2013 27” iMac -> Final Touch Audio Sinope USB Cable -> Playback designs MPD-8 with Final Touch Audio Elara Power Cable->Danacable Sapphire Reference Mk.2 RCA Interconnect Cables -> Riviera AIC-10 with Telefunken G73-R Black Coated NOS Tubes & DH Labs Red Wave Power Cable -> Double Helix Chimera...

+1 I also use AIC-10 with MPD-8. It’s an outstanding combination.

MPD-8 is a DAC you need an amp for headphones. So connect your Envy to the MPD-8.

Contact DCA. They have a clamp force kit to make the adjustment for those needing extra clamping force. They will send to you for free.

It’s really hard to match the comfort of DCA or Hifiman comfort. But I don’t find the Focals uncomfortable, just not as comfortable as the Hifiman or DCA with new head strap system. I down own the Utopia 22 and Stellias.

I normally would have agreed with you in this statement. But the HE-R10P Stealths and DCA Stealths are the exception to this rule. I have sold off all my closed backs with the exception of the HE-R10P Stealth, DCA Stealth and Focal Stellia. The Stellia is my only Dynamic closed back left. They...

I don’t PEQ my headphones. I was just letting you know they did resovles that issue. They tamed the highs so not fatiguing at higher volumes. Plus they are higher quality than stock and even more comfortable. Which says a lot. I didn’t believe the hype either. But when the sides of my pads...

My, recommendation would work for you also. I also where glasses. I’m telling you they are the best closed back deal of Head-fi right now. The HE-R10P Stealths are a amazing closed back.

I was thinking if a Headtrip II level II came up at a good price that maybe a good complementary amp for the Riviera.

So are you planning of pairing the AIC-10 with the Soul 170HA?

Switch to the ZMF Lambskin pads and your problem is solved. These are the pads that should have been on them from factory.

It shouldn’t matter if it’s a Bal version or not. The Riviera is single ended unit. The Balanced input is only there for connection ease., Otherwise there is no difference between the units. You only need the Bal version if you DAC don’t have SE outputs or long run to amp, which most high end...

Contact James he’s the certified Riviera US repair person. He maybe able to do conversion. If he can at good price maybe worth it. James Koch High End Repair 601 E Indian School Rd Suite 200 Phoenix, AZ 85012 www.highendrepair.com 480-398-7362

I’ve told you about the HE-R10P Stealths. They are on Open Box from Hifiman at $1,599.99. That is a crazy steal and none of the headphones that have been talked about so far are I. The same league. They’re light, extremely comfortably and aren’t heard to drive but scale with higher end gear as...

If i were you just jump on this open box deal on the Hifiman HE-R10P Steaths. They are a phenomenal closed back. The stealth version is well better than the original. At this price point you won’t find a better closed back. Well worth the cost of entry...

Hopefully seller insured them.

The Riviera AFC-10 would be a wonderful choice. It’s the Amp only version of the AIC-10. That would be an audio nirvana with a tube pre setup.

2013 27” iMac -> Final Touch Audio Sinope USB Cable -> Playback designs MPD-8 with Final Touch Audio Elara Power Cable-> Danacable Sapphire Reference Mk.2 RCA Interconnect Cables -> Riviera AIC-10 with Telefunken G73-R Black Coated NOS Tubes & DH Labs Red Wave Power Cable -> Double Helix Cables...

Looking to purchase DHC Chimera RCA Cables.

What tube you settle on.

For me the only ones I like better than my Stellias are the HE-R10P Stealths and DCA Stealths. They are all in my travel rotation with my Chord Hugo 2/Cayin C9II Stack. Sold the rest of my closed backs. Right now Hifiman has the HE-R10P Stealths in open box for ridiculous pricing. The stealth...

Agreed. I have been listen to HEKSEs today extensively. Lots of Jazz also. Loving that Jazz Bass. No fatigue at all. I’m loving the new ZMF pads too by the way.

I just installed the ZMF fenestrated lambskin pads. Testing them out now. I would have to agree with you so far. I didn’t eq mine before with stock pads. But so far I think they may be better than stock as a few of you have been suggesting. Also bought a pair for my Sus OG while on sale. Will...

Danny told me to use the 16 ohm for the Riviera. He said he believes it’s the sweet spot. So this recommendation may be amp dependent.

Well all those that went the MPD-8 route. Don’t have nothing to worry about. If amp has its on volume control, you leave it at unity gain. Then when you turn on the MPD-8. The pre from that DAC always goes back to zero and you then turn up the volume accordingly. I love this feature. Puts your...