Caiman passive output mod revealed

**Ali Tait** · 10-09-2010, 15:29

Originally Posted by MartinT

Ali - I have yet to try my Clarity Caps as I'm so enjoying the sound with the Rubycon electrolytics. I'll swap them in soon.

Give them a go,you won't be disappointed Martin.

**Ali Tait** · 10-09-2010, 15:32

Originally Posted by Gazjam

Best 'litic caps I've tried (by far actually) are the Nicheon KZ ones..
Tried Slimic II's, Rubicons, Nicheon FG.

Still the Green Nicheon ES type to try...a few guys swear by these so should be interesting.

THEN, I'll try a suitable (i.e. sensibly priced!) film cap.

Ali, remember the improvement we heard with your linear PSU on your 7510?
Good jump with my Caiman usng the Maplin CBR Linear psu...wasn;t sure if it would be as I had the Mutara regs fitted?
and Im sure the PSU internals couild be improved upon as well..

Good stuff mate,I'll have to come across sometime soon.I'll bring the MLTL's and the AN dac.I've also just done the shunt mod on the volume pot in the Pre 2.This has made a real improvement,about the same step up as the passive mod,so well worthwhile.

**Alex_UK** · 10-09-2010, 15:39

Originally Posted by RoboCopper

Can someone shed some light about this board which is about to be released, please?
Any links?
Regards

Here you go: http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=7623

**Alex_UK** · 10-09-2010, 16:33

I thought I'd give another quick update - if you haven't tried this mod - DO IT! I don't think it an exaggeration to say this is the biggest improvement I've made to my (digital side of the) system in the last 18 months. Bear in mind that includes changing amps, adding the Caiman in the first place, Mark Grant Speaker cables and G1000HD from Caiman to amp.

I've been listening to some well-known CDs today - whenever I read the cliché "rediscovering my record collection" I always wince a little (sorry to those who've used it!) and I'm not quite going to go that far, but as Jason P has posted above and I mentioned earlier, the improvements to the soundstage are amazing! (Jason - £20 says your bass will be much much fuller after 20-50 hours running in...) Clarity and separation are greatly improved as well. The slightly harsh treble on some cymbals has gone, and all in all, I'm a happy bunny. The other cliché I'm not fond of is "night and day" - so I can't use that one, but it is definitely a quite astonishing improvement.

So, then - film caps could be even better? Any suggestions on reasonably priced oness - my amp has an input impedence of 9.5 k ohms so Mark (Reid Malenfant) said above "If you wanted to go to 1Hz -3Db you'll need a 40uf capacitor which is close to what you are using now. A 40uf film cap will be rather big to say the least, you might get away with 10uf though" so something around that that won't break the bank and will fit in the Caiman would be great, please.

**Gazjam** · 10-09-2010, 16:43

+1
Its a great improvement doing this mod.

Alex, try using a linear PSU with your Dac...even more improvement.
I use the Maplin CB Radio one Stan recommended...big jump over the standard one...and even my old Maplin variable switching one set to 15v.

Try it, think you'll be surprised.
Also try different Capacitors with your Passive mod - they all sound different.
Nicheon KZ 50v best for me by a country mile.

The film caps are my next move I think.

Gaz.

**Ali Tait** · 10-09-2010, 16:53

Sorry Alex,I didn't get back to you on this,I've been looking for something at 10uF that will fit,and I've been struggling TBH.Anyone any ideas?

**Puffin** · 10-09-2010, 17:17

Originally Posted by Gazjam

+1
Its a great improvement doing this mod.

Ales, try using a linear PSU with your Dac...even more improvement.
I use the Maplin CB Radio one Stan recommended...Try it, think you'll be surprised.

Stick a "Ripple Eater" between the PS and Dac and then see what you think

http://www.gt6.co.uk/JLHPSRR/John%20...20Edition.html

**Alex_UK** · 10-09-2010, 17:20

Originally Posted by Ali Tait

Sorry Alex,I didn't get back to you on this,I've been looking for something at 10uF that will fit,and I've been struggling TBH.Anyone any ideas?

No worries Ali. I found these - but not sure how big the 10uF would be, or if they would be worth trying: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Sonicap-Film-C...3#ht_650wt_911

**Alex_UK** · 10-09-2010, 17:25

Is the PSU the XM20W Gaz (Stan's original link not working any more) - and does it work ok with just the Passive Output mod?

**Ali Tait** · 10-09-2010, 17:30

Aye that's the problem Alex,no bother finding 10uF film caps,it's finding one that will fit inside the dac.

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