Well written and level headed review! Excellent

This sounds in line with what I've been reading from the others. I just bought the X3ii used, and have kind of fallen in love with it. But thanks to your review, I think I'll try and find an X5 1stGen on the cheap... see what that can give me.
 
Thanks for the review.

I liked it. Thanks for comparing the Custom Art buds as well.

Great review I own the AK100II and came up with the same conclusions when demoing them. The 240 is more of a status symbol if you ask me, the differences between all of them are very hard to tell but the AK100II sounded more neutral then all of them. I really like the design of the X5ii I have the X1 and very happy with it for the price. After using AK's UI I don't think I can switch to Fiio's UI hopefully the X7 will be a huge improvement thanks for the great review.

Thanks. Great review!

Great review!

Really enjoyed this review - thank you. I've been frustrated with all DAPs I've had recently. For my earphones/ears I found the both AK120ii and iBasso DX90 too harsh and too distant. But the Cowon P1 went too far the other way - it was too soft and close. 
 
I've just received the Fiio X5 2nd gen. Fingers crossed this hits that middle ground you speak of...

Excellent, well-written review. Kudos!