[goldwerger]

Spot on. There are differences, but not such that one is definitively better than the other since there are variables relating to the phones, DAC and the source as well as the tube used in AIC which all come into play. With the right tube, source and DAC, the AIC is a perfect match with 1266 Phi TC imo and, in my setup, I actually slightly prefer the XLR headphone out with 1266. We cannot really speak in absolute terms about things where there are variables involved. As ever, it is a case of YMMV. Trust your own ears is always the best advice. Nothing else matters.

One more thing for folks to consider is this - what I described means that like each of these outputs has a slightly different output impedance, so damping factor will vary and this will impact different headphones differently, and different chains, differently.

 

[TDHEAD]

One more thing for folks to consider is this - what I described means that like each of these outputs has a slightly different output impedance, so damping factor will vary and this will impact different headphones differently, and different chains, differently.

understood, im current working with Susvara's

 

[goldwerger]

understood, im current working with Susvara's

Just try and find out what sounds best to you..

 

[Ragnar-BY]

My dealer just told me yesterday that the AIC-10 price increased just this week

Retail price was $19K last time I’ve checked. Is it even more expensive now?

 

[TDHEAD]

Retail price was $19K last time I’ve checked. Is it even more expensive now?

yes

 

[goldwerger]

yes

What’s updated price?

 

[jlbrach]

Retail price was $19K last time I’ve checked. Is it even more expensive now?

kind of insane to be honest,some years ago before the price took off to the moon I actually turned down a used on for 5k lol

 

[Spawn300Z]

kind of insane to be honest,some years ago before the price took off to the moon I actually turned down a used on for 5k lol

That was a steal. Never seen them used under $9.5K

 

[pgkrish]

Never seen them used under $9.5K

I think a single ended version sold for 8.5k a few months back here on headfi.

 

[Spawn300Z]

Dosent matter it’s a single ended design. The balance input is only for ease of use. If you only have balanced connectors. No difference in quality or sound.

 

[pgkrish]

Dosent matter it’s a single ended design. The balance input is only for ease of use. If you only have balanced connectors. No difference in quality or sound.

I understand that. I mentioned SE version so that it can be distinguished from the current production which comes with balanced inputs.

 

[jlbrach]

That was a steal. Never seen them used under $9.5K

I am going back to when they sold new for 10-12 k,the cost of this stuff is getting ridiculous IMHO

 

[normie610]

I am going back to when they sold new for 10-12 k,the cost of this stuff is getting ridiculous IMHO

Probably driven by demand as more and more people seem to be buying the AIC-10.

 

[kiddmorbid]

Currently rocking the AIC10 with a G73-R, what tubes are people using in their AIC now?

 

[orrman]

Going to roll my Levante soon with ECC40 tubes with adapters, comparing to a pair of G73R and have a few other options to try as well