@Mython

If you're thinking just the msata slot - yep agree it may not be that expensive (I was assuming they'd have to include the actual msata drive). But to do this at least one of the micro sd (and probably both) would have to go. That means the DAP still remains horribly expensive for me as I then have to purchase an msata drive.

Anyway - I think it's a moot point now as pretty sure Fiio already has their vase specs pretty much nailed.

Hopefully their next DAP/version has msata capability so that those that want it will be catered for as well

1, About the storage, the initial design is includes 2 Micro SD card slot. but now  change to one cause the Soc has limited I/O pin,  so if we design 2 Micro SD card slot. the WiFi module will have to connect to the Soc by SPI mode which will consume more power. 
 
    Also the X7 will includes 32g build in memory and we may release a 64g model in the future. BTW, I think there will have 256g Micro SD card in 2015.
 
 
2, About the size , we need to balance the SQ and the size. there will always different opinion about it.  and we don't want to make a big and heavy DAP.
t 

brooko said:

@Mython

If you're thinking just the msata slot - yep agree it may not be that expensive (I was assuming they'd have to include the actual msata drive).

Click to expand...

But to do this at least one of the micro sd (and probably both) would have to go. That means the DAP still remains horribly expensive for me as I then have to purchase an msata drive.

Click to expand...

 
 
That's a valid point, and I don't disagree.
 
 
However... when one considers the rip-off prices of high-capacity SD and (especially) microSD cards, perhaps there is merit in considering making the leap to invest in an mSATA card (or some similar equivalent)?
 
Are DAP fans going to keep buying rip-off SD/microSD indefinitely?

Over time SD card storage size increase and price drops as well. msata for the size of a DAP X7 is targeting is just too big. (Also power hungry) Even full size SD seems to be too big.

jamesfiio said:

  1, About the storage, the initial design is includes 2 Micro SD card slot. but now  change to one cause the Soc has limited I/O pin,  so if we design 2 Micro SD card slot. the WiFi module will have to connect to the Soc by SPI mode which will consume more power. 
 
    Also the X7 will includes 32g build in memory and we may release a 64g model in the future. BTW, I think there will have 256g Micro SD card in 2015.
 
 
2, About the size , we need to balance the SQ and the size. there will always different opinion about it.  and we don't want to make a big and heavy DAP.
t 

Click to expand...

 
Well... thanks for commenting, James
 
I would happily throw the WiFi module in the parts bin, as I have WiFi on my cellphone and see no need to stream Spotify on my DAP, but everyone is different; I realise that. I'm sure you recall D&A ditching the WiFi module from the Calyx-M, in favour of a fullsize SD slot to accompany the microSD slot already specified on that device, and that decision was generally well-received by DAP enthusiasts. A DAP is a portable device, and Wi-Fi tends to be available in hotspots but not everywhere one walks/travels, added to which, it's not exactly healthy to use Wi-Fi in one's pocket. It seems more like a home-feature or a coffee-shop feature.
 
As for 256gb microSD - the X5 can already take 2x 128gb, so you are going to have a flagship model which has less potential storage capacity than your model costing exactly half the cost. That seems a very strange decision for a flagship DAP which is trying so hard to offer ultimate sound quality with large Hi-Res files
 
But whatever the final specification of the X7, I wish you success with it. I like what your company contributes to the DAP marketplace, overall.

jamesfiio said:

  1, About the storage, the initial design is includes 2 Micro SD card slot. but now  change to one cause the Soc has limited I/O pin,  so if we design 2 Micro SD card slot. the WiFi module will have to connect to the Soc by SPI mode which will consume more power. 
 
    Also the X7 will includes 32g build in memory and we may release a 64g model in the future. BTW, I think there will have 256g Micro SD card in 2015.
 
 
2, About the size , we need to balance the SQ and the size. there will always different opinion about it.  and we don't want to make a big and heavy DAP.
t 

Click to expand...

So there is the definitive answer.  Maybe we can move on now to discussions of what James will be presenting to us in May or June, instead of debating "proper" storage requirements.  As he said earlier, the design is basically done.  Now users can begin to decide if they want to purchase it.  I, of one, will be shopping for a 128gb card soon, as I currently use two 64gbs in the X5.  
 
James, are we on for DSD playback in actual DSD, not down-sampled to 24/x as in the X5?  I have 20+ albums in DSD, so am curious.  
 
Oh, and thank you for the answers.  I eagerly await more information as you release it.  

currawong said:

  A friendly reminder that the topic is the X7 DAP. 

Click to expand...

Thank you.

jamesfiio said:

  1, About the storage, the initial design is includes 2 Micro SD card slot. but now  change to one cause the Soc has limited I/O pin,  so if we design 2 Micro SD card slot. the WiFi module will have to connect to the Soc by SPI mode which will consume more power. 
 
    Also the X7 will includes 32g build in memory and we may release a 64g model in the future. BTW, I think there will have 256g Micro SD card in 2015.
 
 
2, About the size , we need to balance the SQ and the size. there will always different opinion about it.  and we don't want to make a big and heavy DAP.
t 

Click to expand...

 
Hi James,
 
Great to see your reply. Will the microSD card section support exFAT format? 
 
Looking forward to the 64GB model ... perhaps if possible a 128GB version too?

kenz said:

   
Hi James,
 
Great to see your reply. Will the microSD card section support exFAT format? 
 
Looking forward to the 64GB model ... perhaps if possible a 128GB version too?

Click to expand...

 
+1 exFAT is the better fomat than FAT32. FAT32 tends to be prone to corruption on my DX90.

If I have to pick one side, I will choose 2 microSD slots over wifi module. I would rather choose X5 over X7, if X7 has only one microSD slot.

headwhacker said:

   
+1 exFAT is the better fomat than FAT32. FAT32 tends to be prone to corruption on my DX90.

Click to expand...

Never had that issue with the X5 or the X1

zzffnn said:

If I have to pick one side, I will choose 2 microSD slots over wifi module. I would rather choose X5 over X7, if X7 has only one microSD slot.

Click to expand...

I agree, but I see their point.  I'll just buy a bigger card.

Only 32 gig internal storage? One micro slot? Double the price over x5? Why is it so difficult to supply at least 128 GB internal storage like Sony zx1? I realize Sony has no micro slot so maybe that was the trade off? Is 32 to 128 internal a huge difference in space requirements? I am also getting tired of not being able to purchase a player that can store my entire collection. If my house burns down I am still scrambling for internal and external pc drives to save my collection. So 1998.

Getting tired of being forced to buy multiple very expensive micro sd cards, tired of switching cards out. Sd cost alone to store my 800 GB collection would be $1000 for 7 128 cards. Add to $800 cost of player and it's ridiculous. Storage costs more than high end player. How many years before our (not really large) collections can become portable and not tied to the PC, external drives, ugly usb sticks through Otg? 256 micro will be welcome but at least $400 when it debuts. Still need four cards at a cost of $1600.

And we're back to square 1.

please, fiio throw wifi, or put it to consume more battery. PLEASE, do not take off the 2 microsd slots.7
 
who wants wifi can live with less battery. i mean, if there is wifi, surely there is  electricity. but microsdcards are for when you don't have access to recharge. like traveling.