Disclaimer:
I have no affiliation with the FiiO company whatsoever. I jumped at the opportunity to participate in auditioning the pre-release X5ii Canadian tour unit and was selected to be one of the lucky reviewers. I would like to thank FiiO and the tour organizers for including me.
Introduction:
I am a long time music lover and audio enthusiast and for the most part have concentrated primarily on 2 channel speaker audio systems, but approximately 2 years ago I ventured into DAC’s, Headphone Amplifiers and good quality Headphones.
My Portable Audio History:
About 5 years ago my wife and I decided to treat our selves with 160GB iPod Classics so that we could enjoy music when travelling or to relax in bed before calling it a night. Although hardly audiophile quality, the iPod sound was acceptable enough for the occasional portable use. However recent events has me travelling more frequently now so I find myself listening to portable on the go music much more as well. This increased exposure to my iPod highlighted something to me, namely that I craved something more, something more satisfying in sound quality.
Enter FiiO:
In an effort to find something better sounding than my iPod, my research led me to discover FiiO and it’s terrific line of products. Over the years I have always appreciated and admired audio companies that deliver very good sounding equipment at fair and affordable prices. Companies such as NAD, Oppo, PSB, and yes, even Schiit are such companies. I must say that I would now include FiiO within this group.
I first chose the E11K amplifier and eventually upgraded to the E12a. Although these amplifiers (along with my Beyerdynamic DT1350’s and Westone UMPro30’s) certainly elevated the sound of the iPod, I sensed a somewhat unnatural bonding between FiiO and the iPod. Shortly after the release of X3ii I decided to purchase one and discovered that it, along with the E12a, as they say, was a match made in heaven. I absolutely love the sound of my X3ii (without & with the E12a) and could not envision the need to upgrade to anything else for a very long time.
X3ii:
First allow me to briefly comment on the X3ii sound signature as a basis for comparison to the X5ii. To me the X3ii strikes a thoroughly satisfying chord in that it is quite neutral with just a touch body in the bottom end. The high frequencies are just ever so slightly rolled off which, to my ears, permits long satisfying listening sessions. I guess it’s best summed up as a smooth sounding device. This is a very good sounding DAP for a very reasonable price, well done FiiO!
X5ii:
Being very familiar and happy with the X3ii sound I was looking forward to hear how the X5ii sounded by comparison, or if the difference was noteworthy. Well to my ears I was immediately aware of the X5ii’s more noticeable high frequencies which allowed me to more clearly pick up details that with the X3ii were smoothed over or barely perceptible. I was simply hearing more information with the X5ii. In addition, I also sensed a slightly wider and deeper soundstage that presented a nice airy sense of instrument and vocal location within the soundscape. Percussion and especially cymbals had a very “live-like” sound that I really liked. Good recordings sound very good on the X3ii, but on the X5ii some of the tracks I used to compare players transported me to the recording studio or live venue. The X5ii’s bass punched just as satisfyingly as with the X3ii’s. So yes, I believe the X5ii distinguished itself from the X3ii.
With respect to power, the X5ii had plenty to drive my portable 80ohm on-ear DT1350’s providing very nice sub-bass when the music called for it. In fairness though the X3ii could also achieve this but the X5ii delivered it clearly and effortlessly. I also enjoyed comparing the X5ii with my X3ii/E12a combo and here the power comparison was more equally matched. For the most part I listen to my X3ii with the E12a and prefer the slightly different sound signature that the E12a gives. To me the E12a is like an aural telescopic lens that brings the soundscape slightly closer to the listener and sharpens the details of music.
X5ii with the E12a:
Since the power ratings of the X5ii and E12a are pretty similar, I questioned the need for the E12a. However as stated above the E12a does offer a different sound signature to the listening experience and if a slightly more forward sound is your cup of tea then it may be something for you to consider. I do like the E12a’s bass boost capability with a simple flip of the switch you can introduce a slightly elevated bass lift for those rather thin sounding tunes. Certainly not a necessity, especially if you favour ultimate portability but if you get an opportunity to audition it with the X5ii I would encourage you to do so.
X5ii Line Out:
Schiit Magni:
When I upgraded my Schiit Magni to the Magni 2Über on my computer setup, the original Magni found a new home on my bedside table. Since then it has become an almost nightly ritual listening to my X3ii via the Line Out through the Magni. Naturally when I received the X5ii I made sure to give it plenty of audition time with the Magni. The Magni cleanly amplified the aforementioned detail and clarity of the X5ii, perhaps a touch more brightly than the E12a. Being very accustomed to the sound of the X3ii/Magni combination, the more detailed sounding X5ii took me a bit by surprise but after a brief brain burn in period I absolutely loved this combination and stopped comparing it to the X3ii/Magni combo altogether.
