NymPHONOmaniac
Headphoneus Supremus
Anybody try this update?
Cause hum,
firmware is kind of strange...I wonder if the update could solve this.
ONN X5
- Thread starter Celso Almeida
- Start date
Anybody try this update?
Cause hum,
firmware is kind of strange...I wonder if the update could solve this.
BloodyPenguin
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Martin Zeef
New Head-Fier
I tried it and gave up. You need a tool to install the firmware and that didn't work with windows 10.
Martin Zeef
New Head-Fier
You need an old windows version like XP or something..... Windows 8 or 10 is too high....
BloodyPenguin
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I have Windows 7 on my main computer. I will give it a try.
I'll get to that in the next 8 hours and then report back.
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Bob A (SD)
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What's the maximum sized mSD card it'll take? Zeef posted earlier 128Gb but all the descriptions at sellers' sites says 32Gb. So what it is?
BloodyPenguin
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BloodyPenguin
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I think of myself is pretty tech savvy, but for the life of me, I could not get the Onn X5 to update. Thought it seems I might already be running the newest firmware.
Oh well.
Oh well.
BloodyPenguin
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I gave up trying to update it and just took a picture instead:
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Martin Zeef
New Head-Fier
I posted that the X5 accepts sd-cards, but not those of 128gb or higher...... So 64gb is the maximum. Just format the card in the X5 and you will have no problems.
NymPHONOmaniac
Headphoneus Supremus
Hum, I think I will not update then, look like too confuuuuuuuse....
Will try to adapt myself to his strange behaviors instead.
Will try to adapt myself to his strange behaviors instead.
BloodyPenguin
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FiiO M3 vs Onn X5
I’ve spent a fair amount of time with these budget DAPs, here are my thoughts:
UI – I’ve heard a bit from other members about how the M3’s UI is not exactly perfect. For me, I never really had any trouble navigating the little FiiO DAP. It was quick learning curve to master use of the M3, but the X5 is entirely different. With the Onn DAP, I just get plain lost and frustrated. What the heck did the do to this poor X5? Why is it set up like that? I will say this, the Onn made me appreciate FiiO’s UI even more than I already did. The M3 has a plethora of options that make customizing the FiiO DAP best to your needs; while the Onn X5 does have a slightly better EQ it is VERY limited in all other options/settings. On top of all of this, the Onn X5 repeatedly freezes up on me and I have to turn it off.
Updating Firmware – Right after I received the M3, I went to FiiO’s website and did a quick update. I never used it stock, so I could not tell you the difference; I just know it was super easy to do. Upon receiving the X5, I did the same thing. I went to Onn’s website, found firmware and then spent the next two hours, NOT updating the X5, as nothing seemed to work and I am decently techy. So I gave up.
Build Quality – The Metal X5 / The Plastic M3. At quick glance, the Onn does seem to have an edge as it looks nice and shiny. The FiiO is a strange mix of multi hues of off-white (yes I know they come in other colors). Once you have them in the hand, the M3, even though plastic feels a little better. The X5, feels light and “tinny”. Even the buttons on the Onn DAP feel of lower precision than the FiiO and that is even after some say that the M3 is not known for its great clicking either. I also noticed that the X5 came to me with blemishes already on the body and it seems to pick up more with ease. The FiiO, while not the toughest DAP, still shows some reliance to scratches.
Display – I think FiiO did a good (not great) job setting up the theme on the M3. Screens are pleasant to look at and seem to follow a common design. The X5 on the other hand, is a complete mess. Onn does not seem to have any centralized direction when they were putting together the various screens. They are a Hodgepodge of designs slapped together. I think Onn would have been better off just putting a simple, screen like on the Sandisk Clip. Though I will admit, I wish the little FiiO had a similar option for a simple text layout as well to choose from, I could do without any animations. Also, I will never get why Onn has that big screen on the X5, but the album art is so tiny up in the top right corner.
Price – As I wright this, the FiiO M3 comes in at $55 and the Onn X5 is about $40 (a 28% savings). But which price is right? Answer to come in my final thoughts.
