FiiO X1 - Listening impressions 1. Set-up I had a FiiO X1 on a loan for about 10 days. During that period I used it through line out with VorzAmp Pure II and FiiO X12 DIY. I also used the headphone out directly and through Kameleon amplifier. All these set-ups were feeding Sennheiser Momentum Over Ear. I also tried it with my desktop setup: Violectric V200 amp and Sennheiser HD650. For reference, I use the FiiO X5 and iPhone 4 (on its own and with Onkyo HF Player). I’ve seen lots of nice photos from other reviewers that made me feel that there’s no need to add more photos. 2. UI and operation The UI is a simplified version of the X5. It seems intuitive and easy to use. One major difference is that the headphone and line out are software controlled through the same switch. It adds simplicity but I still prefer to have separate switches as the X5. Although the X1 sends a message warning that lineout is active (to avoid trouble), it’s easy to ignore it when you’re familiar with it. I had one incident like that but fortunately it didn’t damage my headphones. I didn’t try it with other DAC’s because the X1 doesn’t have any digital out. I cannot comment much on the UI because I don’t use playlists and many popular features like shuffle. I listen to albums, mainly classical and jazz. Most of it is acoustical. The model that I received had the V1.0 firmware installed. I formated a microSD card on the X1, copied a few albums and all the process went smoothly. 3. The sound After trying several combinations I settled with the headphones out to Kameleon amplifier. This doesn’t mean that the X1 had any problem driving the Momentum directly. The Kameleon is a fixed gain headphone amplifier that uses custom designed filters to optimize output to each headphones. Mine was using a generic filter with gain set to +3dB. The volume is controlled from the player (X1). I always prefer to use an amplifier either line out or headphones out. It seems to me that such a combo, acting as a two stage amplification, sounds better: it adds body, bigger sound image and richer tone. In this setup the X1 gives a clearer presentation than the X5, about the same bottom extension and definition, a little thinner midrange and a little more top extension but never sounding harsh. There was more instrument separation and a more defined image. The overall sound quality is very high and it’s beyond belief considering its price point. Will I buy one? No because I still prefer the “creamier” presentation of the X5 and because I find useful the much bigger storage capacity from 2 microSD slots. If you buy one player every 2 or 3 years the difference in price is not that big for me to skip the X5 in favor of the X1. However if you’re on a tight budget, or if you value the smaller size, the X1 is a steal and deserves my full recommendation. Note: I don’t have any affiliation to FiiO. The X1 was on a loan through HeadFi world tour. Thank you FiiO and Joe for the opportunity to try the X1. Looking forward to hearing the X7.