Nick - did you not get the documentation which shipped with the review X7's?  It explains the design choices on a lot of the things you highlighted as "issues" including things like the two depth back section, symmetrical buttons etc.  When you actually read it, a lot of it makes more sense. 

Nice. Thank you very much. It's very helpful. I planned to get this one. All I need a DAP does for me is to output Digital signal with high quality to dedicated DAC to Amp to headphone. X7 is still only list but I am open to alternative for my current needs. Maybe the 2nd generation of X7 or X9 would be meeting most people's expectation and needs.

Great review.  The X7 was a long time coming.  When I was still subscribing to the pre-release X7 thread this spring and early summer it was quite a roller coaster ride of ideas, beta designs, thoughts, (hopeful) user feedback, complaints, aggression, etc.  Now that it is out, it looks like it is still going through some changes but is on its way to having a mature firmware.
 
I moved away from buying it when it became clear that it wasn't going to suit my listening needs.  But I always appreciated the fact that the folks from Fiio were actually on the thread making comments, asking for responses, showing designs.  Fiio makes quality devices at affordable prices.  This looks like a great successor to the X5 (which I loved).  

@Brooko - Regardless of the documentation, FiiO's choices didn't gel with me. I suspect they might not gel with others, either, which is why I'm providing my perspective. Of course, not everyone will agree with my thoughts on the X7 and will be perfectly happy with it. For those that do agree with my thoughts, it will allow them to go into their purchase more informed rather than less. In the end, I truly believe the design has to stand on its own merits and not rely on documentation for context. That said, I have full confidence that FiiO will make significant improvements to the X7's design just as they have with every other product they've released. They're a great company and I have faith in their ability to work with end users to make the X7 better and better over time.

@HiAudio - If you're looking for a digital transport, why the X7 when there are less expensive alternatives on the market? Do you just want the touchscreen?

Thanks @olddude. Nice to see you around, man! Still rocking' the PONO?

Nice review thank you very much. It sounds as if the amp module wasn't for you and has added quite an extra bit of size to the Fiio. I think a lot of people who push for more attention to the amp section end up buying a separate portable amp, or already have one. Still with all it's drawbacks which you have It still looks sleek and elegant so I think many people will go for this

I agree @Takeanidea. X7 is going to be a hit, and if I got a second crack at it with what I consider an improved Pure Music GUI and Play Store support, I'd increase my rating.