Just to complete the thread, I took the plunge and upgraded. Luckily, I was able to get a great deal on an I-5 LE, so it ended up being a bigger step up than I originally thought. Like all Sim gear, it will definitely take a while before it's fully broken in, but here a few initial impressions:
1) the power level appears to be fine. It doesn't seem to be that different from the I-3.
2) definitely a more refined sound than the I-3. While the previous I-3 delivers a clear "up-front" sound, the I-5 imparts a touch more smoothness to the speakers. there is now a lot more apparent detail to each instrument.
3) a huge improvement in soundstage. With the I-5 LE the sound is no longer coming from the speakers -- you can clearly hear instruments and voices in specific locations.
I'm very glad I shelled out for the upgrade -- I had no idea it would be this much better. The I-3 is an amazing little amp, but the I-5 LE is noticeably more refined.
1) the power level appears to be fine. It doesn't seem to be that different from the I-3.
2) definitely a more refined sound than the I-3. While the previous I-3 delivers a clear "up-front" sound, the I-5 imparts a touch more smoothness to the speakers. there is now a lot more apparent detail to each instrument.
3) a huge improvement in soundstage. With the I-5 LE the sound is no longer coming from the speakers -- you can clearly hear instruments and voices in specific locations.
I'm very glad I shelled out for the upgrade -- I had no idea it would be this much better. The I-3 is an amazing little amp, but the I-5 LE is noticeably more refined.