If you want to DIY an interconnect, then the best method with common tools and materials is typically to get the smallest gauge you can find, 24-30AWG for example. Dielectric of choice is teflon tubing. Then you would twist the pair by hand with atleast 3 twists per inch, and optionally wrap it...

Seeing that the Alpha Dogs are 90dB/mW, i don't think there would be a problem unless you want to exceed 115dB SPL, then you might have a little dynamic compression.

I also agree with Purrin, that Teac really is a POS, just really harsh and unrefined. I had it for about 2 weeks doing A/B with the Yulong D18 and it didn't rival the D18 in any area, except features.

The general rule of thumb is that if your amps input impedance is 47kOhms or higher and interconnects are less than a meter in length, your system is passive compliant and a passive pre should be used. If any of those requirements can't be met, then an active preamp should be used.

I use the LDR3x, which is like 1/10th the cost of their finished units :) As far as I know, Tortuga Audio has the best implementation in the market. They use software control to keep everything in the most optimized and calibrated configuration. No other LDR i have come across carries that...

I can wholeheartedly agree with getting a preamp for the highest fidelity. I remember when I was using a integrated receiver, then I bypassed all the controls and used a LDR-based passive preamp. Wow, I couldn't believe just how much resolution i was missing. The preamp in the integrated was...

That looks beautiful man! I was a little concerned about your higher voltage toroidals, but it looks like it worked out in the end :) How long does it take to fully warm up in that 5U beast? Always happy to help a fellow Head-Fi'er!     Edit: I am building F4 and Aleph J very soon and am...

Hmm, do you mind providing a link. My google search isn't bringing it up.

The answer would be yes, but I don't have experience with the JH13. Perhaps if you live in USA you can call Moon Audio or BTG audio for their services in retermination.

No huge wires or anything. In fact, with the balanced card, you can use fully what is already in most headphone cables - all 4 wires - for greatest power delivery and channel separation. The TRRS jack is no more bulky than a TRS jack :) The only caveat is re-terminating your current headphones...

But that makes sense  

But where am i going to put the beer?

  LOL that would be hilarious.

Yeah I was thinking of a small chip with a thin lipo battery or something and wrapping it behind the ear cups and through the headband or something.

Does anyone know if it's possible to mod a headphone for wireless, like a bluetooth/RF kit or something? Thinking about experimenting with my HE-500. Not sure where I could  hide all the mess though...

Yes, a preamp.

Yes, you are right, It was me saying source, so I stand corrected. F4 still needs a voltage buffer though was my point I was trying to get across. :) Heck, you could even bi-amp the thing to get the voltage/gain you need too.

Hehe, love all the confusion going on. I think we all had long nights 

Will do

Master-1 preamp can do 19v from XLR :) That's what I'll be trying out when I get around to building the F4. It won't be balanced amplification, but who cares if it sounds awesome, which i hope it does.

  Lol I never looked at the voltage swing closely, but made the assumption it was similar to other First Watt offerings. It clearly is not. Thanks for clarifying that. The F4 is a current source amp, meaning you need a voltage buffer like a First Watt B1, or a serious preamp to give what it...

"No issues" as in bass light, bright and clipping. Something isn't right, even when you say the less powerful WA5 doesn't exhibit clipping. You have a sub-optimal preamp/gain configuration somewhere, it's not the power output of the amps.  

Yeah no issues here either, and the F5 is more than 2x the output of the F1J too. That makes you, potterma, dubstep girl, me and some others I can't think of that are satisfied. Something is fishy. Oh well, atleast you guys found something you are happy with.