I have guessed this will ultimately evolve into a hardware mod as a similar business tactic with other DAP. At least this may be more convincing to some than having just firmware modification to improve sound quality, which is placebo to many.
Feels like same tactic as iPod to iMod path again.
Guessing this mod will cost another arm and a leg, and confirm killing the warranty, as well as a drop in resale value.
I am really happy with the official FW 1.0.9 which sounds better than the updated Purist ROM, and keeping my warranty intact and booting without a weird logo.
For those who have same thoughts and don't want to risk your warranty and having a rom with a weird logo, you can flash the FW 1.0.9 using this original firmware and tool provided by FiiO:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/2dtcx80idj2rwb3/X5III Firmware Upgrade Tool with FW1.0.9.zip?dl=0
After flashing this original ROM, you can try out all the different original firmware as well from here:
http://www.fiio.net/en/supports/43
This sharing is FREE and no need to add any impurities to your precious X5III, and you can choose any of the firmware based on your sound preference.
Enough of my sharing and if you are still keen to spend $XXX to do modding to your X5III, why not sell it and buy another DAP of the next tier?
Done for me now. I am permanently out of this thread.
Good luck.
That's as close as I can with smartphone camera. Replacing surface mount parts require highly skilled technician or you may damage your unit. Most parts can't be seen so it takes a lot of practices to get the right parts without damaging your device.
Back side will have clock modules replaced with the best ones that turn this into godly beast. The improvement is like upgrading from AK300 to AK320.
Regards,
Keetakawee