[SkyBleu]

Hola!
 
Thought I'd pop in for a few words
 
What are the X5 demo'er's take on amping the unit? Is it something that is beneficial for the unit? Or is it something that can be done without? 
Theoretically speaking, I'm not speaking in terms of portability, but rather just solely sound quality. 

 

[darkarn]

  Hola!
 
Thought I'd pop in for a few words
 
What are the X5 demo'er's take on amping the unit? Is it something that is beneficial for the unit? Or is it something that can be done without? 
Theoretically speaking, I'm not speaking in terms of portability, but rather just solely sound quality. 

 
Depends on what headphones/IEMs you are using the X5 with; I am using a Beyerdynamics Custom One Pro with it and am happy without amping the X5 when out and about. But when at home/dorms, I amped the X5 with a small table 12AU7 tube amp and also quite happy with its performance.

 

[SkyBleu]

Depends on what headphones/IEMs you are using the X5 with; I am using a Beyerdynamics Custom One Pro with it and am happy without amping the X5 when out and about. But when at home/dorms, I amped the X5 with a small table 12AU7 tube amp and also quite happy with its performance.

So putting aside portability, which sound quality do you prefer? Amped or unamped?

 

[darkarn]

So putting aside portability, which sound quality do you prefer? Amped or unamped?

 
Amped as I can feel the tube sound well which is what I want in my desk setup, but that said, unamped feels great too!

 

[SkyBleu]

Amped as I can feel the tube sound well which is what I want in my desk setup, but that said, unamped feels great too!

Awesome much appreciate your input!

Anyone else? With portable amps perhaps?

 

[musicheaven]

There are cases where an amp is needed, for example when the player amp section is not stellar however the X5 has proven to be a champion in that category so making the need of an amp redundant except of course if you use hard to drive headphones.

 

[SkyBleu]

There are cases where an amp is needed, for example when the player amp section is not stellar however the X5 has proven to be a champion in that category so making the need of an amp redundant except of course if you use hard to drive headphones.

I see that's what I've seem to be reading frequently here; that an amp is not necessary with a DAP such as this.

 

[darkarn]

Awesome much appreciate your input!

Anyone else? With portable amps perhaps?

 
No prob man

 

[Joe Bloggs]

Could I have a show of hands of who in the US is holding a tour X5 (and tell me how many days you have had it)?

 

[darkarn]

*completes some comparison tests between UD100, Fiio Taishan and Fiio X5*
 
Dayum, now I am also starting to buy into that "micro-details" theory 

 

[peareye]

hi joe, Not yet for me...I think I am last on the list 

 

[Retrias]

I went in and tried headfonias demo today, I am buying one once they stocked it

 

[miceblue]

There are cases where an amp is needed, for example when the player amp section is not stellar however the X5 has proven to be a champion in that category so making the need of an amp redundant except of course if you use hard to drive headphones.

I see that's what I've seem to be reading frequently here; that an amp is not necessary with a DAP such as this.

I greatly preferred an external amp to the X5's internal one. >.>

 

[SkyBleu]

@miceblue Did you find the difference to be more improved? Maybe the uplifting of the warmth that some have stated?

 

[miceblue]

@miceblue Did you find the difference to be more improved? Maybe the uplifting of the warmth that some have stated?

To me yes. You bypass the X5's internal amp with the line-out connection, and all of my amps sound more transparent to me, including the E12 despite my problems with it (at least it removed the fatiguing quality of the X5's amp in exchange for a brighter but not-as-fatiguing sound signature).