Caiman Mods

[MartinT]

its always best to fit the highest voltage rated caps which fit physically

Is that true even where leakage is critical?

[HighFidelityGuy]

It's got to be metal film resistors of the value I mention There is no rush so take your time . Is there a Maplin close by to you?

Ok thanks. I do have a Maplin close by so I'll try to pick some up soon.

Cheers.

[HighFidelityGuy]

I forgot to ask...

What wattage should the resistors be?

Thanks.

[chrism]

The other one I have been trying is the shortening of the track length from the DAC chip to the line opamp. I have been testing these two mods with the AD826 and haven't had a chance to try out other opamps with it.

Hi Stan,

Sorry to appear to be a "thickie" but not certain how this mod works. Isn't the original track still live unless cut? I keep thinking that the original PCB track and wire link both feed the opamp?

Regards

Chris

[Clive]

Hi Stan,

Sorry to appear to be a "thickie" but not certain how this mod works. Isn't the original track still live unless cut? I keep thinking that the original PCB track and wire link both feed the opamp?

Regards

Chris

I expect the electrons will take the path of least resistance.

[chrism]

I expect the electrons will take the path of least resistance.

Hi Clive, not certain that this is correct. The PCB track will still be live and could add distortion. Gains may be achieved by cutting the track but before I wreck the Caiman (and start blubbering) I am holding back for "top man" Stans advice on this.

Regards

Chris

[Clive]

Hi Clive, not certain that this is correct. The PCB track will still be live and could add distortion. Gains may be achieved by cutting the track but before I wreck the Caiman (and start blubbering) I am holding back for "top man" Stans advice on this.

Regards

Chris

It could add capacitance, as for distortion I'm not convinced but yes, await Stan's advice.

[StanleyB]

The mod bypasses the normal track route, which is slightly noisy for some of the opamps like the AD826 and LM4562. It's not so obvious on some speakers. My Yamahas pick it up, but my Thiels don't.

At a later stage the wires are going to go to the analogue filter like the one sold by Tirna. The WM8716 has not got an analogue filter built in, unlike the PCM1716 on the TC-7520.

It's not a 'must have' mod in its standard form, but with the 12K mod it is an eye opener. My neighbour complained for the first time about the bass thumping his head .

[chrism]

The mod bypasses the normal track route, which is slightly noisy for some of the opamps like the AD826 and LM4562. It's not so obvious on some speakers. My Yamahas pick it up, but my Thiels don't.

At a later stage the wires are going to go to the analogue filter like the one sold by Tirna. The WM8716 has not got an analogue filter built in, unlike the PCM1716 on the TC-7520.

It's not a 'must have' mod in its standard form, but with the 12K mod it is an eye opener. My neighbour complained for the first time about the bass thumping his head .

Cheers Stan,

Could you please comment about leaving the existing PCB track in or not?

Regards

Chris

[StanleyB]

I left mine for now so that I can do quick comparisons when I change opamps.