Sound recommendations for both the X3 II and X5 II.  Well done, sir.

Fine review daduy. I am surprised you found it so similar to the iPod 5G. One review I read rated the iPhone 5/iPod 5G as 4 with the original X5 scoring 8. I suppose it depends on what IEMs/headphones you listen to the device with. I have the Shure SE420 and it does sound fine with my 5G. With the Fiio's huge battery and relatively short battery life I would have thought the power draining hi-fi electronics would have given it the edge over the 5G in terms of sound quality. Perhaps this player's strength is with full sized headphones as opposed to IEMs. It makes a relatively cheap 5G with good interface and longer battery life not to mention the support/parts a very attractive proposition.

Thanks guys, I was really surprised as well, I honestly don't think the iPod will be a competition , but that's how I heard them. And you are probably right, x5 will be more suited for full size cans than the iPod.