In terms of usability, having the iron reliably stay at the temperature you need >> not having a wire.

Butane irons are sort of passable for field repairs (butane over battery due to power delivery characteristics). Is that a soldering iron in your pocket? It goes well with the "pocket multimeter" and similar devices - it's a total POS for everyday use (populating PCBs), but you can pack it with...

For an ideal wire, no, that shouldn't happen. But an ideal wire is just an equipotential which perfectly connects two points in a circuit without otherwise perturbing the circuit characteristics. Real wires are nothing like that, although they're usually close enough if you don't push it.  ...

Speaking of, was there a consensus on double grounding with the fourth channel when using Star Quad?

Quote: No, no they're not.   On the other hand, you might want to google a bit and find out what an optical attenuator is before you go assuming that it's something to rewrite the amplitude information on an optical SP/DIF signal. This is actually a stand-in for the usual volume...

Calibration is a paid service.   It's also sort of moot for a lot of DIY stuff.

Where does one buy this blue tape, and by how many milliawesomes can I expect it to improve my existing amp? Also, does it work on IEMs?

"My circuit isn't doing what I expected it to, but I triple-checked the schematic / got it from a reliable source!"   Cont test time. Make sure the physical circuit matches the schematic.

Quote: That's an entirely different discussion. You should probably look at this page. It's old and not at all exhaustive, but it will get you started.   http://tangentsoft.net/audio/opamps.html

There are cleaners and oils designed to restore leather (shoes, gloves, etc.) which would probably work fine. Use it sparingly and start with an out of the way spot to test it.

Don't overspec gain, it's not free.   Through-hole resistors are also kinda easy to desolder if you need to up the gain later.

Quote: The one that's in front of me for lunch when I missed breakfast.   Okay, maybe that solution is a bit zen. It works for CMoys too though - "the one you're happy with."

"Best" is such a vague word.

Quote: Keep in mind that if you want this, the relevant factor is Vpp and not Vrms or any other integrated value.

http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=10024