Fiio X5 3rd gen || 2x AKM 4490 || Balanced Out || DSD || DXD | DTS | Android || Dual Card Slot
Dec 18, 2016 at 1:56 PM Post #316 of 15,899
  Right, I am finally at home, so here is the early impression I promised: The actual tonal quality of the new X5II is actually pretty similar to that of X5II. That is, both have that signature FiiO house sound that is neutral while tilting ever slightly to a very faded warmish tone. The most noticeable difference between the two for me is the 'grandness' of the image - it is very hard to pinpoint a number, but I'll say the new X5II is about 30~40% large in its image than X5II. Everything sounds grander, more specious and better separated, thus everything also sounds more defined and refined. It will be the equivalent of moving a live performance from a private club to a concert hall. Compared to the X7 (with AM3 / balanced amp module) however, I'll say X7 probably still hold a 10~20% advantage for sounding even bigger / grander. X7 is also ever so slightly more neutral. That being sad, I do think the new X5III is closed to that of X7 than it is to the old X5II in overall SQ.
 
I saw some of you are asking about gapless - as far as I can tell, gapless is not working on the default FiiO music app, but it works just fine on Neutron and any third party app that supports gapless. As far as I can tell, third party apps sounds just as good as FiiO's app. I assume it is because FiiO already works out the SRC issue in Android Lollipop.
 
p/s: regarding the volume dial - it has a little resistance to it and can't be easily turned. You do have to push it with your finger a little to change volume, so I don't think there will be any issue with accidental volume change.

 
Does it work as USB DAC without any problems? 
biggrin.gif

 
Also, thank you for your time and thoughts! 
 
Dec 18, 2016 at 6:42 PM Post #321 of 15,899
What's the ViPER sound effect in Fiio X5iii?

I try to find any information about it, but no luck. Anyone know it?


Probably a pre-installed ViPER app.
 
Dec 18, 2016 at 6:44 PM Post #322 of 15,899
Looks like they have Viper4android baked into the firmware.  It adds effects, but imo it was a pain to get going.  Root, SE permissive etc.  It will be nice if they have it baked in however
 
Dec 18, 2016 at 8:30 PM Post #323 of 15,899
  Looks almost too good to be true. :)
Cayin i5 competitor, was just about to order one and didn't see/expect this update coming.... 
 
Two important questions:
- Does it support true gapless playback? This is not an issue for the Asian customer I know, but a deal-breaker for al lot of EU/US music lovers!
- Does it have DLNA support?

SubSTI,
 
X5 3rd gen will support gapleess playback in the future.
 
Yep , it supports DLNA.
 
FiiO Stay updated on FiiO at their sponsor profile on Head-Fi.
 
https://www.facebook.com/FiiOAUDIO https://twitter.com/FiiO_official https://www.instagram.com/fiioofficial/ https://www.fiio.com support@fiio.com
Dec 18, 2016 at 9:12 PM Post #327 of 15,899
  The original FiiO x5 was my first Hi Res DAP. I still use the X5II as my main DAP. I have tried many other DAPs since the X5II came out, but always found myself going back to the X5. I am very excited for the X5III. I love the fact that it has Dual DACs and the 2.5mm, that it still looks very portable even though it has the full touch screen, and the extra 32GB of internal memory. The more storage the better with Hi Res audio.
 
@FiiO Will a screen protecter be pre-installed like with previous FiiO DAPs? Also, if you are using the 3.5mm headphone jack, are both DAC's still being used?

alwass89, the tempered glass screen protector will be pre-installed , and it is equipped with two top-of-the-line AKM AK4490EQ DACs, one for each channel.
 
FiiO Stay updated on FiiO at their sponsor profile on Head-Fi.
 
https://www.facebook.com/FiiOAUDIO https://twitter.com/FiiO_official https://www.instagram.com/fiioofficial/ https://www.fiio.com support@fiio.com
Dec 18, 2016 at 9:15 PM Post #328 of 15,899
   
You will be glad to know that there is no similarity between the X1II and the X5III. However, besides a little slow on scanning the library, I really don't find any real negative on X1II. The touch wheel is actually quite good IMO. I remember the old days when FiiO still had 'jumping' issue with the mechanical scroll wheel and those are much (x2) worst than the touch wheel on X1II. In fact, the touch wheel on my X1II has no problem whatsoever. Hopefully any slowness on the X1II will be cured in future firmware, otherwise it is a solid little player.

Totally agree to this! I prefer it to the older X1. Lighter weight, scroll wheel is actually better as well! And sound wise, I really have nothing to complain about this player, especially for the price tag. 
 
Dec 18, 2016 at 9:19 PM Post #330 of 15,899
FiiO Stay updated on FiiO at their sponsor profile on Head-Fi.
 
https://www.facebook.com/FiiOAUDIO https://twitter.com/FiiO_official https://www.instagram.com/fiioofficial/ https://www.fiio.com support@fiio.com

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