If we talk about the "entry-level" Element i, the new i2 version seems like a decent improvement. It adds the better Crystek clock, upgrades the CPU to the quad-core version used in the higher models, adds an integrated linear PSU, and gives balanced headphone out (4.4mm, not XLR, but still). That all seems pretty worthwhile, though I still love the original with the ability to "roll your own" PSU upgrade that fits your budget/desired SQ.
But I agree that on the X model, the newer version doesn't really seem like a huge improvement. They added the touch screen, which might be nice for transport controls. The preamp section has been improved as well. And there are some potentially useful connectivity options like USB C and ARC-capable HDMI. None of that really matters to me though, and they actually took away the full-size XLR balanced headphone out in exchange for a 4.4mm jack - not a fair trade imho. A used first-gen X does seem like the way to go.
Or, it might be worth considering the X-Sabre 3 instead. It has a lot in common with the Element X, and arguably looks/sounds a bit better. For someone using external amps anyway (like the pic above), the lack of integrated headphone out won't be an issue. Beyond that the only major difference is the Element models can play music from attached drives while the X-Sabre 3 is streaming only. But someone like me using Roon with external amplification would not care about that.