A Whole New Level of In Ear that Competes with Full Sized Exotic Headphones

The A18 has made me rethink in ear audio as I have never heard anything like this before. With the A18, I am not comparing to other CIEMs as it is at a whole new level - I am comparing to my full sized HPs. My HD700, LCD2.2, and my HEX are all now second class to my A18. The HEX is my best for sound stage, detail, sub bass, and everything else that maters to me in music, but the A18 outperforms it.

Like Marrying the Hot, Rich, Talented, Intelligent Girl from College – She’s Got it All

This sexy, beautiful, talented, old money rich girl has all the advantages having come from great genes, stepping on the shoulders of her ancestors to reach new heights. Inheriting all the best traits of her lineage and being groomed for success, she surprises me at every turn with new professional grade talents that I could never of imagined. Dancing with Fred Astaire, she makes him look like a hack. Singing with Marah Carey, she steals the show. Yes, she is that girl. She is both fun and disciplined. She will go camping with you, sleep in the dirt, and eat hot dogs while looking good and making it fun. And she can go to the opera or orchestra with you and talk music theory with the cast/orchestra leader or even fill in for a sick cast member at a whim. How did I get so lucky?


However, she is meant for great things and you do not want to be responsible for holding her down. Feeding her hot dogs will only be fun on occasion as she really has a taste for gourmet and exotic options. She also wants to travel to new sources to help expand her talents and to see how high she can fly. It is a great responsibility to support her ascension to greater things. By marrying her, I have an instant ticket to the good life, but to keep her happy I need to keep her challenged and improving.


BOTTOM LINE: If you intend to use an iPhone and low res MP3’s – look elsewhere as she deserves better. Even my Calyx M and Sony WM1A with high res where she can shine are middle class to her. To get the very best out of her, she needs some quality exotic desktop time with your full attention in a dark and quiet space. Treat her right, and she will elevate you.

Dual Personalities – The Dark Side



This elegant lady of refined tastes and talents has VIP passes to all genres, a jet set lifestyle, and knows all the right people. However, she has a dark side which loves to party and get funky with you. Being married to her is like having a wife and a mistress without the guilt. The M20 personality has all the right bodacious curves, punchy personality, fun lifestyle, and keeps you in non-stop smiles. The M15 personality requires getting a little more intimate to appreciate, but this is the intimidating hard body flexible yoga instructor that can speak 15 languages, has a PHD in everything, and can do a one armed handstand pushup while in scorpion pose. One personality is about discipline and excelling while the other is all about smiles – both cut from the same cloth. The M20 is all about smiles and fun and jet set lifestyle while the M15 will amaze you with an endless list of talents that are beyond refined.




Cataloging Her Talents
Enough gushing, getting down to the review we can walk down the typical path.

Beauty
Just take a look for yourself, she is a beauty!!!

• Build: The build is picture perfect as you can see here. The 3D printing is flawless, the face plate is perfection just as I imagined it, the modules seat perfectly, the cable fits snug – what more can I ask for?
• Fit: The fit is perfect, no hot spots, perfect seal, comfortable for hours of wear, they slip in smooth and easy and release with a slight tug.
• Cable: High quality cable that feels premium. The 64” cable is from what I hear silver over copper which I typically frown on, but I am not getting the sibilance that I typically get from it and the detail is in spades. Definitely a keeper even if I use my upgrade cables.
• Accessories: The case comes with a holder for each monitor with a cable wrap that securely keeps my baby protected when not in use. The case also holds a clipped in cleaning brush, a module pull tool, and inserts to hold both modules for both the M15 and M20 to keep them safe. The small case is very portable and even fits in my pocket in a pinch.
• Price: The price starts at $2999 before upgrades. I was at about $3400 after the cable upgrade and the custom face plate options.
• Warranty: 30 day fit guarantee and 2-year limited warranty.

Marketing
The 64 Audio A18 Tzar™ is the world’s first custom-fit earphone with 18 balanced armature drivers per ear. Designed for the most demanding listeners who are looking for the ultimate in reference sound, it features 8 low drivers, 8 mid drivers, and the incredibly smooth tia™ high and high-mid drivers. Sound from the low and mid drivers combines in the tia single-bore and blends with amazingly-detailed highs from the proprietary open balanced armature tia high driver. The result is an incredibly tight low end, super transparent mids, remarkable high-frequency extension, and an out-of-this-world depth and sound stage. A protective mesh covering at the end of the stem helps to keep out debris while apex™ module technology allows for customizing the sound signature and reduces air pressure inside the ear canal for fatigue-free listening. We pushed the limits with innovation and design to fit such a driver package in a custom earphone and are thrilled to finally drop this bomb on the in-ear monitor industry.


Like all 64 Audio Custom IEMs, the A18 monitors are 3D printed based on your uniquely shaped ear impressions and are fully customizable with a wide range of handcrafted finishes. They are inherently noise isolating and are designed to work with a wide range of personal audio devices including all hard-wired and wireless monitor systems.




Unboxing






Unboxing video:



Singing like Marah
Like Marah, my baby has endless range. She goes low as well as she goes high singing effortlessly at a whisper or a scream. There is no harshness, no bloat, no flaws. This is not a sterile sound at all boasting a nature timbre and huge heaping’s of emotion. This girl can make you laugh or cry at a drop of hat with her golden voice.


Bass
This bass is as good as I have heard in a BA configuration. I was turned off by the 8 driver bass configuration thinking one large bass driver would be better, but boy was I wrong. First, from my full sized sub woofer experience, I thought only single large drivers could go really deep and move 20 hertz air, but 20 hertz is full on with this girl. Better yet, it is not bass heavy, but bass perfect. In other words, balanced without the mid-bass hump, but not lacking impact anywhere in the bass spectrum. There is clarity in sub realm and punch with rumble at the same time that I am clearly hearing textures from mid-bass realms that are so resolute, that I can place both bass guitarist separately when there rather than hearing a single bass note typical in most CIEMs.


I say the best that I have heard in a BA because I feel that both the AAW W900 and tia Fourte’ have better bass performance in a hybrid design. But there are trade offs that are not worth buying them over the A18 including less resolution, and more fatigue. Neither the W900 or the Fourte’ are particularly fatiguing, but the A18 has none. The resolution in the A18 is definitely better, but the dynamic bass drivers in the W900 and Fourte’ have additional information/dimensions that I value that the BA configurations miss including the sensation of moving air and a rounded wavelike tactile impact that is reminiscent of standing in front of a high value sub woofer. All I can say is it makes me want to have both even though I am likely to listen to the A18 more.


Mids
The mids on the A18 are hard to describe as they don’t fit into the three blob category typical of the TOTL CIEMs. Mids are creamy when the music is recorded creamy, have edge or clarity, or euphonics, or anything else when recorded that way. The A18 mids are a chameleon that fit any genre in stride bringing out the detail, timbre, and emotion as intended. The mids are more a story about how everything comes together flawlessly and effortlessly to a cohesive sound stage that sounds lifelike.


Treble
The 64 Audio guys are really onto something with the tia drivers. Doing away with the sound tubes has done magic to the treble shaping a natural sounding treble that no longer is separate, but part of the whole. Treble is not about bright or shimmer, it is about integration with the other elements to etch out more detail in a bass note or texture into the mids.


Textures
The resulting SQ coming from the A18 is uniquely textured. The only CIEM that I have ever heard that has better textures is the Fourte’ with the hybrid configuration. These textures provide a lifelike feeling to the music that is unmatched. The textures are what makes the music feel full sized and drops you in the middle. The textures are so good that it gives you shivers in the right track. The textures also squeeze out every last bit of emotion.


Sound Stage
The 64 Audio sound stage has always been the unique feature that keeps people coming back for more, especially after the advent of the APEX modules. However, the A18/Fourte’ have taken the 64 Audio sound stage to a new level:

• Size: Massive, full sized headphone style that extends into the room. Both the A18 and Fourte’ required me to take them out to make sure that I didn’t just fill the room with music waking my sleeping family – it is that massive.
• Scale: I find that scaling the band/instruments to all sound as if they are on the same stage and are all human in size is not typical of CIEMs or HPs. The A18/Fourte’ nail this scaling with an intimate 3D view into the music that allows you to feel the textures all around you. None of the band members sound like miniatures or as if they are playing from another room. There is a very cohesive sound stage that allows you to place everyone. The big deal here is that the singers sound life sized as if they are in front of you.
• 3D: The A18 has surprised me on number of occasions where I could hear parts of the music flying around me where this was not obvious before. This is not an artificial circle, but like a bird flying up and down, toward and away, while circling around and around. This took my breath away more than once.
• Positioning: Depending on the song, you feel like you are in the front row or on the stage for a very intimate view of the music. The texture is great enough to provide the illusion of the performers being right in front of you and detailed enough that the texture slowing disappear when the music moves away from you for a realistic experience. Intimate is not normally a good thing with classical typic genres, but seems to work for some reason with the A18 providing a very cohesive experience.
• Depth: This is a very deep sound stage providing great layering – very different from the typical wide and flat. There is a sensation of an endless depth that goes beyond the instrument/band stage. You can feel reverb off the walls behind with the right song. However, scale is picture perfect.
• Width: While the majority of music is not that wide in typical recordings, the A18 does a great job of pulling the instruments apart on the sound stage with enough width to make it work effortlessly. However, occasionally, a wider recording comes along which takes your breath away with the sheer scale of the sound stage.
• Height: The height feels very natural and scales to the song. Big sound stage songs grow in all directions including height, and shrinks in poor recordings. There is just a very natural resulting sound stage that makes the music believable.

Transparency/Clarity
The A18 is very fast. Very fast. This speed provides a nice black space between instruments that aid its transparency and clarity. There is no haze here, even with euphoric/euphonic songs that have that tube like quality to them.


Dynamics
The speed greatly aids the A18 dynamics. The plucks, the front and back of notes, the booms – go zero to big instantly as well as big to zero instantly. Don’t read this wrong, there is a nice natural decay with the notes, just no fuzz – all clarity. The Fourte’ does beat the A18 in dynamics given its hybrid design – from zero to boom, but the A18 beats it in speed providing a better back side to the note. The Fourte is very transparent and clear, but IMO the A18 is better. I feel that the A18 dynamics are close to the Fourte, but the greater clarity and transparency of the A18 drivers gives it an edge. While I don’t consider the Fourte’ to be fatiguing, the A18 is significantly less fatiguing. For example, falling asleep with the A18 in my ears all night long, no issue. The Fourte’ after falling asleep all night in my ears leaves me waking with a bit of fatigue like I went to a concert the previous night. Again, the Fourte’ is not a fatiguing CIEM, but the A18 is even better.


Timbre
I have covered timbre in the other sections enough, but felt I needed to state it one last time that this is a key reason to buy the A18. Everything sounds so real.


Full Sized Sound
This also needs to be pointed out as a key or unique reason to buy the A18 – the sound is at being there size as if the singers and instruments are full sized and in front of you. I have only found this to be the case with a few exotic HPs – Abyss, 009, LCD4, Utopia, and now the A18. This is another reason that the music sounds so real from the A18.


Volume Performance
This is a big deal to me in defining true audiophile equipment. Quality audiophile equipment sound coherent, correct in balance and scale with proper dynamics and punch at all levels of volume. The volume simply moves you closer to the music with everything getting larger. Poor equipment in not coherent until enough volume is present and typically mid focused without dynamics in the periphery. Turning up poor equipment is more like tuning a radio station that is out of tune until a proper tuning can be found and gets to a point of blaring when too loud. Quality equipment sounds great at all volumes. The A18 sounds great at all volumes with great dynamics throughout the spectrum and periphery from the lowest volume to the highest without blaring. That is saying a lot.


APEX (New) vs. ADEL (Old)
The old ADEL technology was amazing and may be less fatiguing than the new APEX technology, but at a large cost in SQ. My experience with ADEL was mainly with @ericr’s U6 and U12 that were amazing, but warm and lacking in transparency. The ADEL U6 vs. the V6 Stage was a clear step up in sound stage size, but lacked the detail that the V6 Stage was famous for. Worth it at that point. The U12 was amazing and fun, but that sound stage, wow. So sound stage lovers as well as those concerned about retaining their hearing were all on board. Having heard other brands at RMAF playing with ADEL, I was able to A/B ADEL vs. non-ADEL versions side by side and started to figure out what we were giving up as I ended up liking the non-ADEL versions better for the superior SQ.


Now, trying the new APEX, I hear all the fidelity and clarity that I felt was missing from the ADEL tech while retaining that insane sound stage. The ADEL had boomier bass that was fun and bloomed, while the APEX is tight. The sound stage seems to be a draw, but the transparency and clarity achieved in the APEX blows the SQ of the ADEL away. Hands down, I would take the APEX over the ADEL for SQ. The fatigue question is the harder one to speak to as I don’t have an ADEL version of my A18 to compare, but my guess is that we have reached the perfect compromise of no fatigue with the greatest SQ. The only difference, is that I believe that I could turn up the ADEL louder without ill effect, but I am a lower volume listener so it doesn’t matter. The flip side to that which I cannot answer without the AB is can I listen softer without issues with the newer APEX tech? While this is a pointless conversation given that the ADEL is no longer available with 64 Audio, I don’t care as the APEX is obviously the better option.


Pairing the A18
The A18 makes everything sound great from the iPhone to the best DAPs, but the better the source, the better the A18 seems to sound. This is a section in process given my move from WA to AZ, but I will do what I can.


Calyx M
The Calyx M is an amazing DAP that pairs amazingly with the A18. The M pushes out an extremely black background with dynamics that seem to spring out of nowhere. It is fast with unrivaled clarity and seems to have an endless sound stage. Best of all, it is one of those quality pieces of equipment that sounds great at all volumes with full dynamics out to the peripheries, detail, and balance from low to high volume. Does any of this sound familiar? If not, go back and read again as I just described the key strengths in the A18 providing a perfect platform for it to thrive in. This is a match made in heaven.


Sony WM1A
TBD: While I am in love with the Sony having heard it at RMAF and knowing what it can sound like, my new Sony is not sounding right. Let’s just call it user error, but I may have to send it in for repair. Should be a great pairing for a fun sound, but I will have to get back to you.


Desktop: Havana 2 > Eddie Current Black Widow > Balanced Cable
TBD: My desktop setup is in boxes waiting to be delivered to my new house in AZ. So I will have to get back to you on this one too.


iPhone 6
Amazing…. My Hidition NT6pro doesn’t do this. Like I said, you can feed her hot dogs and sleep in the dirt and still have fun with her. Just don’t stay here as she deserves better. While it sounds great, the sound stage loses depth and layering becoming the more traditional wide sound stage. Dynamics are great with gobs of texture, but there is a looseness to the sound and a fuzz in comparison to my Calyx M.


Comparing the A18
There are a great number of fantastic CIEMs in existence, if I could only have one it would be the A18, with the tia Fourte’ coming in a close second. The 64 Audio bros are doing us a solid……..


Fourte’ (Universal)
The A18 going back and forth feels more intimate, but that may be a difference in impedance as the Fourte’ feels like it needs more power. The Fourte’ feels like it has the same speed and transparency as well as the same tia treble driver. The Fourte’ feels like it has a bit more dynamics vs. the A18 with a bit bigger sound stage. The A18 feels like it is a little more 3D in the sound stage while the Fourte’ has a more natural bass boom and decay. The A18 has more bass and sub-bass definition where the Fourte’ has a little more rumble. All these statements are worthless as they change with the songs, so feel free to ignore. In the end, I want both, but would take the A18 over the Fourte for a little more detail, transparency, and a little larger sound stage, but that is just what I am hearing. I still want the Forte for having most of what the A18 has but with better bass dynamics and impact. Both have incredible texturing, but the Fourte’ displays it in a fun style where the A18 goes for emotion. Another big advantage that the A18 has over the Fourte’ is versatility in the M15/M20 differences in sound signature. They both win and no one could go wrong either way, but I chose the A18 as she is my girl.


U18 (Universal)


Hidition NT6pro (Custom)
The Hidition is known for its speed and bell-like clarity, but it has changed after going back to Hidition for a remold. The sub-bass has slowed down for a better decay, but this has filled in some of the transparency that it was famous for adding some warmth to the overall sound. The Hidition is an intimate CIEM with up close detail, but just cannot stand up to the A18 in detail or texture. The pro has a sparkle to the treble that many like, but it sound less cohesive than the better blended A18 treble. The bass on the pro is fun, but does not kick as hard or have as much detail so it feels bloated after listening to the A18. The pro is one of the very best I have ever heard and stood its ground through all the tours I have held until now. It has been demoted to EDM or gym duty as it again – just not at the same level as the A18.


