Caiman Mods

[leo]

So are you guys happy with the Silmic caps used as decoupling around the dac chip etc ? I've never been a fan of Silmics when tried in other items finding them to add a sugary effect, apart from the signal coupling caps I've resisted the urge to change the other caps mainly tants Stan chose to use in the 7520/Caiman but may be tempted to change them if worth it

[Covenant]

Anything you can suggest as an alternative to the Silmac's Leo?

[MartinT]

The Silmics are doing it for me, as are the Nichicons for op-amp coupling.

[The Vinyl Adventure]

Spoke to the chap at tirna today about getting my caiman blinged...
i just want to double check on all the bestest things to ask him to do ...

[MartinT]

I would say the cost effective upgrades (especially as you have a 15V PSU coming your way) are the two regulators and op-amp coupling caps (only 4 if you don't use the headphone output).

Replacing all the other electrolytics makes a further small improvement but takes time and would probably double the charge from Tirna.

[The Vinyl Adventure]

Did you get my email martin?

So he will know what the best options are will he? He seemed to know when I spoke to him but he suggested I check here and make sure I get all the parts I want done in one go so as to avoid extra postage charges.

[MartinT]

Yes, received and replied to!

He should certainly know what is meant by the regulators (choice of Murata or Dexa) and op-amp coupling caps (choice of Rubycon or Nichicon). The other caps are simply all the electrolytics replaced with Elna Silmic types.

It probably does make sense to have it all done at once. You are going to be amazed at the sound quality improvement in a single jump like that.

[Alex_UK]

OOOHHHH, (cue Heaven 17...) Temptation! Hamish, would you mind spilling the beans on how much this little adventure is going to cost? (PM me if you're shy! Appreciate some people may find it vulgar to talk money so apologies in advance for any offence.)

Anyway, depending on the outcome and cost, this could be worth me investigating too. I'm entirely happy with the Caiman, but you can never have too much of a good thing! (well of course you can, but you know what I mean! )

[leo]

Anything you can suggest as an alternative to the Silmac's Leo?

Sorry I missed this tbh I'm not sure yet regarding alternatives , the Silmics are going to have noticeable audible differences compared to say the stock fitted yellow tants, their dielectric is much different

BTW, those playing with caps may want to try some alternatives on the bias non inverted input of the op-amps too

[The Vinyl Adventure]

Yeah il let you know alex no probs, £60 is what he has quoted me so far, I'm happy spending up to £100
I'm hoping it is going to even ferther beat the majik ds, then it will be interesting to see what happens when I get the majik back from audiocom!