[Polygonhell]

I have heard some folks agree and others disagree about using the speaker taps on the AIC-10. Could it be a cable difference?

My understanding is that the AIC has a voltage divider (2 resistors per channel) on the headphone output, rather than just running the signal to it. This does a couple of things, it’ll change output impedance a bit but it’s probably not relevant given it’s a SS output stage, but it also attenuates the output, which will reduce the noise floor. I only had one here briefly and didn’t test the speaker taps, but I’m told that with very sensitive headphones like the Utopia you can hear the noise floor though the speaker taps but not through the headphone jack.
I use a similar “trick” in the amps I build for myself, a switched attenuator to give more room on the volume knob and make placement/ shielding of the power transformers a bit less critical when listening to the MySphere or Utopia.
The resistors are IME audible but it’s very subtle, on my amps, I can relatively easy volume match and I have a switch to bypass it, without the divider, there is a touch more impact, but it’s really subtle.

 

[Spawn300Z]

I never used my U22 with speaker taps. But no noise using headphone jacks 6.35 or XLR outputs.

 

[kajetanjazz]

Gosh my head is shaking, 1266 is literally vibrating from the bass notes. Cool track

 

[Frankie D]

My understanding is that the AIC has a voltage divider (2 resistors per channel) on the headphone output, rather than just running the signal to it. This does a couple of things, it’ll change output impedance a bit but it’s probably not relevant given it’s a SS output stage, but it also attenuates the output, which will reduce the noise floor. I only had one here briefly and didn’t test the speaker taps, but I’m told that with very sensitive headphones like the Utopia you can hear the noise floor though the speaker taps but not through the headphone jack.
I use a similar “trick” in the amps I build for myself, a switched attenuator to give more room on the volume knob and make placement/ shielding of the power transformers a bit less critical when listening to the MySphere or Utopia.
The resistors are IME audible but it’s very subtle, on my amps, I can relatively easy volume match and I have a switch to bypass it, without the divider, there is a touch more impact, but it’s really subtle.

I consider it one of the best amps I ever heard from the HP output using the Susvara ( this with a change to the stock tubes ). When I get my own, I will have to check this out for myself. Interesting stuff. Now, something else to purchase ( speaker to XLR adapter cable ). It never ends!

 

[fdsa654hg]

Noticed that the speaker output on the AIC10 feels about the same volume as the headphone output on high gain. The Armageddon seems to have around double the output power of the AIC10, so I’m wondering if that could lead to any issues.

I also tried using an XLR adapter to hook up to the speaker outputs, and it does open up the soundstage, but I feel like the low-end cohesion and punch aren’t quite there. I’m just using a really cheap adapter right now, so hard to say if it’s the cable quality. The superconductor adapter is pretty pricey, so I might hold off on that for a bit.

 

[walterboss]

Gosh my head is shaking, 1266 is literally vibrating from the bass notes. Cool track

Nice.

I found a brain rattler yesterday. Awesome trippy album.

 

[ageofadz]

Nice.

I found a brain rattler yesterday. Awesome trippy album.

This one was great! Do you have any other brain rattlers? For me the main one is Excavation by The Haxan Cloak / Bobby Krlic

 

[walterboss]

This one was great! Do you have any other brain rattlers? For me the main one is Excavation by The Haxan Cloak / Bobby Krlic

Meshuggah - New Millenium Cyanide Christ (live)
https://tidal.com/browse/track/3331853?u

Ghost Data - Seed of Truth (incredibly intense EDM)
https://tidal.com/browse/track/391372843?u

 

[leftside]

Meshuggah - New Millenium Cyanide Christ (live)
https://tidal.com/browse/track/3331853?u

Ghost Data - Seed of Truth (incredibly intense EDM)
https://tidal.com/browse/track/391372843?u

Do the vocals grow on you over time?

 

[BlakeT]

Those seeking the 1266 Rooms stand...Stefan at HAA just emailed me to say Rooms are supplying him with 5 in a few weeks.

If you want one then I'd message him quickly. I emailed him about this forever ago. Fantastic he remembered that I'd asked.

Thanks for the head's up! I was able to get in on the first order and my 1266 Rooms stand arrived today. As expected, super high quality, just like my other Rooms stands. The 1266 design is really slick. The 1266 frame rests on notches in the top layer of the stand. It is super solid. I really like that, with the 1266 design, the headphone is resting and being supported by the 1266 metal frame, instead of the leather headband.

Great communication and service from Stefan.

I have two spare Rooms stands (the regular version) now, one in silver, one in black, that I accumulated for my other headphones. I've sold all my other headphones, so, I'll be listing one of the regular Rooms stand here.

Regular Rooms Stand:

The 1266 Version:

 

[Spawn300Z]

Thanks for the head's up! I was able to get in on the first order and my 1266 Rooms stand arrived today. As expected, super high quality, just like my other Rooms stands. The 1266 design is really slick. The 1266 frame rests on notches in the top layer of the stand. It is super solid. I really like that, with the 1266 design, the headphone is resting and being supported by the 1266 metal frame, instead of the leather headband.

Great communication and service from Stefan.

I have two spare Rooms stands (the regular version) now, one in silver, one in black, that I accumulated for my other headphones. I've sold all my other headphones, so, I'll be listing one of the regular Rooms stand here.

Regular Rooms Stand:





The 1266 Version:

Mine is in route. So can’t wait.

 

[Exekuhtor]

By the way, what about those new different pads?

 

[Ciggavelli]

By the way, what about those new different pads?

I was just wondering the same thing. I wonder how they will change the sound. Hopefully even more bass.

 

[walterboss]

By the way, what about those new different pads?

I was just wondering the same thing. I wonder how they will change the sound. Hopefully even more bass.

Norman at Abyss tells they're expected Q1 in 2025. So a bit to wait yet.

 

[walterboss]

Do the vocals grow on you over time?

I've never had an issue with vocals on 1266. Any mods recession has generally struck me on instrumentation rather than vocals.