Rhapsodio Galaxy V2 (Universal)
With a proper fit, the Galaxy SQ is irresistible with a meaty dynamic bass that reaches real deep and a clarity that bests my Hidition NT6pro’s bell-like clarity. It is hard to believe that this is all accomplished by a single 10.3mm dynamic driver. However, compared to the A18, the Galaxy is set back several rows so the textures and emotion are removed based on that distance. It is not to say that the Galaxy cannot hold its own against the best TOTL CIEMs with a good fit, but the A18 is just at another level of performance.


Wrapping it Up
I am being completely serious when I say that the A18 brings a whole new level of in ear that competes with full sized exotic headphones. The sound stage, the full sized sound, the life like timbre, the emotion …… this is everything I have been looking for in a CIEM. The only thing that I am leaving on the table is the hybrid dynamic bass driver bringing the Fourte’ into a close second place. I may have to have both, but I have lost my drive for more with the A18 which by itself is unique. I think I will be married to her for a long happy life.

Having listened to almost all top tier DAPs, the Calyx M has been frustrating to audition being relatively rare and absent from all audio shows and Head-Fi meets in the US that I have attended. Hearing/reading constant claims of top SQ, I knew that I needed to hear it, but doubted that it could be that good knowing that it utilizes a Sabre implementation which are bright and blaring in practice. With the prices coming down to a reasonable level, I took a chance on buying one to audition knowing that I would just sell it after my audition satisfied my curiosity. Well........ a week into my audition and I knew that there was no way that I would be selling the M. It just sounds too damn good!!!
 

The BAD

Lets get this out of the way - there are 3 reason to never touch this DAP if you care about anything but SQ. My listening is typically random songs within a play list folder or just random listening through all music in my library with my eyes closed, the screen off, and a finger on the forward button. The M fights me tooth and nail on my listening style requiring huge amounts of effort to just listen to my music. Given the issues I almost gave up in the first week. Also, at first, I was not impressed with the SQ as I was too concerned about fighting the UI. I also needed to learn to turn down the volume to eliminate the Sabre blair as the volume is not needed like on most DAPs to be full sized and dynamic. It took me a bit to dial in my listening sessions to find the value as the rest just pissed me off. So here are the main three reasons not to buy this DAP:

• Useless Battery Life: At less than 4 hours, the M doesn't even last my night time listening session without help. As such, I just keep it plugged into the wall with a long cord. The good news is that it seems to sound even more dynamic plugged in so I have overlooked this issue. I also have a USB battery pack that I can utilize, but that gets heavy and cumbersome - prefer the wall plug for my purposes.
• No Folder Browsing: My MicroSD cards are mirrors of my playlists to allow me to play my folders like playlists without having to mess with the UI. Trying lots of DAPs, this has always been the easy work around to less than optimal UIs. But the Calyx M has no folder browsing option making this setup inoperable. How can any DAP not have folder browsing, that is just a basic requirement and a starting point for creating a UI. Even worse, the Calyx scans the cards every time it is started to rebuild the library taking additional time to start functioning.
• No Play All: Ok, at least I have access to my music through my library. Or do I........ Turns out that the Calyx M will only play one song at a time. Choose any song through the songs list or by searching and it will play that song and stop. If you choose an album it will play those songs as a playlist, but that hardly supports my goal of random playing of various artists. Even worse, without access to my folders, I cannot see what is in my playlist folders to build my playlist requiring me to go to a computer to look it up. To listen in the fashion I like, this means I have to use the Calyx UI to build a play list one at a time which would take hours to replicate. It also has something called a jukebox that I can add all my library to one at a time which will finally allow me to play all songs randomly. Out of frustration, that is the course I chose and it took me three days of several hours a day to complete. Since I cannot see my folders, I will still be in trouble if I try to add music to my library in getting them into the jukebox as I will have to make a list of those songs and use the search function to find them one at a time to add. What a major pain in the ASS!!!!

 

The GOOD

Was it worth the hassle, YES!!! The SQ is very addictive, but I will get into that later. The DAP itself stands out vs. other DAPs in its design. Here are three reasons to love the Calyx M in addition to its awesome SQ:

• Amp: No need for a stack with this puppy, the SQ rocks my HifiMan HEX without any need for an amp. This claim can only be made by the Paw Gold and the Sony WM1a/z and maybe the QP1R if you like its signature. This is a major accomplishment to have a desktop level experience in a DAP without the extra clutter.
• Build: The Calyx M is a work of art that stands out as richer looking than the other DAPs on the market. While AK is the top dog in this area, they are different, but not better than the Calyx M build. Many might think that the M is the more expensive device when side by side with the AK lineup. The brown copper color is beautiful and rich looking without being flashy. The M is heavy and stout feeling for its size giving off the feeling of quality vs. the standard cheap, light, and flimsy we are accustomed to elsewhere - sorry Aune M2. The M is smaller than I thought it would be based on other reviews and is very comfortable in the hand. The rounded corners are nice to the touch.
• Storage: This DAP sports 64GB internally and provide both a full SD and MicroSD card slot. That means we can have 800GB or so for a library. While my library is well over a TB, most is junk with all of my playlists coming in under well under the 800GB capacity. 
• Screen: The M has a very nice screen that stands out as unique in quality and UI color popping. This adds to the overall look of the build and plays well with the brown copper coloring. The M has the most usable screen that I have seen to date with the exception of the new Sony WM1a/z.
• UI: While not perfect and requires a little attention at first to use, the UI is very easy to navigate and very colorful adding to the experience. Forgetting its weaknesses mentioned above, the M is as nice as the AK and the Sony UI which is saying a lot.

 

The Sound Quality

This is why I am not selling the M. It is like no other in its abilities/signature making it a keeper even when I get my Sony WM1A. My AK100ii will not be so lucky as it is easily outclassed by the Sony. So here are the key factors that define the Calyx M sound:

1. Black, Black, Black Background: The first comment I get from other listeners is how black the background is. It is so black that it is almost jarring. Starting a song feels like a failure until the music starts playing. Pauses sometimes sound as if the music stopped. Space between instruments are large voids of emptiness. I have never heard such a blackness in the background before, even on the highest end desktop setup that I have had the privilege to listen. This is the most unique feature of the SQ which enhances the rest of the value points. The details that pop on the M would be covered up without this blackness to frame them. The dynamics would be muted without the blackness from which they start.
2. Dynamics: This is another unique feature of the M that stands out. Big sound seems to come out of nowhere without warning. Most DAPs severely smear their dynamics where the M seems to have micro-dynamics individually with each instrument. Rather than a big increase in sound at a loud passage, you can hear the different levels of loudness/dynamics of each instrument and the boom seems to have space between. This is a very different experience that allows deep bass to boom while maintaining the delicacy of the symbols and its shimmer at the same time.
3. That Boom you Feel: While I wouldn't classify the M as a warm DAP, it is a warm DAP on a warm song and that bass goes booooooooom! The bass is detailed and delicate and deep and does not step at all on the mids. Even the symbols can have meat on them when called for. The blackness allows this by providing space between instruments. However, it is not all about the boom, it is the timbre and the texturing that comes through and gives you the shivers. A piano sounds like a piano and a bass guitar sounds like a bass guitar. You can feel the texture in the strings and feel the pluck. This is what draws you into the music and brings tears to your eyes.
4. Full Sized: Another unique aspect of the M is the full sized sound which is properly scaled and lifelike. The band sounds like they are in the room with you surrounding you with sound. This is not to say that the sound stage is small, this is to say that you are on the stage with the band with all the detail in your face. But this is a good sized stage that you have to walk around, not shoulder to shoulder. When the singer sings, they sound human, not tiny and distant. You can hear the breath and feel the emotional connection. I have only experienced this on total desktop setups before.
5. Voices: Voices both male and female are stand outs on the M. Whatever voodoo magic they are using, the voices are always forward on this device and singing directly to you. The voice timbre is excellent and really pushes deep detail.
6. Detailed: The blackness gets the song out of the way of the delicate details. The detail I hear is immense. Even the symbols have character. So given the blackness, the dynamics, the texturing and timbre, and full sized presentation, the result is a stunning natural sound. Yes, I am hearing things I have not heard before... blah, blah, blah - but also in a way I have not heard before. There may be some trick to the signature that makes these familiar songs feel different, but it is very much like listening to them for the first time again. This is what is so addictive.

 

DAP Comparison

If you cannot tell yet, I am digging this SQ. But how does it compare to all the others? Here is my opinion:
 
Sony WM1A/Z >= Paw Gold >= Calyx M > Aune M2 >>> AK380 > AK240/120 > AK100ii >= X7 >> Lower Tier including X5, DX90, QP1R, etc, etc.....
 
The AK380 scores low because of its extreme need for an external amp. It couldn't even run my CIEM properly without one. With an amp, it rises to the level of a $350 Aune M2 in SQ. However, the AK380 looks make my heart go pitter patter.
 
Now my disclaimer, please keep in mind that I do not have all these DAPs sitting in front of me to compare side by side. I am working off my memory and some detailed notes. I should also point out that these DAPs were often listened to in RMAF type environments which are less than ideal and for a limited time. Firmware may have improved these DAPs SQ as well. So feel free to ignore my opinion - it is just for fun.
 

Headphones Pairing

I am still early in my review cycle and have only used my HEX, the LCD2, and HD700. While they all sound great, the HEX is a match made in heaven so I have just used it in awe. When my CIEMs get back from Hidition, I will update.
 

Conclusion

The issues with this DAP are horrendous. However, if you can hold your nose and work through the issues as I have your are rewarded with liquid gold SQ. To me it is worth the effort.
 
Now that the price has fallen to sub $500 used, it is a screaming deal. If only Calyx would update the UI for my two complaints, I would be a happy man and can live with the remaining battery issue. If Calyx can accomplish this SQ with a horrible Sabre chip, I can only imagine what they could do with my favorite AK4490 chip like in the AK380 or the Aune M2. Calyx... we are waiting!!!

Disclaimer: I do not own the i5 yet with this being tour sample that was provided by Cayin. I sent this unit on to the next tour member at the end of my 7 day trial so the UI insights are from a newbie providing initial thoughts and not a seasoned Cayin UI pro. Thank you Cayin and @Andykong for including me once again as your products never fail to impress. Having said this, below is my honest opinion as always with no punches held back.
 
This is a great little DAP for $500. It sounds wonderful direct and doesn’t require an amp like most DAPs do to get good SQ. It is right sized, easy to control with a nice touch screen UI, and has a wonderful volume control.
 

UI

I am just starting to learn it, and it does everything that I need, but it is not as intuitive as my AK100ii. I like the way the AK starts in the music player, the i5 starts in a dashboard. However, to get to the dashboard, you have to go through a lock screen like any Android setup requiring that extra step. The bottom line is that the i5 UI is good enough to do what it is supposed to do and is likely easily customized for those that own the unit and spend a little time. What I have never found in a DAP is instant on like an iPhone/iPad which would be wonderful.
 

DAC/AMP

The AK4490 is my favorite off the shelf DAC at the moment and I have been searching for the right DAP AK4490 implementation. The AK380 is crippled by its amp and even its add on amp leaving the DAP useless IMO without an external amp to use my Hidition CIEMs. So the AK4490 offerings that I am aware off is down to the Aune M2 and the i5. The i5 stomps on the Aune in build/UI, but the Aune has a better matched AMP providing a little more sound stage and better bottom end.
 
The i5 amp is a little cold for my taste, but powerful enough that it doesn’t require an external amp to sound full and textured. This by itself is a big deal as it is not convenient to have to always carry a stack. The Aune amp also can go stackless, while sounding cold. However, I feel that the Aune amp is providing a noticeably bigger sound stage. Both the Aune and the Cayin are bested by my C&C BH2 external amp which has a noticeably richer and more controlled SQ. Where the i5 amp ran into problems was with faster more complex music where the SQ started to break down.
 

SQ

The i5 has the wonderful AK4490 signature with ample black space between the instruments and great layering with awesome timbre and texturing. It is the texturing that gives me the goosebumps that brings me back to the AK4490. Where the i5 lacks is in sound stage as does 99 percent of all DAPs. To me, most DAPs sound congested. The addition of my BH2 amp gives me more sound stage where I am no longer bothered, but the addition is minor. While this is no sony wm1a/z nor a LPG in SQ, it is not priced like one either at a fraction of the cost for most of the SQ. I should note that all my listening was done with a full sized HEX headphone which sounded wonderful together.
 

Comparison to AK100ii

Priced at 40 percent more, the AK100ii should kill the i5, right? Wrong. The AK UI was much nicer in my opinion, but the i5 was good enough. I am enjoying Tidal on my AK now after the last update, but I think there is a way to do Tidal on the i5 too – but I am not an android guy to figure it out. That being said, a DAP is all about SQ and there I think it beats my AK in all but busy passages. The AK may have a sound stage advantage though.
 

Running Speakers

While the i5 worked well as a DAP, even more impressive was the DAC sound running line out to my stereo to drive my speakers. Had a family music night and enjoyed the AK4490 goodness on my speaker system that drove new texturing and layering for a very fun night. The SQ is very musical and engaging. The UI made wandering through my collection easy.

 

Final Thoughts

The i5 has impressive SQ at its price point the puts my previous x5 and dx90 to shame and matches my more expensive AK. The form factor is pleasing and UI is nice. The only weakness for me is the AMP section which is colder than my preference and provides a little smaller sound stage than preferred. However, having an internal amp that drives HPs and CIEMs to full potential directly is a huge value. Don’t get me wrong, the i5 DAC/AMP pairing is impressive, but I am getting jaded after listening to a vast array of high end overpriced equipment that is eschewing my judgement. I think that the i5 is a solid entry at the $500 price point.

Disclaimer: I do not own the X7 nor the AM5 yet with this being tour sample that was provided by FiiO. I will be sending this on at the end of my 10 day trial to the next participant. Thank you FiiO and Sunny for including me once again as your products never fail to impress. Having said this, below is my honest opinion as always with no punches held back. But in this case, the good outweighs the bad so no worries.
 
With the completion of the FiiO X7 amp module lineup, I was given an opportunity to get the tour package back with the addition of the amp modules AM1, 2, 3, and 5. The real eye opener for me was the X7 SQ vast improvement on an already stellar performance that was achieved just through firmware updates. Since AM1 was the original amp module that came in the tour, the discussion there is about this improvement in SQ from the first tour.
 

AM1 - Firmware Updates SQ Significantly

This is the same setup as the original tour, but with firmware updates that have taken the X7 to a new level. The X7 has succeeded where many other Sabre implementations have failed - smooth HQ sound without the sharp edge. While the am1 does not have the grunt for the more power hungry HPs, it provides killer SQ that can be enhanced by your favorite amp pairing such as my C&C BH2. Paired, we are talking desktop quality in a DAP.
 

AM2 - A touch More Volume

While I appreciate the effort, I was not able to hear a significant difference in SQ between 1 and 2 so I did not spend much time with this unit. Was looking for more weight in the note, not just volume. If given the choice in an initial purchase I would go 2 for the additional volume, but would not buy aftermarket given my other choices.

AM5 - Top Dog

Between 1, 2, and 5 - 5 was the obvious. However, I didn't realize that the balanced module 3 was in the box free floating until packaging up to send to the next participant. So needless to say, I did not get to spend much time with it. My time was therefore mostly spent with am5. I found that it was a very transparent amp with nice weight and impact. There is no doubt I would go for the AM5 for the nice weight added to make the X7 a stand alone DAP and avoid traveling with a stack. This one is worth the after market purchase to me.

AM3 - Ops, My Bad

Unfortunately, I only found this module the day I needed to ship out. It was buried in the box in the peanuts without its own box which the others had. For the little I listened, 3 and 5 were close, but I never got to try the balanced mode which would have likely put it over the top. Wish that I could have spent some time here. Now I have a tougher decision given I like the balanced design and my CIEMs tend to work better with them. In a pinch, I would probably buy the AM3 over the AM5 and take a chance since they were close single ended and hope that the balanced option would take it over the top. Hoping that FiiO is at CAMJAM so that I might A/B the two and answer this question.

C&C BH2 Amp Comparison

Overall, while these modules all make the X7 a stand alone DAP, they are about transparency and detail. This is great, but I still like my BH2 amp better in its warmer more dynamic/euphonic signature. However, this is a personal signature preference as technically, they are probably equivalent. So at home I would stack, and on the go I would go single with the am3 or 5. This would provide versatility in signature for my many moods. 

