I'm with you, vapman. I run Rockbox on my X3 with my custom corrective
EQ curves for my HD598 cans. It makes such an improvement that I can't really imagine life without EQ now. Of course, XVortex has indicated that he may create an X10 port, in which case we'll be in business, albeit probably with the 16-bit limitation.
Wow. I always thought of the X3 as awesomely clear, tight, and technical! "More realistic sounding" is exactly what I'm looking for. At times I feel that the X3 sounds a bit lean. I'm not sure if it's a lack of harmonics, or the speed of the filter roll-off, or what, but with some recordings I've even found that my muddier Wolfson iPod sounds more full-bodied and present.
Thanks for the listening impressions. More, please!