Received it today. Sparkles are evident in all but the dimmest of lights. Somewhat disappointed about that.
Here's some early UM3X impressions with ALL sound enhancements turned off. I've had the player since Monday so it's only about 3 days old. I'll update this thread if there's some semblance of change. (There probably will be.)
Mids are a delight. Jamie Stewart's (Xiu Xiu) hauntingly aching voice never sounded so beautiful. It seems like he's standing besides you whispering the words right into your ear canals. Wonderfully creepy.
Bass hits hard if the UM3x's are inserted correctly. If not, the sound becomes notably thin.
Treble while weak
compared to other frequencies isn't bad at all. It should be noted that it's largely dependent on the tips used. I use the large Klipsch gels which accentuates the treble regions a bit.
Overall, the sound is very natural and balanced. A bit on the mellow side so it's quite soothing to listen to. I could probably listen to this combo for hours without becoming fatigued by the signature. I personally like my music to be vocal-oriented.
With the Audio Technica AD700s, the synergy is freakin A M AAAAAAA Z I N G. Probably the best DAP I've heard so far. Mind you, I've been burning it only an hour or so I'm quite taken back by it. Warmth is there but it does not subdue the details whatsoever. The treble, the mids, the bass levels. All come together oh so beautifully to create a such a smooth and wonderfully natural sound signature. Literally brings tears to my eyes. I can't wait to burn this thing in!
These impressions are based on all sound settings turned off, btw.
I'm also in love with the interface. Looked cheesy in Youtube videos I've seen of it online but it's quite appealing visually firsthand, really. Also very user friendly. Mistaken button presses are usually prevented because the selected item is only highlighted when grazed lightly.
The Youtube/Slacker applications are also pretty awesome. The Youtube application is implemented perfectly to the now playing screen. You can search Youtube for the currently playing song, artist or album. I personally love seeing the music videos of my songs. Other songs of that said artist also are made available to you at a press of a button. Such sweeeeetness.
I also find it commendable that you don't have to be connected to the internet to listen to songs through Slacker. The WIFI I may add though useful, takes up a great portion of the battery life.
Overall, I'm quite satisfied with it.
But ugh..the rainbow sparkles are dog ugly.