Overall

The real eye opener was the improvement in the X7 sound quality by itself through firmware updates. Listening to the X7 with my BH2 and the HEX was magical. The DAP was great before, now it is even better and I am not a Sabre fan. I am missing the X7 sound and plotting to get one when I can get it past my wife's scrutiny. I am also looking for an opportunity to buy the X7 with the module of my choice which I suspect will happen soon.

Tour Unit Disclaimer: I'd like to thank Cayin for letting me have the opportunity to get a chance to demo the iDAC-6/iHA-6 stack for a week. However, I need to point out that I do not own the unit personally. The stack will be sent on to the next tour participant at the end of the week.
 
Note: Please note that this tour provided both the iDAC and HA as a stack and this review is looking at both as a paired unit. However, as mentioned below, I found that the iDAC stands alone quite nicely.
 

Initial Thoughts

While this TOUR stack looks and fits great on my desk and more importantly sounds great, it is not my preferred signature. The SQ is top notch, but tends toward the bright end of the spectrum conflicting with my brighter headphones. The treble shelf also interferes with dynamics as it forces me to turn the volume down as higher volumes are just too bright for me. The exception to this is my LCD2.2 with which it is a great pairing given the LCD’s warmth and was the pairing I stuck with. My second favorite pairing was my Hidition NT6pro CIEMs which brings out Cayin’s dynamic capabilities nicely even at lower volumes. Don’t get me wrong, the HD700 and HEX sounded great with the stack, but I was forced to listen at lower volumes.
 

LCD2.2 Pairing

Listening with my LCD2.2, I found that the Cayin required warm up. Leaving it on was not good enough, it needed to be driven hard. The hotter the Cayin stack got, the better it sounds – and yes, it could warm a room when driven hard. Getting warm, my preferred euphonic style signature came out. The LCD2.2 also allowed me to turn up the volume to optimize sound stage and dynamics without sounding loud/bright. This led to several evenings of hypnotizingly good SQ where I could listen for hours. In general, the sound stage when optimized becomes very deep with good layering/separation/transparency – but this is not a sound stage junky’s setup as it is fairly narrow. However, I did not find this bothered me and enjoyed the depth very much. I spent little time playing with the settings finding that I could only hear a difference between the transistor and tube settings with the tubes sounding better – so I left the tube setting on for the remainder of my listening. The tube setting again needed the stack to be hot before the difference was easily realized – cold they didn’t have much SQ differentiation.
 
The AK4490 sound was recognizable from my AK380 and Aune M2 listening sessions having great detail and instrument placement. I will be picking up the Aune M2 for my LCD2.2 as it had the same pairing results going portable. While the sound stage was roughly the same as these DAPs, the perceived width for a DAP seemed larger vs. competition where the desktop competition is greater. However, the SQ is definitely TOTL, just tilted toward bright/analytical vs. my preferred euphonic tube-like preferences – except when paired with the LCD2.2.
 

Comparison

To check the DAC capabilities, I paired it with my Eddie Current Black Widow to see how it compared vs. my Havana 2 tube DAC pairing and it did great.

1. BW vs. HA: The EC BW amp is definitely a big step up from the HA-6 in terms of my preferred signature and added a lot of weight to the notes as well as a little width to the sound stage. The BW also enhanced the inner detail provided by the AK4490 making minor textures more audible and felt. The bass took a large step up as well with more textures and resonance. The BW is a better pairing for my preferred signature which is obviously the reason that I purchased it.
2. Havana vs. iDAC: Against the Havana 2, the iDAC-6 felt much more detailed while the Havana felt more euphoric. However, the width of the Havana provides more transparency/sound stage to balance out the equation – so they are different rather than better. However, I am really diggin’ the iDAC/BW combo with the LCD2.2 and would be happy keeping that combo.

 

Value

The Cayin stack is stunning and absolutely looks like a $2200 stack on my desk and I very much appreciate the ease of use. However, for that money and already owning the BW, I feel that there are other options that would be better for me and my personal needs. However, another important consideration is that this perfect looking stack is also kid friendly where my stack requires strategic hiding under my desk. That means that the Cayin would be used where my current setup does not - that is worth a lot too. There is a big value to me for having something that I don’t have to hide and can be proud of which also simplifies its use.
 

Conclusion

The Cayin stack is a win in my book. For those that love the analytical signature and the AK4490 TOTL SQ, this would be a slam dunk. Overall, I am sorry to have to let this stack go as it is much easier to use than my EC BW/Havana 2 stack which has been sitting unused. Having said that, I am going to go back and listen more until I have to part with this tour unit.

I typically run and hide when someone wants me to listen to a transparent device thinking, oh no, another weak, lifeless, and non-fun way to listen to music. But here I stand singing praise for the Aune family and my Hidition NT6pros which are known for their stellar transparencies. What I am trying to say is that IMO the HD800 is an example of something that is done wrong, unless driven correctly bring it to life. Yes I love the HD800 and will eventually buy one – especially with the new JJ triple tweak mod setup that I am using on my HD700s right now. But out of the box played through an underpowered, bright source/chain can be painful at best. The Aune family and the NT6 on the other hand are versions of transparency that actually bring dynamic life to the party. You just have to hear them yourself to understand what I mean. However, I will do my best to explain below.
 
Disclaimer: This was a tour DAP that came with the B1 amp in tow. I did not buy this setup ......... yet. Only because I am trying to decide if I am going to go for the upgraded Pro version. Anyways, this is from a week of listening to a tour DAP/AMP stack. I tried it alone and stacked as you will see in my notes below.
 

Listening Notes

• M2 Stack/Single: Wow, other than the Paw Gold, this is the only other no stack DAP. No need for an amp, it is clear, full-sized, wide/deep, and full bass response.
  • Alone: By itself, the M2 is very full sized sounding with fantastic bass quantity and quality that makes it stand out without muddying the mids. The signature has enough spaciousness that it doesn’t justify an amp either. I would love to hear the M2 and PAW side by side, but they are very similar going from memory with the PAW being a little more elegant and refined. Need an AB to know for sure.
  • BH2: The BH2 adds a more natural decay or bounce to the base and a little more musical feel, it adds a little more brightness too. While the BH2 addition sounds better to my ears, in a natural fun way, it is not enough to justify the burden of a stack.
  • B1/CIEMs: The B1 is very close in signature so hard to hear a difference in an AB. It might be a little more clear and a little more wide, but I am splitting hairs. To the uninformed it would sound the same. No value for adding the burden of a stack.
  • B1/HD700: This is a tossup as it sounds better with the additional power, but for convenience, I would chose to go without. However, if I had the B1 handy, I would use it for the added SQ. The addition here is the ability to turn it up further without fatigue. Turning up with the B1 brings me closer to the music for a more detailed SQ that would be fatiguing without. At night at low level listening, the B1 is not necessary, but I find that when stacked at night I do end up using it which interferes with my intended going to sleep. But it makes for a fun listening session.
  • B1/LCD2.2: Absolutely needs the B1. Yes, it sounds great direct, but the B1 takes everything to the next level. Direct, the volume is high enough that the treble glare kicks in a bit, but the B1 take that glare away. Better yet, the B1 clearly is a dream combination with the LCD2.2 providing neutrality, transparency, and power that the LCD2.2 needs while effortlessly driving it without adding the treble sharpness many amps do. This is the best I have heard the LCD2.2 on the transparent side of the spectrum. I love the LCD2.2 on a warmer setup too, but I am preferring this pairing as my favorite right now.
• M2: This is a very neutral DAP with full extended frequency response.
  • Build/Looks: While it looks nice enough, it is obviously a mid-range looking product, but then again, so is the $2K Paw Gold. It is not too big or too small, or too anything. It is a good inconspicuous working model that is not likely to get stolen. My AK100ii would get stolen quickly if I left it unattended on a table at Starbucks – the Aune, not so much.
  • Neutral: This DAP has become my new definition in neutrality as it seems to give equal emphasis across the frequency range from meaty sub bass to delicate cymbal hits to textured mids. I have heard neutral before, but typically comes out as boring and taking the excitement out of everything to play fair. This is not the case, the M2 finds excitement everywhere at the same time.
  • Treble: Nice smooth highs that add detail without too much fatigue. There is a slight glare when turned up too high, however lower volumes are very full so high volumes are not required for detail. The B1 removes any glare from the treble if this was ever an issue. The high quality clocks have removed the treble harshness that haunts me in much of my audio gear providing treble clarity that I have not heard before with a transparency that gets the noise out of the way so you can hear the most delicate treble sounds such as a light bell tap. The clarity also puts that light bell tap into its own space where you can actually hear the resonance of the bell hit echoing in the staging.
  • Mids: The extended highs and lows hint at a fun v-shape signature, however, the mids are not recessed at all. The mids are neutral to the rest of the signature, but very rich and detailed thanks to the well-integrated bass/treble to create a rich whole.
  • Bass: The bass reached nice and low and is fast enough to provide quality and emphasized enough provide a full sized signature. The M2 power shows well here allowing the bass to stand on its own without the need for a separate amp. The bass may have a mid-bass hump for emphysis, but it doesn’t step on the sub or mids frequency at all. This is an example of DAP bass done right.
  • Sound Stage: The full size SQ implies intimate which implies small sound stage. However, while in the 1^st row or on stage in placement, you can hear good depth and layering showing off a larger stage with great detail. There is also nice placement and distance between instruments that allows the timbre to shin, especially in instrumental pieces.
  • Dynamics/Effortlessness: The M2, especially when stacked with the B1 is a great example of effortless dynamics. At low volumes, the spectrum is still punchy, plucky, and dynamic. At higher volumes the M2 gets a treble glare with full sized cans that is eliminated with the B1 stacked. The stack is a great example of effortlessness as it doesn’t get louder with volume, just moves you closer to the music adding intimate details like only the highest end overdone equipment can. There seems to be an enormous amount of headroom here.
  • UI/FW: It works, easy to use, allows you to hear music, without the UI clutter to confuse things. If you are a UI/FW freak, this is not the DAP for you. If you just want to turn it on quickly and listen, this UI is quick and easy.
  • MicroSD Card: Only one that is fine. Reads faster than I have experienced before. Only reads when changed and automatically. The only downside is that I had issues with one of my MicroSD cards where it had trouble maintaining the library. It would lose the read and freeze or it would rescan and start the list over. Hopefully, it was an issue with just this one card, but I only tried two and it worked fine with the other.
  • External Buttons: You can use the external buttons to control the music without looking at the screen which is a real plus for me. However, the screen turns on with every button press wasting battery even if I am not looking at it. Hopefully, there is a menu option to disable the screen when using the buttons, but I am too busy enjoying to care during the tour. I am on a mission to hear every song on this DAP, it is that good.
  • Instant On: While not instant on, it feels like it compared to the rest of the DAPs I have used. It turns on within 5 seconds.
  • Card Scan: I changed the MicroSD card a few times and was shocked at how fast it scans. I have not timed it, but it seems like it is only about 5 seconds for a full 32gb card. It is crazy fast in comparison to any of the competition. Better yet, it know when I change cards when off, and automatically scans when turned back on. This is MicroSD card management perfected as it is quick and only when needed – automatically.
  • Battery: 7 hour battery life sucks, but it is the price I pay with all my audiophile level battery operated components with only one exception – the 80 hour BH2 amp. What’s worse is that my LCD2.2s seem to eat the battery even faster – maybe 4 to 5 hours tops. This means that charging is a daily chore if I listen for two or three hours at night as I don’t want the DAP to fail on me the next night mid-session. However, given the awesome SQ, I don’t care – it is worth it.
  • Transparent: I am hearing thing that I have not heard before in music in a good way given the extreme transparency. The transparency must be a factor added by the clocks that are mentioned in the literature, but the noise is spooky gone and very noticeable. Once you get used to the transparency, it is hard to go back to the competition that once seemed quiet. This transparency creates a sound stage with massive space between and great timbre as mentioned before.
  • Musical: This is a new kind of musicality for me that I have not experienced in a hand held format before. Yes, I am doing the old cliché of listening to my music catalog anew as if it was for the first time getting lost in the music.
  • Hot/Hot/Hot: Yes, class A gets hot. Yes, class A stacked on another class A device gets even hotter together. No, I am not burning myself, but listening at night, I have to keep the stack away from my covers or I feel like I am in an oven given enough time. Yes, I woke up in a sweat when I fell asleep with the stack on the covers on my stomach.
  • No Opt/Coax Out: This is a feature that I use a lot with my AK and concerning not to have it on the M2 if I switched to an Aune stack. However, given the SQ, I will have to try using it as a source for my speakers to see what happens. Regardless, I use the digital out to test my music at Headfi meets don’t want to color the sound in the units that I am testing. I would miss that functionality.
• B1: At first glance using my CIEMs with the M2, I thought what is the point. The B1 sounds exactly the same as the family signature in the M2. However, bringing in the big cans, especially the LCD2.2, the point became quite clear.
  • High Volume/No Treble Glare: The M2 gets fatiguing at high volumes as the treble glare sets in, but I cannot go that high with my CIEMs to care. With the LCD/HD everything changes as I am playing in the higher volumes. Even though the amp sounds exactly the same, I can go as high as I want without any treble glare. Better yet, no distortion of any kind allowing me to move as close to the music as I wish. Turning up the volume doesn’t make the sound louder, just bigger and closer with more detail. This is the must that I check for when buying high quality components ensuring headroom.
  • Looks: The B1 is nicer looking than the M2 and most of the other portable amps that I have seen. It is certainly not as small and convenient as my BH2, but is very neutral and transparent vs. the BH2 colored approach.
  • Bass: The bass on the B1 is very high quality, hard hitting, and transparent. I cannot see anyone complaining about the bass from bass heads to audiophiles.
  • Battery: The battery life on this A class device sucks just like the M2, but it is worth it for the SQ it produces. Again, it is about 7 hours and quite a bit less using my LCD2.2. But the LCD2.2 is driven as good as I have heard it with the B1.
• M2 vs. AK100ii: The AK is a great DAP and I will not be selling it anytime soon. It is even better stacked with my BH1. However, having the M2 around, the AK is going to collect dust. The M2 + B1 is crazy good in SQ at desktop level and better than my AK + BH2 – period. On second thought, maybe I should sell the AK and use the funds to buy the M2 pro plus the B1 and use them as a package. If only I could hear the pro vs. the non-pro to see if it is worth the upgrade. Sorry AK, the Aune family is really that good.
• Personal Conclusions: This is my personal thought process having heard the M2/B1.
  • M2 - Gotta Have It: This is a stand out in terms of SQ that I need to add to my arsenal. It is the best chain that I have heard for my LCD2.2 which have been collecting dust lately. It also matches my NT6pro and HD800 taking them to new levels of portability.
  • B1 – Gotta Have It: While this is only the second DAP that can get away stackless other than the PAW GOLD, it sounds better with my HD700 and especially my LCD2.2 when stacked with the B1. I absolutely do not need the B1 when going portable with my CIEMs – no need. However, much of my listening will be at night and likely now with my LCD2.2 so I will need to stack.
  • Finance: Given the price of my AK100ii is equivalent to the M2pro/B1 stack, I am considering swapping them out with a sale/purchase. However, given the short battery life of the Aune family, I am hesitant.
  • Battery: As much as I hate stacks, I have an Anker Astro E4 Classic 13000mAh Portable Charger that has two USB charging ports that can be added as a third component in the stack to keep both Aune products running long term. Then I can remove the Anker and charge independently every third or fourth day. Now that’s a stack, ouch!
  • Sound Quality: Certain chains stand out as exceptional when paired with the right HPs. I like having variety in my signature which I have accomplished with a LCD2.2 at one end of the spectrum and an HD700 at the other end with my CIEMs being a good middle ground. These HPs pair well with my desktop and previously stood superior in that chain with the portable being an afterthought for convenience. The Aune stack has offered a new desktop quality SQ setup that provides a new signature that rivals my desktop while providing variety in signature. It is hard to describe the transparency that this provides without hearing it yourself. The transparent stacks that I have heard before all came at the expense of a sharp treble that I found fatiguing. Aune seems to have cured my treble fatigue through proper clocking and upped the game in SQ for portables in a big way.
  • Vs. Paw Gold: Going from memory, I want to believe that the PAW still beats the M2, but having spent time now with the M2, I am not so sure. I am anxiously awaiting the tour PAW to check my memory. Regardless, I can say with 100 percent certainty, the PAW Gold SQ increase is not worth the $1500 price difference to me. I would have to get a really good deal on the PAW to pay that much for a DAP that is at high risk for loss or damage when I can get 95 to 99 percent of its SQ with the Aune stack at $350 for the M2 and $150 more for the B1. I can stand to lose $500 even though it would hurt, but $2K is too much to risk for the PAW to leave my house eliminating much of its usability/value.
  • Vs. MOJO: Had the MOJO on my buy list, but the M2/B1 stack is going to replace it and be more versatile for my needs. The hesitation that I have had with the MOJO is that it is very close signature wise with my AK/BH2 stack. Therefore, I don’t get excited when I listen, been there done that. So if there is no real improvement in SQ or difference in signature to what I already have, why buy the MOJO? The M2/B1 stack is very different to what I have so it provides me with greater versatility. Yes, I am going to say it – I also like the overall M2/B1 SQ better than the MOJO. Don’t hate me, I just call them as I see them. That stack will save me $100 too, unless I go Pro, then I lose $50.
  • M2 vs. M2 Pro vs. M2S: This is the real outstanding question right now as nobody has the three to compare. The clocks made such a difference in the M2, that I am tempted to supersize them with the Pro version, but what would that add. Is the base clocks already good enough? The S version makes no sense to me given I have no idea what a Teflon PCB would do for SQ. Anyone? For me the real matchup is the M2 vs. the Pro. Please help with some specifics, anyone?

