FiiO X7 | DXD | DSD | 384K/64B | ESS9018+ Android | WiFi | Bluetooth | 4 AMP modules | Balanced Out |

[Got the Shakes]

  In my opinion, the first place money should go to is headphones/IEM's. Looking at the Fidelio, I think an X5 might be good enough — DAC-wise. I have X5 myself and find it quite good with the Sennheiser HD600, although it lacks a little bit in the amp section, but still very decent. Unless you're looking for a (more )portable solution, you could consider an external amp. And since the AK100II wasn't $900-special', I doubt the difference in money between X5 and X7 is going to do a lot for you in terms of sound quality, especially with the Fidelio. 
 
edit:
Also, check this review:
http://www.head-fi.org/products/philips-fidelio-x2/reviews/12247
 
All this, is of course my opinion.
YMMV
 
G.

 
There are some things X7 wise that could make it worth $700 more so than the AK being worth $900. The interchangeable amp modules are something the AK didn't offer for one and if FiiO ends up with the UI of the X7 that is close to as functional as the AK that will be a game changer for a DAP in that price range. Also thanks for the review, it was quite insightful.
 

  Get the X5, it's quite good.  Or get a Pono, it is, to me better and just above the X5 price point.  The X5 does a few more things than does the Pono, but the Pono plays lossless music beautifully and with more detail than does the X5.  Either way, it is 400-500 bucks cheaper than the AK.

 
I should have mentioned that I had previously had the X5 and really did like it. I sold it to fund my Ak100 II purchase since I thought that would be a superior player (UI wise it was, sound and price wise, not so much IMO). So I know what I'd be getting myself into with that. 
 
 
I wasn't trying to derail this thread, so sorry if I did. I was just trying to figure out if I should hold off for the X7 since we really don't know final specs and a release date.

 

[olddude]

No derailing as we are talking about Fiio products and the upcoming X7.  And I'm sure James and Joe will be happy to hear that you didn't find the AK100ll (much if at all) better than the X5.  The X7 should be up there, sound-wise.  It uses the 8-channel DAC while the Pono uses the little brother version by the same manufacturer.  

 

[Gurdipurdi]

   
There are some things X7 wise that could make it worth $700 more so than the AK being worth $900. The interchangeable amp modules are something the AK didn't offer for one and if FiiO ends up with the UI of the X7 that is close to as functional as the AK that will be a game changer for a DAP in that price range. Also thanks for the review, it was quite insightful.
 
 
I should have mentioned that I had previously had the X5 and really did like it. I sold it to fund my Ak100 II purchase since I thought that would be a superior player (UI wise it was, sound and price wise, not so much IMO). So I know what I'd be getting myself into with that. 
 
 
I wasn't trying to derail this thread, so sorry if I did. I was just trying to figure out if I should hold off for the X7 since we really don't know final specs and a release date.

Totally agree with you on that on. I wasn't trying to make a comparison between those two devices, although I can see it could be seen as such. I just feel like spending 700 dollars on a dap for a 300 dollar set of cans might not be the best route to get the best bang for buck. But of course I can only speak for myself. If you value a quality dap with enough power in the amp section and a good UI, the X7 seems an interesting choice. And I have to admit there aren't a lot alternatives for that have those three combined in the lower prices ranges. It makes me sad because I probably want and might — read: will — buy the X7, if things turn out as expected. That said: very pleased with the X5. It seems for this hobby, my money-saving rationale does not apply.
 
FIIO quality with the android UI — and all other things already mentioned will make for a fine DAP. Looking forward to June.

 

[olddude]

Upgrading sound files helps, as does upgrading listening devices.  I just upgraded my $300 Fidues with a $200 balanced cable and my $1K sound (Fidues rival many $1K iems) now may be closer to $1.5K  worth of of sound.  Maybe upgrade your cans?  And then buy the X7 when it comes out.  

 

[Got the Shakes]

  Upgrading sound files helps, as does upgrading listening devices.  I just upgraded my $300 Fidues with a $200 balanced cable and my $1K sound (Fidues rival many $1K iems) now may be closer to $1.5K  worth of of sound.  Maybe upgrade your cans?  And then buy the X7 when it comes out.  

