[drscagle]

I am relatively new to Hi-Res digital sound coming from an analog background to many years ago. Getting up to date has been interesting and fun. I am blessed with a loving wife who is indulging my desire for a decent DAP. I have narrowed my choices between the new FiiO X5 3rd Gen or the iBasso DX200. I know they are both new to the market and I was hoping for some input from some of the experienced listeners here. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Also, any advice on the best IEM for each unit, as I understand different IEMs work better depending on the player, would be helpful. I am considering the Sennheiser IE800 but I am open to advice. Many thanks in advance.

 

[psikey]

I am relatively new to Hi-Res digital sound coming from an analog background to many years ago. Getting up to date has been interesting and fun. I am blessed with a loving wife who is indulging my desire for a decent DAP. I have narrowed my choices between the new FiiO X5 3rd Gen or the iBasso DX200. I know they are both new to the market and I was hoping for some input from some of the experienced listeners here. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Also, any advice on the best IEM for each unit, as I understand different IEMs work better depending on the player, would be helpful. I am considering the Sennheiser IE800 but I am open to advice. Many thanks in advance.

 
This is an unanswerable question ?  Comes down to what you like, what you can afford, how good your hearing is and to some degree what you've tried before!!
 
You can get all the info/views on those two DAP's from the existing forum threads,
 
One regular HF member has done his comparison here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDhl5CEL14Y which baring in mind the DX200 is double the price says a lot.
 
As to IEM's, I've tried a few starting at £40 bracket going up to £1000 but people will have their favourites based on if the like analytical, musical, bass...... etc.  I still like my Klipsch X10's but rarely use since getting better.
 
Personally, I'm not moving from my Shure SE846's unless I can suddenly justify spending £1500+ on some Noble Kaiser Encore's 
 
Only real way to know is to try them for yourself. Don't overlook buying 2nd hand to get much better IEM's for your money. I got my SE846's for effectively half the cost of new from a Head-fi seller & they were mint condition (still are over a year later!). 
 
PS you need to read a lot on here to get a balanced view as there is a lot of "New Toy Syndrome" on here and others who just must have so much money they seem to buy everything then boost their ego's on the forums.

 

[drscagle]

Deleted for a more detailed response!!

 

[drscagle]

One of my main concerns is my hearing as I am 60 y/o and at my last check in 12/2016 my range was 7Hz to 16kHz so I lost some of my highs!! As for the funds, I learned you usually get what you pay for, usually. I would love to spend less, who wouldn't, but I am willing to spend more for quality. Why save if you are unhappy with your purchase everytime you listen to it, if you know what I mean. I always love to save where I can, if I can and still get what I want. I guess I need to read some more posts as I was hoping for individual's experienced opinions. Thanks for the advice!!