FiiO X3 vs X1
Dec 27, 2014 at 7:36 AM Post #31 of 83
Hi.
 
I'm thinking of getting an X1 to replace my Nexus S with Voodoo sound.  The reason being is that I want to move away from Google services.  I want to drop everything to do with Google because I find them rather overbearing  - they seem to think that they are the entire Internet and everything in it!  So I am tempted to move to a Firefox OS phone and get a DAP again.  
 
So does anyone think the X1 vs the Nexus S with Voodoo sound will be a downgrade?
 
Also, I will only be using MP3's and not anything more extravagant.
 
Dec 27, 2014 at 10:36 AM Post #32 of 83

I think it is a good decision to move away from Google services. Use non-propietary software as often and as much as you can.
I'm sorry that I can't comment on the possible downgrade of the Nexus S with Voodoo sound vs the X1.
 
I am a very happy X3 user and have never regretted my decision to get this player.
 
Dec 27, 2014 at 11:14 AM Post #33 of 83
Nice name there!  I love Kraftwerk as well!!
 
Yes you are right.  I have also just moved from Windows to Ubuntu.  So I am using an Ubuntu desktop and potentially a Firefox phone.  My only problem is a tablet as there doesn't seem to be an alternative to either Google or Apple.  I have an Nexus 10 and it looks like support for Ubuntu touch has been stopped.  Bah!  
 
I think I am going to go for the X1 (in champagne!) because I really like the size of it in the hand.  The X3 looks nice and I have heard it edges out the X1 in the SQ department, which is a shame because I am an audiophile and a big fan of Wolfson DACs!  But its 70 pound more and I'm not sure I like the aesthetics of the device.
 
Jan 6, 2015 at 10:45 AM Post #34 of 83
I too am curious as to the benefits of the X1 over the X3.  I gave one of my brothers an X3 for his birthday and he really likes it.  I look at specs and see that the X1 has a memory advantage over the X3 but wonder if that is still true.  Additionally I want to be able to wean myself from iTunes (it is driving me nutso!) but if either of these two can play  Apple's damnable format then that would be a plus.
 
Additionally, has anyone been able to use their X1 or X3 in a Ford car equipped with their Sync music system.  I can use a thumb drive or my iPod so hopefully the Fiio players will work. 
 
Depending upon responses here today (or this week) I will purchase a X1 or X3 for myself.  I have experience with Fiio products and find them well made and more than capable.  I don't know that I could tell the difference in hi-rez recordings so that is not much of a determining factor.  I don't listen in a critical fashion but rather just enjoy music.
 
Sinatra and traditional Jazz/Pop make up the lion's share of my musical fare along with 50s through 80s pop and older country along the lines of Hank Williams 1 (and some H3 to be honest), Patsy Cline, Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings to name a few.  Listening on my laptop (Windows 8) via the Media Player and my Fiio E17 through Phiaton 'Phones right now. 
 
Thanks in advance for any insight into these two players
 
The Toad
 
Jan 6, 2015 at 4:41 PM Post #35 of 83
The x1 has one key advantage over the X3. It is less expensive. It also is slightly smaller and more rugged.

Personally I think the X3 has a slightly smoother sound. Nothing wrong with my X1, it is just that I prefer the X3. Think it is related to the Wolfson DAC.

I have no reason to think the X1 or X3 will do much for you relative to your Ford Sync. These are not bluetooth devices, and I think that connecting via USB would use the machines as simple file storage mechanisms. Maybe wiser heads will prevail on this.
 
Jan 6, 2015 at 7:18 PM Post #36 of 83
The x1 has one key advantage over the X3. It is less expensive. It also is slightly smaller and more rugged.

Personally I think the X3 has a slightly smoother sound. Nothing wrong with my X1, it is just that I prefer the X3. Think it is related to the Wolfson DAC.

I have no reason to think the X1 or X3 will do much for you relative to your Ford Sync. These are not bluetooth devices, and I think that connecting via USB would use the machines as simple file storage mechanisms. Maybe wiser heads will prevail on this.

First off, thank you for the reply.  I appreciate the input!
 
I am thinking (and hoping) that both of these DAP will work with Sync as players.  I currently go between my iPods and a couple of thumb drives but would like to skip both if possible and use one of these Fiio players.  I am going to look further into the chance that they can be used with Apple's ITunes to play back songs in that format.  If not, I will just start storing songs in MP3, WMA and the like. 
 
Thanks again.
 
The Toad
 
Jan 8, 2015 at 7:08 PM Post #38 of 83
I recently got the e11k, I've been using it with my old zune 30, with the sennheiser HD 598.
would the x1 be a significant upgrade over the zune 30?
(e11k would not improve the sound of the x3 is my understanding)
 
Jan 9, 2015 at 11:26 PM Post #39 of 83
  I recently got the e11k, I've been using it with my old zune 30, with the sennheiser HD 598.
would the x1 be a significant upgrade over the zune 30?
(e11k would not improve the sound of the x3 is my understanding)


My brother has an X3 that he now uses in place of his Zune (not certain which model it is) and he prefers the FiiO over Zune hands down.  I would have given him an X1 but the wait for its release seemed endless.
 
So on the whole I would guess that you would be very happy with an X1.  
 
I still have not bought either the X1 or X3 but am still considering both.
 
The Toad
 
Jan 27, 2015 at 2:03 PM Post #41 of 83
I am getting a pair of Blue Microphones Mo-Fi headphones and since they have a built in amplifier, would it make the most sense to just get an X1? Is there a significant difference ($70 worth)? Also since there is an X3 II coming out this isn't the best time to buy an X3. Maybe buy an X1 and if I'm not completely satisfied, sell it when the X3 II comes out?
 
Mar 8, 2015 at 9:52 AM Post #45 of 83
  I am getting a pair of Blue Microphones Mo-Fi headphones and since they have a built in amplifier, would it make the most sense to just get an X1? Is there a significant difference ($70 worth)? Also since there is an X3 II coming out this isn't the best time to buy an X3. Maybe buy an X1 and if I'm not completely satisfied, sell it when the X3 II comes out?


Where did you hear that a X3 II is coming out?  I was looking to get a second X3 for my son but if a new X3 (II or Ver2) is coming out I'll hold off get the current generation X3.  I also have the X1 but with my current headphones that I use on the go, the X3 is a little better sounding and able to drive my HE-400i in a pinch (ok sound).
 

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