 
In my case, I have a set of the new UE 900s and just got the X2s (which are amazing open cans, many people will tell you at $299 they rival the sound of headphones closer to $1K), I am just trying to decide which DAP to pair with them as a DAP is the last piece of audio gear I'm looking for. I'm really just trying to figure out if it's worth it for me to buy the X5 knowing that 5 months down the line the X7 is coming out.

 

[kosmita]

  same as ALO, RSA and Pioneer. 
 

 
 
Why not trrs? Like HM901? I think its a tad more practical...
 
I have cobicon plugs but trrs seems more convinient.

 

[kosmita]

By the way guys.
 
 
Regarding my old magnesium build look and feel arguments I did expensive effort to transform... my HDP-R10... look at results.
 

 

 

 
 
 
I imagine X7 will have even better looking build )
 
Cool? So dont tell me guys look and feel does not count...

 

[kosmita]

  They are not perfect indeed. But at that price point I dare say they are the best.
 
$500. I understand that audiophile-grade DAPs aren't supposed to be cheap. But after all, isn't Fiio all about delivering high-quality devices that play nice with our pockets? The spec-sheet looks nice, looks like a real iPod Touch killer (although some may believe it's already dead). At $500, it's gonna go viral. 

I expect X7 to cost 1000+ and cover that price with quality over (better) HM901

 

[FizzlePop]

 
Why not trrs? Like HM901? I think its a tad more practical...
 
I have cobicon plugs but trrs seems more convinient.

 
Quote:

   
The reason why we choose RSA 4 pins but not TRRS,
 
1, Most people will have problem to identify it is TRRS or TRS. means that there will lots of customer service work.
 
2, We are the biggest headphone re-cable manufacture and everyone know our price is very reasonable.
 
3, There are RSA, ALO and Pioneer who use the 4 pin balanced connector, and I think there will have more brand use the same balanced connector when we make the decision. 
 
   think about it, FiiO, the NO1 in mid and low end market,  RAS, ALO in the high-end market. and Pioneer is also famous brand in audio market. 
 

 

[Mython]

  By the way guys.
 
 
Regarding my old magnesium build look and feel arguments I did expensive effort to transform... my HDP-R10... look at results.
 
 
 
Cool? So dont tell me guys look and feel does not count...

 
 
Sorry, but I wouldn't say that looks 'expensive' 

 

[Brooko]

 
I expect X7 to cost 1000+ and cover that price with quality over (better) HM901

 
Unless James is going to spring something suddenly on us - the price is going to be USD 699 (as has been stated many times).  Give me something practical, sounds great and configurable - definitely interested.  If you want to spend another $300 on prettying it up to your standards - you may need to wait for X9, X11, X13 maybe ......

 

[olddude]

Well, I think it's gonna cost $10,000 and be gold-plated.  No, SOLID gold and cost $20,000.  And it will be out on June 15th.  And it will have 3 kinds of balanced plugs and 8 different amps and will walk around by itself on tiny little feet.  And the OS will be so advanced that IT will choose what YOU want to hear- and it will be right!!
 

 
Or maybe we can all just wait and see what other little trickles of info James will post here and accept that that is what is happening.  It's done, folks.  Fiio is making it right now, it's gonna be what James wants it to be.  

 

[kosmita]

   
Unless James is going to spring something suddenly on us - the price is going to be USD 699 (as has been stated many times).  Give me something practical, sounds great and configurable - definitely interested.  If you want to spend another $300 on prettying it up to your standards - you may need to wait for X9, X11, X13 maybe ......

 
I dont mind 699 version. Its just about having "eyes open". I suspect the 699 is basic version with basic amp The modualrity gives space to upgrades, so I am realistic expecting some extras for myself

  sure, I dont mind paying less. I am sure we wont be dissapointed.

 

[kosmita]

  Well, I think it's gonna cost $10,000 and be gold-plated.  No, SOLID gold and cost $20,000.  And it will be out on June 15th.  And it will have 3 kinds of balanced plugs and 8 different amps and will walk around by itself on tiny little feet.  And the OS will be so advanced that IT will choose what YOU want to hear- and it will be right!!
 

 
Or maybe we can all just wait and see what other little trickles of info James will post here and accept that that is what is happening.  It's done, folks.  Fiio is making it right now, it's gonna be what James wants it to be.  

If it can be better let it be better. Talking some extra details doesnt hurt.

 

[kosmita]

   
 
Sorry, but I wouldn't say that looks 'expensive' 

Matter of taste, but looks like magnesium cyber player