Lake People G109S:
This amplifier, along with a Schiit Bifrost DAC is part of my main 2 channel system. I use the Schiit SYS to toggle between my speaker system and headphone system. First up, I connected the X5ii Line Out straight into the G109S. To be consistent, I continued to use the DT1350’s as I did with the Magni, and the X5ii did not disappoint. The very neutral sounding G109S really let me hear how the X5ii’s DAC performed, and I have to say, it did so extremely well. As with the Magni, the detail and clarity of the X5ii was there in spades. The X5ii/G109S combination sounded satisfyingly controlled and did not exhibit the shrillness of the Magni if pushed too hard. The X5ii/G109S combination sounded clean and effortless no matter how high I turned the volume up. Since this is my main headphone listening system, I also briefly auditioned my HD650’s and HE500’s and had absolutely no complaints. In fact, the extra clarity that the X5ii brings to the offering is heartily welcomed on this setup. Comparatively the X3ii sounded very good as well, but to my ears I appreciated the more audiophile like sound of the X5ii.
X5ii Coax Out/Bifrost/G109S or Speaker System:
Unfortunately due to my limited time with the X5ii I wasn’t able to spend very much time with this configuration. I can say that I liked this setup when I originally experimented with my X3ii. To the best of my recollection the X5ii sounded very similar to the X3ii.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts:
First off I would like to thank FiiO for giving me the opportunity to audition the X5ii. My time with it was a real pleasure and an ear opener. It highlighted to me that even as good and truly satisfying a player that the X3ii is, in my opinion the X5ii offered just that bit more in detail and clarity that I immediately liked and appreciated. This difference is particularly important to me because I not only use a DAP for portable travel use but also find it practical and enjoyable to use in conjunction with my other audio setups in my home.
Is the price difference between the X5ii and X3ii worth it? Well that’s a personal decision and I would encourage anyone considering either of these DAP’s to first audition and compare. If I only used a DAP for occasional portable use then I would be completely satisfied with the X3ii. It’s a terrific DAP and it is a tremendous value. For me personally, I not only valued the slightly higher sound quality of the X5ii but also appreciated the bigger and brighter screen. The X3ii screen, in my opinion is perhaps the only negative thing I could say about the X5ii’s little brother. Also the extra microSD slot is a welcomed feature. Finally, if you are interested in driving demanding headphones then the X5ii offers very good amplification that will mate well with all but the most demanding of headphones. For now, the X5ii offers enough features and sound quality to put it squarely in FiiO’s flagship status.
So yes I made the very difficult decision to sell my X3ii and upgrade to a new X5ii. Had my wife not offered the upgrade dollar difference as a birthday gift, who knows. I guess that’s a testament to how good the FiiO DAP’s sound, to me they immediately satisfied that conscious checklist that I look for in audio products. Nice job FiiO!
I have no affiliation with the FiiO company whatsoever. I jumped at the opportunity to participate in auditioning the pre-release X5ii Canadian tour unit and was selected to be one of the lucky reviewers. I would like to thank FiiO and the tour organizers for including me.
Introduction:
I am a long time music lover and audio enthusiast and for the most part have concentrated primarily on 2 channel speaker audio systems, but approximately 2 years ago I ventured into DAC’s, Headphone Amplifiers and good quality Headphones.
My Portable Audio History:
About 5 years ago my wife and I decided to treat our selves with 160GB iPod Classics so that we could enjoy music when travelling or to relax in bed before calling it a night. Although hardly audiophile quality, the iPod sound was acceptable enough for the occasional portable use. However recent events has me travelling more frequently now so I find myself listening to portable on the go music much more as well. This increased exposure to my iPod highlighted something to me, namely that I craved something more, something more satisfying in sound quality.
Enter FiiO:
In an effort to find something better sounding than my iPod, my research led me to discover FiiO and it’s terrific line of products. Over the years I have always appreciated and admired audio companies that deliver very good sounding equipment at fair and affordable prices. Companies such as NAD, Oppo, PSB, and yes, even Schiit are such companies. I must say that I would now include FiiO within this group.
I first chose the E11K amplifier and eventually upgraded to the E12a. Although these amplifiers (along with my Beyerdynamic DT1350’s and Westone UMPro30’s) certainly elevated the sound of the iPod, I sensed a somewhat unnatural bonding between FiiO and the iPod. Shortly after the release of X3ii I decided to purchase one and discovered that it, along with the E12a, as they say, was a match made in heaven. I absolutely love the sound of my X3ii (without & with the E12a) and could not envision the need to upgrade to anything else for a very long time.
X3ii:
First allow me to briefly comment on the X3ii sound signature as a basis for comparison to the X5ii. To me the X3ii strikes a thoroughly satisfying chord in that it is quite neutral with just a touch body in the bottom end. The high frequencies are just ever so slightly rolled off which, to my ears, permits long satisfying listening sessions. I guess it’s best summed up as a smooth sounding device. This is a very good sounding DAP for a very reasonable price, well done FiiO!
