Thanks Fragviper. That confirms it. It's not using the Foster drivers.

The Denon and Creative have conflicting technical specifications so I'm not exactly sure. A picture of driver would be more assuring.

  Quote: Not really. D1001 go for $150 too. The Image One also has a Mic and better accessories.   All we need is a pic of the driver's front side.

The drivers suspiciously looks like the Foster driver used in the D1000/D1001/CAL!. Same size, shape, specs and price range. Can someone take a picture of the driver without the pads?            

Yep the Sabre32 'datasheet' is a two-page marketing blurb. I'd get a DAC from other respected chip makers.

Heard the D2000 and D5000. To MY ears they are not interesting compared to the D1001 signature.

It's well known that the Denon AH-D1000/1001 and Creative Aurvana Live use the Foster 443741 drivers.   Are there any other headphone that use these drivers?

The Sennheiser IE6 are open IEMs. Even my Pro 900 and D1001 have better noise isolation.

meh 5 out of 21   Try auditioning a lower model Ultrasone. If you like it then you'll probably be happy with the Edition 8.

Ultrasone Edition 8 http://www.amazon.com/Ultrasone-S-Logic-Surround-Professional-Headphone/dp/B0026P4670/   Top model Ultrasones do not sound closed.

My 8741 and TE module are going to arrive today. I'll hold off putting in the TE module until I have burned in the 8741.   Have been listening to the 8740 pretty much non-stop.

A week or a month makes no difference. They can decide tomorrow that another module is better.   When dealing with a fast moving company expect to encounter bad timing.

Still waiting for my 8741 to arrive. The modded 8740 is serving me well for the moment.   I used a 30W soldering iron to short 26 and 27. I applied solder to the wire (to GND) first then soldered it between 26 and 27. Perfect.

Anybody got this yet? I'd like to see pics of the buffer board.

Whoa they updated the accessories included? Kernmac, where did you buy your 2nd pair?   Can't stop tinkering with these, I'm afraid the screws are starting to strip.

Chino Moreno + Zach Hill is a pretty unique combination. I doubt you'll hear a similar sounding group.   The other light Zach Hill project that I like is The Ladies. Check them out.

Quote: I doubt there will be any significant difference between the two but if you do please let us know. TIA

Mod is a success. Listening to it right now. Definitely brighter and more detailed.   Compared to the default AD1852 DAC, the 8740 has a tubey sound.   Thanks Kingwa!

Thanks for the explanation littletree76.   My 8740 module it gathering dust so might as well try the mod.

Kingwa sent me this image. He said connect 26 and 27 to that red spot. I think he meant remove the top coating and solder?  

Apparently you can 'brighten' the WM8740. According to Kingwa you need to solder pins 26 and 27 to GND.   Will do it tonight :)

The magnets on these Ultrasone drivers are strong! Be careful when opening up a pair.

The latest Classic (2009 149GiB) is best sounding iPod for me. The older Classic seem to lack detail and tranparency. Have heard the stock 5th, 5.5 gens didn't like them, they were too warm and muddy.

  Quote: Ah really, DAC19 and REF5 doesn't have upgradeable USB modules.   If you get one for the FUN please let us know if you notice any audible improvements or differences when playing standard 16/44 audio CD / files. Thanks!

Yeah also saw it from the Product page. We'd have to buy ($30) the USB module if want ours upgraded? Bummer :(