FiiO M3 vs
Onn X5
I’ve spent a fair amount of time with these budget DAPs, here are my thoughts:
UI – I’ve heard a bit from other members about how the M3’s UI is not exactly perfect. For me, I never really had any trouble navigating the little FiiO DAP. It was quick learning curve to master use of the M3, but the X5 is entirely different. With the Onn DAP, I just get plain lost and frustrated. What the heck did the do to this poor X5? Why is it set up like that? I will say this, the Onn made me appreciate FiiO’s UI even more than I already did. The M3 has a plethora of options that make customizing the FiiO DAP best to your needs; while the Onn X5 does have a slightly better EQ it is VERY limited in all other options/settings. On top of all of this, the Onn X5 repeatedly freezes up on me and I have to turn it off.
Updating Firmware – Right after I received the M3, I went to FiiO’s website and did a quick update. I never used it stock, so I could not tell you the difference; I just know it was super easy to do. Upon receiving the X5, I did the same thing. I went to Onn’s website, found firmware and then spent the next two hours, NOT updating the X5, as nothing seemed to work and I am decently techy. So I gave up.
Build Quality – The Metal X5 / The Plastic M3. At quick glance, the Onn does seem to have an edge as it looks nice and shiny. The FiiO is a strange mix of multi hues of off-white (yes I know they come in other colors). Once you have them in the hand, the M3, even though plastic feels a little better. The X5, feels light and “tinny”. Even the buttons on the Onn DAP feel of lower precision than the FiiO and that is even after some say that the M3 is not known for its great clicking either. I also noticed that the X5 came to me with blemishes already on the body and it seems to pick up more with ease. The FiiO, while not the toughest DAP, still shows some reliance to scratches.
Display – I think FiiO did a good (not great) job setting up the theme on the M3. Screens are pleasant to look at and seem to follow a common design. The X5 on the other hand, is a complete mess. Onn does not seem to have any centralized direction when they were putting together the various screens. They are a Hodgepodge of designs slapped together. I think Onn would have been better off just putting a simple, screen like on the Sandisk Clip. Though I will admit, I wish the little FiiO had a similar option for a simple text layout as well to choose from, I could do without any animations. Also, I will never get why Onn has that big screen on the X5, but the album art is so tiny up in the top right corner.
Price – As I wright this, the FiiO M3 comes in at $55 and the Onn X5 is about $40 (a 28% savings). But which price is right? Answer to come in my final thoughts.
Sound Quality – Here we have the most important (IMO) category. With this class of DAPs, I did not expect a lot, I was just looking for a decent overall sound. With the X5, I must say I was caught off guard on how good they truly sound. It seems Onn spent time and money avoiding EVERY other category and instead focused on an accurate sound playback. When I can avoid the Onn from freezing and actually get to a song I want to hear, I am rewarded by a crispy, detailed playback. With the FiiO, quality is good as well, but a touch smoother and warmer. The X5 does have a small advantage when put head to head for a quality sound, but it is not by much. I would call the FiiO M3 the better DAP for extended, relaxing listening, while the Onn X5 is great for analytical playback.
Final Thoughts – I LOVE how the X5 sounds, even excluding price. I just can NOT get passed all the other offensive flaws the Onn DAP has. Frustration should not be part of any listening experience. The M3 barley misses the level of playback of the X5, yet is still quite good for its price point. FiiO does a fantastic job putting together a quality dap from design to functionality. If you wanted to see, the best, detailed and accurate sound you can get for $40, the Onn X5 is a clear winner. For audiophiles, this is what many of us seek. Though for me, when I go to reach out for one of my budget DAPs, I notice that 90% of the time, I end up with the FiiO M3 in my hand. I want to enjoy music, not have to fight for it.
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