FiiO X1 upgrade?
Nov 22, 2015 at 6:20 AM Post #16 of 29
Quote:
Originally Posted by seanwee /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I dont see how the jr is better than the FiiO X3 2nd gen
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You might wanna read my posts again - here, I'll quote it and save you time from scrolling back up:
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by ProtegeManiac /img/forum/go_quote.gif
 
The only way to spend way more on a DAP but without a stronger amp (which is kind of the point when Fiio did the X1 - smaller DAP, smaller battery, but same battery life due to lower output and simpler circuit) is to buy an older generation Astell & Kern used or NOS. The new ones have balanced output capable amplifiers already.
 
Just make sure you don't get the very first version of the AK100 since the output impedance is too high for many IEMs.
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protegemaniac said:
 
 
Used - you might find it in the classifieds of audiophile forums, eBay, etc
 
NOS - new old stock; some retailers might still have them (see below)
 
Older generation Astell & Kern players with lower output amplifiers (and more compact bodies) as per your requirements, but as per my prior point, still over your $250 budget unless you find them used and really cheap:
Astell & Kern AK100 with 20ohm output impedance : http://www.aloaudio.com/ak100
Astell & Kern AK100 MkII (with low output impedance amplifier) : http://www.aloaudio.com/ak100-mk2q
 
New generation Astell & Kern players with higher output, balanced drive capable amplifers, two in larger chassis, with the Jr in a thinner chassis (vs the older generation) and more powerful amp:
http://www.aloaudio.com/shop/astell-kern-ak-jr
http://www.aloaudio.com/shop/astell-kern-ak100-ii
http://www.aloaudio.com/shop/astell-kern-ak120-ii
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Nowhere in "the only way to spend more on a DAP but without a stronger amp" nor in the post that follows it does it say it's better than the X3, only that you'll spend more. Track the whole thread - you basically said you wanted to spend more, but only on a DAP with an amp that isn't as powerful as the X3's, hence my reply there, which again just says "here's how to burn your wallet without getting a more powerful amplifier built into the DAP."
 
If you thought that when I said "more powerful amp" in the second post refers to the X3, you might want to go back to the post before it (as quoted above), as well as the rest of that post, because I clearly was talking about the older A&K players having the not-too-powerful amp you want, which is why I said you have to get the older models if the objective is to spend more money without getting a more powerful amplifier built into the DAP. This really is hard to avoid because many people who spend more on the DAP want to have some kind of circumaural headphone that they can bring along, and not have to use even a portable DAC and HPamp (or actually, the DAP can work as a DAC anyway).
 
The only other DAPs that somewhat conforms to your requirement is a HiFiMan with a replaceable amp module. "Somewhat" because, like the A&K's, it's way over your budget. There are those $100 to $150 players with Class A amplifiers, with really low output so they don't suck up the battery, but they might be far under budget for what you want, not to mention a display that looks like the one on a Sony MiniDisc inline remote.
 
Nov 22, 2015 at 8:08 AM Post #17 of 29
I see ...... THX.
 
So currently its better for me to keep the $250 first then get something higher up the price range?
 
Nov 22, 2015 at 11:51 AM Post #19 of 29
Quote:
Originally Posted by seanwee /img/forum/go_quote.gif
 
So currently its better for me to keep the $250 first then get something higher up the price range?
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Yes. Or, put that $250 towards something else that will make a bigger impact on the sound, like:

1.
A custom IEM. The level of isolation plus a shell with comparatively huge enclosure space (vs universal fit units) can mean a lot more improvements in SQ than a new player, as long as you get an IEM with over 100dB sensitivity at an impedance that won't tax the X1. I don't think there is any CIEM that is higher than 150ohms anyway.
https://www.1964ears.com/product/1964-Qi-Custom-In-Ear-Monitor
 
2. A desktop system. The Fiio K5 docking amplifier for example can have their players dock and use it as a headphone amp, or SE or balanced fixed analogue lien output to another headphone amp. The only difference with the X1 is that it can only use local storage, as it cannot function as a USB DAC with a computer. This way you get to keep using the X1 as your source unit.
http://www.head-fi.org/t/740441/k5-fiios-new-docking-desktop-amp-how-do-you-like-it-update-2015-07-06-final-design-published/15
 
 
Nov 22, 2015 at 9:52 PM Post #20 of 29
protegemaniac said:
 
