Great review, looks awesome.

@Light - Man : AP100 vs X3 2nd gen comment was purely on sound comparison.  To be honest, after more listening, I no longer consider one better than the other.  They are just slightly different and intended for a pair up with different IEMs.  AP100 works better with darker ones and X3 II better with a brighter ones, a different synergy to smooth out upper mids/treble of hybrid IEMs when used with X3 II or to brighten up treble of darker ones like UM Pro 50 with AP100.  But overall, I take X3 II because of design ergonomics because I can't stand clicking buttons and slow AP100 response.
 
Also, I'm not too crazy about AP100 pair up with any ext amps from LO port.  Not sure if it something with their implementation (you know that you can control DAC volume from LO due to their particular architecture?).  For sure, I wasn't too crazy about AP100+E12A either, so my vote goes to X3 II + E12A.  N6 is my current "flagship" DAP and nothing comes closer to it   Could be just my own person preference and I will definitely revisit it once X7 is released and if I get a chance to review it.
 
Regarding AK DAPs, I'm waiting to receive AK120 II review loaner very soon.  Will have it for a few weeks, and will put it through all of my review/test paces.

very nice review~thanks

"Without a single doubt in my mind, I would say that X3 II is easily worth a double of X1 pricing due to an additional improvements of a new DAC and amp section, USB DAC support..."

How big of a difference is the amp/dac because I don't think I will get much use from any of the other features.
How much newer? Would an X1 have trouble with . 250ohm beyer DT 880 and X3-2 wouldn't?

This .. was.. great!!! I hate my X3.. I want the X3 II!!!

Great Review! For around the same price, would you recommend the X3 2nd Gen or a secondhand X5?

Thanks man.

Amazing review! At around the same price, would you suggest the X3 or a secondhand X5?

@00birdy : as i mentioned, X3 II dac is much better and amp is more powerful.  X3 II should be able to drive your DT880 w/o a problem.
 
@Anthen : I'm a bit biased now, so would be leaning more toward X3 II   The only reason because X7 and X5 II should be released sometime later in the year, so original X5 feels already outdated to me lol!!!

Do you happen to have an idea of the release date? I'm just getting into higher end audio stuff and think this may be a good start.

Hi Anthan : I have the X5 and I find it not as musical as I expected. I find that the X5 is lacking a little body and bass and there seems to be an odd irritating emphases on the upper mids which I also don't find natural. I find the X5 has an in your face (up your nostrils type of forward presentation lol) that you either love or hate. I also have the new Fiio E12A and I prefer the sound of the X1 line out with E12A (portable Amp) to the X5.
With cans I would go for the AP100 as it as a strong amp section or perhaps wait for the new X3ii.
 
X3ii release date in the UK first batch from 6 April 2015.

@MartianMonkey : should be released any day now.  A number of places outside of US already have it on pre-order, while TekFX/MICCA (FiiO's US distributor informed me about available in mid April).

recomended player for v moda m100?

The new X3 looks exactly the same as the X1. Very nice review. Well done!

can't wait to buy one, need a new toy and head about the X3 II and held out! Now get to stores and on amazon!

After reading your review comp. on X3 II vs X5, soundwise...Are you considered the W4r "Brither/Analytical" or "Darker/Bassier" side ?

Where can you buy it in Canada ? I only see Gen 1 in stores...

@fredrose All the ifos are on the fiio site, at the bottom page.

http://www.fiio.net/en/stores

... and what store have you see the X3 then ? They can order it for you!

@RochRx7 Why hate the X3?