Beresford 2 Channel 24Bit/96kHz Audio Digital-to-Analogue... User manual

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Caiman Instruction Manual
2 Channel 24Bit/96kHz Audio Digital-to-Analogue Converter
Overview
The Caiman is a reference-quality digital-to-analogue audio converter featuring the
latest USB Audio technology, and Class-A Line output and headphone stages.
The Caiman is designed for maximum transparency and critical playback in any
audiophile applications.
Fixed Output Level connection
The Caiman Fixed Output is designed to connect to the CD input of an integrated or
pre-amplifier, which is the most common method of connection.
Burn in
Many users report that the sound outputdevelops in quality after a few tens of hours
of use. The Caiman may be left powered on and playing a music stream with the
volume turned down for a few days to form your own view.
Direct connection to Power Amplifiers
The Caiman Variable Output is designed to connect directly to a power amplifier or
active speakers, which frequently results in a sizeable sound quality improvement.
A mute circuit eliminates pops when a digital signal is removed. Muting is also
enabled upon loss of power, or when digital transmission errors occur.
Front Panel
Digital Inputs
There are four digital input connectors (2 x coaxial, 1 x optical and 1 x USB).
Input Status Display
The Caiman has 4 LED’s on the front panel that indicate which digital input is
selected.
Input Selector Switch
The input selector switches are located directly beneath the Input Status LEDs.
Stereo Headphone Socket
There is a stereo headphone socket that mutes the Variable RCA/PHONO output
when a headphone plug is inserted
Headphone Amplifier

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The Caiman headphone output is driven by a high-end headphone amplifier. It is
designed to drive loads between 24 to 600 Ohms. The headphone amplifier
includes a current limiting circuit that fully protects against damage from short circuit
conditions.
Headphone Gain Range
Because of the variations in headphone sensitivity, the Caiman features a variable
gain range for the headphone outputs. In order to avoid internal jumpers to reduce
the gain, the Volume Control 0dB level has been calibrated as follows:
Headphone Impedance Volume Control 0dB level
32 Ohms 12 o’ clock
64 Ohms 2 o’ clock
300 Ohms 4 o’ clock
600 Ohms 5 o’ clock
Volume Control
The front-panel Volume Control sets the output level of the headphone. It also
controls the output level of the Variable RCA analogue output. The headphone
socket mutes the Variable RCA analogue output when a headphone is inserted.
Rear Panel
Digital Inputs
Four digital inputs, selected from the front-panel toggle switch.
The Caiman will not decode AC3 or ADAT signals.
Input 1 - SPDIF
The coaxial input uses a RCA connector. The input impedance is 75 Ohms.
Maximum word length is 24-bits. All sample rates between 28 and 96 KHz are
supported.
Input 2 – SPDIF
The coaxial input uses a RCA connector. The input impedance is 75 Ohms.
Maximum word length is 24-bits. All sample rates between 28 and 96 KHz are
supported.
Input 3 – Optical
The optical input is a TOSLINK connector. Maximum word length is 24-bits. All
sample rates between 28 and 96 KHz are supported.
Input 4 – USB
The USB input accepts a ‘B-type’ male USB 1.1 or USB 2.0 connector. Use a USB
B-to-A cable to connect the Caiman directly to a computer’s USB output.
The USB interface is compatible with both USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 ports.
The USB input supports 32, 44.1, and 48 kHz sample rates. Maximum word length
is 16-bits. The USB interface does not require the installation of any custom drivers
or changes to system settings for high quality audio playback.
The Caiman is designed to be compatible with the following operating systems:
Windows 7
Windows Vista
Windows XP
Windows 2000
MAC OS X
LINUX
When connecting to a USB port on a computer running the above operating
systems, the computer will automatically recognize the presence of the Caiman
USB device. Any audio played from the computer will then be routed to the Caiman
USB output.

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Analogue Outputs
The Caiman has two variable RCA outputs and two Fixed RCA outputs.
Variable Analogue Outputs
The Left and Right outputs are standard RCA/PHONO sockets. The Left and Right
Variable outputs are controlled by the Volume Control on the front panel. In this
condition the Caiman can be used as a preamp.
The output is muted when a headphone is plugged into the headphone socket. In
this condition the Caiman can be used as a headphone amplifier.
Fixed Analogue Outputs
The Left and Right outputs use standard RCA/PHONO sockets. The RCA output
level is fixed. In this condition the Caiman can be used as a standalone DAC.
Dual regulated external and internal power supply
The external power supply supports all international voltages and has generous
margins for over and under voltage conditions.
AC-DC Power Supply
A country specific AC-DC power adapter is included with each Caiman converter
shipped to most countries. Plug adapters for less well known configurations are
otherwise available locally.
Virtual-DC Power Supply
The Caiman Virtual-DC input has a 12 to 15 Volts input voltage range, can operate
from as little as 100mA, and withstand external DC power drop out conditions of up
to 4 seconds..
The centre pin is the Positive power supply terminal.
Fuse Holder
The fuse holder is inside the case close to the DC power connector socket. The
fuse rating is 2 Amps.
Safety Information
The factory supplied AC/DC adapter is suitable for 110 to 240 Volts operation.
Repairs
Do not service or repair this product unless properly qualified.
Fuses
For continued fire hazard protection always replace the internal fuse with the
correct size and type.
Modifications
Do not substitute parts or make any modifications that may create safety hazards
and void the warranty.
Notes on Warranty Repairs
An RN (Returns Number) is required when sending products back. Goods for repair
must be shipped to Beresford ME prepaid and preferably in their original shipping
carton with the RN clearly visible on the exterior of the packaging. A note should be
included giving detailed reasons for the return.