 

M2 Stacking Thoughts

At first, second, and third listen, using my Hidition NT6pro I was excited to hear a DAP that didn't need an amp to sound its best -"wow, no need for a stack here". But then I started listening with my HD700 and more so with my LCD2.2 and found that stacked, it reached desktop SQ allowing high volumes with no fatigue or distortion. Not only that, unlike cheap amps that get louder, brighter, and fatiguing with volume, this stack just makes the sound bigger, more detailed, and moves me closer to the action as I raise the volume. Being greedy for that last ounce of SQ, now I am unsure and will be going back to the NT6pro to finish my tour turn to see if it is worth the weight. In my use case, I am mainly using it in bed at night to fall asleep after obsessing about SQ for a while so weight doesn't overly matter, but here are some notes that might be useful:
 

• B1 Stack Value: I value the M2 for it unique clean transparency with the best treble I have ever heard. No fatigue what so ever while providing full on treble goodness in detail and reach - plus that tight punchy bass and rich plucky textured mids. Adding the B1 provides these values:
  • Allows Higher Volumes: At higher volumes, the M2 starts to strain and gets that treble glare where it can become fatiguing. My interest in the M2 pro is to see if it resolves this with with an even better clock so your S version may be different. With the NT6pro being around 50 ohms it is easy to drive so I don't really typically play that loud given the CIEM isolation preferring to listen at low volume - so no issue for easy to drive CIEMs. This may be different for harder to drive CIEMs.
  • Mobile or Jamming: When moving around outside or enjoying a particular song, I do like to turn the volume way up for a short while. This is where the stack is of value to me with CIEMs and I will be testing further in the next couple of days.
  • Full Size Cans: So, while borderline for CIEMs, it is absolutely a value for full sized cans. Easily justified for me given my LCD2.2 which they drive wonderfully and best my much more expensive and elaborate desktop in the pairing. They will bring my LCD2.2 out of retirement.
  • Family Signature: The nice thing about the B1 is that it adds power and finesse without changing the perfected SQ that M2 already has. Considered using my BH2 instead, but it changes the signature away from what I like about the M2.
• Stacking Considerations: The M2 and B1 make a pretty stack as they were built to stack together at the same size and shape.
  • Looks: The B1 is much prettier than the M2 adding looks to the equation.
  • Weight: They are very heavy together. The M2 is heavy alone and the B1 is equally as heavy so portable use requires planning.
  • Brushed Aluminum: The brushed metal on brushed metal has a damaging feeling/sound like grinding teeth. If I was to stack them with bands, I would absolutely need some cushion between to avoid damage. Velcro would probably work better, but is unclean when not stacked.
• Battery: Probably a non-issue given the same battery life as the M2, but at 7 hours (or less with an LCD2.2), an extra battery pack becomes a consideration to keep going throughout the day for long term use or flights making it a triple stack. Battery packs like mine are big and heavy adding to the already considerable weight. For me laying it next to me in bed, no problem except for maneuvering to find the forward button given my button pushing habits.

 

Conclusion

This is a definite purchase for me. The question is now the regular, or the pro version that adds better clocks. If the added clarity of the upgraded clocks allow me to go without the stack or if the SQ improvement is obvious, I will go for the pro. However, I am likely to get the B1 too for my LCD2.2 which is a match made in heaven. Here are my final thoughts:

• CIEMs: The M2 has no need of the B1. Go light.
• LCD2s: Get the B1. Good without, but stellar with. The best I have heard the LCD2s in a long time including against most desktop configurations.
• Battery: Sucks, but worth the hassle for this SQ.
• UI: Good enough for my use case of choosing a folder and continuously hitting the forward, FF, or repeat button. However, I need to find a way to control without the screen turning on. Didn't have time to figure this one out, but anything would help with this short of battery life.

Disclaimer: I do not own the X7 yet with this being tour sample that was provided by FiiO. I will be sending this on at the end of my 10 day trial to the next participant. Thank you FiiO and Joe for including me once again as your products never fail to impress. Having said this, below is my honest opinion as always with no punches held back. But in this case, the good outweighs the bad so no worries.
 
 
Skipping right to the good stuff, this is an awesome TOTL DAP that anyone would be happy to own. Yes, I almost immediately added my amp and stayed amped for most of the tour and yes there are quirks in the UI, but it is working very well as is if you can forgive the few nits. Having the AK100ii already, I will probably stay as is, but will certainly be picking up an X7 when I need a new DAP. The SQ to value ratio for this DAP is outstanding.
 

Sound Quality Perspective

At a certain level, the TOTL DAPs are all great and the question comes down to signature preferences. It is the age old question of what is the better car, a Ferrari or the Lamborghini. The X7 comfortably joins the TOTL DAP range in SQ and at a much reduced price so it is an absolute win. But again, it is a TOTL DAP like many others, the key value here is price and functionality. The functionality is where we have upside with the new AMP module options and with FW updates.
 
Forgetting the upside and focusing on the SQ, my signature preference looks like this:

1. SQ = Paw Gold >>> AK380 > X7/AK240/AK100ii/ak120ii > Pioneer/X5/DX90 > iPhone/iPod.

 
However, look up the prices and you can see why the X7 is a win.

1. Price = 380 >> 240 >> 120 > 100 > X7/Pioneer > X5/DX90/iPod

 
Now, adding functionality back, the functionality preferences look like this:

1. Functionality = iPhone/iPod > AK380/240 = AK120/100ii >= X7 = Pioneer > X5/DX90 = Paw Gold

 
So you can slice and dice for your goals and no choice is right for everyone. The X7 seems to fit well into all categories doing well at everything.
 

Review

I am skipping the boring walk through and the pictures as there are many reviews already that have taken care of this. My review will get straight to sound quality and usability points of interest so you can decide if this DAP is right for you. Remember, this is my opinion only and your mileage may vary given your different HPs and different preferences.
 
Below are my review notes for your review to see how I came to my conclusions – the good, bad, and the ugly.
 
Review Notes:

• Overall:
  • Sabre Chip: My fears that the bight Sabre chip would hold down performance was unfounded. The Sabre bright sheen was smoothed retaining the details without the brightish signature. Several years back, Sabre was the rage, and now the custom Chord DACs are the rage, but FiiO proved that it is all about implementation.
  • Genres: The X7 proves to be genre neutral making everything sound great with a few exceptions. While most rock sounds great, there are occasional tracks that are too energetic and compressed that make me want to hit the forward button. However, these tracks seem to be rare and the others are sounding exceedingly good.
  • Changing Impressions: The X7 is one of those that fail to impress up front, but soon become obsession worthy. I found the same to be true about the Hugo and other very good equipment. It takes time to start to get familiar with the capabilities and run through enough songs to see how special the DAP is. I am only now on my last day understanding what I will be missing when I send it on.
  • Scaling: I had an awha moment when I upgraded my HD700 cables to a Norne Solv X Silver Litz which brought them to a new level. Most of my X7 listening has been through the HD700s so man was I surprised when the scaling I heard this week at a Seattle meet on Summit gear translated directly to the X7 DAP as well. My library sounded new with the X7 and the new HD700 config just as it did on the summit gear. I lost 4 hours sleep last night listening to the X7 with it unable to put it down. The X7 as a source is putting out more than we can hear on lessor HPs and truly calls for better gear.
  • Stacking: Sorry guys, this is not an all in one solution with the current IEM amp module, but neither is the X5, DX90, AK100/120ii, AK240/380, or any of the others IMO as they all sound better with my little C&C BH2 amp. After some comparisons, I quickly standardized on stacking my BH2 to show the X7’s true performance. Man does it scale well with an amp so you can keep enjoying your stack with a new improved source.
  • Working UI: It works and seems to be getting better, but it is no AK. The bottom line is that FiiO has a product that works for my needs now, and is getting better with each firmware release. FiiO has been proven to take their FW updates seriously unlike other firms, so there is no telling where the UI will be in comparison to AK given another year.
• X7 Signature:
  • Overall: This is a front row or front section presentation that provides its details in note thickness as well as being more intimate in presentation than some other DAPs. For me this is a good thing as I find details through brightness to be fatiguing which is not the case with the X7. The X7 is full sized, but not overly wide so it can feel congested like many DAPs do, but it has a nice bottom end to make things fun.
  • Bass: Goes big without getting in the way. While I don’t consider this to be a warm signature, it is on the warmer side of neutral. That warmness goes into the texturing without stepping onto the mids.
  • Mids: This is a neutral type signature with neutral mids. That means that the mids depend on the song, but are typically more prominent than a typical recessed DAP like my old DX90.
  • Treble: The treble is not prominent, but smooth being well integrated into the signature. There is a little brightness at higher volumes, but not as much as my AK100ii. For me, this is an example of treble done right.
  • Sound Stage: Reasonable width, but not wide by any count. Great placement, but not much space between instruments. Full sized feel adds to the instrument placement. Not 3D like the Mojo, but can pick out the instruments that are next to each other. Amping improves sound stage considerably as it adds to the full sized character.
  • Texture: Great ticklish texturing that you can feel somewhat. The amp brings the texturing to the next level. While it sounds natural, the Mojo was more natural.
  • Dynamics: The x7 dynamics is a strength that grows when amped. The dynamics are where some of the detailing and sound stage comes from.
• X7 Pairings:
  • NT6pro: The pro seemed congested in the mids at first, but seem to be ok now sounding great. However, they do not have the width that the HD700s bring to the table so they may seem congested by comparison. The reason that this is weird to me is that the pros have a tendency to beat/match the TOTL HPs on high end sources including the mid-level HD700. So I am guessing that even though they sound great there is a pairing issue. My suspicion grows stronger when I hear the improvement when adding the BH2 amp.
  • HD700: Sounds great, clear, and wide with strong bass response making for a very fun listen. That was with the old stock cable, but with the Norne Solv X cable my HD700 scaled into the stratosphere and the X7 happily allowed this liftoff with more SQ than I knew was there. Awesome job FiiO.
  • LCD2.2: Unamped, the x7 does a respectable job driving the LCD2.2 as it is not that hard to drive. However, it doesn’t near the LCDs potential with the bass being a bit soft and the sound stage a bit collapsed. But it sounds better than low end HPs any day. Now adding an amp makes all the difference in the world. Adding my BH2 makes the LCD2.2 sing and as a source, the X7 combination excels.
• X7 SQ Comparisons:
  • AK100ii: AK 52 of 75 – x7 75 of 120: Very close, x7 has a little more thickness to the note while the ak is a little more detailed, but I am splitting hairs. I do think that the x7 has a stronger bottom end. They are even closer going to AK balanced from SE HO. Both sound great, neither is overly wide in sound stage, but better than lessor units like the x5. Both are first row, full sized, detailed presentations. However, one surprise is that the x7 remains listenable/enjoyable at higher volumes than AK which gets a little bright. I suspect that the x7 has a linear volume where the AK feels more exponential. Both sound great at low volumes, but the x7 retains a little more of the thicker textured note which is a positive to me. In the end, the x7 matches or surpasses the AK SQ at a lower price point. In terms of looks and form factor, the smaller prettier ak takes an easy win and is a more pocketable unit. But, whatever….. Coming back to UI, I have a strong preference for the AK
  • AK100ii/BH2: See below, no contest as the BH2 takes everything to the next level.
  • Mojo: Indirect comparison: Listened to the Mojo last week and found it to beat my AK/BH2 setup substantially directly out of my iPhone. The Mojo sound stage is not the widest, but definitely wider and more 3d than either the AK or x7 paired with the BH2. However, the Mojo is for a different purpose and the x7 brings most of its sound in a single unit. However, I still want a Mojo after hearing the x7 for those rare times that the Mojo makes sense in my lifestyle.
  • X5: The X5 is a fun unit that brings the presentation forward and in your face with thick meaty notes providing fun, but with a high level of detail giving it the audiophile feel. However, the X7 is an obvious upgrade in every way – except for that stupid lock screen. Not much to say here, moving on.
• X7 Amped:
  • AK/BH2 vs. X7 Unamped: No contest, the BH2 takes the AK to another level.
  • X7/BH2 vs. AK/BH2: Wow, the BH2 take the x7 to another level too. However, the x7 adds more to the bottom end here too. I like the x7 better than the AK with the BH2 added to both. The X7 gets smoother than the AK when amped by the BH2. This would be desktop quality if we could get more width in the sound stage. Definitely full sized sound.
  • X7/BH2 Portable vs. Havana 2/Mjolnir Desktop: Obviously no contest, but it was closer than I thought with the LCD2.2. The problem with the Mjolnir is the brightness it adds to the LCD2.2 which I tame with the Havana 2 tube DAC. The X7 has a bit of that brightness as well, but the sound stage is not as strongly defined missing the desktop transparency and the tightness of the texturing. The x7 felt loose in comparison. However, the X7/BH2 has a nice smoothness to it and good enough umph and SQ that it would thrill anyone on the go but the utmost perfectionist. With the BH2 and playing “Thumper” by DJ Baby Anne, I could feel my molars rattling.
• UI Notes:
  • Screen Off: Everything but volume works with the screen off. Same as the AK. I would strongly prefer a working volume.  Take that back, changing inputs or anything funky turns off the sound requiring a screen on to restart. So testing the unit and going back and forth was a pain in the butt.
  • Turning Screen On: It is a pain in the butt. The buttons are minimally responsive requiring visual confirmation that the push registered. Then you are greeted by a lock screen that is even more difficult to get right requiring numerous visual tries for me again. Only then can you attempt to figure out the next step. Please keep in mind that I have less than a couple hours using the device, but even regular users will need to visually confirm presses.
  • Turning Unit On: Very long hold and uncertainty that it is turning on until screen finally lights up with graphics.
  • Lock Screen: Why!!!!!!! What in the world would anyone want a lock screen for that places an extra obnoxious step into all the workflows. For example, when turning the volume up a notch: Turn screen on > unlock swipe > volume buttons. Three steps that require a visual approach. If I had to, I could remember where the on and volume buttons are to operate in my pocket which is where a DAP is supposed to reside, but with the swipe requirement, I have to have all eyes on deck. The volume buttons and the swipe are not easy use either requiring a bit of concentration to see if the volume shows up on screen and if the swipe took. Pain in the butt!!!
  • Hidden Functionality: There is a lot of hidden functionality that needs to be learned to operate correctly and smoothly. This is not an intuitive Apple or AK product. However, with a little patience, I expect that it can become natural as long as the other issues are eliminated in the FW updates. The good news is that it adds a lot once you learn it. The bad news it you have to read the instructions or you may never know that it is there.
  • Fixed Line Out: Fixed, no adjustments needed. Very nice.
  • Too Many Touches Required: Many of the work flows require too many unnecessary touches to get results. The lock screen messes most things up given that the screen time outs quickly requiring you to turn it on again to do things. It would be nice if we could keep everything at the external button level for basic commands. This would leave browsing and searching plus system changes as the only reason to turn on the screen.
• Build: The x7 is solid and again built like a tank with great heft. However, the screen is exposed to breakage potential being raised a couple mm above the frame – ooopps! It looks reasonably expensive, but in a P1 kind of way vs. an AK more elegant kind of way. The AKs win the beauty contest, the UI usability contest, but at a great cost and delivering similar SQ.

