My Fiio x5ii is starting to misbehave and it's time to replace it. I use it to store & play FLAC files ripped from CDs, mostly through line out to my Arcam Alpha 9 integrated amp which drives 2 Dynaudio speakers. When I use headphones I run them from the Arcam. I'm tempted by the new M11, but...

I've had my HA-EX700 woodies for quite a while, and really like them. But I'm getting curious about what else is out there. Are the Fiio X1 (2nd gen) going to be a downgrade? Or is the sound quality at least as good but just different. I'm not a bass head particularly, but the bass has got to be...

Update --   Well in the end I thought, why go at it half-arsed, and I bought not the x3 but the x5 on the strength of the many reviews of its wondrousness. I can confirm it is wondrous indeed. Re my original query, well I'll never know how the x3 would have performed and now don't really...

Most minidiscs yes. The MZ-RH1 (M200 in USA) was the last one ever made, and resolved all the issues of former models. It will record & play uncompressed PCM audio files. I think the issue with it sounding a bit thin thru the amp & speakers is just that the line out signal isn't beefy enough...

Thanks for reply. I didn't suggest the DAC on the x3 was tinier and less convincing than a minidisc player - rather I was enquiring whether it is the opposite. I said that my minidisc player sounded a bit thin compared to CDs thru my amp & speakers, and asked whether the x3 would really be any...

I agree - the fit is critical. This was most apparent on the IE8s - slight variations in size, seal and angle made a huge difference. I've never yet heard any foam tips which do the music any favours. Currently comparing existing earphones with existing gear, sorting out the Ebay pile... I...

Thanks for the link. I have tried a few IEMs. I remember liking the Senn IE8s, but couldn't get them to stay in. Various Sonys, and I had a pair of Westones briefly, universal not custom, but didn't really take to them. I was always wary of committing to expensive custom fit IEMs without at...

Thanks for replies.   Coachenzo you seem to confirm my suspicion that it wont match my CD player for listening through amp & speakers. I'm sure it's an excellent portable source, but I'm wanting something to also serve as an indoor FLAC player. I wonder how the Fiio x5 will measure up...?  ...

I'm way behind the times in terms of portable gear - I still use minidisc - Sony MZ-RH1 - and still love it for travel music, but it's a little bit thin when played via line-out through my sound system. I only use WAV, and will be ripping my CDs to FLAC if I go ahead with this...   I'm being...

Lack of bass from FX500??  I think either you've damaged them with unwise mods, or you're using the wrong tips. The stock rubber tips are fine with these IEMs, but correct seating is essential. There are some foam tips included in the box, but, foam tips do tend to make just about anything sound...

Yes it's not bad. Gets better if you take out the black filters and EQ the top & bottom down a notch, and the mids up a notch. Proper fitting with the right tips makes a huge amount of difference of course, as with all IEMs. Since posting I have bought some Westone UM3x from a forum member...

Thanks for your input Kiteki.  Alas the JH11s are way over budget - I was just steeling myself to spring for the  UM3x!  If I get them from Amazon I can at least return them if I don't like them... I'm keeping the minidisc players - they're probably my favourite toys. I just want some IEMs...

Thanks Kiteki. I listen to choral music, some classical, some (old) rock, any good vocals, and acoustic. I like a big soundstage and I like to hear everything. I wouldn't describe myself as a bass head, but I love really deep bass - that is, when it's meant to be there, bass guitar, double bass...

I've been wavering for a couple of weeks over buying the FX700s. I've had the FX500 for 3 years and would love to try the FX700. But they are way too much money. Compare Amazon.Japan's price with Seyo Shop et al. JapanSyndrome has them for around £207 inc p&p, and that's as cheap as they get as...

If it's bass you want, have a listen to the FX500. You'll never go back.

My new electric kettle now has around 100 hours of boil-in, and I really notice that both tea and coffee are so much nicer now. Kind of more rounded, with an improved depth of flavour. I can't wait to see how good it's going to get with more boil-in. No really It's true.

Also try the ebay dual flange tips for the FX500. They ship from Singapore, but are cheap and arrive quickly. I find them perfect for the Victors. There is a seal test to ensure you're getting a good seal with any IEMs, it's a downloadable file of 2 tones. Someone here may remember the URL, or...

I would say the Etys and the FX500s are at opposite ends of the scale. The Etys are cold and analytical, with not a shred of bass (some say it's subtle - I say a light tap where the bass ought to be aint subtle, it's absent!) whereas the FX500s have huge and gorgeoeus bass, and overall smooth...

I actually really like the slightly shorter cord of the FX500. I keep my iAudio7 in my top pocket, and hate miles of excess cord hanging about. Different strokes for different folks... FX500 soundstage is pretty damn good, three dimensional, moreso than most I'd say, but perhaps slightly...

If you can't get a seal with the FX500s - a seriously easy IEM to get a seal with IMO, I can't imagine how you're going to get a seal with the IE8s - a notoriously tricky IEM to get a seal with. I had to send mine back in the end, although I loved the sound. Getting the FX500s was the perfect...

Yes Seyo sent a despatch notification with a tracking number within 12 hours. I must've been lucky to get mine so fast. Perhaps they are waiting for stock? Or just busy? (it's the weekend there too)

I use the ebay dual flange tips on my FX500s, which give a good seal and seem to bring up the mids a bit but without losing any of that beautiful bass. I bought them originally for my IE8s in the hope of a better fit with those iems. They are slightly longer than the supplied tips so keep the...

There is a large, a long, a MASSIVE thread covering every conceivable question pertaining to the IE8. EVERY CONCEIVABLE QUESTION and then some You may find some help there That said - the IE8s are absolute buggers to fit satisfactorily for some folk.

madness not to.....

ear wax? blocked sinus? mood change?