Introduction
A young member, but certainly not new to the community, I've enjoy a bass heavy style of music, ranging from most EDM genres like dubstep and trap to other genres such as classical, classic rock and metal. For this review I'll review a total of 5 songs, two dub, one trap, one unique sampling piece and one one metal piece. The IEMs used for the review will be the Westone W40s. The music player it will be up against is the famed Fiio X5.
Review
Ah, the X5 2nd generation. For this review I'll be putting it up against it's older and bigger brother, the X5. The second generation X5 (known from hereonout in this review as the X5K) is 22.9 grams lighter than it's brother, weighing in at 170.8 grams compared the previous iterations 193.7 grams. The sizes are similar, however the X5K is around 2-3mm shorter in both directions while being the same width, this is of course ignoring the flush screen, buttons and wheel on the X5K that the X5 doesn't have. The X5 is noticibly larger but portability is still similar between the two.
Initial impressions
After the first glamour wore off, the X5K really reminded me of an old iPod classic - much more so than the X5 did. It has a wonderful, sturdy, brushed aluminium body like most other Fiio products have came standard with, and the display is much more crisp than the previous iterations display. Scrolling speed felt slower (it is, at 5 ticks less on a full rotation than the X5), and general response times were similar and marginally quicker, with the most noticible difference being the 'return' speed after hitting the back button. The sleep feature is phenomenal and I rarely turned the player off entirely. Battery life is OK, nothing spectacular but nothing terrible. I'm assuming it'll be better after firmware updates. The UI is a lot nicer in my opinion, especially due to the crispness, and I hope that the X5 will be able to adopt a similar layout. I'm a big fan of the X5's looks, however the flush screen, buttons and wheel on the X5K is definitely appealing.
As much as it may look like an old iPod (a friend even commented on me having an old iPod, mistaking the X5K for an iPod classic) it certainly doesn't sound like one. My initial impressions were very warm as I noticed the bass notes were much more lush and powerful than what I would get from a phone, or most other DAPs, however it wasn't overwhelming. It was a relatively nice, deep feeling that didn't drown out the rest of the music. Compared to an X5, it's very, very, very similar, however there is one little nuance about it that is subjective to different people - it feels a lot less 'intimate' than other DAPs. What I mean by that, is it has a recessed feeling throughout the 400Hz - ~5kHz frequencies. As a result, I felt the need to continuously turn on volume at times in order to achieve the full feeling of immersion. The X5K though does a really impressive job in keeping up with complex and highly detailed tracks that boast a high pace, and thus suits electronic music and metal very well.
User interface and practicality
I never once had to use a manual in order to understand and navigate through the UI, however I may be different since I am relatively familiar with Fiio products such as the X5 and X3. The UI is clean and simple, and looks well constructed. The volume buttons are responsive and accurate, and all buttons are nicely tactile and offer good feedback upon clicking a button. Developing a full understanding on how to use the player is very quick, and the vast majority of people would likely share a similar experience to me. Setting it up as a USB DAC on Windows 7 SP1 was a breeze, and I instantly got to using it with Foobar via USB output on my computer to the X5K. I am not sure about the current state as a USB DAC for Max OS, Windows 8 and Linux.
Specs compared to the X5
This is a rough consolidation of all data I have found. If you find more, please let me know so I can update the chart. Some information may be incorrect. There is a LOT of different information out there regarding the same things, so it's not possible to have completely accurate data.
