ONKYO DP-X1 | Dual Sabre Dacs | Balanced | Sabre BTL Amp | MQA | DSD 256 | Android 5 |

[chowmein83]

   
Tax refund is on it's way so is the Need of a new Toys !
 
I currently loving my AK120ii and looking for new DAP that works with streaming ie. Spotify, Tidal, Google etc.
 
Onkyo DP-X1 vs Fiio X7 comes to mind.
 
Thanks in advance
Andrew

 
Hi Andrew,
 
I've written up a comparison between the DP-X1 and the X7 in my review for the latter, linked here: http://www.head-fi.org/products/fiio-x7/reviews/15045
 
In that review, I've also done a comparison between the X5 2nd gen (not exactly the same as the X5 1st gen, but close enough) and the X7 in the same review.
 
Despite it being an X7 review, no I do not prefer the X7 over the DP-X1 sonically. In fact I would say they are on par with each other.
 
Hope this helps!

 

[Carlsan]

   
Hi Andrew,
 
I've written up a comparison between the DP-X1 and the X7 in my review for the latter, linked here: http://www.head-fi.org/products/fiio-x7/reviews/15045
 
In that review, I've also done a comparison between the X5 2nd gen (not exactly the same as the X5 1st gen, but close enough) and the X7 in the same review.
 
Despite it being an X7 review, no I do not prefer the X7 over the DP-X1 sonically. In fact I would say they are on par with each other.
 
Hope this helps!

Did you try the DP-X1 with balanced cables?
I would be curious to hear the balanced amp modules on the X7 as well, whenever that comes out.

 

[sabloke]

It doesn't make much sense to me that the X7 cost more than DP-X1 and the you have to spend some more to get a balanced module. I wouldn't bother to be honest. However, I noticed the X7 prices collapsing at a couple of retailers and that's a sign sales are not going that we'll.

 

[chowmein83]

  Did you try the DP-X1 with balanced cables?
I would be curious to hear the balanced amp modules on the X7 as well, whenever that comes out.

 
Nope, I wasn't able to try the DP-X1 with balanced cables. I don't have any headphones with the right type of balanced cables unfortunately.
 
 

It doesn't make much sense to me that the X7 cost more than DP-X1 and the you have to spend some more to get a balanced module. I wouldn't bother to be honest. However, I noticed the X7 prices collapsing at a couple of retailers and that's a sign sales are not going that we'll.

 
Well, the DP-X1 is only around the same price as the X7 if you choose to import it from Japan. (When it officially comes out later in the US, the DP-X1 won't be nearly as cheap.) That comes with its own hassles, namely any warranty claims if something were to happen. But whether one is willing to bear that risk depends on the person - so I could see why somebody would either go for the DP-X1 or the X7 if we're talking about price and sound quality.

 

[Sonic Defender]

I know I would be happy with either the X7 or the DP-X1, both great achievements and sure to increase the arms race of features and value in DAPs.

 

[addyg]

I've had both DP-X1 and Fiio X7 and tested both with the same IEMS, all I can say is Fiio X7 has better SQ straight out of the box (IMHO), especially when paired with the E12A.

You will probably need the AM2 module if you want better standalone SQ. (I intend on buying one)

I am still trying to tweak the DP-X1 SQ to match my previous experiences (Fiio X5+E12A).  Although, the DP-X1 has a wider range of SQ tweaking options.

It is a great standalone DAP (plenty of power), but mine still need SQ tweaking to get everything just right. Although, I think It sounded much better when paired with the Mojo.
X7 is a good choice for anyone looking to replace their first generation X5 (Bonus: You now have a proper song search function and file scanning takes seconds)

Not sure about A&K.

Really not sure why you compare to x5k + low grade amp, this combo will cut the details of its already low cost dac, but it can be your personal preference that details in music is not important.

 

[OneL0ve]

Really not sure why you compare to x5k + low grade amp, this combo will cut the details of its already low cost dac, but it can be your personal preference that details in music is not important.

I already said that the dp-x1 is a great standalone dap, but for me it still needs tweaking to sound right. I wouldnt call the Fiio E12A a low grade amp.

 

[Orky261]

I'm a bit concerned with x7 build quality, it just doesn't scream quality and assurance like Onkyo (from my experience holding it) and my local audiophile community which was hyped for it turned their heads to dp-x1. I mean Fiio is the people's champion for price to performance but the hype suddenly died down in a very short time.

 

[FidelityCastro]

I'm inclined need to agree with you that the X7 doesn't feel quite as premium in the hand - or at least, not with one of the modules attached.

In answer to earlier question about SQ, I thought the X7 had fantastic bass, and would agree with a previous poster that it sounds a bit more clinical (or perhaps slightly more punchy and v-shaped) than the warmer DP-X1.

On the sales point, the guy in the shop where I tried the X7 was trying to tell me how much better it is than the Onkyo, before admitting that he hadn't actually tried the DP-X1 and asking to try mine. Which is never a good sign.

However, I haven't been on the X7 thread and have no doubt that either would be a good purchase. Just depends on your SQ preference and perhaps any existing brand loyalties.

 

[davidmolliere]

I'm a bit concerned with x7 build quality, it just doesn't scream quality and assurance like Onkyo (from my experience holding it) and my local audiophile community which was hyped for it turned their heads to dp-x1. I mean Fiio is the people's champion for price to performance but the hype suddenly died down in a very short time.

