I emailed Abyss about this, will see what they say. I know in the Formula S video they said it runs warm and it's temperature is similar to my previous amp, the Flux FA-12 which had some vents but no heatsinks. It hasn't yet reached the temperature of my old version 1 Schiit Lyr so I'm not so worried just want to make sure all is well with it
It sure does. The Powerman really improves the sound tremendously.
Good to know, I'm used to class A warmth too just a bit cautious after my last amp had a transformer failure. This temperature difference could just be a difference between revisions of the Formula S / Powerman. Also it seems the heat on my unit is coming from the amp modules not the transformer which makes sense as the amp module heatsinks are right under the part of the Formula S that gets warm, the rest is relatively cool.
Can you recommend an adapter to get for the Riviera speaker taps? Thinking SC, but would like to get opinions.The "transducer-first" approach, where you build an entire system in order to maximise your subjective enjoyment of a loudspeaker (or a pair of headphones in this case) you feel it is specially well fit for you is a totally legit way to proceed, I see nothing wrong with it.
A unique kind of gear like the AB-1266 TC can bring to such approach
I confirm, as a few other AIC-10 owners I have communicated with. Don't expect trasformative changes, but still well worth the relatively small further investment and extra fuss IMHO.
There are a few posts (e.g. 1, 2, 3) about this in the AIC-10 thread, and the consensus is that tube rolling on the Riviera does make a clearly audible difference, thus making room to further 'fine tuning' of this amp to your hp synergy / tastes. Grossly simplyfying, Mullard tubes are the most euphoric / richest, Radiotechnique or Fivre (among other options) are pretty balanced, Telefunken ECC802S are the clearest / most transparent.
Apart from those with unlimited budget, I would recommend the SC cable to people that are committed to the AB-1266 in the long term and prefer to further invest on them instead of (or prior to) looking for a complimentary hp. A SC cable can remove the need for a Susvara to complement the TC for some people, and in this sense it could even be seen as a money saver.
In my own experience, starting from a baseline-neutral sound like say the DAVE direct output or the Simaudio Moon 600i, the AIC-10+tube had a definite more audible impact on the overall sound signature than the SC cable.
JPS won’t make one for you.
show me....I have been using speaker amps with headphones for 40 years.i have never 'blown' my headphones.There was certainly more than just one.
That combintion must be really outstanding! I do feel, that the overall quality of the headphone systems are limited because of the electronics used. Airtight makes amazing amps.
You can get this work commissioned by DHC, @onlychild had his done like this with Susvara + Riviera + Prion4
It should not matter, since the Powerman is a Power Supply and not an amplifier. The Class A (and so on) classification does not apply to it. It might matter that it will be continuously providing current to the Formula S amplifier, since it is Class A. But still, note this: The heat emanating from the power supply is the power supply's internal energy loss. So the question is if it loses more energy internally than it needs to. That is, it's a matter of its efficiency. This said, I do not believe good PSU == efficient PSU in the audio world. An efficient PSU might achieve its efficiency at the cost of being noisier.
Big fan of moon audio. Call them and they can make one for you. I suggest silver dragon.
Since I already use Norne Audio headphone cables I got Norne Audio speaker taps as well.
This is not true...JPS will make one for you... @ken6217 had one made. SC cable... Think he paid $500.
