From MacOSXHints.com...
New in iOS 6 is the ability to adjust the audio balance.
Go to General > Accessibility > Hearing, and you'll find a L - R slider.
...also a mono switch next to it.
I say the AEs aren't a very big drop from the Quads (especially in desk use) and live with if/until you can't. Spend your money on a trip to [blue] Hawaii instead.
Not to mention his ahistorical memory of early lossless and line-out support.
However on the Neil front...
Neil Young Comes Clean http://buff.ly/T3oFmG
Zu Essence (being discontinued) on sale for $1999.9999 (trailing of course). Think these started at $5K. Anyone heard them?
http://www.zuaudio.com/essence-loudspeaker.php#essence-loudspeaker.php
Lightning 30-pin adapter works with analog audio, "iPod Out" doesn't mean what you think it means http://m.tuaw.com/2012/09/13/lightning-30-pin-adapter-works-with-analog-audio-ipod-out-doe/
Related: The adapter has the following disclaimer:
"Video and iPod Out not supported." If "iPod Out" means "analog" that could be another clue. Or not.