 
I ordered the X7 initially and had it for a over a week, before returning it for the XDP-100 and then returning it to finally order DP-X1.
I returned it for similar reasons to @McCol, namely EMI issues while streaming. Initial design issues (are they fixed?) killed part of the hype I think.
 
I wouldn't say the build quality is bad, but it's not as premium as DP-X1 for sure. It's more bulky at it's quite thick, but that's understandable as it packs a big 3500 mA battery to power the hungry ESS9018 that's not designed for mobile use. Tolerances are good but the material doesn't scream premium. The screen is nowhere near DP-X1/XDP-100 quality but that could be deemed secondary.
 
As for sound, It packs more bass punch indeed, but bass are less defined and control to my ears. I didn't really pegged it as V shaped and I would have said the X7 is warmer than the DP-X1. Treble are nowhere near as refined, it's buttery smooth but it lack the detail of the DP-X1. Mids are smoother and a tad more forward. Overall there is less clarity, separation and transparency. I guess the X7 might pair well with analytical / cold headphones that might explain why I liked it less than DP-X1.
 
 

  I currently loving my AK120ii and looking for new DAP that works with streaming ie. Spotify, Tidal, Google etc.
Onkyo DP-X1 vs Fiio X7 comes to mind.
 
Can any kind souls out there shine a light about these two wonderful players as stand alone DAP?
Which do you you think is more musical, better presentation, details, layering and depth, bass and trebles and overall UI experiences.
I realize that none is perfect but I'll pairing it with external amp anyways so a bit lacking in driving power, body and bass impact may just not be a big problem in my case.
I need to know if the sound is solid, have a good back bone and more three-dimensional in presentation.
 
PS: I used to own X5, DX90, AP100 and now AK120ii. AK has way more resolution, details and 3D presentation in my ear

 
To me the DP-X1 is more 3D and it does have a sound back bone and I would peg it as technically more refined than the X7 but that's probably down to personal preferences and also which headphones / IEMs you intend to use them with.
 
One thing it has for it is sharing the same 2.5 TRRS for the balanced cables, that could be a deciding factor if you have invested already

 

[gearofwar]

I'm a bit concerned with x7 build quality, it just doesn't scream quality and assurance like Onkyo (from my experience holding it) and my local audiophile community which was hyped for it turned their heads to dp-x1. I mean Fiio is the people's champion for price to performance but the hype suddenly died down in a very short time.

I have owned some of Fiio products before, the build quality was top notch

 

[yoyorast10]

   
I ordered the X7 initially and had it for a over a week, before returning it for the XDP-100 and then returning it to finally order DP-X1.
I returned it for similar reasons to @McCol, namely EMI issues while streaming. Initial design issues (are they fixed?) killed part of the hype I think.
 
I wouldn't say the build quality is bad, but it's not as premium as DP-X1 for sure. It's more bulky at it's quite thick, but that's understandable as it packs a big 3500 mA battery to power the hungry ESS9018 that's not designed for mobile use. Tolerances are good but the material doesn't scream premium. The screen is nowhere near DP-X1/XDP-100 quality but that could be deemed secondary.
 
As for sound, It packs more bass punch indeed, but bass are less defined and control to my ears. I didn't really pegged it as V shaped and I would have said the X7 is warmer than the DP-X1. Treble are nowhere near as refined, it's buttery smooth but it lack the detail of the DP-X1. Mids are smoother and a tad more forward. Overall there is less clarity, separation and transparency. I guess the X7 might pair well with analytical / cold headphones that might explain why I liked it less than DP-X1.
 
 
 
To me the DP-X1 is more 3D and it does have a sound back bone and I would peg it as technically more refined than the X7 but that's probably down to personal preferences and also which headphones / IEMs you intend to use them with.
 
One thing it has for it is sharing the same 2.5 TRRS for the balanced cables, that could be a deciding factor if you have invested already

 
Problem is no usb dac and no support. If something with the x7 goes wrong, all you have to do is contact them and it'll be fixed in a short time.

 

[davidmolliere]

  Problem is no usb dac and no support. If something with the x7 goes wrong, all you have to do is contact them and it'll be fixed in a short time.

 
No USB DAC might not be a deal breaker and it probably will happen with a firmware update.
True FiiO has been reactive pushing firmware updates but Onkyo has been no slouch either, we had quite a few already.
I don't know if they did fix the hardware issue on the X7 though, did they?

 

[addyg]

Some comments on the X7 from Chinese forum

am1 is not good sounding even owner complains

am2 is better but it still not a 2.5 balanced

Wifi interference is there and fiio suggest that every other dap has the same issue which is unheard of for dp-x1 owner.

Fiio marketing team tried to ban dp-x1 discussion in Chinese forum (rumor)..bad

 

[davidmolliere]

Wifi interference is there and fiio suggest that every other dap has the same issue which is unheard of for dp-x1 owner.

 
DP-X1 is built in such a way that EMI won't be an issue, as WiFi is on a separate board than the DAC/Amp, along with the SoC...
I had the ZX2 before and it didn't have EMI. The X7 did. Someone on the X7 thread did a teardown and apparently the wifi module is close to sensitive audio component...he fixed it by shielding the wifi module with some isolating material but the wifi signal got trimmed down...