[qc98]

I too have Westone 3s and a 3gs with 32 gigs. While the headphone out isn't bad, it also isn't good. I ran a mini-mini from the headphone out and a LOD each to an XM5 amp, then to the W3s. The difference is very clear. The headphone out has a muddiness to the sound, across the spectrum. The LOD is much more clear - distinct instruments can be heard on the lower end and cymbols, for example (but applies to other instruments), sparkle at the upper. Having said that, an amp will make even the headphone out sound much better. For a real jump, get the LOD too.