Do you guys recommend a pointed or flat solder tip for the Crack (without the speedball)?  Also, I heard someone on here recommend this tip tinner.  Is this something I should look into?  Or is just tinning the tip with my solder good enough?  I have the WES51 solder.

I bought all this gear (DAC, Amp, Headphones) so that I could listen to music in the corner of my room.  Then I learned that the iPhone 5 can't do digital out.  So I can't hook up my iPhone 5 to the DAC I bought (which accepts a USB in).  I don't want to have to drag my laptop over and hook it...

I purchased the HD 650's, as I like a warmer/fuller sound and heard that these offer that.  These are also the ones I've always wanted, but never have been able to afford until recently.  I also bought the soldering iron you recommended (Weller WES51) as well as those wire cutters.

Thanks guys!  I just finished buying everything.  I don't think I've been this excited in a while.  I bought the JDS Labs ODAC to go with it (not sure if it was the right choice or not) and it shipped almost right away, so that was great.  Headphones should be here Monday.  Gear by Wednesday. ...

So, this soldering station is fine?  It's $20 on amazon.   Also, do I really need a digital multimeter?  Or will this suffice: http://www.csgnetwork.com/resistcolcalc.html   Also, thank you guys for the help.  I really cannot wait for my crack to ship.

So, as far as tools needed for this build I have   1) Greenlee 1917A Wire Stripper/Cutters, 26-16 AWG 2) Xcelite CN255V Curved Nose Plier 3) Xcelite MS54V Semi-flush Oval Head Cutter   What soldering station have you used?  Can I buy the cheapest one on amazon?   I also see this...

Quote:   This was extremely helpful.  I'm new to all this.  I just need USB.  I think I'll go with standalone ODAC from JDS Labs.  Oh, would I need the RCA output?  Or just the standard output.

I have never heard music come through a DAC.  I have just purchased the HD 650's and the Bottlehead Crack kit.  That's already a bunch of money.  Can I get by with something inexpensive like the Fiio E10?  Or would I notice a huge difference with something more expensive?  If so, what would you...

Great.  Thanks, guys.  Was a little worried for a sec.  Now if I could only decide on an under $200 DAC, which I know nothing about.

Stupid question.  Just ordered the crack, but am hearing the end of this forum where people are talking about amps busting headphones.  Are you guys modding the crack?  Or do I not have to worry with the stock crack?  

For DAC, I was thinking the Modi ($99), the HRT Music Streamer II ($170), or Topping TP D2 TP-D2 ($135), Audioengine D1 Premium 24-Bit DAC ($170)?  Of course, the least expensive is best, as long as it doesn't sacrifice too much quality.  Any thing I'm missing that is better?  And any preference...

Is the Bottlehead Crack the best amp for the HD 650's?  I'm looking for something under $300 that is fairly small in size, but doesn't have to be portable.  Also, I know the JDS Labs C5 amp is something different entirely, but how would it compare?   Also, I'm new to all this.  Do I also...

I have the Klispch S4 IEM's and the Beyerdynamic T50p's.  I use my MBP and mostly my iPhone as my music source.  What would this amp get me?  Would I notice a significant improvement in sound quality when hooked up through this amp with either one of these headphones?  I'm new to amplifiers.  ...

I just repurchased the S4's.  I repeatedly listened to various styles of music with the SE215's and then the S4's.  I've come to the conclusion that I don't like the SE215's.  Either I got a dud, I'm still not fitting them right, or they just don't hold up to my expectations.  If it's a fit...

Thanks.  That did help some, but I'm still not sure I'm happy with the sound.