Sorry, maybe it's a placebo, but I keep coming back to b2.14 - it's the best sounding firmware for me. 

I am taking part in the internal beta testing and yet haven't come across the link to download the latest version. 

Indeed.

+1  There's nothing in the google beta group:(

I have phonaks pfe 122, etymotic er4pt and aurvana live - and compared to galaxy s3 the sound N5 produces is horrible. I have been dissatisfied with it to such an extent that I've bought fiio x3

Gentlemen, please stop discussing the limit of the numer of files x3 can store. 5800? for ****** sake, back in the days I had my first Iriver with 64MB and I was happy with it:) Let's concentrate on sq and the features of the new firmware.

I guess it's the firmware with the modified volume.

I'm not an audiophile, nor do I care for the way they describe sound signatures of the numerous daps here. But when I listened to my all time favourite record 'Be' by Pain of Salvation after b2.14 firmware upgrade, both on Aurvana Live and Etymotic er4pt, I was like 'Wow, is this my old x3 or...

Would anyone be willing to compare sq of DX50 and X3 with beta2.14 firmware?

No battery issues whatsoever. 

http://www.anandtech.com/show/7567/smartphone-audio-quality-testing/5 You should defenitely read this thorough analysis. 

Settings in viper would be better as they affect all sources of audio including spotify. Please get the latest version of the app. Your settings do improve the awful sound N5 produces, though I still prefer fiio x3 or GS3. Thanks

Would you be so kind as to install Viper4android fx - and play with the settings there and inform me on your results and optimal settings? 

It's still worth it -c'mon it's only 50 bucks but the difference is worth a million. 

So far GS3 is the best sounding phone I've had.