Any Digital Impressions of the Caiman yet?

[Alex_UK]

Those used to mid-fi... might actually prefer the less accurate sound of the 7510!

How do these observations rest with others?

Can't comment on the 7510, but the Caiman vs CD Player's DAC is a similar comparison - as I think I posted before, at first it took me a while to understand that the bass with a Caiman may seem not as strong, but what I actually hear is more tuneful and tighter bass, not just a low range thump or a floundering bassline - much more punchy through the Caiman - which takes a bit of getting used to if it is a new experience.

[Ashmore]

Hello AOF people.

I'm close to buying an external dac (caiman in mind). But I've not owned one before and could do with some views. I guess really what I'm seeking is a bit of reassurance before committing.

Heres the background. I use an SB3. Fabulous thing; I love it. I run (mostly) FLACs through a Rotel RA05 and some Quad 11Ls + KEF sub. The sound is quite bright and analytical. Not warm. I've always thought there's a tendency (either of the system and/or the SB3) to be a bit grating on the very high notes (singers' 'essess' and symbol crashes). It's not that bad really, but it annoys me. I am obviously a bit hypersensitive (and, according to my wife, quite anal).

Hence my interest in the caiman... some opinions please: Caiman + SB sound: I'm looking to take that harsh edge off the treble. I want to open up the soundstage a bit. I'd like a bit more separation on the bass. Will I get it?

Ta

Simon

[Covenant]

Hi Simon,
I use Quad 11L and 12L's in my AV system and have briefly tried them in place of my Vandies in my hifi system which has a Caimanized 7520. The Caiman will improve overall quality without a shadow of a doubt and produces a valve-like warm sound. It can, of course, be further tailored by changing op-amps if the sound isnt exactly what you want.

[StanleyB]

If it's to go with the SB3 then the tC-7520 would be a far better option.
The Caiman extra abilities would get wasted on the SB3.

[Gazjam]

For what its worth I was a 7520 owner running it with a SB3 (like you playing lossless FLAC files) and I upgraded to the Caiman.

Gotta respectfully disagree with Stan here, I noticed the improvement right away over the 7520 with the Caiman.

Much more high end sounding, even with a SB3 Stan

Naa, the SB3 through a proper Dac (like either of Stans) can give high end CD players (and even the Transporter) a fright.
There is no difference in the digital out between the Transporter and the SB3, its the DAC that makes the difference.

Simon, you will get all those improvements over the stock SB3 with either of Stans Dacs, just more so with the Caiman.
I'd go for the Caiman if it was me.

[Alex_UK]

Caiman + SB sound: I'm looking to take that harsh edge off the treble. I want to open up the soundstage a bit. I'd like a bit more separation on the bass. Will I get it?

By and large yes, but what you may find (as I have) is that some music will actually sound harsher in the treble - especially cymbals - but, I've come to the conclusion (backed up by another member observing the same harshness on one of the worst offenders) that it is the Caiman revealing the bad recording, rather than causing the issue. This only affects a few recordings, anecdotally I'd say from the 70s and not remastered seem to be the worst? I think most people will agree that the Caiman is very revealing of a bad (or good, of course!) recording. The soundstage definitely opens up, and see my earlier post for the bass comments.

I'm sure you will be introducing yourself in the Welcome section, so look forward to hearing a bit more about your musical tastes etc.

[StanleyB]

Alex has pointed out the reason why I think the TC-7520 would be better. The Caiman would reveal errors, and for a 1st time DAC owner that would easily be blamed on the DAC. Even the V-DAC might be a better option. It is warm and less revealing plus soft in the tops. That would go nicely with the harsh SB3 tops, and be cheaper as well.

Stan

[Gazjam]

Yup fair point Stan.

For me though I love the "warts and all" nature of the Caiman.
The "hair on the back of the neck" moments more than outweigh the odd duff recording for me.
I'd rather know I was hearing it untampered than artificially enhanced.

The SB3 though through your Dac is as good a digital source as most.
Stock though, its a different story. Not bad but not super.

But yeah, fair point.

[Ashmore]

Thanks guys for these views.

Gosh it doesn't make it an easy decision though! Such is the subjective nature of things I guess.

Part of me buys the argument that the less revealing 7520 will suit my immediate needs, not least because you've given me the advice I've asked for.

But if I do, part of me will always wonder what more I could be hearing. Don't tell me I have to buy both to find satisfaction!

Simon

[Spur07]

Simon,

The beresford sound is very akin to the Naim Audio 'warts an' all' philosophy - very exciting with a very wide soundscape. Whether you buy a 7520 or a Caiman it should transform your SB3, but the top end will be clearly prominent - I'm afraid its a case of suck it and see.