Yes I’m using it balanced with my Sony PHA-3 DAC http://www.accessoryjack.com/sony-muc-s20bl1-2m-balanced-connection-headphone-cable-single-sided-for-mdr-1a-black.html

Soundstage only comes out when you drive them with balanced audio output. I have a Sony PHA-3 which I mostly pair with MDR-Z7. I got curious about 1A's balanced audio capability and hooked it up a balanced cable. The soundstage comes out, not as prominent as Z7 but it's an improvement.

Uhh... how do I scrape off the paint? Sharp edges?

Are you using Windows 10?

If something's wrong with the orientation or opamp, there will be "PROTECT" message showing on the screen.

At 300 Ohms, that's to be expected I guess. It should work well with my MDR-Z7 which has only 70 Ohms of impedance.

Omg, you're a lifesaver! Thanks!

Looks intriguing. Is there any cable for Sony MDR-Z7 to utilize its balanced audio capability? I've been looking for 4 pin mini XLR female to dual 3.5mm male headphone cable.

Yeah, exactly as you said. Has anyone done the capacitor upgrade?

Update: The opamp cutoff behavior changed again. Now it's cutting off at high gain setting with bass on, not with bass off. Strange...

Significant tighter bass and mids sound fuller, that's what I experienced when connected to my xDuoo XD-05 DAC/Amp with Burson Audio V5i opamp. Phones won't justify the improvement.

I own XD-05 with v5i op-amp and I too am having a problem with cutting off at high gain setting. But for me it just cuts off at high gain, no matter whether the bass is switched on or not.