I need some advise on some a couple mods I would like to do to my Dared MP5

[dma251]

First a disclaimer...  I don't claim to be an audiophile or tech expert about audio systems at all.   My needs are probably a lot simpler then those of most users here.  I bought a Dared MP5 amp and AKG 701 headphones a few years ago, and enjoyed the sound quality. 
 
Lately I have moved the amp out to my office where I am getting a new computer system, and I want to use it to power my AKG headphones OR a small set of speakers to listen to my music on the computer or my Iphone.
 
First - I would like to get rid of the 1/4" to 1/8" adapter I must use to adapt the 1/4" headphone plug to the 1/8" amp headphone jack.   It would seem easier to change the connector on the amp to a 1/4" female connector.    I am very skilled with soldering, and I have a soldering station in my workshop.  Any suggestions on where to find a quality jack?  One of the reasons I want to do this is I worry about the leverage the adapter puts on the headphone jack. 
 
Secondly, I really like the beautiful warm glow of the vacuum tubes on the amp, but not so much the single green pulsing "Magic Eye" of the large tube in the rear of the amp.     Is there a tube i could replace it with that would sound nice but just glow warmly, instead of the green pulsing? 
 
Last -  I have never been able to get the amp to work with my Iphone/Ipod plugged into the USB plug on the front with an Apple cable, even when the switch in the back was placed in the correct position for input type.    The directions with the amp where not very detailed, but I am sure I am misunderstanding something.    How does this USB plug work to get music sourced in?
 
I apologize if my questions seem dumb.  I readily admit I am in no way as sophistocated about audio as most on here are.  I just want this beautiful piece of equipment to work well for me, and I respect the design and quality of it.
 
Thank you,
Damon

 

[IndieScent]

Quote:

First a disclaimer...  I don't claim to be an audiophile or tech expert about audio systems at all.   My needs are probably a lot simpler then those of most users here.  I bought a Dared MP5 amp and AKG 701 headphones a few years ago, and enjoyed the sound quality. 
 
Lately I have moved the amp out to my office where I am getting a new computer system, and I want to use it to power my AKG headphones OR a small set of speakers to listen to my music on the computer or my Iphone.
 
First - I would like to get rid of the 1/4" to 1/8" adapter I must use to adapt the 1/4" headphone plug to the 1/8" amp headphone jack.   It would seem easier to change the connector on the amp to a 1/4" female connector.    I am very skilled with soldering, and I have a soldering station in my workshop.  Any suggestions on where to find a quality jack?  One of the reasons I want to do this is I worry about the leverage the adapter puts on the headphone jack. 
 
Secondly, I really like the beautiful warm glow of the vacuum tubes on the amp, but not so much the single green pulsing "Magic Eye" of the large tube in the rear of the amp.     Is there a tube i could replace it with that would sound nice but just glow warmly, instead of the green pulsing? 
 
Last -  I have never been able to get the amp to work with my Iphone/Ipod plugged into the USB plug on the front with an Apple cable, even when the switch in the back was placed in the correct position for input type.    The directions with the amp where not very detailed, but I am sure I am misunderstanding something.    How does this USB plug work to get music sourced in?
 
I apologize if my questions seem dumb.  I readily admit I am in no way as sophistocated about audio as most on here are.  I just want this beautiful piece of equipment to work well for me, and I respect the design and quality of it.
 
Thank you,
Damon

1. no idea about this. you can search for neutrik dealer though.
2. iirc there's no other color for magic eye tubes. one thing you could try, is get some thermal tape and cover the green glowing part.
3. you cant get audio from apple stuff using usb, unless the device have special chip that must be sourced from apple.