Well, at least Sony offers removable cables, relatively great growth potential and even modding possibility on Z7, not many competitors at this price range can do the same, and keep in mind the price of Z7 will be going down sooner or later which makes Z7 a even better candidate to consider...

Haha, I got ur idea. Well, I will keep using my TA-03 more to see how things going. Plus, ur feedback from xDuoo really seems help, Im gonna ask them directly If mine is safe. Anyway, thank u for all the information provided here.

Good to know, I used my TA-03 as a pure amp and didn't expect my TA-03 could line out like the picture suggests. Anyway, I just tested it as a DAC connecting to my laptop and it did line out through the same ports successfully, so the result is positive, you are right the ports do input when...

Hey Mike, glad you got your Kimber cable, looking forward to hear your thoughts on it. 

Sony is silly indeed!.   Three ways to solve the issue: 1. My fellow in Japan bought a pair of balanced Sony standard to balanced 4 pin XLR converters which makes Sony's balanced cable able to connect to all regular balanced amplifiers, but I couldn't find this kind of converters online...

Yep, a strong self-control is needed anyway.

  You may get Z7 + Kimber Cable for about $650 CAD total now, and this price will be going down next year.    A new king may be a wooden enhanced version which costs as same as TH900's price level.   You should go to a local Sony store to test Z7 first anyway.

No, I dont think Z7's cable can work with 1R. There are many after market cables for 1R though.

Yes, many trusted sources have confirmed that Sony's planning on the new king and some also believe that Z7 is kind of a test of the market for deciding whether a new king should be introduced or not.   For gaming, I don't play games so I cannot answer your question.   For the Kimber Cables...

  That's awesome! Can't imagine myself being involved in 35 years great play, glory! Wish your family can have a house concert sooner or later.

  Yep, that's why I was wondering because I thought 1R has very good imaging at the time comparing to those flagship portable headphones. 

  Proud and honored to be in woodwind family for seven years.

  Not mean any offense, but generally the flutes are in the left or center part of orchestra, so flute should be on left ear unless the microphone is located at viola parts. At least in my case I cannot remember hearing any flutes coming from my right ear.   Giving an example, Peer Gynt Suite...

Well, it really depends. I did hear very poor imaging on certain Sony devices, sorry I would rather not to mention the name (PHA-X, I'm looking at you.)   I agree that Z7's soundstage is not quite as large as HD800's but still very impressive even comparing to some well-known open back...

My TA-03's getting REALLY hot after 15 mins listening, by meaning hot I meant the whole body of my TA-03, not only the tubes (I know they are getting hot in all tube amp cases). Anybody has same issue? Is mine in right condition? Does this high temperature hurt the amp? Thanks in advance.