I'm not used to writing audio reviews, but this product is so good, it deserves to be better known. The iMod is really fantastic. I first starting using portable audio because I've been so busy that I haven't had time to enjoy my main stereo system. I honestly didn't expect much -- just some background music through headphones when I was doing work that didn't require full concentration. And that's just what an iPod gave me.
Then I started improving my headphones. I bought a Xin amp and started using the line out of my iPod with a Pocket Dock. This allowed for a modest improvement. After hearing about the iMod, it took me less than a week to send my 4th gen 60G iPod to Vinnie. The result was a huge jump in the quality of playback. I've put 200 - 300 hours on my iModded iPod, and the old murkiness of the iPod has completely gone. Instead, there is a beautiful clarity, of the sort that I get from my phono playback with a Lyra Titan. Of course, I never got the kind of soundstage through my headphones that listening through good speakers gives, but there now is a soundstage, and that was completely missing before. Once I get the time, I plan to listen to this iPod through my main system. That will really be a treat.
Also, I have read that many are unhappy with the bass of the iPod. I probably don't require as much bass as those who are complaining, but I find the bass after the iMod carries great impact. I was listening to the St. Saens Organ Symphony the other day, and I was very pleased with the presentation of the organ.
There is another aspect to getting my iPod iModded: That is having the pleasure of an association with Vinnie Rossi, who is without a doubt, the nicest person in high-end audio. I've been fussing with audio for some 20 or 25 years, and I've met some nice people and many of the other kind. Vinnie is at the very top. After getting back my iPod, I experienced some battery problems, nothing to do with the iMod. Vinnie took it upon himself to correct these, replace my battery, and to provide constant service for it. I've absolutely never met anyone so concerned and attentive of his customers.
So I've written this review in part to tell others what a great product the iMod is, and partly because I want to thank Vinnie for his constant help and concern. If you are thinking about modding your iPod, I say, go ahead and do it! You won't be sorry.
