Recommendation requested: Cowon Plenue D or Fiio X5 2nd generation?

[hnnnk]

Hi all, I'm thinking of buying either the Cowon Plenue D, or the Fiio X5II. The reason why I'm in doubt is that I can get the Fiio X5II for less than the Cowon - new in box. Difference in price is about 40 Euro (Cowon: 299 Euro, Fiio: 259 Euro). Coming from an iPod Classic, anything will be a step up, but of course I'd like to spend my money wisely
 
I know the Fiio has some obvious advantages over the Cowon, like 2 SD slots and native DSD playback (although, I currently do not have any music in DSD format).
 
However, I keep reading that the Cowon just sounds amazing with its Jet Effect equalizer and that has much better battery life. On top, I like its compact design, incl. touch screen, better.
 
Who can help me decide? Shall I go for the Cowon, or is the Fiio really a steal at that price?

 

[hnnnk]

Surely someone in this forum has an opinion about these two DACs? Maybe to make it easier: which of the two mentioned DACs is the "better"?

 

[serman005]

  Hi all, I'm thinking of buying either the Cowon Plenue D, or the Fiio X5II. The reason why I'm in doubt is that I can get the Fiio X5II for less than the Cowon - new in box. Difference in price is about 40 Euro (Cowon: 299 Euro, Fiio: 259 Euro). Coming from an iPod Classic, anything will be a step up, but of course I'd like to spend my money wisely
 
I know the Fiio has some obvious advantages over the Cowon, like 2 SD slots and native DSD playback (although, I currently do not have any music in DSD format).
 
However, I keep reading that the Cowon just sounds amazing with its Jet Effect equalizer and that has much better battery life. On top, I like its compact design, incl. touch screen, better.
 
Who can help me decide? Shall I go for the Cowon, or is the Fiio really a steal at that price?

Personally, when you add everything up--UI, features, sound quality, battery life--to me, the Cowon wins out. Is it worth the extra money? Only you can answer that. For me, it would be.  A few thoughts.