X5ii:
Being very familiar and happy with the X3ii sound I was looking forward to hear how the X5ii sounded by comparison, or if the difference was noteworthy. Well to my ears I was immediately aware of the X5ii’s more noticeable high frequencies which allowed me to more clearly pick up details that with the X3ii were smoothed over or barely perceptible. I was simply hearing more information with the X5ii. In addition, I also sensed a slightly wider and deeper soundstage that presented a nice airy sense of instrument and vocal location within the soundscape. Percussion and especially cymbals had a very “live-like” sound that I really liked. Good recordings sound very good on the X3ii, but on the X5ii some of the tracks I used to compare players transported me to the recording studio or live venue. The X5ii’s bass punched just as satisfyingly as with the X3ii’s. So yes, I believe the X5ii distinguished itself from the X3ii.
With respect to power, the X5ii had plenty to drive my portable 80ohm on-ear DT1350’s providing very nice sub-bass when the music called for it. In fairness though the X3ii could also achieve this but the X5ii delivered it clearly and effortlessly. I also enjoyed comparing the X5ii with my X3ii/E12a combo and here the power comparison was more equally matched. For the most part I listen to my X3ii with the E12a and prefer the slightly different sound signature that the E12a gives. To me the E12a is like an aural telescopic lens that brings the soundscape slightly closer to the listener and sharpens the details of music.
X5ii with the E12a:
Since the power ratings of the X5ii and E12a are pretty similar, I questioned the need for the E12a. However as stated above the E12a does offer a different sound signature to the listening experience and if a slightly more forward sound is your cup of tea then it may be something for you to consider. I do like the E12a’s bass boost capability with a simple flip of the switch you can introduce a slightly elevated bass lift for those rather thin sounding tunes. Certainly not a necessity, especially if you favour ultimate portability but if you get an opportunity to audition it with the X5ii I would encourage you to do so.
X5ii Line Out:
Schiit Magni:
When I upgraded my Schiit Magni to the Magni 2Über on my computer setup, the original Magni found a new home on my bedside table. Since then it has become an almost nightly ritual listening to my X3ii via the Line Out through the Magni. Naturally when I received the X5ii I made sure to give it plenty of audition time with the Magni. The Magni cleanly amplified the aforementioned detail and clarity of the X5ii, perhaps a touch more brightly than the E12a. Being very accustomed to the sound of the X3ii/Magni combination, the more detailed sounding X5ii took me a bit by surprise but after a brief brain burn in period I absolutely loved this combination and stopped comparing it to the X3ii/Magni combo altogether.
Lake People G109S:
This amplifier, along with a Schiit Bifrost DAC is part of my main 2 channel system. I use the Schiit SYS to toggle between my speaker system and headphone system. First up, I connected the X5ii Line Out straight into the G109S. To be consistent, I continued to use the DT1350’s as I did with the Magni, and the X5ii did not disappoint. The very neutral sounding G109S really let me hear how the X5ii’s DAC performed, and I have to say, it did so extremely well. As with the Magni, the detail and clarity of the X5ii was there in spades. The X5ii/G109S combination sounded satisfyingly controlled and did not exhibit the shrillness of the Magni if pushed too hard. The X5ii/G109S combination sounded clean and effortless no matter how high I turned the volume up. Since this is my main headphone listening system, I also briefly auditioned my HD650’s and HE500’s and had absolutely no complaints. In fact, the extra clarity that the X5ii brings to the offering is heartily welcomed on this setup. Comparatively the X3ii sounded very good as well, but to my ears I appreciated the more audiophile like sound of the X5ii.
X5ii Coax Out/Bifrost/G109S or Speaker System:
Unfortunately due to my limited time with the X5ii I wasn’t able to spend very much time with this configuration. I can say that I liked this setup when I originally experimented with my X3ii. To the best of my recollection the X5ii sounded very similar to the X3ii.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts:
First off I would like to thank FiiO for giving me the opportunity to audition the X5ii. My time with it was a real pleasure and an ear opener. It highlighted to me that even as good and truly satisfying a player that the X3ii is, in my opinion the X5ii offered just that bit more in detail and clarity that I immediately liked and appreciated. This difference is particularly important to me because I not only use a DAP for portable travel use but also find it practical and enjoyable to use in conjunction with my other audio setups in my home.
Is the price difference between the X5ii and X3ii worth it? Well that’s a personal decision and I would encourage anyone considering either of these DAP’s to first audition and compare. If I only used a DAP for occasional portable use then I would be completely satisfied with the X3ii. It’s a terrific DAP and it is a tremendous value. For me personally, I not only valued the slightly higher sound quality of the X5ii but also appreciated the bigger and brighter screen. The X3ii screen, in my opinion is perhaps the only negative thing I could say about the X5ii’s little brother. Also the extra microSD slot is a welcomed feature. Finally, if you are interested in driving demanding headphones then the X5ii offers very good amplification that will mate well with all but the most demanding of headphones. For now, the X5ii offers enough features and sound quality to put it squarely in FiiO’s flagship status.
So yes I made the very difficult decision to sell my X3ii and upgrade to a new X5ii. Had my wife not offered the upgrade dollar difference as a birthday gift, who knows. I guess that’s a testament to how good the FiiO DAP’s sound, to me they immediately satisfied that conscious checklist that I look for in audio products. Nice job FiiO!
