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- Feb 11, 2008
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don't forget the battery life, seems that the xxx only have 7 hours . X3 used a 3100mAh battery, and X5 used 3600mAh battery.
True. I don't dispute that. But you know they went for quick-swap option to get around that, and I think that is a good solution.
One of the problem is the use of a metal casing on the X5 that adds significant weight (*the other is the battery, but that is a must so we can't do much about it).
We can do something about the battery, if a smaller battery is used and allowed to be quick-swappable on-the-go.
I think if any of us really want to see a smaller 'top-end' DAP from FiiO in the future, we must accept the compromise of lesser power (which is the trend for everyone else anyway). There ain't that many components on a DAP that you can scrap to save size, and the amp section is usually the first to go. Right now FiiO is still thinking about making a full feature DAP that can go all-out on SQ and second place everything else. If you look at DX90, it really isn't outputting quite as much power as what the hardware can be, purely spec wise. It is a good indicator that iBasso scaled back on power delivery in order make it smaller enough to fit the DX50 housing. If it has an amp section as powerful as X5, it will be just as big. Of course, the choice is between 'having enough for most' or 'having the best it can'. It is a pretty reasonable compromise, but I think what bother FiiO most is how to make a DAP that can standout in the market, not just price wise but also performance wise. If they started to cut back feature, they might become hard to differentiate from any other brands -and having a powerful amp section is one of their trademark feature so it is hard to let go.
All reasonable points.
You seem to be pointing towards the X7 going directly head-to-head with the DX100, then (and they're in approximately the same price range, judging by James' recent pricing remarks). That wouldn't be the kind of DAP I'm interested in, since I owned a DX100 and very quickly tired of its bulk in my pocket. However, if James concludes, and openly states, that that is the kind of DAP he is aiming for, I will respect the decision and withdraw from the X7 threads with no hard feelings.
James, have you decided whether you are trying to make a compact DAP or a big powerful brick?
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