 

Conclusion

If I didn’t already have the AK100ii, I would consider this DAP for its SQ to price advantage. However, having the AK, I don’t have a reason to jump today. Down the road after a few FW iterations fix my nits, and my AK bites the dust, I will likely pick one up. Another hold up for me is the amp. The BH2 did wonders for the X7, but I don’t want to carry a stack. If the new X7 amp modules can meet or beat the BH2 in an all in one setup, that would be motivation for me to make the move as well. Right now, the top of the SQ DAP wars for me is the Paw Gold, but that is too expensive and ugly/goddy for me and the UI is basic. If the amp module can get me to the Paw SQ, I’m in!!!
 
Now for the big test, sending it on to the next tour participant. My opinion may change as I miss its SQ, scalability, and pairing with my newly invigorated HD700, This is where I may get weak in the knees and just buy one.   
 

September 2016 Update - Amp Module Tour

With the completion of the FiiO X7 amp module lineup, I was given an opportunity to get the tour package back with the addition of the amp modules AM1, 2, 3, and 5. The real eye opener for me was the vast improvement on an already stellar performance that was achieved just through firmware updates. Since AM1 was the original amp module that came in the tour, the discussion there is about this improvement in SQ from the first tour.
 

AM1 - Firmware Updates SQ Significantly

This is the same setup as the original tour, but with firmware updates that have taken the X7 to a new level. The X7 has succeeded where many other Sabre implementations have failed - smooth HQ sound without the sharp edge. While the am1 does not have the grunt for the more power hungry HPs, it provides killer SQ that can be enhanced by your favorite amp pairing such as my C&C BH2. Paired, we are talking desktop quality in a DAP.
 

AM2 - A touch More Volume

While I appreciate the effort, I was not able to hear a significant difference in SQ between 1 and 2 so I did not spend much time with this unit. Was looking for more weight in the note, not just volume. If given the choice in an initial purchase I would go 2 for the additional volume, but would not buy aftermarket given my other choices.

AM5 - Top Dog

Between 1, 2, and 5 - 5 was the obvious. However, I didn't realize that the balanced module 3 was in the box free floating to spend some good time with it. My time was therefore mostly spent with am5. I found that it was a very transparent amp with nice weight and impact. There is no doubt I would go for the AM5 for the nice weight added to make the X7 a stand alone DAP and avoid traveling with a stack. This one is worth the after market purchase to me.

AM3 - Ops, My Bad

Unfortunately, I only found this module the day I needed to ship out. It was buried in the box in the peanuts without its own box which the others had. For the little I listened, 3 and 5 were close, but I never got to try the balanced mode which would have likely put it over the top. Wish that I could have spent some time here. Now I have a tougher decision given I like the balanced design and my CIEMs tend to work better with them. In a pinch, I would probably buy the AM3 over the AM5 and take a chance. Hoping that FiiO is at CAMJAM so that I might A/B the two and answer this question.

C&C BH2 Amp Comparison

Overall, while these modules all make the X7 a stand alone DAP, they are about transparency and detail. This is great, but I still like my BH2 amp better in its warmer more dynamic/euphonic signature. So at home I would stack, and on the go I would go single with the am3 or 5. But this is matter of preferences and technically, they are equivalent. 

Overall

The real eye opener was the improvement in the X7 sound quality by itself through firmware updates. Listening to the X7 with my BH2 and the HEX was magical. The DAP was great before, now it is even better and I am not a Sabre fan. I am missing the X7 sound and plotting to get one when I can get it past my wife's scrutiny. I am also looking for an opportunity to buy the X7 with the module of my choice which I suspect will happen soon.

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Note: Please note that this LCD-X was received as part of the HeadAmp Headphone Demos tour for the LCD-X. I do not own the X, but had it for a 7 day period where I was able to test and write a review, then send it to the next tour participant. These are my opinions and YMMV based on your preferences and your equipment.

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Having the LCD-X tour unit for a few days, I decided to do an Audeze family shootout between the 2, 3, and the X – and added the Fostex TH900 for good measure. Using m2man’s experienced ear, we tested the lineup using his expensive home setup including his:
 
Laptop > USB > Off-Ramp 5 > HDMI > PWDmkII > Schiit Mjolnir (not to mention a lot of power conditioning)
 
We plugged two in at a time to quickly switch back and forth using both the Mjolnir's 4pin and dual 3pin XLR outputs. With the LCD-X’s lower impedance, it made it harder to volume match, but the results were consistent up and down the volume range as we adjusted the volume.
 

LCD2.2

The LCD2.2 was my first jump into high end TOTL headphones and for good reason. At the time there was the HD800 vs. LCD2.2 and it seemed to be a line in the sand between two very different audiophile factions. The HD800 was awesome for classical with its oversized sound stage and delicate details. The Audeze signature was more for the romantic audiophile that wants to feel the emotion with a thick euphoric, tube-like sound. It works better with Pop, Rock, and EDM genres. While both are great headphones, the line in the sand still exists while new contenders try to straddle the line but typically end up not as good at either. In fact, IMO - the only headphone that can beat an Audeze is another Audeze. While I would love to add the HD800 to my stable, it just is not very versatile steering me toward adding to my Audeze family instead.
 
I am a big fan of the fat and colored Audeze house sound but find that it scales differently with different options. I find with Audeze planers, and specifically my LCD2.2 - that the signature is dark and somewhat congested at lower power while providing a very musical and fun sound signature. Then as it is scaled up in power, the sound stage opens up and the treble come out of hiding for improved detailing and layering. Finally the amps I have heard are either laid back (Bryston) or aggressive (Mojo) in nature providing options for you listening preferences not to mention different tunings.
 

LCD3

IMO, compared to my LCD2.2, m2man’s LCD3 sound very similar in signature to the LCD2.2 but faster for a little more clarity, extended a little more on top, and a little sweeter especially in the mid frequency range. However, the sweet and extended treble is what defines it over the LCD2.2. When the LCD2.2 is scaled up with power its treble comes out as well so the differences become smaller and harder to hear unless doing a direct A/B. Therefore, while I would definitely take an LCD3 over a 2, I cannot justify the jump in price for the little bit of increase in SQ. The earpads are more comfortable, but I can just buy the earpads as an upgrade to the 2s for much cheaper. The only reason that I can see doing the 3s over the 2s for the price is in pairing with a tube amp that is under powered to bring out the treble in the Audeze signature.
Conclusion: The LCD3 is a LCD2 with a lusher and sweeter treble.
 

LCD-X

The LCD-X on the other hand, while retaining the Audeze house sound, seems to have a shifted signature. It feels shifted up in the frequency range and a little faster yet providing even greater clarity than my LCD2.2 or the m2man’s LCD3s. It’s not that the LCD-X is lacking in the bass department either, but the bass seems to be turned down a notch keeping it from getting in the way of the rest of the frequency range. The result is a very realistic sounding sound stage that is even wider and closer to being there. However, to me the LCD-X is all about the mids - the have sweeter sounding mids than I have ever heard before while integrating seamlessly into the rest of the frequency range.
Conclusion: The LCD-X is a LCD2 with lusher mids and treble with the frequency shifted up a little.
 

LCD-XC (Auditioned Separately)

I heard the XC at a later date during CANJAM 2014 in Colorado. While sounding a lot like the X, it had a bit more treble presence that made it more prone to harshness with the wrong recording. It had very nice isolation and is perfect for my needs, but I like the X much better causing me to pause in my purchase.
Conclusion: The XC is a beautiful closed X with harsher treble.
 

Fostex TH9000

The Fostex TH900 is a very nice sounding headphone, but IMO the LCD-X was the clear winner. In fact, both m2man and I felt that the LCD-X swept the shootout easily.
 

Scaling Down with FiiO X5

As an added point of interest, I happened to have the X5 DAP tour unit at the same time so we took a listen on it as well. While using a DAP is an obvious step down from a good desktop setup, it is nice to be able to listen to quality sound without being chained to the desktop. The short of it is that the LCD-X scales down extraordinarily well providing a sound quality far closer to the m2man’s desktop sound that any other in the lineup. While this bodes well for the LCD-X, it also speaks to how high quality and authoritative of a sound that the X5 really puts out. I was quite impressed with the X5 and will be getting on at their launch. Scaling down is an often overlooked value point for a headphone, but one that is of particular importance for the LCD-X. For anyone interested in more details with the X5, you can find my X5 review with headphone pairings at:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/products/fiio-x5-high-res-portable-music-player/reviews/10579

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Please Note: This is a pre-production review unit from FiiO as part of their pre-release “World Tour.” The review period was 10 days, during which I used it extensively, before sending it on to the next reviewer. I did not have to pay for the unit, nor did I get to keep it. Because this was a pre-production review unit running beta firmware, it is possible that release models will feature changes and/or improvements to hardware and firmware over what is reflected here.

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X5ii, Splitting the Difference between the X5 and DX90

 
While the entry level (under $500) audiophile DAP market is starting to get crowded, the fight for best in class has predominately been between the FiiO X5, first generation and the iBasso DX90 as the two most popular in this class. In my eyes, while this is an oversimplification – the dividing line has been the preferred genre with the DX90 crowd going classical and the X5 crowd going pop/EDM/rock. There are characteristics of each that make them better for enjoying those particular genres, but both DAPs are excellent choices and sound great across all genres. One other line in the sand was the volume level preferences as the X5 sounds best at moderate levels getting shouty at high volumes where the DX90 only sounds its best at higher volumes sounding somewhat lifeless at lower volumes. Of course this is in my opinion using my gear so YMMV.
 
Enter the new FiiO new generation X5ii. The new X5ii seems to fall in the middle ground between the two DAPs taking on some of the characteristics of the DX90 while moving away from some of its older sibling. For example, the X5 is on stage intimate while the X5ii steps back to the first section and the DX90 is several sections back. Also the X5 thick texturing is reduced on the X5ii having a more transparent, neutral, and analytic sound quality closer to the DX90 presentation. In the end, the X5ii feels more like a new player with a different tuning than an upgrade in SQ. On the other hand, the form factor has some significant improvements over the older generation. Bottom line, there is room for all three DAPs and they all sound excellent, but the new X5ii is the best all-rounder across genres.
 

Perspective

There is only so much room for improvement in SQ. If the goal is to recreate the experience you had at a live concert where you had front row seats, then while you were there you experienced the ultimate 10. Speakers can bring you close, but not all the way – maybe 9, but at what cost? Headphones can get close to speakers, but not all the way alternatively offering some fun coloring options – however that requires significant equipment to even consider getting close to the best speaker experience maxing out at maybe 8. That brings us down to portable options the size of a cellular phone with significant limitations placed on them to make them portable. It should also be pointed out here that the SQ is limited by the weakest link in the chain from file quality to HP. On the road, listeners are less likely to take their best HP and typically trade file quality for size. So for a DAP to get to a 7 would take some significant wizardry on the side of the manufacturer and a significant risk on the side of the DAP user to carry several grand in portable gear on the go. Limited by a sub-$500 HP is likely to keep you down to a maximum SQ in the 6 range at best. If this is hard to stomach, add to this that I am assuming that we have perfect isolation from noise and distraction when listening to take in all the details provided - which doesn’t not sound like an on the go environment at all. The environment itself is the most likely limiting factor and may be limiting our audible SQ to 5 or less regardless of the HP/DAP SQ. No matter how you slice it, there is a considerable amount of detail retrieval lost when a ferry boat horn blows - yes, I live near the water - or when I put the top down on my convertible while driving on the freeway or when I go jogging.
 
iPhone 6 < X5/X5ii/DX90 < AK100ii << Desktop << Speakers <<< Live
 
What does this mean? It means we are splitting hairs when discussing improvements and there are many limiting factors beyond the DAP in determining its ultimate SQ at any point in time. This also means that the entry level DAP is the sweet spot to invest in your music as the benefits of the higher cost DAPs are likely to be eliminated by the environmental elements anyways.
 
One more thing – as surprisingly good an my iPhone 6 sounds, it is not a replacement for a DAP and is only good in a pinch. If you are anything like me, the last thing I want to do when I get lost in my music is, to get blasted in the ear by a ringing phone or dinged by an email – especially if I am listening while dozing off. I listen to music to escape the chaos of life, the phone only pulls you back in.

Comparing DAP Options     

Sound quality in a vacuum is meaningless to me so I figured that I would better serve other Head-Fiers by comparing to the other DAPs it is most likely to be compared. Here I will discuss the X5 and the X5ii and how they compare to the other obvious players in the field surrounding them. It should be pointed out that my preference in genres do flavor my findings, but I will attempt to stay neutral in my review. Typically falling on the pop/EDM/rock side of the genre line, I do like a more intimate presentation with a thicker more textured note. But I do listen to occasional classical and jazz selections and do appreciate the other signature options as well.
 

FiiO X5

In a nutshell, the original X5 has an aggressively intimate, thick textured SQ that I have grown to love. Hating to be chained to a desktop setup, I use the X5 around the house and office as well. It is built like a tank so I have no problem going to the gym or jogging with it either. It has been my companion since they were first launched.
 
Notes:

1. Intimate: The X5 provides details by shoving it in your face and letting you feel it. As an on stage type listener, I can appreciate this quality and it serves my genres well. It also make the band feel full sized rather than miniaturized like they can feel in the DX90.
2. Emotional: The intimate thick details bring out the emotion in the music.
3. Heavy: It is a heavy player that will bounce in your pocket if not properly secured, but you know its there.
4. UI: Easy enough to work and find my music through my playlist style folder system, but would not be good for finding a song in a long library list as there are no short cuts requiringa lot of scrolling.
5. Buttons: The external buttons work well allowing me to do everything I need with the screen turned off.
6. Volume: The volume sweet spot was at mid level for optimal low level listening. The thick texturing brought full range sound to moderately low volume listening which is my preference and a significant reason that I love this player.
7. Shouty: when the volume goes too high on the X5, it starts to get shouty and bright.

 

iBasso DX90

I upgraded my DX50 to a DX90 and loved the improvement finding it finally filling all my needs in a DAP. However, after being introduced to the X5, I found that I preferred its more intimate and thicker note. I also found the UI on the X5 easier to use. After sitting unused for a period of time, I decided to sell the DX90, so this information is from notes and memory.
 
Notes:

1. Set Back: Attending an orchestra, it is far better to be set back a section, and preferably at the front of the upper balcony to take in the entire experience. It would not be the same listening from the middle of the horn section. Classic music is where the DX90 shine given its set back sound stage.
2. Volume: I find that with my preference for a more intimate sound stage and my choice in genres, that I have to turn the DX90 up to uncomfortable levels to get the needed detailing and dynamics. Turned up, the DX90 sounds really nice, but I can only listen at those level for so long before my ears start ringing. Having tinnitus, I try not to do this so I am stuck listening to the DX90 at lower SQ than I would like.
3. UI: I found that the touch screen was a bit touchy and difficult to control. I preferred the X5 for finding my music and playing a song.
4. Replaceable Battery: I loved the replaceable battery that allowed me to charge them independently and swap batteries to keep from ever running out of juice. I had 5 batteries by the time I sold my unit. That was a nice feature.
5. Sterile: The DX90 feels sterile next to the X5 as you might expect with the set back sound stage.
6. Layering: The DX90 seems to get its detail from extravagant layering that provides a nice prospective both side to side and back and fourth.

 

[size=20.0069999694824px]FiiO X5ii[/size]

The X5ii is a departure from the X5 in a number of ways. However, it seems to be a great compromise between what the X5 and DX90 crowds are looking for that may serve both.
 
Notes:

1. Front Row: Rather than being on stage like its brother, the ii sits in the front row or first section depending on the volume level.
2. Neutral: While I wouldn’t call the original warm, the new X5 seems more neutral or analytical being set back a ways with more transparency providing its detail.
3. Texturing: While not textured like its big brother, the ii texturing is actually quite nice.
4. Gain: When I first got the X5ii, I was wondering what was wrong as it sounded lifeless and under powered. However, after messing around with the settings options, I found the gain switch and switched to high gain and blew my ears out. Yes, that much more power. And yes, that solved the problem immediately sounding now very dynamic and punchy. Its alive! For some reason, I guess I am just not digging low gain.
5. UI: The UI is very similar to the X5, but I seem to be having issues reading the text where I had not issue with the X5. Either I am losing my vision or the text is a bit smaller on the new ii.
6. Formfactor: The new player is more sleek than the X5 tank, but I do prefer the old color better. They both seem like quality DAPs from a build perspective.
7. Hybernate: This is much appreciated new feature that allows me to leave it on all the time for instant on without draining the battery.
8. Power LED: There is a new elegant LED on the power button that changes color with status. This is a nice touch.
9. Volume: I find that I am turning up the volume to a higher level to compensate for the further back sound stage getting from the first section up to the front row. This puts the sweet spot somewhere in the 2/3 to ¾ range and is a bit loud for my preference shortening my listening times. However, unlike the X5, the higher volume sounds excellent.
10. Problem: The one problem with the new X5ii is the lack of ability to control it with the screen turned off. I may be missing the function change in the settings or it may change with the final firmware, but right now I cannot use the forward or back buttons with the screen turned off nor the pause button. The volume changes to double purpose with a cumbersome long hold being forward and back making big volume changes a pain. What is really bad is that there is no way to pause the sound without turning the screen back on.

