[DJJEZ]

I actually go my order in for the next run.

Oh nice!

 

[Roasty]

Assuming maybe you didn't, but you didn't try any of your Raal headphones to compare between the AIC and the VM-1a did you? I'm been mulling over an AIC purchase and with the Immanis eventually on the way, I'm wondering if it's the smart way to go.

The Immanis through the VM-1a compared to the transformer box/Felix Envy at Axpona was quite noticeably better. Thinking about tracking a VM-1a down, but would really prefer an all in one unit I can replace my two amp system with.

If not, what mainly have you been listening to with it?

dude, check your WhatsApp! I posted a link to a vm1a yesterday!

friend brought an immanis to the house for a short while. but it was brand new and far from the 100 hr recommended running in time (according to the dealer). that immanis sounded a bit off to me; didn't seem like what I heard at canjam. so I didn't have the urge to play around with it much.

anyways i did test between AIC rear speaker out and vm1a with the sr1b. though it is very nice out of the AIC, I still prefer the vm1a; midrange is similar, but top end is sweeter and lush, and low end is more dynamic. also like the fact u can change between UL, T and P modes on the vm1a depending on mood.

and when using via AIC speaker taps, my speaker cables go to a zynsonix adaptor box, and finally to the ti1b box out to the sr1b.

 

[Roasty]

Got my eyes on that dac as well, the mpd8

you should hit up @F208Frank and pick his brains. he loves his playback gear and he has tried a lot of stuff too.

 

[normie610]

and when using via AIC speaker taps, my speaker cables go to monoblocks, then to a zynsonix adaptor box, and finally to the ti1b box out to the sr1b.

That’s a long and winding road

 

[F208Frank]

I would say the market speaks for itself.

There are plenty of dcs and msb used dacs on the market but not much playback design dacs. There is also a multiple month wait for the PBD dacs, last I heard was if ordering now, you get it in august.

It gives a smooth/analog but yet detailed presentation that makes you easily lost in the music.

It is either my fave or 2nd fave piece of gear in my chain with the rowland 555 amp being fave or 2nd fave.

I am totally in honey moon phase with the rowland 555s.... absolutely stunning.

 

[number1sixerfan]

dude, check your WhatsApp! I posted a link to a vm1a yesterday!

I told you I was bad at keeping up on that thing! lol. But thank you!

friend brought an immanis to the house for a short while. but it was brand new and far from the 100 hr recommended running in time (according to the dealer). that immanis sounded a bit off to me; didn't seem like what I heard at canjam. so I didn't have the urge to play around with it much.

anyways i did test between AIC rear speaker out and vm1a with the sr1b. though it is very nice out of the AIC, I still prefer the vm1a; midrange is similar, but top end is sweeter and lush, and low end is more dynamic. also like the fact u can change between UL, T and P modes on the vm1a depending on mood.

and when using via AIC speaker taps, my speaker cables go to monoblocks, then to a zynsonix adaptor box, and finally to the ti1b box out to the sr1b.

Very helpful. I figured that may be the case. Good to know. I'm sure broken in, it's probably pretty good out of the AIC as well.

 

[Frankie D]

I made a mistake. Sorry, because I was not there that day. Susvara through speaker taps, RAAL connected to transformer through front XLR. You can listen to both on AIC simultaneously.

If the Sus was connected to the speaker taps, I imagine another cable was used to connect to the Susvara cable? If this occurred, it could make a difference at this level. Still, I already know the Immanus is great.

 

[fdsa654hg]

Has anyone compared the Brimar 12AU7 with the G73r? I’m really interested in any sound differences you've noticed. I currently have a Telefunken G73-r Red Label and a Mullard M8136 Shark teeth. The G73-r is excellent overall—very transparent and quick—but the vocals/midrange feel a bit dry. My Mullard isn't as bright, which seems odd since others describe their Mullard's sound as thick and sweet. This makes me wonder if there's significant variability in sound even among tubes of the same model from Mullard. Thanks for any insights!

Additionally, using my 1266, I’ve noticed that both high and low gains have their pros and cons, and I'm thinking of moving to speaker outputs next.

