$5,000 Esoteric AI10 Integrated Amplifier with MM/High-Output MC phono, DAC and master clock

Comes with the original box, but no remote. I used Logitech learning remote and downloaded the codes from Logitech database.
Amplifier is in excellent cosmetic condition and is fully functioning.
There’s plenty of rave reviews on the internet: soundstagenetwork.com/equipment/esoteric_ai10.htm

I can also include high-end quality USB DAC converter for additional $59. This way you can connect your Laptop to Esoteric internal DAC. Check the pictures, the technical details on this converter: Breeze audio 32bit/192kHz, CM6631A USB to SPDIF convertor. Product feature: new ver.1.4; CM6631A support 16/24/32Bit and 44.1K/48K/88.2K/96K/176.4K/192KHz; USB power supply; Size: 47 x 90 x 30mm

Esoteric AI10 Integrated Amplifier
Weighing just under 32 pounds and measuring 17 3/8"W x 5 7/8"H x 15 1/16"D, the Esoteric AI-10 sits on three sturdy isolation feet and comes clad in a beautiful brushed-aluminum case. The top panel is an impressive 5mm thick, while the sides are only slightly thinner at 4mm. The small display, with blue text, looks very sharp, especially in a dark room, where the user can adjust the brightness or turn it off altogether. The front panel exudes simplicity and consists of just four buttons (Power, Setup, Word, Muting) and two rotary dials (Input, Volume).
The AI-10’s amplifier section, an efficient switching design with a 205VA toroidal transformer in combination with MOSFET transistors, is said to produce 110Wpc into 8 ohms or 150Wpc into 4 ohms -- which, if true, is enough power for most speakers.
What distinguishes the AI-10 from other integrated amps is that it also serves as a master-clock sync generator. Master-clock sync allows the retiming of the DAC to the transport device of a compatible CD player (such as Esoteric’s own SA-10 or UZ-1) capable of inputting a sync signal (word clock). The frequency of the word-sync signal comes factory-set at 100kHz, but can be changed by pressing the Word button on the front panel (or on the remote control) to 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, or 192kHz. Once the CD player’s clock is synchronized with the AI-10’s master clock, Esoteric claims, improvements can be heard in soundstaging, transparency, and imaging. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a compatible CD player that could input a word clock, and therefore wasn’t able to take advantage of this feature.
On the AI-10’s rear panel are one optical and one coaxial digital input for a DAC section that accepts resolutions of up to 24-bit/192kHz. This takes the incoming PCM digital bitstream and generates pulse-width modulation (PWM) signals using a Texas Instruments TAS5076 chip. These signals are used to directly drive the power-amplifier stage. Therefore, the AI-10 can drive speakers from a CD transport without the use of an external DAC. In addition, the AI-10 converts all incoming analog signals to digital before they reach the amplification stage. This is done by an AKM 5385B, a 24-bit/192kHz, two-channel A/D converter chip. Once signal conversion is complete, it undergoes the same PWM processing described above.
Also on the rear panel are one pair of balanced XLR inputs and three pairs of line-level RCA inputs. The last RCA input can be switched between two settings: Line makes it a standard line-level input, while Line/Phono turns on the phono stage, which supports moving-magnet or high-output moving-coil cartridges. After passing through an analog phono equalizer, the signal undergoes the same A/D conversion as all other analog inputs before sending the PCM signal on to the PWM architecture. It seems that more and more companies are including phono stages in their integrated amplifiers; as a vinyl enthusiast, I welcome this trend.
From reviews:
Engaging the AI-10’s functions fully as a reclocker, an upsampler, a D/A converter and an integrated amplifier, I heard spatial and tonal definitions befitting that from a $10k D/A converter + amplifier combo. While driving the MaxxHorn, the AI-10 exhibited remarkably extended and controlled spectral behavior, enabling instrument groups in a classical orchestra to have distinct and smooth tonalities. Apparently, the AI-10 was not some company’s idea of assembling an all-in-one machine together using the lowest-costing parts, it was Esoteric of Teac’s intention via its considerable corporate resources to give the audiophiles a machine unique in its well-rounded behaviors in an affordable and super-value package.
Until the Stello Ai500 arrived for review, it had been some time since I’d heard an integrated amplifier that I enjoyed as much as my own reference, the Bryston B100 SST. With the arrival of the Esoteric AI-10, I’ve found another. The AI-10 came up in the reviewing queue almost immediately after I’d sent back the Ai500, so it seems the old adage is true: when it rains, it pours. Luckily for me, getting rained on means being saturated with wonderful sound. That’s a shower I don’t mind taking.
The master clock isn't the only added bonus. The AI-10 also sports an MM phono input which is far from common these days. A trick little switch 'round back converts this input into a standard line-level input for non-phono users. Excellent thinking. Two single-ended and one symmetrical analog input plus Toslink and coax digital i/ports for internal D/A conversion round out connectivity.
Esoteric's integrated amplifier AI-10 exhibits the same design genetics and is committed to the ideals of transparency and accuracy:
Bass is athletically lean but nimble and impulsive. This benefits an exceedingly clear and informative midrange and the treble is rendered transparent and clear but with a careful brush
Bass runs are well damped, dry, properly articulated and full of swagger yet without sacrificing composure.
The AI-10 builds up the stage from the base line to afford the listener a clear view on the imaginary action.
Stage width is good, depth excellent and separation high.
The Esoteric AI-10 has good timing and rhythm to be clearly organized during rapidly lined up sounds. When called for, transients are hard and sudden and assumptions of restraint get a wakeup call whenever Power Rock is cued up. I'd be surprised if involuntary toe tapping wasn't the result then...