gold electrolytic on the DC input to beef up the reserve charge. The transformer is a 9-0-9V AC toroid providing about 23V raw DC into the regulator. I have set the output to exactly 16V to prevent damage to the Caiman's electrolytics but provide as much voltage as possible into the Dexa 12V regulator in my modified Caiman.

For safety I have also connected the earth to the chassis rather than via the toroid mounting bolt as shown in the pic.

Feeding the Caiman, the PSU barely gets lukewarm so there is no heat dissipation issue.

Listening to the Caiman on CD source from this PSU (using my Blu-ray player as transport) has moved it up from very good indeed to touching on the performance of my Ayre SACD player. I am hearing a wealth of micro detail, very natural and clean treble, extended, deep and tight bass and excellent spatial placement. The background is deep and black. I haven't yet performed the additonal electrolytic mods to the Caiman so there is more performance yet to be had. Soundtracks from Sky HD are very impressive, especially programming on HD channels, again with that natural placement of fine detail distinguishing it from the standard 15V Caiman PSU.

I believe the low noise performance of this PSU is responsible for enhancing the DAC's sound, however the 16V feed may just be helping the Dexa regulator perform in its envelope too.

This is good!