Gator aid. Or how to get the most from your Gator.

[Peter Galbavy]

Stan, I've not had too much time to dedicate to this but I have noticed some audio degredation on certain tracks while the fixed output was plugged into my Audiolab 8000C. I have now instead gone direct from the variable out to my Rotel poweramp and the problem is lessened but not gone away. Do I have a MkI ?

I have specific tracks, typically like the female vocals others have mentioned but also bass heavy electronica, that I think aren't quite "right".

Given I am only down the road, is there any value to me bringing the DAC over to you for checking or is it simply the MkI board in my case ? I recall there is a mod somewhere and I can have a look for it myself.

I have been distracted with my three new boys (of the small feline variety) to be dedicating much time to my ears

[StanleyB]

Hi Peter,

drop the Gator off with me and I shall reduce the gain for you if it is a MK1. If it is a MK2 I'll take it back off you.

[tdog]

Just have to say, that after listening to the Gator for a couple of days now, I am very VERY happy with it and the improvement. Initially I thought the sound was a little harsh, but that has gone and it now sounds very honest (clear, clean, transparent etc etc). This is with the fixed output.

Thanks Stan,
td

[Gazjam]

Even though I had distortion problems with it, the Gator board itself wasn't the problem, just an incompatibility with my amp.

I am in fact ordering another amp just to get the Gator to work.
Even through the distortion I was hearing I could appreciate the increased resolution, detail and bass.

All round better, and worth having for sure.

Ordered my Gator yesterday, delivered this morning.
good service Stan, thanks.



Any "burn in " needed with the Gator, seems to improve over time from what I've read?


ta.

[Alex_UK]

Even though I had distortion problems with it, the Gator board itself wasn't the problem, just an incompatibility with my amp.

I am in fact ordering another amp just to get the Gator to work.
Even through the distortion I was hearing I could appreciate the increased resolution, detail and bass.

All round better, and worth having for sure.

Ordered my Gator yesterday, delivered this morning.
good service Stan, thanks.



Any "burn in " needed with the Gator, seems to improve over time from what I've read?


ta.

If there is, I can't say I noticed it - not like I did with the Caiman itself - the Gator sounded great off the bat, and still sounds great.

[Puffin]

Even though I had distortion problems with it, the Gator board itself wasn't the problem, just an incompatibility with my amp.
.

If Stan is persuaded to continue with these boards the next version could be called the Grator.

[magiccarpetride]

If there is, I can't say I noticed it - not like I did with the Caiman itself - the Gator sounded great off the bat, and still sounds great.

Absolutely agree. While I've experienced a very long burn-in with Caiman, no such thing was detected by my largely inadequate ears with the Gator board. So that's two concurring observation (2 Alexs), meaning you can just relax and enjoy the music, Gary

[Gazjam]

If Stan is persuaded to continue with these boards the next version could be called the Grator.

very cheesy Rob

[Gazjam]

Im ALWAYS relaxed....

good to know, thanks guys

[Gazjam]

Have to say, Im very glad I didn't just dismiss the Gator board because of the problem with my amp distorting using it.

Used with another amp the sound is fantastic, even (surprisingly to me) an improvement over the Passive mod/film caps my dac had before.

Good upgrade and makes the Dac sound even better, not just louder than the passive mod...but better.

Highly Recommended.