 

AK100ii

I recently purchased an AK100ii after hearing it at the Denver CANJAM this last year. The AK represents a different level of DAP priced currently at $900. However, it is important for perspective to mention it here to gain perspective, as we are really just splitting hairs in terms of SQ. To my ear, the AK100ii sounded close to the AK120ii priced at twice as high. The difference is a dual dac and dual amp section in the 120 vs. single implementations of both in the 100. I found that the signature was exactly the same in both, but the extra juice provide in the 120 made it slightly more lush and musical. However, further playing found that I could turn up the volume on the 100 to match the 120’s lushness and the SQ differences were gone. The remaining difference was the total power available to drive the full sized headphone that the 100ii could not. That didn’t matter to me as I will be using primarily with my CIEMs that sounded equally as good on both. Stepping up a notch I compared the 120ii to the 240 and ziltch, nada – no differences. Even the AK guys at the booth couldn’t tell a difference which should be expected given that they both use the same internal except the 240 has an addition chip to drive DSD natively. Bottom line, the 100ii sounded as good as the 240 to me through my NT6pro CIEMs when not listening to DSDs. I bought the AK100ii.
 
Notes:

1. Form Factor: This is the prettiest DAP on the market in my opinion. It is small, light with a quality heft, and looks like a million dollars.
2. Buttons/Controls: Usability with the screen off is top notch with the AK UI. There is a separate volume nob for accurate, tactile, and simplified volume changes vs. two buttons that need to be held or repeatedly pressed. I can forward or fast forward with a long press or go back or rewind with a long press. There is also a separate pause button for easily stopping the music if needed.
3. UI: There is no touching this UI throughout the competition. It is cleanest most intuitive layout with keypad contextual search, and other slick ways to get to your music quickly.
4. SQ: I am splitting hairs, but it seems to excel in all areas past the FiiO and iBasso options, but marginally, and at 3 times the cost.
5. Balanced: It sports a balanced out option that does add SQ in terms of sound staging, but again, marginal and I am splitting hairs. Yes I did A/B using the same wire with an adapter.
6. Usage: The AK100ii at that price point never leaves the house and is only used in the office and in bed at night. Outside, I can not hear any differences between it and the X5 in terms of SQ. My X5 leaves the house to go jogging and to the gym with me.

 

iPhone 6

For this review, I decided to test my iPhone not expecting much, but was very surprised. It sounds very good with my NT6pro having a big intimate  sound stage that is wide, but has no depth. The details from its presentation are in your face like the X5, but even bigger at lower levels. However, it loses the 3D sound stage that all the DAPs boast. With the exception of the Sony ZX1 which I only heard once, but had the same signature with a bit more clarity. However, during my testing, the phone rang at full volume into my ears and the email consistently dinged at me reminding me that I needed to get back to work.
 
Notes:

1. Always There: My phone is always attached to me making it an obvious choice for on the go, however, I would have to take my CIEMs with me to be able to use it and do not wish to needlessly subject them to potential loss or damage.
2. Intimate: The SQ is big and powerful, at the loss of transparency and 3D realism.
3. Fun Tuning: It is a fun signature that makes pop and EDM fun to listen to.
4. Alerts: There are constant alerts going off for the various functions of the phone from email to ringing.
5. Form Factor: Wow, the screen and UI are beautiful. If it sounded better and didn’t have the ringing issue, it could be the perfect DAP.

 

Headphone Pairings

I have cut down my stable of headphones to my NT6pro CIEMs, HD700, and the LCD2.2. Being a portable DAP, the most likely headphone would be the CIEM for easy movement. However, for those that want to know how it drives a harder to drive HP, the HD700 has a 150 ohm impedance and the LCD2.2 planer technology is known to be power hungry.
 

Hidition NT6pro CIEM

Fantastic Pairing – Sounds great! Requires a bit of volume to get the proper texturing and intimacy playing at high gain and 50 of 120, but it shakes my brain. There is a little looseness at these higher volumes, but not bad providing a nice clear picture of the sound stage and no shoutiness. Very front row with the performers right in front of me. Full sized performance with a refreshing punchiness. However, it may be fatiguing during long term listening requiring me to turn the volume down to less than optimal levels. Going down to more comfortable listening levels – 35 of 120 – it still sounds great, but I loose a lot of dynamics and the emotional quality. There is a nice euphoric resonance at all levels that is appealing. The punchiness is not lost at lower levels, just the dynamics and emotional qualities.
 

CustomArt Ei.3 Demo

Fantastic Pairing – This is a new CIEM demo I just received for a CustomArt tour I am hosting. It is a entry level 3 way BA setup that sells for around $300 custom. However, it really has a big boy sound for its price point. More importantly, it drives the X5ii to its full potential getting significant SQ for on the go. However, I should point out that as with the player itself, it likes to be played loud to achieve full dynamics and sound staging. The Ei.3 tuning is supposedly a fun v shaped tuning, but sounds reasonably neutral and audiophile while having a nice bass response. However, unlike a lot of fun tuned IEMs, this one has high quality bass that is under control. It is there and impactful, but not in bass head flabby quantities. The treble is also smoother than the typical IEM which is characteristic of the CustomArt tuning, but can get fatiguing if turned too high without ever getting shouty. The Ei.3/X5ii is a great pairing for modern music and rock and only sets you back a little over $600 for everything needed on the go. Now that is portable value.
 

HD700

Great Pairing – The HD700 makes a great pairing which sounds great at 75 to 80 of 120. 90 sounds great and clear without any clipping but was a bit loud for my ears. The HD700 is relatively easy to drive, even at 150ohms. The pairing with the X5 was what convinced me to get it to begin with, and the X5ii makes it sing too. The HD700 as a very transparent HP takes on the X5ii neutral signature in comparison to the GO720 that it is typically paired with. The GO720 transforms it to a warmer more tubey signature that I typically look like to smooth the highs that the 700 is known for. While the X5ii provides very nice highs that are not shrill in the slightest, they are not as smooth as the GO720, but this is not a disadvantage, just a different quality way to listen to the HD700s. Do they drive the HD700s to their fullest, well no. The best I have heard them paired was with a friends $3K Eddie Current Zana Deux Tube Amp. However, they are driven well for on the go and around the house without being tied to a desktop.
 

LCD2.2

Good Pairing – I have to admit that this sounds a lot better than I expected retaining a lot of the higher end characteristic that the LCD2.2 only displays with high end desktop setups. The sound stage is opened up on the LCD which normally takes a lot of power or it feels congested. So it is not Eddie Current ZD or 2a3 kind of open, but more open than I am used to on a DAP without an extra amp in the chain. It also seems to be retaining its euphoric signature while bringing the top end out of hiding which usually takes power as well or it sounds dark. Adding my C&C BH2 portable amp to the chain, there was no doubt that the LCD2.2 had more to give, but the DAC section provided more sound stage than I was used to hearing even with the additional AMP. The amp just made everything seem bigger and more organic at lower easier to listen to volumes. However, I do notice that the bass goes lower with the X5 DAC driving some significant power to the low sub bass notes.

Beauty Contest

Which of these beauties would your rather have sleeping next to you in bed at night or accompany you out into public? Beauty is only skin deep as there are certain needs that have to be met as well. Also, which one responds best when you have to feel around in the dark to get it to do what you like? Only you can decide for yourself, so here is a photo shoot showing the contestant lineup side by side, with all cloths removed, showing the same song displayed.
 

 

Conclusions

The X5, X5ii, and DX90 are all top quality DAPs that are at the top of their market segment for SQ and functionality. They each have slightly different signature that favors different HPs and different genres. However, the new X5ii seems to split the difference grabbing the middle ground for those that want the qualities of both X5 and the DX90. For me, my preference is to keep my original X5 for its unique texturing that seems top of class paired with my NT6pro. However, if something ever happened to my X5 I wouldn’t hesitate to pick up the newer version as its replacement without looking back. The harder choice will be when the new FiiO X7 comes out and ups FiiO’s game. Will the X7 replace my AK100ii?

Disclaimer: This unit was part of a tour held by Justin at Headamp.com. As the second in the tour to hear these headphones, it likely was not properly burnt in. I thank Justin for giving me the chance to hear them and encourage anyone considering buying them to work with Justin. He is wonderful to work with in my experience providing excellent customer service.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
While I can say that the HE560 sounds awesome and is very much a TOTL HP, saying why is more of a challenge. What I can say that is unique to this TOTL HP is that it makes everything sound good and is not very particular to genre or recording quality. However, it do this it sounds best turned up and driven well. When turned up, instead of just getting louder, it sounds bigger and closer as any well-made audiophile component should.
 
HE 560 Listening notes:

• Signature: The HE560 has the typical Hifiman house sound, but better and more engaging based on memory.
  • SQ: The HE560 sounds very refined compared to my HD700, but more laid back. It requires volume to get the intimate sound stage that I prefer, but sounds great and not fatiguing when turned up.
  • Texture: The note is thick, but airy at the same time providing the various instruments with more character than I am used to. This is hard to explain as it is new to this headphone for me, but for example it is as if I am getting the character of wood and the hollowness of an acoustic guitar rather than just the pluck and resonance of the string. This is very different than the environmental characteristics I get from the HD700/800 where I can hear the guitar players shirt rubbing and the chair squeak. It makes for a rich, toe tapping listening experience. However, the texture is not as thick as my HD700 which gives me goose bumps as the guitar players fingers slide up the fret. The HE560 feels smoother.
  • Detail: This is tough in that it sounds detailed at first listen but it is smoothed over a bit and with a euphoric quality that sits in front of the details making them less interesting. This headphone is about enjoying the music more than listening for new details.
  • Sound Stage: Its biggest weakness is the smaller more congested sound stage typical of planers. It is deeper than wide, but makes good use of the stage that it has with good separation between instruments.
  • Bass: Typical of high end planers, it has a warm rich bass note that goes deep with significant impact while not being overdone. The bass is very euphoric/euphonic and blends well with the mids.
  • Mids: This is where it is at for me with this headphone providing a euphoric/euphonic SQ with an intimate sound stage while turned up. Euphoric mids are what would bring me back to this headphone verses my others. For example, the mids are forward with my HD700 and more detail, but lack the euphoric/euphonic qualities that make long term listening more fun.
  • Treble: This is a second issue with the HE560 the may be related to the lack of burn in. But the treble has a very digital feeling to it not being very natural. It stands out given the euphoric qualities of the rest of the signature. The treble is a bit smoothed over and never fatiguing which is good, so this is not a serious problem unless you are looking for the last inch of detail which is not what this headphone is about for me anyways.
• Pairing: This headphone seems to be reasonably easy to drive and pairs well with everything.
  • Geek Out 1000: Sounds great and very euphoric. The tube like sound that the Geek Out 1000 puts out was not too much with the HE560. What is surprising is how close the sound quality from the pairing is to the much more expensive HUGO pairing. While the HUGO is obviously more refined, spacious, and of higher sound quality, it is by inches, not miles. This is impressive when comparing a $300 device to a $2000 device at 7 times its cost. However, I would miss the versatility the HUGO provides in its ability to connect to everything and while unplugged.
  • HUGO: The HUGO and HE560 is a match made in heaven. It sounds like it brings the best out of both. The HUGO width widens the HE560 presentation eliminating some the typical planer congestion. The HE560 adds body to the HUGO sound. Together they are easily an end game setup for those looking for the ultimate in musical.
  • X5: While the HE560 scales higher with a desktop unit, it sounds remarkably good strait out of the X5. The X5 just has a little less control over the drivers perhaps losing some of its euphoric nature.
• Comparison: For this comparison, I used the DX90 > HUGO > HP.
  • LCD2.2: The LCD2 is more forward with more feeling and emotion focused on the singer. The HE560 is set further back feeling a little more laid back and taking the performance in as a whole. They are two different styles, both sounding fantastic. They both have the euphoric tube like planer character, but I find the LCD2 to be more musically involving due to its more forward nature. You cannot go wrong with either, but I did buy the LCD2 because I liked the forward nature. The LCD2 is easier to drive as I found I had to turn down the HUGO significantly when I switch to the LCD from the HE. Both hit hard in the bass department, but with the HE560 you are set back while you are sitting on the sub with the LCD2. The treble is a little brighter with the HE560 while the LCD2 treble is a little more smoothed and easier to listen while both sound great. Both seem to have similar detail, but presented in different ways.
  • HD700: The HD700 has a cleaner more analytic sound without sounding bright or thin as it has a warmer bottom end and rich, forward mids.  Comparatively, the HE560 has a thicker planer sound with the tube like euphoric feeling that is very pleasing. The HE560 may be slightly more refined in its balanced sound, but not as much fun sometimes for the same reason. They are both very musical, with the HE560 winning this badge given its euphonic signature. In the end, I like both presentations equally for different reasons and each better with different songs. They actually complement each other well.

 

The Geek Out 1000 (Serial Number 1254) being a USB DAC/AMP is absolutely the wrong solution for my needs, but given its reputation for sound quality and knowing it has a DAP sibling on the way, I had to hear it when I got the chance to borrow miceblue’s. This is all about SQ for me and boy has it been an ear opener, wow.
 
Listening Notes:

