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.
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
Thanks in advance
Andrew
A few of my notes that may help while using the DP-X1 and X7 with the HD-700 Headphone:
PROS
--------The DP-X1
Sound is harder to listen to out of the box
Nice UI
Definitive sounding
Bass and Hi's need massaging for general listening
Integrated Balanced Capability
Still trying to determine if a usb digital out exists (let me know if you know)
Runs the Parrot software
sounds better when routed to an external Sony PHA3
Gauge leads toward the detailed side and away from the tube side.
The audio jack is NOT a problem as reported.
--------The X7
Sounds Easier to listen to out of the box
UI - nothing great
Sounds like a weak PHA3 with tighter mids
freq response ok for listening I guess
Need to pay for Modules for balancing
Has a separate Coax digit/analog out
Runs the Parrot software
Sounds Warmer
Gauge leads toward the effortless tube side and away from the detailed side.
CONS
--------The DP-X1
Sounds Uneasy
Smooth sharp feeling edges when holding
Had to EQ ..still just does not have that effortless sound
Sounds Colder/Warmer
EQ hard to operate - hard to maintain smooth curves, and manage freq., and db levels.
Two separate SE and Balanced inputs - need more than one cable
--------The X7
Sounds like a baby Sony PHA3.
Wanted more power for some reason
Obviously, I want this thing to sound like the PHA3
This is a fine Unit but it lacks the features of a DP-X1
Overall, I really like the sound of the X7, but the modules solution seem kind of kludgy. I'll take the DP-X1 because of all the features - like it has a low,mid, and high gain. I can massage the sound close to the way that I like. Adjusting the upper low frequency band adjustments (0 to 3db) seem to do wonders on thickening the mids, enhancing the bass' sound, balancing the hi sounding freqs., adding dynamics, etc. In addition, switching from a slow and sharp digital filter, depending on the listening material. Everything else at default - no up sampling. Hi freq may need to be adjusted to soften the edgy sound. At the end, the DP-X1 is pumping for me. I think the DP-X1 is the best with all of the items you asked to compare, but for some reason, the X7 is the one that my ears favor. So how can one have all the best qualities, but the other one sound the best. I think one is closer to robotic perfection, while the other is closer to human perfection
