Beresford Caiman SEG Review (Stereo DAC)

[JSmith]

it should not be sold anymore imo

Agree... however it's the only DAC they sell and is noted as being "the latest"

Home HiFi

… maybe time to upgrade this product line, instead of continuing to sell this DAC.



JSmith

 

[respice finem]

Perhaps the one most late is somehow "the latest"

 

[Mart68]

It manages 16 bits (just) what more do you want?

I've had a listen to an older model, I think the original version, it was fine even though it probably measures worse than this one.

 

[Helicopter]

It manages 16 bits (just) what more do you want?

I've had a listen to an older model, I think the original version, it was fine even though it probably measures worse than this one.

What is the point of the thing?

Internal DACs are just as good and external DACs are better. Might as well get an Amazon Echo Dot with an aux cable, use a phone or computer aux cable, or buy a better performing DAC for half the price.

 

[Mart68]

What is the point of the thing?

Internal DACs are just as good and external DACs are better. Might as well get an Amazon Echo Dot with an aux cable, use a phone or computer aux cable, or buy a better performing DAC for half the price.

Absolutely right. Just pointing out that in practical, real-world terms it's going to be just fine. I mean if someone came on here and said they have this DAC and would changing to a better-measuring DAC give an uplift in sound quality the answer's going to be 'Almost certainly not.'

 

[Doodski]

What is the point of the thing?

It fills a price point for Beresford and it's retailers.

 

[Madjalapeno]

Seems a little pricey for a doorstop no?

I was going to try it on top of my DAC to improve the sound. Darko said it would. Maybe a doorstop, then this DAC, then another DAC. It's doorstops all the way man.

 

[filo97s]

What about the headphone output Amir? Can you measure it?

 

[617]

I could tell from the typefaces alone that this was British and that it sucked. 2 for 2.

 

[Purité Audio]

The type is the least objectionable aspect!
Keith

 

[NiagaraPete]

When I sent this Amir I suspected it would be rubbish. That said, and in its defense it should have been tested at 15v as that is the current requirement. The Dorado should have also been fully charged before use and it takes a few minutes. Maybe Amir can give a second chance.

 

[GWolfman]

Fun fact: LED's are sometimes used in current sources exactly because they are so low noise. Some colours seem to be better than others though.

IIRC, red is actually a low noise source, unlike blue. Funny, cos the LEDs here are red, right?

 

[fgfgfg]

It's WM8804G + WM8523G

WM8523GEDT PDF

Part #: WM8523GEDT. Description: 24-bit 192kHz Stereo DAC with 2Vrms Ground Referenced Line Output. File Size: 618.15 Kbytes. Manufacturer: Wolfson Microelectronics plc.

pdf1.alldatasheet.com

 

[Stokdoof]

The poor headless panter deserves a special day in memory of his services.

 

[respice finem]

There weren't as many headless since the French revolution

 

[GWolfman]

... in its defense it should have been tested at 15v as that is the current requirement.

The rear panel says 12V, so not sure what you mean by that.

 

[NiagaraPete]

The rear panel says 12V, so not sure what you mean by that.

There was supposed to be a sticker. 15v is correct.

 

[DSJR]

Oh the shame... This make was all over the enthusiast UK forums I used to frequent a few years back and very popular I remember. As with all such gear, never a whisper of measurements but lots of talk about 'the sound quality.' Stan always seemed a pleasant and communicative chap though.

Got to ask, is this performance deemed 'adequate' for say, a ten year old model?

 

[nyxnyxnyx]

Oh the shame... This make was all over the enthusiast UK forums I used to frequent a few years back and very popular I remember. As with all such gear, never a whisper of measurements but lots of talk about 'the sound quality.' Stan always seemed a pleasant and communicative chap though.

Got to ask, is this performance deemed 'adequate' for say, a ten year old model?

I'd say it's a bit mediocre for the standard of ten years ago, but maybe not to the point of calling it absolute garbage.

As far as I know, the race toward SOTA dacs only started in recent years, so a large part of models in the "best" category are either 1) newer and from reputable companies 2) older, rarer and highly considered in the community or 3) just hella expensive.

 

[P_M]

this product has a lot of potential for improving performance with the switch off.