Also, guys *** please do a factory reset before handing the device over to the next reviewer.
FiiO X5 3rd gen Review Tour starts right now!!---Android based,Mastering Quality Lossless Playback Hi-Res Music Player
Dear Yethal,
Thank you for the feedback. The computer fail to recognize the X5III as DAC or storage mode? What would display in the WLAN interface?
Best regards
Regardless of the usb mode the device connects and disconnects on a loop. The cable works perfectly with my other devices so it's not that.
As for wwan, after connecting to wifi all I get is an Authentication problem. Same result on both my home and office network.
jmills8
Previously known as bmiamihk, jmills2
Looks veey bad for you.
leaky74
500+ Head-Fier
Re. the USB connect/disconnect - it sounds like the device is trying to draw more power than the port can provide (I had this issue with both the X5iii and DX80). A powered USB hub fixed it for me.
I had the same problem back when I had my LG G3 and it was caused by that and a powered hub fixed the issue, so I'd recommend that you try with one Yethal.
I'm having this issue at the moment when plugging my tour X5iii into the "always on" USB3 port on my laptop - plugging out into one of the other USB 2 ports solves the problem for me.
Can't use it in any port of my work laptop. Weird thing is my Fiio E18 works perfectly out of the same laptop.
HaPeKa
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2017
- Posts
- 200
- Likes
- 82
Had that issue (no USB connection) as well, but it disappeard.
Actually it works, and the transfer is much faster than before ...
Congrats, FIIO
Actually it works, and the transfer is much faster than before ...
Congrats, FIIO
Dobrescu George
Reviewer: AudiophileHeaven
Woah
Quote:
encrypted mSD cards sound like something funny
Given that my mSD cards with music have only music on them, I don't ecrypt them.. IT is literally only music in there!
Woah
Quote:
encrypted mSD cards sound like something funny
Given that my mSD cards with music have only music on them, I don't ecrypt them.. IT is literally only music in there!
To address the first quote, previous reviewer left his Google account logged in on the X5. You can imagine how grave that mistake could be were the device handed to a person more malicious than me.
Usually I keep the mSD card in my phone (I use it together with Fiio E18 as my daily portable driver). Since the card holds more than just music I encrypted it. In order to get the X5 to recognize it I had to put the card back in my phone, decrypt it manually and then put it back in the X5. Clumsy but I'm not going to hold that against Fiio as this an extreme edge case scenario.
JoeDoe
Headphoneus Supremus
- Joined
- Apr 12, 2013
- Posts
- 8,233
- Likes
- 2,410
Sorry it's so late gents, but I've been in Hawaii for the past week, without real access to a computer as I was chaperoning a field trip!
Here are my thoughts on the X5III:
From another review of mine, "The newest [X5] is a DAP I've had my eye on for quite some time. At first glance, it's obvious that it's a premium piece of kit, with it's clean efficient lines, quality touch screen, minimal physical interruptions, and compact size. Reading up on it's specs and the fact that it keeps (and improves) on it's previous iteration leads one to believe that for the asking price, this should be a one stop product, where a bunch of tweaking, additional cables, outboard DACs or amps shouldn't be necessary."
Well, I feel this way about the Fiio too!
The Hits
The Misses
My Thoughts
For the asking price, I don't think there's a DAP that offers as much as the newest X5. It's got tons of software features, a wonderfully smooth yet detailed sound, and enough power for most headphones a real portable listener would use.
Sound
The last standalone DAP I owned for a considerable amount of time was the AK100ii, and I'll tell you that if I had to pick between the two on sound quality alone, I think I'd take the Fiio. I love the AK4490 DAC sound and Fiio has implemented it wonderfully. A very smooth, yet clean sound awaits listeners here, something that in my experience is making a comeback. Maybe we're finally getting off this SABRE DAC train...