1. Signature: WOW!!!!!! The Geek Out 1000 has a very euphoric/euphonic, thick, smooth, warm, and textured tube like sound with forward lush mids and a very impressive timbre. The sound stage is intimate, but reasonably airy sounding, very 3D, and realistic. At the risk of repeating myself, the thing that strikes me the most is how realistic and right-sized the instruments/voices sound using this small USB key. I have not heard such great sound quality from my home unit before.
2. Power: It is powerful enough to drive power hungry headphones well such as my LCD2.2, but does better with easy to drive phones like the HD700. The power is sufficient, but not clean like a desktop and distorts if turned too high and gains brightness. It gets shouty at a certain point when turning it up vs. the Mjolnir that just gets bigger until you cannot take any more. I found the volume pretty much unusable past 15 of 100 - even with my LCD2s. Update: It turns out that the device's volume was set at half during the review so the posted volume numbers for the pairings coming from the Windows volume control had to be adjusted by half again. If that is a volume meter on the unit, it is useless given that I can only use 3 to 15 percent of the volume range. To be clear, you have a volume adjustment in Windows and one on the device that both need to be taken into consideration to discuss volume.
3. 3 Weaknesses:
   1. Setup Time: There is a slight brightness to the Geek Out that can be a bit too much with some songs or before the A class amp warms up. It also requires a driver that is not plug and play so listening sessions have to be planed and set up when away from your typical listening setup.
   2. Severe Volume Spikes: The volume control needs work and can spike to ear bursting levels instantly. Given the huge power behind this little device, only small amounts of the volume range can be used already, so instantly jumping to 100 percent volume can do some real damage. The problem happens when you touch the buttons on the unit which overrides the digital volume in Windows changing the volume instantly to 100 percent. Unfortunately, there is no way to see the volume setting on the device or to set a default starting volume. So you are taking a chance every time you plug your HP into the device. Your best bet is to figure out and push the volume down button on the device and to set the Windows volume to zero as well before getting started.
   3. Windows Digital Volume: Another add-on problem with having to use Window's digital volume is that it noticeably degrades the sound. To put that into prospective, this nice review is based on the degraded sound quality of using Window's digital volume. It was only after I ran into the volume spike that I played with the player's volume and found that it could sound even better. The Geek Out also uses a digital volume system, but it is based on 32-bits so it doesn't have the same sound quality issue. To be clear, the best sound quality comes from setting Windows to 100 percent volume and then raise the device volume from zero to the appropriate volume. But as you can tell from what I said, trying to do this is dangerous.
4. Sound Quality: Again wow. I really wish that I had the upcoming Geek Out DAP to review to see if I could get this kind of sound on the go. But to get full SQ, please do not use the Windows digital volume - keep it pegged to 100 percent and control volume with the unit. The Windows digital volume takes a lot away from the experience and is very noticeable if you use a quality headphone. BTW, there is a noticeable SQ improvement after a 15 to 20 minute warm up just like a quality tube amp.
5. Sound Quality Perspective: To give this sound quality some perspective, my normal listening is through my desktop Beresford Caiman DAC/AMP ($350) > Mjolnir AMP > Balanced Black Dragon Cable > LCD2.2. The Caiman DAC is obviously the weak link in this chain, but is not an overly significant SQ drop  vs. my friend's significantly more expensive PWDmkII DAC > Mjolnir so I have never upgraded favoring headphone upgrades. My desktop setup sounds extraordinarily good, but it is clearly solid state in its performance. From memory, the difference here is that the Geek Out sounds more like PWDmkII > Eddie Current Zana Deux (tube amp) > SE > LCD2.2 which is worlds ahead in sound quality if you like the more musical and analog quality tube sound. While I am sure it will take a back seat this much more expensive setup in an A/B comparison, this is saying a hell of a lot for the $300 Geek Out 1000. 
6. Awesomizer: WARNING, DO NOT DO THIS. Apparently there is an EQ function that is supposed to improve the sound engaged by holding down both buttons at the same time. This is how the volume exploded in my ear taking the volume to 100 percent instantly. Getting over the bleeding ears, I tried again safely and with pretty blue light glowing, I couldn't hear a favorable difference A/Bing back and fourth through several songs. The pure sound is great enough so why bother.
7. Noise Issue?: What noise issue, it sounds great out of every headphone/CIEM that I through at it. The noise issue must either be related to particular units or headphone pairings. Tried a variety of headphones and my CIEM and had great clarity from all. However, the CIEM sounds so different that I have to believe that it the Geek Out 1000 secret sauce is changing its frequency response. In my case, this is a positive as it still sounds great, but sounds like a different headphone saving me the cost to buy another to complement its signature.
8. Form Factor: While small size is typically a huge benefit, it could be considered a impediment in this case as it is used like a desktop solution with larger headphones and stout headphone cables. The Geek Out is essentially a USB key with a headphone cable coming out of it. To take the stress off of the USB connector, there is an included short USB extension cable that plugs into the computer allowing the Geek Out to hang over the side of my computer putting the stress on the extension cable and the computer's USB connector. The whole configuration feels like a very heavy headphone cable attached directly to the computer USB port with a few easy to breakaway sections. It is very fragile and doesn't work well with active listening - air guitar, etc. If I get my own unit, I will need to find a way to attach the unit so that the stress is taken off the port as it is too easy now to pull it all apart. 
9. Portability: This tiny device requires USB power and a music source to operate so you are not going jogging or to the gym with it. You are strapped to a laptop or full sized computer or some big hack job to carry it. However, if you are a laptop jockey, this is perfect for you.
10. Headphone Out x2: There are two headphone out jacks that have different impedances with a headphone symbols next to each only wiht the lower impedance symbol bolded. I am sure that there is a good explanation of why this is needed, but in practice, only the lower impedance HO sounded good. The other sounded muddy and didn't scale as well with volume.
11. Heat: Yes this thing gets hot, coffee cup hot. You can hold it in your hand without burning yourself, but you wouldn’t throw it into your pocket after use. But I guess that is expected given the class A amp in such a small package. You can smell the heat coming from it as the device burns in.
12. Pairing: My experience so far is that it pairs best with more analytical signatures and may be too much for darker HP/CIEMs. However, there is a brightness that pokes out here and there so an overly bright HP may have issues as well. I was very impressed with the HD700 and NT6pro pairings and may have to pick one up to retain this fun and euphoric sound. By far, my favorite pairing was my HD700 making it a very musical and euphoric headphone and my least favorite pairing was my LCD2.2 sounding too laid back and thick compared to the Mjolnir.
    1. HD700: Listening level 12 of 100. Wow, just wow. It is an incredible pairing playing to all the HD700’s strengths (textures/bass/mids/detail), while adding a strong emotional connection to the music. While the X5 sounded great with the HD700, the Geek Out is bigger and more enjoyable. It sounds like I have a full sized tube amp hooked up dialed in for emotion. My single ended desktop solution the Beresford Caiman sounds wonderful and a little bigger, but much more laid back in comparison so the win goes to the Geek Out for SQ as well as fun.
    2. LCD2.2: Listening level 15 of 100. Sounds great, but not the best pairing. I prefer the balanced Mjolnir pairing for the clarity and larger sound stage it provides. However, this sounds impressive compared to the DX90/BH2 amp pairing and easily knocks it to the curb. On the other hand, the X5 brings the LCD2 to life and is closer while slightly less powerful so the Geek Out still takes the win.
    3. Hidition NT6pro CIEM: Listening level 3 of 100. Awesome pairing that I am enjoying very much. As you might guess, I cannot use much of the volume scale with a CIEM. However, the NT6pro sounded very different, but in a good euphoric/euphonic way. It was warm, smooth, thick, lush, and big while retaining its detail levels. I have never heard it bass thump this hard before, but never out of control. It is hitting the sub bass with more authority as well. The Geek Out 1000 power has quite a tight grip on the NT6pro BAs making it very impactful throughout its extended frequency range with even more impressive dynamics than normal. Typically referred to as an analytical CIEM this was a big departure sounding more like the signature description for the SE5 so I suspect that the Geek Out 1000 is affecting my NT6pro's frequency response curve somehow. I really thought I would have to get a different CIEM to get this kind of signature change so this opens up a world of possibilities for me. I like it a lot and would like to have this amount of control over the NT6pro’s signature to adjust with different genres and moods. If only the Geek Out was a portable solution like my preferred pairing with the X5. However, it makes me wonder if the Geek Out would pair well with a warmer IEM/CIEM or would it be too much?
    4. HE-560: Match made in heaven. This is the best pairing I have heard for both the 560 and the GO1000 giving the 560 more warmth and intimacy while emphasizing its clarity and performance. This pairing was much better than my balanced Mjolnir setup that emphasized the treble too much and made the 560 slightly annoying.

 
Conclusion: I have been considering getting a BH Crack Tube Amp to power my HD700s which is a steal at about the same $300 price. The Crack also gives me flexibility to dial in my preferred signature with tube rolling. However, I really like the simplicity of the Geek Out 1000. If I wasn’t close to getting the Crack, I would probably pick a Geek Out up to hold me over until their DAP is out. But the Geek Out isn’t any more portable for me than the Crack so its inherent advantage doesn’t work for me. The one advantage that it does hold for me is that the Crack is built for high impedance HPs so it may not work with my CIEMs. I wish there was an easy way to hear it side by side with the Crack to see the difference in quality given that this is also a DAC which makes a difference. Regardless, I will be waiting for an opportunity to hear their new Geek Out DAP as soon as it is launched.
 
Update 6/8/15: My will power faded when I saw the GO720 come up on MASSDROP so I grabbed one and have never regretted it. It is so good, that I am considering upgrading to the V2 when it comes out after hearing the rave reviews of how it improves the SQ even further. It is my best pairing with my HD700. The NT6pro is an awesome too, but I don't like being tied to the desk with my customs so I don't use it as often preferring the flexibility of a DAP. The one weakness I found over time was the sensitivity to laptop noise with my inexpensive ASUS laptop. Have not heard this problem on other laptops so it may be an isolated case with mine. Although, others have added the Schiit Wyrd USB interface to their chain with nice results. Apparently, the GO V2 fixes this issue. I should mention, that I have no issue with my desktop USB ports that is my go to listening for the GO720 and only found the laptop issue when going to a local mini-meet using a seldom used laptop.

 

 
Disclaimer:
 

• This is not my personal DAP, as part of the X5 Preview tour, I only had the chance to evaluate the unit for 10 days to form my opinion.
• As a preview model, there may be material differences compared to the commercial version - especially in the firmware.
• The following review is based on my personal needs and tastes using equipment that I personally own unless otherwise noted.

 
Pros: Top grade sound, powerful quality internal amp, superb micro-detail, great value, ability to obtain full quality sound in a compact package without the inconvenience of an external amp.
Cons: No removable battery for easy charging or continuous use, adequate only battery life, difficult to get back to now playing screen to regain forward/back button functionality, scrolling long lists is difficult.
 
The X5 rocks! It is the best sounding mobile DAP I have heard to date. However, I have not heard the DX100, balanced 901, or the AK120 to know if they can do any better. What I can say is that at 2 to 4 times the cost including the required balanced cable for the 901,  and considering the form factor, they would need to be clearly twice as good to get any serious consideration from me vs. the X5. That’s not even considering the AK240 – could it really be 7 times better?
 
The X5 is the clear winner over my current DX50 – no contest. However, adding my BH2 amp pairing gets the stack sound quality much closer with the X5 still taking an easy win. The DX50’s internal amp really lets it down. I guess the big question is whether the X5 is good enough to justify replacing that stack which starting this review, I was still considering. If I didn't already have them, it would be a no brainer, but it is much harder to justify sidelining what I already have. So I still have to work on answering that question – maybe I can introduce the stack to my wife or make a gift to my father. We’ll see.
 
 
Use Case:
Having a two year old and another child due in two months, cranking my speakers whenever I want is no longer an option so I need a high fidelity alternative to enjoy my music. I actually need three alternatives:
 

• (NO) Listening station: My highest quality option is my desktop setup when I am willing to sit still at my desk or in my recliner.
  - iTunes/AIFF (.5TB) < Caiman DAC < Mjolnir < Black Dragon balanced < LCD2
• (NO) Active mobile: This is for the gym, jogging, mowing the lawn, or hiking. The Clip Zip has been the perfect solution for this as it is light, sounds great, clips to my shirt making it very manageable and out of the way, and it pairs well with most headphones. The surrounding noise and distractions during these activities makes it impossible to appreciate a higher quality sound anyways so why be at risk for more than $30. I listen through my TF10s or my Monster Coppers for reasonably high quality sound.
• (YES) High quality mobile: When wanting to listen comfortably around the house, when going to sleep, or when traveling, I like to be able to listen to higher quality sound. This is where the X5 would be used. I am currently using my DX50/BH2 combo for these purposes, so it would be my main comparison in the review. Traveling or around the house I use my NT6pros to pair, but for going to sleep I need a better low volume performer and more comfort so I use my HD595s.

 
Testing:
Since my main pairing for my high quality mobile setup will be with the NT6pros, this is the HP that I will be making the general comparisons with. However, the other headphones will have their own sections on pairing attributes. As my DX50/BH2 stack is by far the best I have to compare to the X5, I will be mainly discussing the DX50 stack when comparing except in the specific comparison sections.
 
Music Collection:
My biggest music sound quality upgrade by far was to convert my entire library to a lossless format, period. To keep things simple, I use iTunes to rip, tag, and manage my entire 1 TB AIFF music collection. I use playlists to organize my favorite music collections. Outside of Apple products, I create folders named for my playlists, and drag and drop all songs directly from the iTunes interface into the folders on my MicroSDs. I divide the playlists between my 5 MicroSDs and rotate as I update. This allows me to choose folders and play them like playlists as the mood strikes. I bring this up because it defines my DAP usage style.
 
NOTE: Given the lack of music worth listening to in high res 24/196 formats and absolutely no reasonable choices in DSD, I am almost ignoring these capabilities with the exception of a few test files.
 
Perspective:
My Magnepan Mangneplaner speaker setup is my best sounding by far, period. IMO, the ergonomics of wearing a headphone automatically remove some of the “being there” illusion so I would be really surprised if a mobile setup even came close. So my perfect ten is my speaker system and I compare everything else to it. My speakers make the performers sound as if they are in the room with me, literally. No kidding, but I often respond to background voices in the music or during movies thinking it is my wife or child calling me. It may not be as good as some of the quarter to half a million dollar full sound room setups that I have heard, but it is not far off. I am guessing that most  of the difference is the dedicated room, speaker placement and tuning, and room treatments.
 
Most of the good Head-Fi gear I have heard are a step or two below “being there.” Continuing the analogy, a step below is like an old wild west Hollywood movie set with 2D building fronts held up by posts. You can get lost in the sound only if you ignore all the 2D clues and stay focused on the action. A step below that is the stylized stage show where no one is attempting to imitate reality, but to make colorful and fun. The final step below that is a children’s kindergarten play with miss-scaled props made from cardboard and crayons. The table below shows my perspective of how the gear I tested lines up.
 
 
 
Ergonomics:
The interface takes a little getting used to, but quickly it becomes second nature. Here are some of the things that I have noticed while using it. Please remember that this is a pre-release tour unit on an early firmware so any of these UI dependent notes are likely to change with firmware updates.

1. Looks: It is not ugly like I thought it would be from the pictures - it looks and feels like a quality product that you would be proud to show off. Holding the DX50 and the X5 in either hand, IMO you would guess the X5 costs more which held up when I was showing to friends and family.
2. Resume: It requires a startup period rather than instant on resume like an iPod. However, the startup isn’t bad and is faster than most players I have used including the irritatingly slow DX50 startup. Like an iPod, after starting it does resume playing where you left off. It even has resume options in the setup options to customize how it resumes.
3. Off: It is relatively easy and quick to turn off – much easier than the DX50 that requires an additional confirmation.
4. Wheel: The wheel spin is opposite of the expected screen movement which is a little weird, but given the short graphical list, easy to adjust for. However, this should probably be fixed.
5. Navigation: It is easy to navigate the UI and find the option you are looking for. The UI is fast and responsive with no lags.
6. Buttons: The front buttons do get pressed in the pocket easily unless disabled, but then you cannot forward between songs easily.
7. Now Playing: You lose the ability to use the forward/back buttons to control the music when you leave the “Now Playing” screen which is unfortunate. Worse, there is no easy way back to the “Now Playing” screen once you leave it requiring too many clicks and too much navigation to return. This is one of the bigger issues with the player. (Joe Bloggs says that a coming firmware update will provide a shortcut key option for the “Now Playing” screen.)
8. Search: There is no search function that I can find. I would love to see an indexed search function that creates a selectable smart options list below as I type letters like any smart phone uses. The iPhone IOS7 smart search is a good example.
9. Scrolling: There is no scroll management to get through long lists quickly so it takes forever to go to the end of a large library list. I would like to see the scroll speed up after a few seconds switching to the alphabet scroll like the iPod.
10. Weight: It is heavy compared to other DAPs and is built like a tank so it needs to be well secured when mobile. However, I would be more worried about chipping my granite counters than damaging the X5 as it is that solid.
11. Heat: It does sometimes get noticeably warmer than most DAPs or smart phones when used for a while, but not uncomfortably.
12. Indexing: The player took my DX50 MicroSD cards without issue and indexed them rather quickly – both of them – while showing progress.
13. Charging: This seems to take a very long time compared to my DX50 S3 batteries given the larger battery size. This was never a problem with the DX50 with their removable batteries that could simply be swapped out and charged independently. However, charging requires planning with the X5 that I will have to get used to.
14. Battery: I have yet to run the battery out as I am constantly charging it afraid it will not be charged when I need it. This constant topping off could shorten the battery life if the battery has a maximum number of charge cycles which could be an issue as the battery is not user replaceable. However, there is also conflicting advice that this could be better for a battery than letting it run dry at this site:
    http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/how_to_prolong_lithium_based_batteries.
15. Battery Indicator: The only battery status I could find is the small typical graphical indicator at the top of the screen. It is difficult to tell where the battery charge is at as it is small and there is no numeric percentage next to it.
16. Volume: While the X5 has a very large sweet spot throughout the volume that is appreciated, controlling it could be improved through some interface tweaks. For better control, it would be nice if the screen would turn on –for a second or two - when adjusting to show the volume as a number. This is the one time that I think at least most of us can agree that it would be nice for the screen to briefly engage. Otherwise, it is hard to tell if the press did anything at all. I typically find volume numbers that work for me for different uses and adjust to them.
17. HP Out: Music pauses when the headphone is unplugged.
18. Line Out: Music pauses when the line out is unplugged. The volume control has no effect on the line out.

 
Ergonomic Conclusion: My main use cycle is to turn on my DAP, and resume where I left off playing a folder or a playlist randomly. I tend to forward through the songs a lot as I get bored of the current song. I occasionally go into the interface and change folders. So really, I mainly need a DAP to turn on quickly and resume while allowing me to easily forward through the songs. The X5 did very well with this. The only real issue was the buttons being easily pushed when in my pocket and unexpectedly forwarding songs. Otherwise, I find the X5 very usable assuming the battery is not an issue. Having gotten used the convenience of the DX50’s easily swappable batteries I am very concerned about battery management which is the only downside I can see in moving to the X5.
 
