Thanks for input.  And are you running straight from the S9's audio out,  or through an amp?  I always thought the EQ settings on any device a bit gimmiky, but I should probably hear a Cowon before passing judgement.  The other thing about the S9 is that it just seems a bit too similar to the...

I guess the other option is the iMod iPod. Being in the UK it's prohibitive for me to do this with Red Wine Audio, so might have to go down the second hand route.   Anyone have any experience of iMod + good amp Vs HM-801?   Thanks, Robin.

I'll keep this short and sweet - I'm after some opinions regarding my next step in portable audio.   What I have at the moment:  - iPhone 3GS  - Decent dedicated dock connector audio out  - Semi-decent headphone amp...