[caableguy]

So which of these players pairs better with Westone 4R, and produces a more neutral sound. I just received them and I'm looking to replace my RB Clip Zip, and my old 3nd Gen Nano and 2nd been Touch. Would an amp be needed, Thanks.

 

[jscivias]

So which of these players pairs better with Westone 4R, and produces a more neutral sound. I just received them and I'm looking to replace my RB Clip Zip, and my old 3nd Gen Nano and 2nd been Touch. Would an amp be needed, Thanks.

 
I'd be interested to know this as well.. 

 

[JamesFiiO]

  please someone else measure these two in terms of power. I'm asking because WE need to make sure these test results are either correct or incorrect...

 
the newest tested result is almost closed to the truth ( the max output votage of X3 is 2.9V) cause we tested both by AP . of course, it is not suitable for us to post the result in here except the X3's.
 
BTW, the amp section of X3 is powered by +/-5V but not by the battery directly, the voltage of the battery change from 3.45V( power off ) to 4.2V ( full charged )

 

[nihontoman]

   
the newest tested result is almost closed to the truth ( the max output votage of X3 is 2.9V) cause we tested both by AP . of course, it is not suitable for us to post the result in here except the X3's.
 
BTW, the amp section of X3 is powered by +/-5V but not by the battery directly, the voltage of the battery change from 3.45V( power off ) to 4.2V ( full charged )

thanks for the reply. Now I want to get the X5 (as long as it is the same power as X3 with better SQ) and an amp for my DX50 LOL

 

[subguy812]

So which gain is suggested to drive Westone W4R?

 

[Joe Bloggs]

I would suspect the answer should be low gain for any IEMs...

 

[T.R.A.N.C.E.]

Actually many people, myself included, prefer the sound  from High gain better, just a more dynamic, lively sound most of the time, with low gain being more laid back.

 

[T.R.A.N.C.E.]

  thanks for the reply. Now I want to get the X5 (as long as it is the same power as X3 with better SQ) and an amp for my DX50 LOL

 
Honestly the amp in the DX50 is still fine, and a good external amp will still be better than the X3's and DX50's internal amp by a long shot you must realize, the X3 uses 5v where as decent external portable amps range from 9v to 18v.

 

[JamesFiiO]

How could you said the amp section is powered by 5V in X3? it is powered by ±5.5V which means 11V swing. people should not make conclusion before they make sure it is. especially some objective thing

 

[T.R.A.N.C.E.]

ok, then, just to clarify for people,the X3 has 11v voltage swing (+/- 5.5v) and the DX50 has 9v voltage swing (+/- 4.5v). Both have similar out put voltages of ~3v, but the X3 has higher power/mW output. So yes the X3 has the more powerful amp, but which one sounds better? Up to the person.

 

[jscivias]

   
Honestly the amp in the DX50 is still fine, and a good external amp will still be better than the X3's and DX50's internal amp by a long shot you must realize, the X3 uses 5v where as decent external portable amps range from 9v to 18v.

 
so long as the X3 can drive my 250ohm headphones I'll be fine without an external amp..

 

[T.R.A.N.C.E.]

   
so long as the X3 can drive my 250ohm headphones I'll be fine without an external amp..

 
drive yes, but you wont be getting the most out of them, the x3 provides 30mW at 250 ohm while the dx50 gives 25mW. you want 100mW to be getting great sound imo, after that the more power the better, for added dynamics and refinement.

 

[jscivias]

   
drive yes, but you wont be getting the most out of them, the x3 provides 30mW at 250 ohm while the dx50 gives 25mW. you want 100mW to be getting great sound imo, after that the more power the better, for added dynamics and refinement.

 
hm.. so do you use an external amp with your dx50 when you pair it with high impedance headphones?

 

[T.R.A.N.C.E.]

   
hm.. so do you use an external amp with your dx50 when you pair it with high impedance headphones?

 
yes, for the Beyer DT250 250 ohm I found a noticeable improvement from amping, sound, went from flat and lifeless to dynamic and punchy. you should probably just listen without an amp first, and if you like it keep it that way, if you don't get a decent amp. The thing is once you have listened with an amp you won't want to go back to using no amp

 

[JamesFiiO]

  ok, then, just to clarify for people,the X3 has 11v voltage swing (+/- 5.5v) and the DX50 has 9v voltage swing (+/- 4.5v). Both have similar out put voltages of ~3v, but the X3 has higher power/mW output. So yes the X3 has the more powerful amp, but which one sounds better? Up to the person.

 
 
the subjective sound quality depended on person, but the objective thing is not. as we known, the XX is powered by 8.8V ( single power ) and that is why it needs output couple capacitor.  and it has very low current output that is why the output power drop in low impedance loader. 
 
and again, the output voltages never reach the same level compare with our X3. I am not saying which is good, just the fact. 
 
 
Anyway, I just want to clarify the mistake in our X3 but not trying to clarify the mistake of others.