Sound Overview:
Sound reproduction to me is all about producing that “being there” feeling. This is something that the X5 does better than any other DAP I have heard. While it is difficult to forget that you are wearing headphones and are attached to a device, what the X5 does right is to effortlessly produce realistic full speaker sized sounds that feel like they are coming from a full sized humans and instruments in the same room. This is in part due to the very detailed and realistic sounding DAC that is very surprisingly analog sounding and a powerful amplifier that is able to project these sounds to full size with realistic texture and impact. I almost said slam, but there is nothing artificial here which slam almost implies. While the X5 does not project the full speaker setup realism, there are times with the correct recordings that I do feel like I am there.
 
When I say analog, what I am referring to is a lack of metallic, artificial, or digital sounding artifacts that destroy the illusion of “being there.” The X5 also has an extraordinarily black background that allows the details to flow and the textures to layer 3 dimensionally. However, what is most impressive is how the player creates this sound so effortlessly allowing a very large sweat spot on the volume dial to play with. The sound stage and full spectrum realism flows to very low volume and high volumes can be reached without the X5 sounding shouty or strained. In the end, as good and realistic as it sounds, it is the headphone sized sound stage coming from the headphones holding the X5 back, not the X5 itself. I will be very impressed when I hear another DAP that is significantly better and not just a different sound signature.
 
Sound Breakdown:
For those that prefer a traditional Head-Fi sound description:

1. Signature: A very neutral signature with reasonable extension at both ends with a touch of warmth.
2. Bass: The X5 has a very honest bass. It is big and punchy if that is how it is recorded. However, poorly recorded or poor digital reproductions and sound thin, deflated, or clicky. What is most important is that the bass is neutral and not in the way of the detail coming from the other frequencies. In fact, it borrows from the other frequencies to better define the bass sound for better realism. Having said this, there is a touch of warmth in that the bass is very capable with a powerful amp that is not afraid to rise to the occasion.
3. Midrange: As a neutral signature with above average extension in both directions, the mids can seem neglected sometimes, but are usually just right. To get it right, it is better to listen to the X5 in a quiet room without distraction. In noisier rooms the tendency is to turn up the volume to compensate which may make the treble and bass too much for some. However, in the right environment paired with the right music and headphones, the midrange can be heavenly.
4. Treble: The treble is surprisingly analog, smooth, and effortless  until the volume goes too high. The treble is the first thing to get shouty at too high of volumes or with bad recordings. However, what is special about the treble is how it typically gets out of the way of the music by integrating with the other frequencies to add to the realism and 3D effect.
5. Sound Stage: The X5 sound stage is excellent for a DAP with a nice sized airy sound stage with reasonably 3D instrument placement. What is special about the sound stage is really the very black background to help with placement and the space between instruments. Unfortunately, being made to power headphones is the X5’s “Achilles heel” only allowing it to produce the head stage that the headphones are able to produce.

 
Volume Performance:
I set my volume by focusing on the mids and increasing volume until the singer sounds full sized. Then I make small adjustments to blend the bass and treble to produce the most pleasing sound resulting in a full sized sound stage with a properly sized singer and instruments. If the performers cannot be sized correctly, the frequency range doesn’t blend correctly, or if the sound becomes shouty or incoherent, the “being there” feeling is lost. What is wonderful about the X5 is that it has a wide sweet spot on the volume dial where the sound is realistic to low volumes scaling correctly to rather high volumes. Turning down the volume feels like moving further back away from the stage where lesser DAPs lose their coherency. The X5 sound stage only loses cohesion at extremely low volumes and sound quality only becomes shouty at overly high volumes. This is unique among my DAPs that typically have very small ranges or require an amp to perform at low volumes.
 
This awesome low volume performance is very important to me as a large percentage of my X5 listening mileage will come at night while going to sleep. Now if only the screen would engage momentarily – a second or two - when adjusting volumes with a volume number to allow easy and accurate volume adjustment.
 
Line Out:
To test the line out capabilities, I tested the X5 with my BH2, miceblue’s O2, and my Mjolnir:

1. X5/BH2:
   Compared to the headphone out, the line out paired with my BH2 is a lot boomier with the HO being tighter and more realistic. The BH2 adds an unrealistic bass boost that creates a fun and euphoric sound that I enjoy greatly, but the HO also has a weighty presentation with impact that is much more realistic getting closer to my “being there” goal. What was surprising was that my DX50 was holding back my BH2 sound wise. I already mentioned that the X5 wipes the floor with the DX50 one on one. In addition, pairing the BH2 with the X5, the woofer/sub-woofer sound went from a cheap $300 DJ setup to an audiophile $2000 subwoofer with $2000 high end speaker sound with much tighter, more realistic quality. That I wasn’t expecting. One more point, the BH2 is much more forgiving of poor bass recordings than the X5 HO where the X5 HO is much more realistic. The difference is reduced considerably when the BH2 is powered through the X5 vs. the DX50. For those that know that BH2, I always have all switches on as I feel it sounds best that way.
2. X5/O2 (Borrowed from miceblue):
   Paired with my NT6pro, the O2 brings the entire presentation forward for a nice intimate sound stage. It also brings a tad brighter sound losing some of the richness of the X5 presentation. I wouldn’t say one is better than the other but are two different very capable presentations. So the convenience of the X5 as a single solution vs. a transportable but not portable stack is a no brainer. However, when using the LCD2 or the LCD-X, the extra power is appreciated allowing the Audeze signature to scale closer to the Mjolnir sound. This comes at the cost of a portable solution, so I would personally opt to go direct from the X5 deferring to my desktop solution when I want to hear the ultimate in sound quality.
3. X5/Mjolnir:
   There is nothing unexpected here. As a balanced setup, the only headphones that I can use with my Mjolnir are my LCD2s and the tour LCD-X. Both appreciate the additional power and make full use of it. As expected, the Mjolnir spanks the X5 amp badly, but it is not in any way portable so is likely irrelevant. More interesting is the comparison to my desktop DAC. While the Caiman is not a very expensive DAC/AMP unit, when used as a DAC it  excels and has tempered my motivation to get the Da8 DAC that I have been eye balling. However, when compared to the X5 as a DAC, the X5 loses.  Even though the X5 sounds very good, when compared it is more aggressive, bright, and has a smaller sound stage. The Caiman as desktop unit is sweeter, more musical, and more effortless with a better sound stage. But hey, it’s a desktop unit.

 
Line Out Conclusion: Following these tests, I came to the conclusion that I would never personally use an amp with the X5 as there is no need and often a step backwards.
 
DAP Comparisons:
For those looking to move up from lesser devices, here is a comparison to the ones that I own.
 

1. DX50:
   My main comparable rig is with my DX50. The DX50 is dialed in with FW1.2.8, paired with my BH2 as a two piece stack. Without the BH2, the X5 wipes the floor with the DX50 with great authority and a much superior DAC providing a much richer/blacker/punchier/3d sound. The problem that I have with the DX50 now that I have the X5 to contrast is that the DX50 often sounds strained or thin or both. Think of it like with American Football and the recent 2014 Super Bowl. While the Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos both obviously had skills making it to the top game in professional football, the Seahawks obviously had some extra magic that allowed them to make the Broncos look like a high school football team easily taking the 43 to 8 win. Yes, I am from Seattle.
   
2. DX50/BH2:
   Adding the BH2 amp, the DX50 sound is closer adding the punch and richness of the X5. However, the BH2 has warmer more euphoric sound that is aggressive and sometimes fatiguing in its slam with the NT6pro. The X5 is a little more laid back allowing the details to flow through widening the sound stage a bit. The other notable difference is that the BH2 focuses a bit more on mid-bass while the X5 bass response is flatter going really deep into the sub-bass allowing the sub-bass to shine through without covering it up. This plays well with the NT6 Pro signature promoting its unique frequency extension both directions.
3. C3/BH2:
   The C3 is a nice sounding detailed DAP that works well with highly efficient IEMs. However, the magic happens when it is paired with the BH2 that allows the sound to become full sized and powerful. As a stack, the C3/BH2 is very different from the “being there” signature of the X5, unless by being there you mean a large Rave party with oversized subwoofers and a large pounding, euphoric, in your face sound. This is a very fun combination that sounds extremely good with my LCD2s and everything else. But like being in a loud night club, it can become overwhelming after a while unless this is the sound you are after.
4. Clip Zip/+:
   As a value DAP, at $30 to $40, nothing beats the Clip. I use this smooth, musical, and open sounding DAP more than anything else as my main mobile use is when working out. However, it is not in the same league as the X5 so there is no way to compare the two. However, when working out, the distractions and the noise eliminate the ability to hear the additional sound quality anyways so it is good enough in these situations. The Clip replaced my Apple devices that sounded a bit shouty and congested in comparison. While it was nice having my phone with me when I was working out, it is more convenient to simply clip the light Clip Zip to my shirt and not have to deal with an arm band case or the weight of the iPhone.
5. iPod Classic (Gen5):
   iPhone 5:
   Although the iPod and iPhone signatures are somewhat different, at this lower level, the Apple products are more alike than different so I am grouping them. While I was surprised listening to them again after a while to see how much talent they really had - compared to the X5, they are irrelevant in terms of sound quality. My like for these devices is more for the ecosystem that allows me to store, manage, and sync music easily. On top of that, it is very convenient to have my phone, email, applications, and the Internet available at all times. But when listening to music, they sound too flat and 2D and way too shouty. In addition, the realism is just off with both performers and instruments sized incoherently and often metallic sounding.

 
X5 Headphone Pairings:
For those looking to pair their headphones correctly, below is a description of how my collection pairs.
 

1. LCD2.2:
   The LCD2s sound very good with the X5. However, that is not saying much because the LCD2s are fairly easy to drive and make most everything sound good. The LCD2s even sounds ok with my Clip Zip so I think it requires a little more explanation.
   
   IMO, what is unique about the LCD2 is its ability to scale down extremely well. The LCD's signature changes significantly when scaling from warm and euphoric with a small congested sound stage with low end low power sources to crystal clear, punchy, black background, and a much more realistic sound stage with higher end, higher powered sources. Throughout the scale, the LCD2 has a very realistic "being there" sound. At the higher end of the scale, the signature ranges from laid back and rich with something like a Bryston BHA-1 to aggressive/engaging with my Mjolnir. The difference is being able to take a pleasant nap while listening to spending half your listening time up on top of your chair involuntarily playing air guitar. You know what I’m saying.
   
   
   
   My impressions of the LCD2s with the X5 are this:
   1. Power: The X5 has enough power that the LCD2 sound stage opens up a bit and the warmness clears up a lot, but not as much as a Mjolnir or Bryston that boast between 5 and 8 watts.
   2. Laid Back: The signature leans more toward the Bryston laid back signature than my Mjolnir's more aggressive signature.
   3. Stackless: The most important point is that I don't feel the need to amp the X5 as the sound is very pleasing as is.
   4. Realistic: It is a very full size and realistic sounding experience.
   5. Mobile Option: It is not as good as through my Mjolnir, but that was never expected.
2. LCD-X (Tour Unit):
   While I don’t own the LCD-X myself, I happen to have the tour unit to test with the X5. Compared to my LCD2, the LCD-X feels shifted up in the frequency range and a little faster providing even greater clarity than my LCD2.2/Mjolnir pairing which is saying a lot. It’s not that the LCD-X is lacking in the bass department, but the bass seems to be turned down a notch keeping it from getting in the way of the rest of the frequency range. The result is a very realistic sounding sound stage that is even wider and closer to being there than the LCD2.2.
   
   Now, paired with the X5, I was surprised by how good the LCD-X sounded directly from the X5 headphone out. The X5 coupled with the O2 amp (borrowed from miceblue) is even better giving the LCD-X enormous sound on the go. What is really noticeable is the clarity and wide sound stage of the LCD-X scaled down to the level of a DAP where the LCD2 is more euphoric, warm, and congested. Both are enjoyable, but the LCD-X obviously scales down better than the LCD2.2.
3. Fostex TH900 (Borrowed from m2man):
   While I thought that the Fostex TH900 sounded awesome through the X5, m2man thought it sounded a little boomy. To prove his point, we plugged into his Laptop > Off-Ramp 5 > PWDmkII > Schiit Mjolnir home setup and indeed, it did sound bigger, clearer, and more neutral - but you would expect that from $8000 setup vs. a $350 one. So that doesn’t take away from how good the TH900 sounded with the X5. However, a better comparison was to compare the LCD-X to the TH900 where we both agreed that the LCD-X sounded better. The reason was that the LCD-X sounded closer to the $8000 home setup sound on the $350 X5 than the TH900 did. The LCD-X just simply scales down better.
4. HD595:
   The HD595s were the second best pairing that I heard. As very neutral sounding, open eared headphones, they have the largest sound stage of all my headphones in a mobile context. Matching the X5’s neutral signature, they project that black background very effectively enhancing the already very large sound stage. With nothing to get in the way of the details that X5 is capable of, the HD595 matches the NT6pro’s bell like clarity with a larger sound stage. The only thing holding the HD595 back is it’s neutral bass response. With no warmth, it may be considered to be bass light by some which the X5 helps to supplement with its touch of warmth. This only effects the HD595 pairing at excessive higher volumes where the bass falls off. However, the HD595 is my low volume top performer with the ability to reach deep with realistic sub-bass performance down to extreme lower volumes. Being my most comfortable and best low volume performers, they are what I like to listen to at night to fall asleep.
5. Hidition NT6 Pro:
   The NT6 Pros are outstanding with the X5 and the best pairing that I heard. The things I appreciate with the X5 paired with the NT6pro:
   1. Stackless: it has all the punch and authority that I need with the NT6Pro so no stack required.
   2. Effortlessness: the sound is full sized with rich texturing and without any clipping or thinness. The sounds from each singer/instrument sound like they are on the same stage and are scaled correctly. Drums sound like drums rather than like weird clicks.
   3. Neutral Signature: as discussed so far in the X5 threads, the X5 is neutral across the frequency range with a slight warmness that pairs very well with the NT6pro enhancing its signature and supporting its extension both directions.
   4. Sub-bass Authority: The X5 has the power and signature to support an authoritative sub-bass down to the bottom of the range showing off what the NT6pro can really do.
   5. Low Volume Performer: The X5 has authoritative power, full sized sound, and a realistic sound stage down to very low volumes. This is particularly important to me as I am a low level listener usually needing an amp to keep the sound from falling apart at lower volumes. The X5 has a very wide sweet spot in its volume range that is much greater than most DAPs.
   6. Realistic Details: The detail is all there, but in a much more natural sense than the DX50 with a much blacker background to support the 3d sound stage. For example, a singers breath between passages sounds like you were standing next to them vs. an unnatural metallic sizzle that is pushed forward.
6. TF10:
   The TF10 pair very well with the X5 and sound better than I have heard them sound before. What is interesting with the TF10/X5 pairing is that the mids are pushed way forward to take center stage where they are normally somewhat recessed with a V shaped signature. The mids are really outstanding with this combo. I never felt the need to amp the TF10 with my prior setups as the TF10s don’t really require it, but the power of the X5 is giving them real authority that they don’t typically have. The sound stage isn’t enlarged that much with the X5 showing a weakness in the TF10s, but it is much more believable with the X5 with larger sized performers and much more realistic sounding instruments. The other place the TF10 is showing its limitations is with clarity and the associated detail. While they have never sounded so clear before, the TF10 is not a NT6pro nor a LCD2 or an LCDX. So while the X5 is holding the TF10 to new heights, the TF10 is holding down the X5. Regardless, I would still chose to pair the TF10s just to enjoy those great mids, wow.
7. Monster Coppers:
   My Coppers are my most comfortable IEM that seal almost as well as my CIEM. This is quite an accomplishment as I tend to find IEMs as uncomfortable – although convenient – and typically have difficulty getting a seal at all. While it is nice that the Copper is very efficient, it is not a plus with the X5 that boasts a very powerful amp. The Coppers are also quite warm in signature with the most bass boost of any of my headphones giving it a very smooth signature. However, I find that this hides some of the X5 detail and congests the sound stage. While the Copper sounds great with the X5, I find that the Copper holds the X5 back from its full potential. The Copper is probably my worse pairing with the X5. I do use them though to pair at night as a comfortable low volume listening option when the open ended HD595s disturb my wife.

 
 
I think it is pretty obvious to anyone reading this review that there is a X5 in my future. Although it is possible that the uber expensive DAPs may meet or exceed the sound quality of the X5, I cannot imagine it being by much and certainly not by enough to justify the additional cost. As a portable music player I would rather carry something that I can afford to lose or damage without crying. Otherwise bringing it along stops being fun and it ends up being left at home. I would rather put my significant investments into my speaker or desktop system that stays home - safe and sound. The X5 is good enough that I don’t care what the other DAPs sound like any more……….. well, not as much.