WiFi noise OUT, K5 sound bliss IN
Got DHL Sunday delivery surprise, thanks FiiO!!!
First impression:
- lightweight but solid build, nice aluminum frame
- relatively small footprint, yet sturdy on a flat surface
- perfect and easy docking engagement with micro-usb port, solid plastic door/cover
- input and gain switches are easy to access
- volume/power wheel is big enough and easy to grip, has clear position marker, and nice blue backlight (turns red for a second when you first power up K5 while it's initializing)
- front HO is 1/4", but adapter for 3.5mm is included
- a ton of ports on the back (USB IN - cable included, another micro-usb port, RCA IN/OUT, and dual 3.5mm TRS Balanced Line Out - no cable for this one)
I did a quick test with R70x (open back 470ohms) and PM-3 and EL-8C (planar magnetic cans from Oppo and Audeze).
In comparison to X7 headphone output (w/default IEM module and fw1.5) vs X7 docked into K5, I hear:
- deeper sub-bass, more organic detailed mids, and more sparkle in treble (but not splashy)
- more transparency and better retrieval of details
- VERY noticeable soundstage expansion, now I'm hearing a true holographic 3D effect in all width/depth/height directions
If this is what we should expect from new upcoming AMP modules (mid-power and balanced) - the future is bright
I'm not focusing on the fw1.5 and GUI's work-in-progress, I only care about the sound at this point. But in terms of GUI, you get a Dock icon in notification bar, and also X7 charges while docked. One thing needs to be fixed - whenever you turn power off on K5 or remove X7 from the dock, it asks you if you want to shut down or reboot it (hitting Back dismisses that message). Also, when you use X7 with FiiO app and plug it into the dock, you need to restart the music app - no biggie.
One thing I would have loved to see, but not going to happen because this is a finalized design - to have transport control on the front for a quick Play/Pause/Skip. Otherwise, you need to fiddle with either hardware control buttons on X7 or the touch screen. Bluetooth remote control will be perfect for this job!
Overall, I'm actually very impressed with K5 ($110). I think it will be a perfect companion for those occasions when you want to chill at home with your full size cans, kicking back with 3m headphone cable
With R70x open back the soundstage expansion went up to a whole new level. I think this is going to be my permanent setup to use with these cans, as long as wife and kids are not complaining about open back sound leakage