Subjective comparison:
Hi all, I finally have my X7ii somewhat ready. I am now able to do some side-by-side comparisons. I will be writing this post as I listen. The IEM's will remain the constant,
V-MODA Zn. I wear them cord down. I will play the same song on two different devices. My iPod Classic plays mp3 320Kbps files through a FiiO E12A, while my X7ii will be playing FLAC directly from the DAP. I understand this isn't the most even test, nor the most scientific. However, it's the best I can do while at work. Also, I will adjust the volume to my listening level and report for each device.
1. Opeth - Sorceress. This song is a good representation of what I like to listen to. The opening is a funky, jazzy tune morphing into a dual-guitar chug fest.
iPod - Volume 11 o'clock on the E12A. Vocals a bit more forward. Bass a little sloppier.
X7ii - Volume 90/120. A little more controlled. A little more clarity on the guitar and effects.
2. Amon Amarth - Deceiver of the Gods. Typical viking Metal. Not too technical.
iPod - Volume 12 o'clock on the E12A. Slightly more bass, but not as tight.
X7ii - Volume 95/120. Tighter, more controlled. Harsher upper mids.
3. Fleshgod Apocalypse - The Deceipt. Great song. It starts out brutally fast. But goes into this hypnotizing, slow heavy riff at 1:54 that blows my mind. They played this song live and I about lost my schiit.
iPod - Volume 11 o'clock on the E12A. Slightly more bass.
X7ii - Volume 90/120. Slightly more clear, instrument separation.
4. Gojira - Stranded. Good metal recording. Lots of bass.
iPod - Volume 11 o'clock on the E12A. Deep bass, kick drum hitting hard. Slightly muddy.
X7ii - Volume 95/120. Tighter, more controlled. A little better instrument separation.
5. Cosmic Fall - Overhead Intelligence. Psychedelic Space Rock. Groovy bass lines and guitar jams.
iPod - Volume 11 o'clock on the E12A. Lots of bass.Bass is loose.
X7ii - Volume 95/120. Clearer, not as muddy. Bass is tighter.
6. Shylmagoghnar - Emergence. Progressive Black Metal. It's got fast, double kick drums yet recorded really well.
iPod - Volume 11 o'clock on the E12A. Thick sound, kick drum slightly recessed.
X7ii - Volume 100/120. Mids and highs a little more pronounced. Kick drum still slightly recessed.
7. Wo Fat - There's Something Sinister in the Wind. Phat Stoner Doom!
iPod - Volume 11 o'clock on the E12A. Thick and sludgy.
X7ii - Volume 95/120. Less harsh, more controlled.
Overall, there's not a huge difference. It's not day and night. However, the difference was definitely audible to my ears. And I'm not sure how much the file format comes into play versus the DAP. The end result is what I wanted. I wanted a quality DAP to play FLAC files. The FiiO X7 Mark II does this amazingly well. I am very pleased with the audio fidelity.