IMOD W/Hornet How good is it?

[trose49]

Any owners of this combo I would love to here your thoughts of the sonic differences. How noticable was the improvment!

Worth the cost?

I am Considering a 5.5 Gen IMOD

 

[mrarroyo]

I have listened to it, and it sounds very good. However if you listen mostly to Jazz/New Age/Classical you may prefer the SR-71. I did and sold The Hornet "M". On the other hand if you listen mostly to rock/punk/alternative then The Hornet "M" would be fine.

 

[trose49]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrarroyo /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have listened to it, and it sounds very good. However if you listen mostly to Jazz/New Age/Classical you may prefer the SR-71. I did and sold The Hornet "M". On the other hand if you listen mostly to rock/punk/alternative then The Hornet "M" would be fine.

I am considering modding inplace of a cd source. I use Hornet portable and Hr-2 for Home.

My question is more directed to what level doe sthe mod bring the Ipod to a Rega apollo level?

Lower Higher?

??????

 

[orkney]

Quote:

Originally Posted by trose49 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I am considering modding inplace of a cd source. I use Hornet portable and Hr-2 for Home. My question is more directed to what level doe sthe mod bring the Ipod to a Rega apollo level? Lower Higher? ??????

Hi,

The Imod is a superb upgrade over the standard iPod, bringing enhanced detail, smoothness and dimensionality to the party. I have a Saturn and the Imod is not in that league; the Saturn is more satisfying in every way as it ought to be at its price. I would say the Imod is a terrifically musical device but I'd be surprised if it outperformed an Apollo or equivalent. It does of course have portability, convenience etc. on its side. A final note: the Imod at 1.0 volt output will require significantly more gain than most CDPs and this can make it sound less dynamic in some systems IMHO. But it is a wonderful portable player.

best,

o

EDIT: I have not heard the 5.5 Imod, so the above refers only to the 4g.

 

[nibiyabi]

I have the 4G iMod and don't plan on getting a 5.5G iMod until some impressions start trickling in. Anyway, with my HD25-1 the combo is awesome. It is a truly entry-level hi-fi rig on-the-go. The upgrade to the iMod is certainly worth it.

 

[tnmike1]

gotta disagree with Miguel (mrarroyo) on this one: had both the Hornet and SR-71 and for my tastes in jazz and classical preferred the Hornet. Guess it's just a matter of personal preference. Now that I've got my Imodded 4g, thinking about rebuying one of these and will probably chose Hornet because of its size

 

[wolfB]

Definately, go for it! Your Hornet/UE-10s are crying for a better source, and the iMod will deliver. The difference ipod vs imod is easely noticable and in my book bigger than 128 kbps vs lossless. iMod = much more than just the cream on the top.

 

[poo]

Thanks for this thread - am in EXACTLY the same position myself having just purchased a Hornet (original not M version) and currently own Senn 650s and a 4G iPod looking to iMod... all info much appreciated - especially on the specifics of difference between Hornet with iPod and then the iMod addition.

 

[Raphael]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nibiyabi /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have the 4G iMod and don't plan on getting a 5.5G iMod until some impressions start trickling in. Anyway, with my HD25-1 the combo is awesome. It is a truly entry-level hi-fi rig on-the-go. The upgrade to the iMod is certainly worth it.

I wouldn't call it entry-level hi-fi. It IS hi-fi. Of course, I don't imagine it would compare with very well established setups. The iMod is the second best source I have heard as of yet.

 

[mrarroyo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tnmike1 /img/forum/go_quote.gif gotta disagree with Miguel (mrarroyo) on this one: had both the Hornet and SR-71 and for my tastes in jazz and classical preferred the Hornet. Guess it's just a matter of personal preference. Now that I've got my Imodded 4g, thinking about rebuying one of these and will probably chose Hornet because of its size

Actually the LaRocco PRII MkII sounds even better, although the SR71 is a nice size compromise. Of course in my book the Supermicro IV is king, although I believe the new "Reference Xin" may have an opportunity to beat the Supermicro IV. I am waiting for a newly upgraded board for the Reference Xin (beyond the Beta board)