Sound Quality – Here we have the most important (IMO) category. With this class of DAPs, I did not expect a lot, I was just looking for a decent overall sound. With the X5, I must say I was caught off guard on how good they truly sound. It seems Onn spent time and money avoiding EVERY other category and instead focused on an accurate sound playback. When I can avoid the Onn from freezing and actually get to a song I want to hear, I am rewarded by a crispy, detailed playback. With the FiiO, quality is good as well, but a touch smoother and warmer. The X5 does have a small advantage when put head to head for a quality sound, but it is not by much. I would call the FiiO M3 the better DAP for extended, relaxing listening, while the Onn X5 is great for analytical playback.
Final Thoughts – I LOVE how the X5 sounds, even excluding price. I just can NOT get passed all the other offensive flaws the Onn DAP has. Frustration should not be part of any listening experience. The M3 barley misses the level of playback of the X5, yet is still quite good for its price point. FiiO does a fantastic job putting together a quality dap from design to functionality. If you wanted to see, the best, detailed and accurate sound you can get for $40, the Onn X5 is a clear winner. For audiophiles, this is what many of us seek. Though for me, when I go to reach out for one of my budget DAPs, I notice that 90% of the time, I end up with the FiiO M3 in my hand. I want to enjoy music, not have to fight for it.
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I’ve spent a fair amount of time with these budget DAPs, here are my thoughts:
UI – I’ve heard a bit from other members about how the M3’s UI is not exactly perfect. For me, I never really had any trouble navigating the little FiiO DAP. It was quick learning curve to master use of the M3, but the X5 is entirely different. With the Onn DAP, I just get plain lost and frustrated. What the heck did the do to this poor X5? Why is it set up like that? I will say this, the Onn made me appreciate FiiO’s UI even more than I already did. The M3 has a plethora of options that make customizing the FiiO DAP best to your needs; while the Onn X5 does have a slightly better EQ it is VERY limited in all other options/settings. On top of all of this, the Onn X5 repeatedly freezes up on me and I have to turn it off.
Updating Firmware – Right after I received the M3, I went to FiiO’s website and did a quick update. I never used it stock, so I could not tell you the difference; I just know it was super easy to do. Upon receiving the X5, I did the same thing. I went to Onn’s website, found firmware and then spent the next two hours, NOT updating the X5, as nothing seemed to work and I am decently techy. So I gave up.
Build Quality – The Metal X5 / The Plastic M3. At quick glance, the Onn does seem to have an edge as it looks nice and shiny. The FiiO is a strange mix of multi hues of off-white (yes I know they come in other colors). Once you have them in the hand, the M3, even though plastic feels a little better. The X5, feels light and “tinny”. Even the buttons on the Onn DAP feel of lower precision than the FiiO and that is even after some say that the M3 is not known for its great clicking either. I also noticed that the X5 came to me with blemishes already on the body and it seems to pick up more with ease. The FiiO, while not the toughest DAP, still shows some reliance to scratches.
Display – I think FiiO did a good (not great) job setting up the theme on the M3. Screens are pleasant to look at and seem to follow a common design. The X5 on the other hand, is a complete mess. Onn does not seem to have any centralized direction when they were putting together the various screens. They are a Hodgepodge of designs slapped together. I think Onn would have been better off just putting a simple, screen like on the Sandisk Clip. Though I will admit, I wish the little FiiO had a similar option for a simple text layout as well to choose from, I could do without any animations. Also, I will never get why Onn has that big screen on the X5, but the album art is so tiny up in the top right corner.
Price – As I wright this, the FiiO M3 comes in at $55 and the Onn X5 is about $40 (a 28% savings). But which price is right? Answer to come in my final thoughts.
Sound Quality – Here we have the most important (IMO) category. With this class of DAPs, I did not expect a lot, I was just looking for a decent overall sound. With the X5, I must say I was caught off guard on how good they truly sound. It seems Onn spent time and money avoiding EVERY other category and instead focused on an accurate sound playback. When I can avoid the Onn from freezing and actually get to a song I want to hear, I am rewarded by a crispy, detailed playback. With the FiiO, quality is good as well, but a touch smoother and warmer. The X5 does have a small advantage when put head to head for a quality sound, but it is not by much. I would call the FiiO M3 the better DAP for extended, relaxing listening, while the Onn X5 is great for analytical playback.
Final Thoughts – I LOVE how the X5 sounds, even excluding price. I just can NOT get passed all the other offensive flaws the Onn DAP has. Frustration should not be part of any listening experience. The M3 barley misses the level of playback of the X5, yet is still quite good for its price point. FiiO does a fantastic job putting together a quality dap from design to functionality. If you wanted to see, the best, detailed and accurate sound you can get for $40, the Onn X5 is a clear winner. For audiophiles, this is what many of us seek. Though for me, when I go to reach out for one of my budget DAPs, I notice that 90% of the time, I end up with the FiiO M3 in my hand. I want to enjoy music, not have to fight for it.
