It helps, but the rest of your system will be revealed for what it is
I have to say I was underwhelmed after receiving mine and listening to the first few songs. When I would switch back to the headphone out on the 5G ipod, it didn't seem it was drastically different.
But as I have listened longer, to a wider variety of music, controlling for more variablesand done more A/B swapping, the distinctions are becoming clearer and clearer. I also hear a distinct richness that wasn't there before, on tracks that are of a high quality. Poorer quality recordings sound better, but you hear the flaws more clearly too.
Primarily, here's the difference for me:
Much "cleaner" sound.
More robust/fuller/plump sound than the head' out.
I have some pink noise scheduled for the whole system tonight to see if that helps. Neither my headphones nor my amp have enough burn-in.
While acknowledging that the sound is not yet "$80 better" I am happy with my purchase and would NOT have been able to sleep well without knowing how much difference an amp and good lineout make.
For now, I am enjoying the set-up I have. I would give the iPod 75 percent of the SQ credit, my current amp 15 percent, and the Vampire 10 percent. Just one man's opinion. Expect a Hornet M to join the stable alongside the MisterX XP around Father's Day. But the XP is a keeper, too.