Starting from the bottom, the bass is excellent with regards to both quality and quantity. There's no bloat, no over-the-top sub-bass, and no Earth-shattering mid-bass lift (unless they're already in the recording). What I hear is bass that is very smooth, articulate, and dynamic. When called for, it can certainly bring the rumble, but that's only when I'm listening to hip hop or EDM which have that sound in the recording. I would say that overall the low end is a touch warmer than 'neutral,' but I never felt like it was too abundant. Gives things a nice foundation and a pleasing lilt especially when paired with somewhat more aggressive headphones like my Grado PS1000's.
In a word, the midrange is... rich. I'm definitely a mids guy. My full size cans are known for excellent midrange presentations, and frankly, if a product doesn't hit the midrange correctly, then it never has a chance with me. Thankfully, Fiio did a wonderful job here. The X5 presents a rich and full midrange that keeps vocals (especially male) in front without overdoing it like some of the Colorfly offerings I've heard. If I have to be super nitpicky, the upper midrange is a little lean sometimes, but I do think that helps a lot of busier music like my Snarky Puppy or Dream Theater sound less congested.
Treble. Clean, and every once in a while, underwhelming. Here's where the AK100ii bests the X5III. I found the treble well-extended on both units, however, the X5 left a little to be desired in the way of treble energy. It was very easy and non-fatiguing, don't get me wrong, but I'm a Grado guy, and well, I didn't always get the energy I so enjoy with those headphones from the Fiio. For those who prefer that kind of smoothness, this DAP would be an excellent choice.
With regards to soundstage/separation/depth/etc. the X5 is solid. It's not anything I'm going to write home about, but it does offer a respectably wide soundstage that seems very realistic. Using the balanced output would probably improve things here, but I couldn't tell you from experience. Just know that in it's price range, this DAP offers a SS presentation easily on par with other players.
Function
Honestly, I don't have a lot to say here as I didn't spend much time playing with all of the apps, playback/EQ settings, etc. I did find the learning curve in the Android environment very short and didn't present any real issues or qualms to speak of. Navigating was easy enough, and since this was a tour unit, things weren't organized exactly how I would do them if I was the owner, but my main concern was how the unit sounded anyway.
The touchscreen looked great and was very responsive. Sometimes I found the unlocking/locking feature a little toilsome, but then again I'm coming from an iPhone.
The only real qualm I had with the X5 was that the startup time is quite long. If the boot time could be cut down by 5-10 seconds, I think any and all concerns of mine would disappear!
Conclusion
In summary, the X5III is a killer standalone player that offers exceptional bang for your buck in a head-fi world where a lot options have the buyer having to pick and choose. Here in the sub $500 range, Fiio has given us an option that allows us to have our cake and eat it too! Many thanks @FiiO!
Here are my thoughts on the X5III:
From another review of mine, "The newest [X5] is a DAP I've had my eye on for quite some time. At first glance, it's obvious that it's a premium piece of kit, with it's clean efficient lines, quality touch screen, minimal physical interruptions, and compact size. Reading up on it's specs and the fact that it keeps (and improves) on it's previous iteration leads one to believe that for the asking price, this should be a one stop product, where a bunch of tweaking, additional cables, outboard DACs or amps shouldn't be necessary."
Well, I feel this way about the Fiio too!
The Hits
- Support for every lossless format under the Sun
- USB DAC capability
- Streaming, App, & Bluetooth capabilities
- Nice UI
- Excellent build quality
The Misses
- Startup time
- Volume knob (maybe)
My Thoughts
For the asking price, I don't think there's a DAP that offers as much as the newest X5. It's got tons of software features, a wonderfully smooth yet detailed sound, and enough power for most headphones a real portable listener would use.
Sound
The last standalone DAP I owned for a considerable amount of time was the AK100ii, and I'll tell you that if I had to pick between the two on sound quality alone, I think I'd take the Fiio. I love the AK4490 DAC sound and Fiio has implemented it wonderfully. A very smooth, yet clean sound awaits listeners here, something that in my experience is making a comeback. Maybe we're finally getting off this SABRE DAC train...
