Finally got the replacement iMod with the SXC cable. Hooked it up to GS Voyager with SE530. Just one word:
Amazing
I was expecting it to be an incremental change to the overall sound quality but this was just overwhelming.
These are my observations: The sound stage has increased tremendously. Instrument separation and spatialization is unbelievable and my 160Gig Classic doesn't hold a candle to the iMod. It’s almost 3D and I am able to place instruments and singers in virtual space in front of me (well, in a limited way, obviously IEM's can’t compete with big set of cans in this regards).
Treble has opened up and though treble is still lacking on the SE530, I no longer have to rely on the "Contour" switch on Voyager fill the treble gap. I am not sure if ALO SXC LOD is at work here.
Bass has tightened and it is precise and not thin. It’s full bodied and enjoyable.
Complex passages are not mushy anymore and with the iMod, the SE530 is able to keep up, though it is still not perfect.
All my favourite songs have come alive and with my earlier setup, I had to concentrate really hard to pick up some of the layers within the music, but with this its just plain obvious.
I am extremely pleased with the setup. The only downside to this is that the iMod is showing SE530’s inadequacies and I will have to upgrade them soon (JH13Pro maybe
).