 

[DJJEZ]

Has anyone compared the Brimar 12AU7 with the G73r? I’m really interested in any sound differences you've noticed. I currently have a Telefunken G73-r Red Label and a Mullard M8136 Shark teeth. The G73-r is excellent overall—very transparent and quick—but the vocals/midrange feel a bit dry. My Mullard isn't as bright, which seems odd since others describe their Mullard's sound as thick and sweet. This makes me wonder if there's significant variability in sound even among tubes of the same model from Mullard. Thanks for any insights!

Additionally, using my 1266, I’ve noticed that both high and low gains have their pros and cons, and I'm thinking of moving to speaker outputs next.

Speaker taps is the way

 

[IanB52]

Has anyone compared the Brimar 12AU7 with the G73r? I’m really interested in any sound differences you've noticed. I currently have a Telefunken G73-r Red Label and a Mullard M8136 Shark teeth. The G73-r is excellent overall—very transparent and quick—but the vocals/midrange feel a bit dry. My Mullard isn't as bright, which seems odd since others describe their Mullard's sound as thick and sweet. This makes me wonder if there's significant variability in sound even among tubes of the same model from Mullard. Thanks for any insights!

Additionally, using my 1266, I’ve noticed that both high and low gains have their pros and cons, and I'm thinking of moving to speaker outputs next.

There are definitely changes in sound with the different plate designs etc over the years. IMO the best Mullards are 1950s and 60s, esp the long plates. 70s are are very good too. The easiest to find an cheapest are 80s short/box plate military manufacture, and they are are not as good, but they still sound like Mullards.

 

[Wildmax]

If the Sus was connected to the speaker taps, I imagine another cable was used to connect to the Susvara cable? If this occurred, it could make a difference at this level. Still, I already know the Immanus is great.

Yes, it’s the YT Audio N2 Speaker Cable Adapter and YT N2 Susvara Cable. They are used as a combo.

 

[goldwerger]

There are definitely changes in sound with the different plate designs etc over the years. IMO the best Mullards are 1950s and 60s, esp the long plates. 70s are are very good too. The easiest to find an cheapest are 80s short/box plate military manufacture, and they are are not as good, but they still sound like Mullards.

I also used 1960s M8136 from Mitcham factory (KB/D) and got a few of more of those for back up. For me, it’s just the perfect blend of texture/body/weight and musicality while still offering all the technicalities I need for enjoyment.

 

[fdsa654hg]

I'm trying to figure out if the Riviera AIC-10 amplifier has any specific input level limitations, as I can't find detailed specifications on this. Does anyone know the maximum input levels for the AIC-10 to avoid clipping?

 

[goldwerger]

if you’ve seen me post this already pls excuse the repetition

---

Hi guys,

Since a couple of you are already engaged there it occured to me this may be of interest to some other of you so figured I'll just quickly share this.

After seeing the Watercooler thread creating an amazingly vibrant and friendly communtiy for portable audio (and having been part of it myself), I had few members asking me to set a parallel Watercooler thread for the headphone community (full size headphones, amps, dacs, realted gears and general banter for headphone community).

After several weeks getting feedbacks and consdiering the undertaking, I decided to plunge in..

The Watercooler Headphone Edition thread is now launched:

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/the...of-gear-impressions-music-and-musings.972819/

Since launching Saturday we've got nearly 30 pages of posts. It's highly engaged with lots of great communtiy members and eclectic content from gear to music to audio topics. Everyone is warmly welcome to drop in anytime, share anything related to headphone, music, or just banter and hang around!

 

[kawhia]

I have a busy weekend ahead of me. My family is gone, no obligations. And the past week DHL, UPS etc lined up in my street, now I have quite a pipeline of new items:
First of all my Aqua LinQ streamer arrived!! Very excited about that.

G73-R from Vietnam, I finally bit.

New Ethernet cable and ferrites. Some people say it is worth a try.

Last but not least, a wall socket from Schnerzinger. Haha. I have no idea what this is all about

So far the LinQ is an absolute beast. Replacing my dear old Auralic Aries streamer, the sound is superb!! What a treat. Through speakers I can listen louder, room modes and reverb seem to have been diminished quite a bit. By a streamer, don’t know that is possible really.
Happy listening