Well honestly I didn't hear differences between the two (AK100 vs X3) tho I must admit I didn't have that a/b switch to switch between the two instantly, than I'd probably hear some differences, but if I wasn't able to hear any when I plugged out headphones from one and insert them in other I guess these differences aren't even worth mentioning for me. Of course this is just my opinion, other people may have experienced different things.
I know it was long time ago but again, not THAT long time ago, even when it was launched it wasn't worth 700$ in my opinion. I'd rather go for good old iPod classic 5th gen with a bit older but still decent Wolfson DAC and maybe some amp, not maybe the same level of sound but again, not as different as the price is and besides user interface is an important thing to consider, after all I'll be using it few hours a day for the next couple of years.
It's true that when it was launched it kinda was one of the best if not the best sounding player but still... in my opinion quite a bit more is needed to justify the price and not only price but usage, again UI is important, whole experience (including screen, form etc.).
I said at the end, it isn't a bad player by any means, it does sound good and looks very nice, but when I look at 700$... that looks nicer!
I know it was long time ago but again, not THAT long time ago, even when it was launched it wasn't worth 700$ in my opinion. I'd rather go for good old iPod classic 5th gen with a bit older but still decent Wolfson DAC and maybe some amp, not maybe the same level of sound but again, not as different as the price is and besides user interface is an important thing to consider, after all I'll be using it few hours a day for the next couple of years.
It's true that when it was launched it kinda was one of the best if not the best sounding player but still... in my opinion quite a bit more is needed to justify the price and not only price but usage, again UI is important, whole experience (including screen, form etc.).
I said at the end, it isn't a bad player by any means, it does sound good and looks very nice, but when I look at 700$... that looks nicer!
On the other hand mate, it is true that this DAP came out a long time ago.
You can't expect it to be up their with DAPs released afterwards when A&K even released many new models afterwards.
Also, I can't say the X3 sounds similar to the AK100 either. Fiio's house sound and A&K's house sound is quite different and the AK100 has its own sound.