| Fiio X5 | Fiio X5 2nd Generation | ||
| Display | 2.4" IPS 400 * 360 | 2.4" HD IPS 400 * 360 | |
| Output | Analog & Digital 1 * 1/8" (3.5 mm) headphone output jack | Analog & Digital 1 * 1/8" (3.5 mm) headphone output jack | |
| DAC | USB: Supports 192 kHz, 24-bit Texas Instruments PCM1792A | USB: Supports 192 kHz, 24-bit [size=inherit]SoC：JZ4760B，DAC：Texas Instruments PCM1792A，LPF：OPA1612，OP：OPA1612+BUF634[/size] | |
| Impedance range | 16 to 300 Ω | ||
| Volume control | 120 high and low gain | 120 high and low gain | |
| EQ | 10 band multipass EQ | 10 band multipass EQ | |
| Gain selection | +- 6dB | +- 6dB | |
| Supported formats | WAV, FLAC, MP3, OGG, AAC, WMA, ALAC, APE, DSD, AIFF, HE-AAC 24/192kHz (WAV, DSD, APE, FLAC, ALAC), 24/96kHz (APE, WMA | WAV, FLAC, MP3, OGG, AAC, WMA, ALAC, APE, DSD, AIFF, HE-AAC 24/192kHz (WAV, APE, FLAC, ALAC), 24/96kHz (APE, WMA), DSD64, DSD128 | |
| Line ouput specs | < 0.0025% @1 kHz, 20 Hz to 20 kHz（+/-0.1), > 100 dB @10 KΩ @ 1 kHz, > 1.5 vRMS | ||
| Headphone output specs | Output Power 1: > 460 mW @ 16 Ω, THD < 1% Output Power 2: > 255 mW @ 32 Ω Output Power 3: > 28 mW @ 300 Ω 20 Hz to 20 kHz （+/-0.1) < 0.26 Ω, > 75 dB @ 1 kHz crosstalk, > 8 Vp-p maximum output voltage, > 150 mA maximum output current | ||
| Battery size | 3700mAH | 3300mAH | |
| Battery duration | ~ 12 hours | ~ 10 hours | |
| Charging time | ~ 4 hours | ~ 4 hours | |
| Dimensions | 2.7 x 4.4 x 0.6" (67.6 x 114.0 x 15.6 mm) | 63.5 * 109 * 13.5 mm | |
| Weight | 193.7 grams | 170.8 grams | |
| CPU | 600MHZ | ? | |
| SNR | =>115dB | =>117dB | |
| Storage | 256GB expandable (MicroSD) | 256GB expandable (MicroSD) | |
| Gapless playback | X | X | |
| Headset support | X | ||
Packaging
The X5ii/X5K came with a large variety of accessories, seen standard with many other Fiio products. Included are the following:
- Fiio X5 Second generation
- Silicone case
- Micro USB cable
- Three sets of stickers (carbon fiber, American flag and wood panel)
- Two spare screen protectors + one pre-installed
- Digital to coaxial output cable
- Warranty card
- Quick start guide
- Layout diagram
PicturesApologies for the celery quality photos, I broke my good camera
Fiio X5K (left) and Fiio X5 (right)
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Bottom sides of X5 and X5K
Left sides of X5 and X5K
Top sides of X5 and X5K
Face view of X5 and X5K
X5K with Westone W40
Fiio X5K Weight
Fiio X5 Weight
Music
Here is a relatively brief comparison of the two DAPs using songs I'm incredibly familiar with. I used these songs in particular due to my familiarity with each of the songs, thus making it easier for me to compare each player to the other in the best way I can.
1)
Seven Lions - Isis
Genre: Dubstep
Quality:
44.1kHz Sample rate
2 Channels
16 Bits per sample
1029 kbps
FLAC
Listening Volume on X5: 62
Listening Volume on X5K: 62
Gain for both devices: Low
At 62 volume on low gain, the two players had nearly identical volume to my ears (not an accurate way to measure, however it'll have to do). The X5K has a supposed SNR of ≥117 dB while the X5 has a SNR of >115 dB. Immediately during the intro of the song, I definitely noticed more clarity from the X5K than it's younger brother, but again, that veiled/hiding midrange that makes the listening experience much less intimate than it's predecessor. With that being said, retrieval of details feels quicker and more accurate, and on a clarity scale with the X5K being the benchmark 10, the X5 would be at around an 8.5-9. Although the clarity of the music in general was cleaner, the intimacy lacked, and as a result for me felt less enjoyable if I were to be casually listening - however due to the detail retrieval of the X5K, I'd rather use the X5K for this type of song.
2)
Cyrus - Winter Writer
Genre: Dubstep/ DnB
44.1kHz
2 Channels
24 Bits per sample
1046kbps
FLAC
Listening volume on X5: 62
Listening volume on X5K: 62
Gain for both devices: Low
This is where the intimacy plays a bigger role. This is more of a DnB/dubstep track than the previous, and is much less complex than the last song, and this is where the big difference came to life between the two brother DAPs. The intimacy on the X5 makes the music sound like it's touching you, rather than just speaking to you. The bass notes carry a certain lustre, while the synth leads feel more forward in presentation. Subtle sound cues present themselves in a more noticeable, yet less refined way. The claps/snares feel less prominent in the X5K, and overall I'd rate the listening experience of the X5K lower than the X5 in this type of song.