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NymPHONOmaniac
Headphoneus Supremus
Well, mate, your review is spot on and confirm what I was afraid off wich is that my X5 ISN'T defective at all!
You talk about freeze is it when you try to go back when a song play from 64g microsd card?
Mine does this too...and yes, I get very confuse and frustrated sometime with this player...but less than in the begining, I guess human can adapt to anything.
I don't know if i'm right, but with my 32g card it look like no freeze occur for now.
You know, one of my favorite player of all time is the obscure Xuelin Ihifi 812V2, the UI was just a nighmare from another planet, and when it crash or freeze, wich happen often, it was making a BIG KILLER SOUND thatwas very dangerous for your ears and overall sanity. But the liquid , airy and warm Wolfson 8740 sound, oh man, the sound, Now, I miss his sound and feel ready to forgive anything for good sound.
This is my subjectivity, and with the ONN X5, because of the ridiculous price for the sound we get (and nothing else) I can't help myself but love this DAP, I guess it's like loving a psychopathe because he can write beautiful poetry or paint incredible beauty...
Anyway, i agree 100% with your review (can't tell for comparaison as I did not hear Fiio M3).
But I listen right now to the X5 with the VJJB V1S and really like the clear musicality I get.
Let keep an eye open for the FIRMWARE, wich is our only hope to cure this DAP.
You talk about freeze is it when you try to go back when a song play from 64g microsd card?
Mine does this too...and yes, I get very confuse and frustrated sometime with this player...but less than in the begining, I guess human can adapt to anything.
I don't know if i'm right, but with my 32g card it look like no freeze occur for now.
You know, one of my favorite player of all time is the obscure Xuelin Ihifi 812V2, the UI was just a nighmare from another planet, and when it crash or freeze, wich happen often, it was making a BIG KILLER SOUND thatwas very dangerous for your ears and overall sanity. But the liquid , airy and warm Wolfson 8740 sound, oh man, the sound, Now, I miss his sound and feel ready to forgive anything for good sound.
This is my subjectivity, and with the ONN X5, because of the ridiculous price for the sound we get (and nothing else) I can't help myself but love this DAP, I guess it's like loving a psychopathe because he can write beautiful poetry or paint incredible beauty...
Anyway, i agree 100% with your review (can't tell for comparaison as I did not hear Fiio M3).
But I listen right now to the X5 with the VJJB V1S and really like the clear musicality I get.
Let keep an eye open for the FIRMWARE, wich is our only hope to cure this DAP.
BloodyPenguin
Headphoneus Supremus
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For freezing, it happens quite a bit, even if I am not using the (1GB) SD Card I threw in there for testing. Also running off the internal flash storage, it will lock up on me and I have to shut it off.
I just re-read my review of the X5 and I did forget to mention the whole fwd/rev - volume controlled shared buttons. Though, I feel I should not rag on the Onn DAP too much for it, because I knew it did not have independent controls, but it is still just awful. I just want to know who's bright idea it was to have those physical buttons have a dual purpose and leave ALL that room in the middle to do nothing.
Firmware, could help, but not sure if it could do enough.
The only thing that draws me to the Onn X5 is the agreement on sound quality. It really does impress (when it works). Unfortunately, I do not see myself spending much time with it in the future due to the current flaws.
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NymPHONOmaniac
Headphoneus Supremus
Well, that's too bad, sorry to hear this...
Myself I pass trough my initial frustration and even if i don't really like UI it look more stable now...
after a week of use no freezing at all...wonder if it's the 32G microsd card I use or when I was a little confuse about fonctionality and press wrong keys that make it freezw (it was the ''M key'' while playing music that was more prompt to cause freeze).
Hope your X5 will became more docile one day!
Cheers!
Myself I pass trough my initial frustration and even if i don't really like UI it look more stable now...
after a week of use no freezing at all...wonder if it's the 32G microsd card I use or when I was a little confuse about fonctionality and press wrong keys that make it freezw (it was the ''M key'' while playing music that was more prompt to cause freeze).
Hope your X5 will became more docile one day!
Cheers!
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