Is the Fiio X5 3rd gen the best choice for me?

[carpler]

Hi!
I'm looking for a new DAP.
The Fiio X5 3rd gen seems to be the better choice for because got all features that I'm try to find in my next DAP:
1) great DAC: I did not have the chance to listen to the AKM DAC, but I've always heard about it very well and I liked the idea of trying it out;
2) Wi-fi and Android: I'd like to be able to listen Tidal and access via an android app to my library stored on a NAS in my home network;
3) other features: balanced out, double microSD, ...

What stops me is two things:
1) read about several bugs in software: I do not know what has already been corrected, but some things I would not be able to tolerate them (such as an imperfect gapless playing)
2) the sound quality may not like me. In some reviews I read that the sound of the X5 3rd has a sound very similar to the X5 2nd: I've heard this last one and I did not like it at all.
If the sound really is so similar, maybe it's better to look for another DAP.

Can someone suggest me a very good DAP under 400€ with the best sound quality?
Yes, I would struggle to give up Tidal and Android, but if I have a lower sound quality to get these features, I could also change my mind about keeping them at all costs.
Any suggestions are very welcome!

 

[matique]

For below €400 the x5iii is a good choice. Software bugs are mostly fixed, and gapless almost works perfect. It was perfect enough for me at least to play the Pink Floyd albums without being too bothered.

 

[davidcotton]

Cayin n5II springs to mind as an alternate. Just make sure you buy from somewhere with a good returns policy.

 

[carpler]

Thanks for the answers!

For below €400 the x5iii is a good choice. Software bugs are mostly fixed, and gapless almost works perfect. It was perfect enough for me at least to play the Pink Floyd albums without being too bothered.

Mmmm, "gapless almost works perfect" is not what I'm want to hear... For me gapless is a must: if it works almost, is not enough...

Cayin n5II springs to mind as an alternate. Just make sure you buy from somewhere with a good returns policy.

Thank you for this suggestion! I don't know anything about N5II (but I know Cayin)...
What about returns policy? Many defected units on the market now?
And about the DAP: serious bugs known for the N5II?

 

[matique]

I think for serious bugs etc you should just scour through the individual threads for each DAP. I'm sure you'll find more information. For x5iii when i say gapless is almost perfect i mean some songs there's like 0s delay, others have a 0.05s delay? It's not noticeable unless you actively hear for it. I recommend you to head down to an audio shop to listen and audition for yourself. This is only for the stock player, other 3rd party players with gapless support works perfect I think.

 

[davidcotton]

Thanks for the answers!



Mmmm, "gapless almost works perfect" is not what I'm want to hear... For me gapless is a must: if it works almost, is not enough...



Thank you for this suggestion! I don't know anything about N5II (but I know Cayin)...
What about returns policy? Many defected units on the market now?
And about the DAP: serious bugs known for the N5II?

Some people seem to have bug issues and other factors, whilst others don't Just buy from somewhere like amazon or amp3 and if you run into problems you don't like you can return (within a certain window of course!).

Another alternate would be the pioneer xdp100r. Only reason I returned mine was the size. It is a bit on the big size, but it did perform flawlessly whilst I had it.

 

[Bankrep]

I am currently in a similar dilemma, I cant pull the string on X5 3rd just yet. Amazon has X5 3rd for $349 and X7 Mark II for $519. I want good WiFi, apt-X and software. The goal is to eliminate the need to upgrade and get value for additional dollars spent. What’s the best choice? Currently have Ibasso DX50, UE 900, Sennheiser 598, ATH 50x, and FiiO E12.