I just call it how I hear it. If I think it sounds like crap I'll tell you guys lol.
Headphone Reviews and Discussion - Head-Fi.org
lee730
Sweden
Would like to see that 3 DAP shootout.
lee730
Well I can tell you off the bat the X5 has a thicker note weight and isn't nearly as airy sounding as hisound players. Hisound has always excelled in that area. But as a result it has a lighter note weight which some might not like or which might not pair so well on IEMs or Headphones that have a light or bright signature as is. Still that isn't always the case. Just depends.
Stuff Jones
Thanks for the review. Have you used the X3? Any thoughts on the X5 - X3 comparison? I'm sure a lot of us X3 owners will be tempted by the upgrade...
audionewbi
Thank you Lee, how does this compare to the your S mod?
batteraziiz
Superb review. I was already all-in, but this has made me downright giddy about the release ^_^
cooperpwc
Fine review, Lee. I think that you did a good job of describing what makes the X5 the DAP that it is and overall a pleasure to listen to.
lee730
Thanks everyone 
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@karion I had the RWA AK100 which is supposedly superior to the AK100. I felt the RWA AK100 was a downright downgrade from my Studio V 3rd ANV. I don't think the unit is comparable personally to either the Studio, Rocoo BA nor to the X5.
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@Stuff Jones I never heard the X3 before so couldn't really tell you. But I never opted for the X3 as I felt it would have been a downgrade from what I already had. I felt the same about the DX50 to be honest....
@audionewbi the S-mod is still on a different level to the X5. Not saying the X5 ain't good but the S-mod really takes it to a different level where the unit is comparable to good/expensive desktop rigs. I have yet to get an amp to get the full potential out of the S-mod.
@batteraziiz a lot of the time the excitement subsides once you've received the item
. But the X5 actually impressed me the more time I spent with it.
@cooperpwc did you have a chance to listen to the X5 yet? What are your thoughts on it?
.@karion I had the RWA AK100 which is supposedly superior to the AK100. I felt the RWA AK100 was a downright downgrade from my Studio V 3rd ANV. I don't think the unit is comparable personally to either the Studio, Rocoo BA nor to the X5.
.@Stuff Jones I never heard the X3 before so couldn't really tell you. But I never opted for the X3 as I felt it would have been a downgrade from what I already had. I felt the same about the DX50 to be honest....
@audionewbi the S-mod is still on a different level to the X5. Not saying the X5 ain't good but the S-mod really takes it to a different level where the unit is comparable to good/expensive desktop rigs. I have yet to get an amp to get the full potential out of the S-mod.
@batteraziiz a lot of the time the excitement subsides once you've received the item
. But the X5 actually impressed me the more time I spent with it.@cooperpwc did you have a chance to listen to the X5 yet? What are your thoughts on it?
GL1TCH3D
Comparison with AK120? Id like to know if the improvement is worth the price
kahaluu
Great review lee. I want one.
cooperpwc
Lee, absolutely. I am one of the early owners. I bought the X5 on Amazon China. I love it. It's the first DAP that I enjoy portable without an external amp. I'm listening to it ay a restaurant now.
lee730
@ GL1TCH3D it really is hard to justify the price of the AK120 with the performance of the X5. Then again the same could be said about the 3rd ANV and Rocoo BA compared to the AK120. I'd say it really comes down to preference and your IEMs or headphones you will be using with said gear. I mainly kept the AK120 due to how well it paired on my 1Plus2 and of course modding it to the S mod turned it into the ultimate portable/transportable rig. If not for the 1Plus2 and the S-mod I'd most likely would have opted to sell the AK120. To be quite frank @ $1,300 the AK120 is overpriced. I"ve said that from the beginning. At around $800 it would be worth its price. But then again with units like the X5 it still would make even that pricing a bit much. Fiio has set the bar pretty high with this player and I think that is a good thing for us the consumers as it will take away market share from those who are taking advantage and price gouging.
@ kahaluu so do I!.
@ kahaluu so do I!
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lee730
Ah. Glad you are liking it Cooper .
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SonusAudio
The X3 pretty much measures to audibly transparent levels. The X5 can't sound better; Different? Yes. Any RMAA's on the X5?
lee730
That's your opinion Sonus. I beg to differ.
SonusAudio
Measurements aren't opinions. They are fact...
lee730
And your facts belong in the sound-science section, thank you.
cooperpwc
Sonus, please take your remarkable views to the Sound Science forum and argue the definition of better there.
Even the X5 can be improved upon. Or to take this to the extreme, you suggest that even a home system like the Ayre QB-9 plus Headamp GS-X Mk2 cannot sound better than the X3 because it "pretty much measures to audibly transparent levels"? Sheesh...
Next!
Even the X5 can be improved upon. Or to take this to the extreme, you suggest that even a home system like the Ayre QB-9 plus Headamp GS-X Mk2 cannot sound better than the X3 because it "pretty much measures to audibly transparent levels"? Sheesh...
Next!
Brooko
Great review Lee. Agree with pretty much all of your comments (as usual)..Will be interesting to see how the FW matures as more reviewers get there hands on them.
