TechGamer
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Like Dynaway, I tried the DX 80 and X7 - in a store here in Manila. But I walked away with the X7.
Crazy it may seem, yet again like Dynaway, my IEM of choice is also the RE 600s.
I’d been reading everything and asking questions about these 2 very nice players.
I agree that the X7 sounds slightly more crisp and detailed. But I think it is more than that- I think there is more sound - more extension, and if I had to guess, perhaps slightly more accurate (resolving) of the recording.
I believe well mastered music is where this player steps out and shows it stuff.
My 600s sound better than ever, especially at the top where I always wanted just a touch more.
The sound on the DX 80 was big, fat, round and warm ( and maybe more forgiving) to my ears and that was very hard to walk away from. I like the higher powered amps and this was no exception.
I felt the sound was an upgrade to my X5, more emotion, more fun.
After listening through those players - I now see why many folks want more than one.
So why the X7?
Before I even listened - ALL THE POSSIBILITIES!
While I like the overall look of the player, I feel the DX 80 UI is still in the last decade ( or 2) and while it will get better with updates it still is what it is. I think some might say it is an improvement over an X5 - but I’m not so sure. (certainly it is nothing like a tablet)
The size , for me, was perfect for a dap. It did feel good in my hand but the bottom corner that lands in yer palm has an edge to it that truly started to bother me. (There was no case on it though.)
Price wise I think it is a bargain - I listen to a lot of Grateful Dead and that player would knock it out of the park for those recordings, lots of voltage in that amp and an analogue kind of sound.
The X7 on the other hand, because of its versatility and ease of use, can wear MANY hats including different sounding amps. Just now I see no need for a different amp. I feel no power lacking in the X7 for my current situation, and I listen loud - often.
It does feel (in the hand) a solid step up from the DX 80 , and it should - pricing considered.
It looks great, feels great and can grow with my needs - I’m diggin that.
But what seals the deal for me is the modern interface and all the options of available apps/ styles to suit your needs. MUCH more sound tweaking if you enjoy that kind of thing - I definitely do.
For now, mine is set to high gain and I smile when I strap in. I still have volume to spare.
Nothing wrong with turning up the volume BTW!
You would need to separately purchase amps, however, if you felt you wanted something different. The X7s will ship with the IEM amp.
At least that is what Joe from Fiio advised me last week
Sound wise you cannot fail with either unit - it truly depends on your individual desires.
Final thought: The DX 80 is all about the music - The X7 is a premium experience of being all about the music.
Thanks a lot for sharing your experience! This eased my decision a whole lot!
What do you think the difference in sound is between the 2 players...? I use the IE80s most of the time so I am OK with the supposedly weaker amp module of the Fiio...
Thanks a lot again!