The FiiO X3 2nd gen (ex X3K, X3II) Thread : 192K/24B, CS4398,Native DSD, USB DAC with LO and inline remote

[Vartan]

A brief history of Fiios

 I'm looking forward to X5 II

 

[originalsnuffy]

Unless I am missing something the aune only plays red book in wav. How can that compete?

 

[cleg]

Unless I am missing something the aune only plays red book in wav. How can that compete?

It's not that hard to convert everything to WAV, but sound quality of M1 is really outstanding for it's $150 price. But it's up to you to decide what to chose: better sound quality or more convenient firmware

 

[cleg]

Small retrospective

[VIDEO]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-jCgVXVvws[/VIDEO]

 

[bruce1967]

Small retrospective

Well done. Thanks.

 

[ItsXatu]

Would the 100$ upgrade worth it from the fiio x1 to the fiio x3 II?
I like the black metal
 
Also, Which Pelican case can fit the Fiio X3 II and 2 iems?
 
Edit: does it also work like a regular DAC that can be using in computers along with an Amp like the Fiio E12A?

 

[x RELIC x]

You mean gunmetal? No black for the X3 II.

The X3 II is slightly thicker than the X1 but otherwise the same dimensions so if you have a pelican case that'll fit the X1 and if you have 1/8 inch room for thickness then that would work as well.

 

[Brooko]

​

 
 
I’ve been asked a couple of times (in the last 24 hours) for my thoughts on the X1 vs the new X3 gen 2, and whether it would be worth it to wait, or take the plunge now.
 
For the guys who asked me – I’ll sit on the fence, and say it depends on your needs.  But to help you, here is a bit of a comparison, and maybe some info that could help.  I’ve tried to be as objective as I can be – but ultimately my subjective opinion comes into play.  For a description of my known biases – please read the intro on any of my reviews.
 
For the purposes of this quick comparison – I’ve used the X1 vs the X3 gen 2 (I’m going to call it the X3ii for the rest of this post to make it easier – ok) with aac256 files because that is what I have loaded.  In ABX tests I can't tell the difference between aac256 and lossless.  Both cards are a mirror copy of each other.  I’m only using the headphone out in each case. I’m also using low gain on the X3ii.  For headphones, I debated using the HD600s, but I might get comments on them not being driven properly – so I opted instead for the easier to drive HM5 (which is also relatively neutral).  I’m using full sized headphones rather than IEMs simply because it is easier to get an accurate read on volume matching with my SPL meter.
 
Both units have class 10 64Gb SDXC cards.
 
Right – first the known specs …..
 

	Fiio X1	Fiio X3
Approx cost	USD 100	~ USD200 (unconfirmed)
Dimensions	96 x 57 x 14mm	96 x 57 x 16mm
Weight	106g	135g
Lossless file formats supported	APE, FLAC, WAV, WMA, ALAC	APE, FLAC, WAV, WMA, ALAC, DSF, DFF
Lossy file formats supported	MP3, aac, ogg vorbis	MP3, aac, ogg vorbis
Use as external DAC?	No	Yes
Battery	1700 mAh 3.7V	2600 mAh
Play time	11 hours+	12 hours+
DAC chip used	PCM5142	CS4398
Main amp chip	ISL28291	??
S/N (H/O)	110 dB (A-Weight)	110 dB (A-Weight)
THD+N (H/O)	<0.004% (1 kHz)	<0.003% (1 kHz)
Output into 16 ohm	>100 mW	~ 400 mW (unconfirmed)
Output into 32 ohm	>65 mW	~ 200 mW (unconfirmed)
Highest resolution lossless	192 kHz, 24 bits	192 kHz, 24 bits
DSD/DSF/DFF support	No	Yes - Native
Output impedance (H/O)	< 2 ohms	??
Line Out	Yes (shared with H/O)	Yes / Separate (shared with digital out)
Digital Out	No	Yes – 3.5mm to Coax (cable supplied)
External storage	Micro sdxc up to 128Gb (currently)	Micro sdxc up to 128Gb (currently)
Screen	2in colour TFT, 320x240 px	2in colour TFT, 320x240 px
Shell / Casing	Aluminium (silver)	Aluminium (gun-metal)

So basically very similar looking units.  X1 is skinnier and lighter.  Subjectively – love the gun-metal aluminium finish.  It looks stunning.  On the hardware side, the X3ii gives you a better amp (assumed – more power anyway), use as a separate DAC, native DSD support, a separate line-out, option for digital out, and slightly better battery life.  I’ll update this table when I get more info.
 
The wheel on this X3ii feels tighter and sturdier than the X1. Some are still going to complain that one rotational click does not necessarily mean 1 movement on whatever menu you are on – but TBH, I’ve never had any issues navigating my X5, X1 or this X3ii – so really …… YMMV.
 
On the software side – main differences I see …..
 