Starting from the bottom, the bass is excellent with regards to both quality and quantity. There's no bloat, no over-the-top sub-bass, and no Earth-shattering mid-bass lift (unless they're already in the recording). What I hear is bass that is very smooth, articulate, and dynamic. When called for, it can certainly bring the rumble, but that's only when I'm listening to hip hop or EDM which have that sound in the recording. I would say that overall the low end is a touch warmer than 'neutral,' but I never felt like it was too abundant. Gives things a nice foundation and a pleasing lilt especially when paired with somewhat more aggressive headphones like my Grado PS1000's.
In a word, the midrange is... rich. I'm definitely a mids guy. My full size cans are known for excellent midrange presentations, and frankly, if a product doesn't hit the midrange correctly, then it never has a chance with me. Thankfully, Fiio did a wonderful job here. The X5 presents a rich and full midrange that keeps vocals (especially male) in front without overdoing it like some of the Colorfly offerings I've heard. If I have to be super nitpicky, the upper midrange is a little lean sometimes, but I do think that helps a lot of busier music like my Snarky Puppy or Dream Theater sound less congested.
Treble. Clean, and every once in a while, underwhelming. Here's where the AK100ii bests the X5III. I found the treble well-extended on both units, however, the X5 left a little to be desired in the way of treble energy. It was very easy and non-fatiguing, don't get me wrong, but I'm a Grado guy, and well, I didn't always get the energy I so enjoy with those headphones from the Fiio. For those who prefer that kind of smoothness, this DAP would be an excellent choice.
With regards to soundstage/separation/depth/etc. the X5 is solid. It's not anything I'm going to write home about, but it does offer a respectably wide soundstage that seems very realistic. Using the balanced output would probably improve things here, but I couldn't tell you from experience. Just know that in it's price range, this DAP offers a SS presentation easily on par with other players.
Function
Honestly, I don't have a lot to say here as I didn't spend much time playing with all of the apps, playback/EQ settings, etc. I did find the learning curve in the Android environment very short and didn't present any real issues or qualms to speak of. Navigating was easy enough, and since this was a tour unit, things weren't organized exactly how I would do them if I was the owner, but my main concern was how the unit sounded anyway.
The touchscreen looked great and was very responsive. Sometimes I found the unlocking/locking feature a little toilsome, but then again I'm coming from an iPhone.
The only real qualm I had with the X5 was that the startup time is quite long. If the boot time could be cut down by 5-10 seconds, I think any and all concerns of mine would disappear!
Conclusion
In summary, the X5III is a killer standalone player that offers exceptional bang for your buck in a head-fi world where a lot options have the buyer having to pick and choose. Here in the sub $500 range, Fiio has given us an option that allows us to have our cake and eat it too! Many thanks @FiiO!
Dobrescu George
Reviewer: AudiophileHeaven
Seems like you had tons of fun with the unit!
Wish I tested the balanced when I had the occasion, all the words about it make me really curious !
Wish I tested the balanced when I had the occasion, all the words about it make me really curious !
Dear Yethal,
In storage or DAC mode? Do you have another USB port like USB2.0 to see whether it helps?
Authentication problem? Would you mind PM us some picture about that? Can a factory restore help?
Sorry for bringing incovenience to you.
Best regards
Status update:
USB: Works if X5 is the only device connected to the USB controller. Is as flaky as before if other devices are plugged into the same controller. I've noticed that for a short period of time after connecting the X5 to the PC it reported itself as a Bus Powered device, however the bMaxPower field is set to 2mA so no power was actually received from the port. setting bMaxPower to 100mA could potentially solve the issue but I have no way of testing that. Also, please put the company name in the idVendor field, right now it only has the Vendor ID number.
As for the Wi-Fi: I forgot that my Wi-Fi has MAC address filtering turned on. After turning it off I was able to connect the X5 to my home Wi-Fi. This does not explain why was I unable to connect to my office Wi-Fi (which does not use MAC filtering). Moreover, I was unable to determine X5 MAC address from within the device as the Device state tab is missing.
On a more positive note, I was able to listen to it for a few hours and the X5 is miles ahead of the E18 I use as my daily driver. Much better detail retrieval, transparency and dynamics.
Also, Settings app crashes after entering About Device tab with USB storage turned on. 5/5 reproduction rate. Please fix that.
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