[goodyfresh]

   
They should just do the right thing by their customers. IEM or Heavy Hitter version. Simple, problem solved.

How about: IEM version, typical portable full-sized version, and heavy-hitter version.  So three separate options of default-included amp module when you first buy the player.  The first could have the 100mW power at 32ohms, the second could have 200mW, the third could have as much power as they are possibly capable of packing into it.

 

[warrior1975]

That'd probably be difficult for them to predict what the market wants. They'd have to build x number of each, which could easily leave them with a surplus of one, and shortage of another. Logistically, not giving customers a choice is the safest most cost effective proposal.

 

[mathi8vadhanan]

That'd probably be difficult for them to predict what the market wants. They'd have to build x number of each, which could easily leave them with a surplus of one, and shortage of another. Logistically, not giving customers a choice is the safest most cost effective proposal.

+1. Also, allocating resources/time for developing three modules in parallel is not easy for small companies like these.
Even AK had only a dummy amp module, during AK380 launch.

 

[Sonic Defender]

 Logistically, not giving customers a choice is the safest most cost effective proposal.

Then if that is the safe position to take, you don't come in at the bottom in terms of power, you find the middle which I would think is about 200Mw. I'm quite sure a decent amp of that power can be designed for sensitive headphones and IEMs where noise is an issue.

 

[Mython]

I suppose the X7 platform may guzzle a bit more power than the X5/X3 platform, and therefore (if that might be so), I suppose the mass-market will prefer a moderately-powered amp module, to help maximise overall device battery duration.
 
Just a thought.

 

[warrior1975]

Then if that is the safe position to take, you don't come in at the bottom in terms of power, you find the middle which I would think is about 200Mw. I'm quite sure a decent amp of that power can be designed for sensitive headphones and IEMs where noise is an issue.

Good point.

I suppose the X7 platform may guzzle a bit more power than the X5/X3 platform, and therefore (if that might be so), I suppose the mass-market will prefer a moderately-powered amp module, to help maximise overall device battery duration.

Just a thought.

Good point.

 

[ASpencer]

  I suppose the X7 platform may guzzle a bit more power than the X5/X3 platform, and therefore (if that might be so), I suppose the mass-market will prefer a moderately-powered amp module, to help maximise overall device battery duration.
 
Just a thought.

Since the X7 utilizes WiFi, a first for a FiiO DAP, there clearly was consideration given in the choice of amp lest anyone wants battery life to last half an hour.  There’s an option called “pure music mode” that disengages from all the online accoutrements, operating as a standard music player without the Android based apps.  Even if you shut the WiFi off while in Android mode, it’s heartening to still be able to use a search mode to type in artists names, track titles, etc…  There’s another degree of latitude since you’re able to choose your own wallpaper to display and add other apps.  What’s most important is the sound, of course, and it’s grand.  Just super.

 

[mathi8vadhanan]

  Then if that is the safe position to take, you don't come in at the bottom in terms of power, you find the middle which I would think is about 200Mw. I'm quite sure a decent amp of that power can be designed for sensitive headphones and IEMs where noise is an issue.

You know that number is just peak power right. I believe its measured with a 1Khz test signal. These numbers are of no use to judge an amp - 
 
http://www.rayfes.com/caraudio/ampspec.php

 

[Pewterlocks]

Hi guys.
love the passion" hear", i am also a Fiio fan lite,as my big concern with the X7 is the iem module, i am totally deaf in the right ear ( i hear mono while most hear stero) so i use my PSB M4U2 as my main headphones. They sound great and have the built in amp, yay!! Will the X7 be able to drive them and what kind of volume,clarity,ete ete can i expect as i do play loud and like it that way. Keep up the chatter guys and gals as this site is, for me Audiophile University and this is my first year

 

[goodyfresh]

  Then if that is the safe position to take, you don't come in at the bottom in terms of power, you find the middle which I would think is about 200Mw. I'm quite sure a decent amp of that power can be designed for sensitive headphones and IEMs where noise is an issue.

