milspec is too dagerous for such a simple design, it would kill all the civilian components... Collateral damage should never be taken lightly.
Anyway, I popped a pair of batteries in the case, attached it to one of the LEDs to make sure it was nice and bright... it was a small supernova for about 1 millisecond before a fizzle and funny, yet familiar smell of burning. It seems two 1.5V batteries are a bit much for a 2.4v LED. Will pick up some 5v ones later.
So anymore thoughts on my crossfeed idea? no light - stereo, full light mono. adjusted - variable mix, running parallel to the normal singnal.