	Fiio X1	Fiio X3
Equaliser	7 band	10 band
Deep sleep mode	No	Yes !!!
Max volume steps	100	120
Adjustable Gain	No	Yes – high / low

 
The GUIs are pretty much similar – which means that we should be able to mod the X3ii themes (a good thing). All the features of the X1 are there in the X3ii, with the addition of a couple that are worthy of mention.  First up – the X3ii has a 10 band EQ (yay) so if you’re like me and like to tinker, you’ll have more control over what you’re doing.  Second – and this feature to me is huge – the X3ii has a deep sleep mode. Basically it goes into this mode when not being used, but rather than turning itself off, it simply sleeps, without the normal battery drain.  End result – when you click the power button – “instant on”.  Love, love, love this feature.  Hopefully they can roll it to the X5 and X1 firmware eventually.  X3ii also has more volume steps (120) and an adjustable gain switch (software). Good news is that both DAPs have “play through folder” mode – IE when in folder browsing mode, when you get to the end of playing tracks in one folder, it can automatically skip to the first track in the next folder.  This is switchable on and off. I find it brilliant.
 
No use comparing use as a DAC in this comparison, as X1 doesn’t have the option – so onto sound.  This IS subjective – OK.  FWIW the X1 at 37/100 with the HM5 needed the X3ii on 55/120 to match. I used a 1kHz test tone and SPL meter to match.
 
Direct A/Bing (sighted), and the two DAPs sounded very similar to me – and I’d have difficulty telling them apart in a blind test I think. Purely subjectively, the X3ii does seem to have a very slightly blacker, cleaner background (but it is really marginal).  Both sound crystal clear, dynamic, and the way they should as audiophile players.  More listening, and now I’m almost sure there is a difference in the overall blackness and clarity (placebo be damned

) – and this might also translate into the clarity of the vocals (we’re talking micro %s here).  Soundstage on both appears to be the same.  Bass quantity seems to be pretty similar as well – it’s just that added sense of clarity that comes in with the X3ii – makes it seem crisper, cleaner.  Hard to put a finger on it.
 
OK – I’ve spent best part of two hours A/Bing now, and my thoughts haven’t changed.  Sound = really similar (I love both), as is soundstage, and everything else.  The one minor difference is definitely in the clarity, and I think this is mostly that the X3ii has a slightly cleaner/darker background.  Could I pick the two apart in a non-sighted test?  I really don’t know – that is how small the difference is.
 
Fiio  - really know how to get the best out of a DAP!
 
So to the questions asked of me today – which is better?  Answer – it depends …….
If:

1. You have no need to use the device as a separate DAC
2. You are limited on funds
3. You have no interest in DSD/DSF
4. You don’t need the latest and greatest
5. Your main headphones are going to be easy to drive, and don’t need additional amping
6. Your prefer the lightest, easiest to carry DAP possible

 
Then the X1 gets the nod.
 
If:

1. You don’t mind the extra spend for additional features
2. You need a standalone DAC functionality
3. You play or have interest in DSD/DSF
4. You own headphones that need a little extra power, and don’t want to use additional amping – preferring to rely on the DAP alone

 
Then the X3ii is going to tick your boxes.
 
For me – I’m sold on the additional power, plus 10 band equaliser, much firmer wheel, and most importantly the instant on. The DAC will come in handy for me when I’m traveling. And purely subjectively, I like the slightly more solid heft, and love the colour. On those – to me – it’s worth the extra outlay.  For anyone else asking the question – the answer is going to be personal to you, and depend on your priorities.
 
Hope this helped someone.
 
BTW – in case anyone wants to know – the X3ii (and X1) sound gorgeous with the HM5.
 
Obligatory pics ....
 

		[size=inherit][/size]
Virtually same dimensions - X3ii is thicker​	Bottom of both - showing micro USB port​	Side view showing micro SDXC slot​
		[size=inherit][/size]
Top - single H/O & L/O port for X1 vs H/O & sep L/O for X3ii​	Side view - buttons​	Good photo of 2mm thickness difference​

 

[DJScope]

​

I’ve been asked a couple of times (in the last 24 hours) for my thoughts on the X1 vs the new X3 gen 2, and whether it would be worth it to wait, or take the plunge now.

For the guys who asked me – I’ll sit on the fence, and say it depends on your needs.  But to help you, here is a bit of a comparison, and maybe some info that could help.  I’ve tried to be as objective as I can be – but ultimately my subjective opinion comes into play.  For a description of my known biases – please read the intro on any of my reviews.

Thanks mate! You've twisted my arm. I've decided to get the X1.

 

[chowmein83]

 
Hey Brooko, thanks for the initial impressions. I think we're starting to get a good idea of where the X3 gen 2 stands among the rest of the Fiio lineup.
 
Hopefully it isn't too much to ask, but could you provide any impressions on how the X3 gen 2 compares to the X5? I'm sure there are others who would be interested in this comparison, and personally I want to see if I could save some money by going with the X3 instead of the X5 (which I loved when I auditioned it).

 

[Brooko]

No problems - but that will have to wait until tomorrow evening. Just past 12 midnight here down under. I'm going to watch the end of the Ireland UAE World Cup cricket match, then head to bed. More than happy to do the comparison tomorrow night though.

 

[x RELIC x]

 

[Ultrainferno]

And I thought it was exactly this we couldn't do till mid march

 

[Brooko]

And I thought it was exactly this we couldn't do till mid march

It's not a full review - merely a quick comparison

 

[originalsnuffy]

I would also suggest a comparison of x3 vs x3 v2

Brooko very good review. Subjectivity is not always bad. Thanks