3)
Zomboy - Beast in the Belly
Genre - Trap
44.1kHz
2 Channels
16 Bits per sample
1081kbps
FLAC
Listening volume on X5: 57
Listening volume on X5K: 57
Gain for both devices: Low
On the X5, high frequency notes were rather sibilant, and almost draining out the bass note(s). The entirety of the song felt relatively fatiguing, and less pleasant for my ears in general. The bass was smoother and almost punchier on the X5K, and the higher notes were less tiring on the ears and brain. Without a doubt I'd prefer the X5K for this song, as it's less tiring, less sibilant, and although felt less intimate, it felt infinitely more appropriate for this song. In fact, while I felt like taking out my IEMs with the X5, I felt like getting up and dancing whilst listening with the X5K. It may be a placebo of sorts, however those are my opinions for this certain song.
4)
Gramatik - I Still Remember
Genre - Trip-Hop
44.1kHz
2 Channels
16 Bits per sample
320kbps
MP3 CBR
Listening volume on X5: 57
Listening volume on X5K: 57
Gain for both devices: Low
Immediately, the X5K drew me in with the songs fantastic string work, making sure I hear the reverberations of the strings and the crisp peaks.The bass notes present a thick, lush tone to them and the entire experience was over much too quick, but again, the intimacy lacked in contrast to it's older and bigger brother. The X5 had a heavier bass attributed to it, and the strings were even more lively than the X5K presented. The only thing that the X5K had was very slightly more clarity overall in the piece. The strings almost seemed to sing to me with the X5, where with the X5K it was simply just coaxing me. Both players did a fantastic job with this song and basically told me that I should be outside right now, drinking some lemonade with some gin in it and enjoying the outdoors. With that being said, I'd rather listed with the X5 to this piece due to the intimacy brought to the table.
5)
Metallica - Devil's Dance
Genre - Metal
44.1kHz
2 Channels
16 Bits per sample
969 kbps
FLAC
Listening volume on X5: 68
Listening volume on X5K: 68
Gain for both devices: Low
Although Metallica songs have god awful recording quality, I've listening to this song so much and am really familiar with it, so I can pick a part the song on both players.
The guitar riff beginning around 1:15 is incredibly recessed on the X5, and on the X5K is
The intial bass notes are incredibly strong, almost shocking on both players - however for the X5 it felt exhilerating. Cymbals are clearer and crisper on the X5K than on the X5.
Vocals on the X5 are more 'violent' for lack of a better term, and more immersive as a result, and you can almost feel the emotions emanating from the vocalist.
The guitar is much cleaner on the X5K and the overall presentation felt polished by a nice microfiber cloth while listening with the X5K. I guess the entire experience felt more balanced with the X5K than it did with the X5, but less emotional and captivating than the X5. With that being said, the X5 is certainly a much funner player compared to his younger brother, but is more wild and less reserved. It's difficult to say which player I enjoyed the song more with. I'm leaning more towards the X5K due to the clarity and cleanliness, however the X5 really wanted me to speak. I'd personally have to say I'd prefer the X5K for this song since the guitar pieces and drumming just felt a lot more accurate and sober than the X5.
Conclusion
It's difficult to draw a conclusions, especially after 10 days (around 50 hours total listening with it), however it's even harder to decided which one I like better. Certain songs and pieces really shine on the X5K, and the same goes for the X5. The build quality is fantastic on both units, however for some reason I prefer to scroll wheel on the X5 compared to the X5K, and same for the aesthetics. The display on the X5K is steps ahead of the X5, and really puts the X5K together neatly, and I definitely appreciate the resolution much more. I prefer the large buttons on the X5 more than I do the X5K, but enjoy the smaller profile of the X5K over it's younger brother. The sleep feature is invaluable and really helps with preserving battery life and startup times from having to boot from off every time. Although the general aesthetics make the X5 feel like a more 'expensive' device, the screen resolution of the X5K really seals it. If the X5 had similar screen resolution, I think I'd be in love. They're very similar players as a whole, so I cannot exactly make a recommendation based only on my 10 days. Try out both and see what you think!
Changes are likely to happen with the X5K so not everything I've said is set in stone yet, however as an overall package, I'm impressed with what Fiio has been able to pack into a small aluminum box. For the ~$300-$350 MSRP price tag, this player certainly holds its weight against other, more expensive setups. Minor changes once the second generation fully releases will of course take effect and improve this player even more.
If you have any comments about the review, please let me know so I can change things!
BTW, nice review. Not fond of the fact that you did not come up with a favorite at the end. I kind of want somebody to tell me that I just have to have the X5II.. So far everyone has pretty much called it a draw. It looks more and more like I will stay with my X5 and see what the X7 is all about.
I did like the fact you had links to the songs that you used. Nice touch