[palmfish]

Or all three of these for less than $10 total...

http://www.harborfreight.com/4-3-4-quarter-inch-bent-needle-nose-pliers-40698.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/7-inch-wire-stripper-with-cutter-98410.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/4-1-2-half-inch-diagonal-cutters-40695.html

 

[thunkerdo]

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.

 

[amcananey]

1. That soldering station is variable power, which is not the same thing as temperature controlled. You really want a temperature controlled soldering station, believe me. It doesn't need to be digital (and in fact, most digital displays don't really do anything all that useful). I highly recommend the Weller WES51. It's not the cheapest, not the most expensive, but it is very common, which means replacement tips in various sizes are fairly common and not that expensive. It is also well-made and very comfortable to use. I would definitely recommend spending a bit extra on your soldering station. You will use it for a lot of things going forward, not just this project. 2. You need a digital multimeter. You're not just checking the values of the resistors you install, you also need to check resistances and voltages at various places in the amp after completing your build. There are very cheap multimeters available. I've had $5 ones that were suprisingly accurate. But they also have significant limitations, including short, non-replaceable test leads, no auto-ranging function, and unergonomic leads that can make it more difficult to safely test voltages. I bought this multimeter and I've been absolutely stunned at how good it is for the price. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0050LVFS0/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i02?ie=UTF8&psc=1 3. As for shear cutters, I have these and love them. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000IBU1JQ/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I bought these after a host of others that were all crappy for one reason or another. These just work, and work well. Best regards, Adam

 

[amcananey]

Oh, and I also recommend getting some solder braid (also called desolder wick). This is very useful if you make a mistake. Since it wasn't immediately clear to me how you use it, here is what you do: (1) pull about 6" of braid out of the dispenser. Pick a spot that is 2-3" from the tip of the braid. Place this spot on the solder joint you want to desolder. Place the tip of the soldering iron against the solder braid, on the opposite side of the solder braid from the solder joint you want to remove. Let your iron tip heat the braid and the solder joint for 5-10 seconds, then slowly pull on the solder braid from the side closest to the spool. Keep your iron tip stationary, directly over the solder joint you're removing. The solder braid will get pulled between your iron tip and the solder joint. The tip will keep the solder melted, and it will get absorbed by the solder braid. You need to keep the solder braid moving, because it quickly saturates with the melted solder. If you still have extra solder on the joint you want to remove, then trim the piece of the solder braid with the solder in it, and repeat the process. In my experience, when doing point-to-point wiring, solder braid works better than a solder sucker or desoldering pump. Here is a link to what you need: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008O9VX6O/ref=biss_dp_t_asn For $3, you are better off having it ready when you need it. Best regards, Adam

 

[Zashoomin]

The variable temperature definately helps. If you make a mistake I find that a higher temperature make it a lot easier to desolder stuff. Also if you have different kinds of solder you will need different temperatures and what not so it will help. Yes get some solder wick and strippers, solder, wood glue, diagonal cutters, definately a multimeter, and needle nose pliers. Its a lot of stuff upfront but if you get quality tools they will last you a lifetime and maybe even longer so its all an investment.

 

[thunkerdo]

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.  Not sure on the Crack.
 
So hoping that the Bottlehead Crack isn't backlogged.  I'm already ready to put this together

 

[amcananey]

You will have to wait a bit, but fortunately is sounds as thought the wait won't be unreasonable. I'm curious: what soldering iron did you get, and what headphones will you be using?

 

[thunkerdo]

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.

 

[amcananey]

Well, I have a hard time arguing with your choices! If you are going to go with HD650s, I think the Crack is the best amp for them I've ever heard. Enjoy, you will have a great setup when you're done!

 

[calipilot227]

HD650, Crack... just add a Schiit Modi DAC and you'll have my rig 

 
In case you were still looking at DACs, the Modi is an excellent value at $99.

 

[sjeffrey]

Or bifrost and you'll have my to be setup

 

[Aeolus Kratos]

Or bifrost and you'll have my to be setup

I'm using the Modi with my Crack and HD650. Have you ever heard the Modi? If so, how would you compare it to your Bifrost? I'm planning to upgrade the DAC to the Bifrost, but I'm not sure if the differences are worth the premium price or not
 
Thanks,
Kratos.

 

[W0lfd0g]

Hi Kratos
 
Did you decide on getting a GEC 6AS7G brown base?  One just finished for well under $200.00 - Was this you?
 
Cheers
 

 

[Nic Rhodes]

whoever it was they just pipped me to it!
 

 

[W0lfd0g]

Check out eBay international - One ending in the land of Oz in about 18 hours currently @ $120.00 US (76 GBP)