Can't answer why X1 is better than DAPs costing double, namely ibasso DX200, and FiioX7 II. But it is, to my ears.
Audio is subjective, and people may prefer DX200, I like Onkyo X1 better. And I like X1 better than DAPs costing $3000.
Here are some photos of inner life of X1, my 3.5mm out failed ages ago, but when 2.5mm failed in June, 6 months ago, we took it apart.
Notice output sockets are held in place only by soldering points, 6 tiny soldering points, 1 comes loose from board, bye bye. Another failure can be 4 contacts inside the socket itself, socket may be not loose, but contact become "tired", and fail to touch headphone jack, and one channel is gone.
Your X1 lasted 3 years, I'm guessing you don't carry in pocket? Neither do I, instead carry it in pouch, to avoid headphone plug bending the sockets, still they fail. This is known issue.
This repair on photos restored the 2.5, notice on one of the pics my friend added epoxy type glue, to keep it from becoming loose from board. This repair was done in June, in Estonia, Europe.
2.5mm socket failed again couple of weeks ago, one channel is dead, and I'm travelling, out of options, I shipped it to Hong Kong, Romi Audio. He replaces both output sockets, repairing them is pointless, they will fail again and again.
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Hi, is the screen simply glued...?