Well obviously, since both the X3ii and X5ii do a great job with sensitive IEM's.  According to Brooko, the X3ii does just fine even with the super-sensitive, 8-ohm impedance Dunu DN-2000J.

  You know that number is just peak power right. I believe its measured with a 1Khz test signal. These numbers are of no use to judge an amp - 
 
http://www.rayfes.com/caraudio/ampspec.php

Very good point there, man

 

[ASpencer]

As the story illustrates, this is a very different animal...
 
http://www.gizmag.com/fiio-x7/39875/

 

[x RELIC x]

Well actually there are several high profile competitor DAPs to the X7, and they are similarly priced but also can drive over ear cans at the outset, and they have the famous Sabre dac too, but with better amp. After buying optional amp for X7 the only advantage is Android, but at this kind of price myself don't care about Android, it's about audio purity and performance at this level, and a functional interface like DX90 suffice. I already have Android phone, so Android is not my consideration, and all in all, on that count FiiO loses it's good name this time for 'affordable' products punching above their weight regarding the X7. I won't buy FiiO just because it's a FiiO! We buy FiiO for the value. The thing that made them famous is the products that compete but at 2/3rds the price. Just a thought. The iBasso DX80 will be here soon, and it's specs rival everything out there and for 4/10ths price of X7. Dig?

No other DAP on the market has the ESS9018 32 DAC chip except the HM901 (which has two). Most DAPs using the Sabre DAC are using the 9018k2m which is technically inferior (4x) to the desktop version the X7 is using.

 

[JamesFiiO]

No other DAP on the market has the ESS9018 32 DAC chip except the HM901 (which has two). Most DAPs using the Sabre DAC are using the 9018k2m which is technically inferior (4x) to the desktop version the X7 is using.

 
Yes, we believe that we have the ability to make a better device at the same price level but we need to follow our schdule and see what the market will be in the future. 

 

[JamesFiiO]

  The term 'IEM module' is a terrible name - it gives the impression that it is for IEM only and I can imagine some will want to ditch it ASAP. But if you actually look at the output power, it should be able to drive not just IEM, but also most full size, not demanding headphone just fine as well. It should have been called the 'standard module' instead.

 
 
Thanks, we will consider it but seems audiophiles always have huge demand for the output power. 

 

[ClieOS]

  Well actually there are several high profile competitor DAPs to the X7, and they are similarly priced but also can drive over ear cans at the outset, and they have the famous Sabre dac too, but with better amp. After buying optional amp for X7 the only advantage is Android, but at this kind of price myself don't care about Android, it's about audio purity and performance at this level, and a functional interface like DX90 suffice. I already have Android phone, so Android is not my consideration, and all in all, on that count FiiO loses it's good name this time for 'affordable' products punching above their weight regarding the X7. I won't buy FiiO just because it's a FiiO! We buy FiiO for the value. The thing that made them famous is the products that compete but at 2/3rds the price. Just a thought. The iBasso DX80 will be here soon, and it's specs rival everything out there and for 4/10ths price of X7. Dig?

 
Funny you should say that because DX90 at its core is Android with a fixed custom UI. Judging on what I have read about DX80 so far, it probably runs on Android as well. Should FiiO remove all customizable options and force you to use just one UI on the X7, you will essentially have a DX80/90.
 

No other DAP on the market has the ESS9018 32 DAC chip except the HM901 (which has two). Most DAPs using the Sabre DAC are using the 9018k2m which is technically inferior (4x) to the desktop version the X7 is using.

 
Also, don't forget iBasso DX100 (as well as its Japanese version) is the first to use the full ES9018 (now know as ES9018S), though they are both discontinued. I suspect some of the upcoming Chinese DAP will soon use the better AQ2M to replace K2M, but regardless they are still not technically as good as ES9018S.