2. A desktop system. The Fiio K5 docking amplifier for example can have their players dock and use it as a headphone amp, or SE or balanced fixed analogue lien output to another headphone amp. The only difference with the X1 is that it can only use local storage, as it cannot function as a USB DAC with a computer. This way you get to keep using the X1 as your source unit.
http://www.head-fi.org/t/740441/k5-fiios-new-docking-desktop-amp-how-do-you-like-it-update-2015-07-06-final-design-published/15
 
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Err as for a desktop setup....... i can just use my father's WooAudio WA7 Fireflies that cost $1000+
 
Nov 22, 2015 at 11:27 PM Post #22 of 29
Quote:
Originally Posted by seanwee /img/forum/go_quote.gif
 
Err as for a desktop setup....... i can just use my father's WooAudio WA7 Fireflies that cost $1000+
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Then put the money towards a CIEM.
 
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by seanwee /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Lootoo Paw 5000/ FiiO X5 2nd gen/HiFiMan HM 650
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If you're changing DAPs the reasons should really be more along the lines of
 
1. You prefer a different UI that is easier to use, or doesn't have issues (as in the first release of the DX50 and even the X3)
2. You want something smaller, or
3. You need more power so you won't use an amp
 
 
As it is two of those can be taken off the list since in the previous posts you weren't looking for more power (the Lotoo makes a little bit less than the X1). The HiFiMan and Lotoo are considerably thicker also. The UIs on older HiFiMans (not sure if it's still true with this one) don't look that much better than my old Creative HDD player (except instead of an HDD it has a better amp, so there's that), while the Lotoo looks like a cross between an iPod and a field recorder, so unless you can get a direct comparison from someone who has used both, safe to assume the X1's UI is likely easier to use.
 
Nov 23, 2015 at 1:13 AM Post #23 of 29
protegemaniac said:
 
 
Then put the money towards a CIEM.
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How much are the usual price for a reference CIEM ?
Around $1k +?
 
 
http://pro.ultimateears.com/customizer/#!/id/148
 
These are good i think
 
Nov 23, 2015 at 1:20 AM Post #24 of 29
Quote:
Originally Posted by seanwee /img/forum/go_quote.gif
 
How much are the usual price for a reference CIEM ?
Around $1k +?
 
 
http://pro.ultimateears.com/customizer/#!/id/148
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Does it have to be "reference"? Even if it isn't you're still going to get a lot more changes to the sound by using a different IEM or CIEM than by changing the player since none of them are distorting on any of them anyway, ergo, not just changes but improvement. If you're using decent universal IEMs now, a custom for around $500 to $600 can get you more bass if it has just one extra driver, but ultimately, the best benefit is long-term wearing comfort and isolation since they're shaped specifically for each of your ears. Between a $600 CIEM like the 1964 Quad/Qi and some of the insanely priced universals out there I'd much rather get the Quads.
 
Nov 23, 2015 at 1:24 AM Post #25 of 29
protegemaniac said:
 
 
Does it have to be "reference"? Even if it isn't you're still going to get a lot more changes to the sound by using a different IEM or CIEM than by changing the player since none of them are distorting on any of them anyway, ergo, not just changes but improvement. If you're using decent universal IEMs now, a custom for around $500 to $600 can get you more bass if it has just one extra driver, but ultimately, the best benefit is long-term wearing comfort and isolation since they're shaped specifically for each of your ears. Between a $600 CIEM like the 1964 Quad/Qi and some of the insanely priced universals out there I'd much rather get the Quads.I
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Im currently using the CKR-9s and they have bass quality like no other headphone/Iem i have ever tried .The bass texture is just stunning and im not even a fan of bass.
 
I would like to try more neutral iems for a change.
 
Nov 23, 2015 at 1:39 AM Post #26 of 29
Quote:
Originally Posted by seanwee /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Im currently using the CKR-9s and they have bass quality like no other headphone/Iem i have ever tried .The bass texture is just stunning and im not even a fan of bass.
 
I would like to try more neutral iems for a change.
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Your best bet would be a CIEM designed for monitoring, but note that there are some (C)IEMs designed more for a band to use on-stage might not be as neautral as what the engineer uses off-stage. This is because in some cases they boost the percussion and bass (guitar and kick drum) since these carry the beat, thus allowing the performers to synchronize better. 1964 Ears' website has a somewhat useful and highly simplified bar graph showing the general response balance of their CIEMs on each of their pages.
 
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