PinkyPowers
Reviewer: The Headphone List
I've been using the X5 Classic for the past few weeks. Today I tried the IM03 with the X3ii again. This pairing was the breaking point that caused me to return the 03s before. And sure enough, even with the UE tips, it sounded pretty bad on some tracks. This time, though, I think I understand why. The X3ii is less warm, more neutral than the X5 Classic. So the IM03 is at it's most peaky and sibilant. It was even worse last time when I had on the Sony Hybrids with spacers.
The X5 has a more spacious, refined sound, on every headphone I've paired it with. But the second gen FiiO DAPs are certainly more neutral, and perhaps more detailed, due to more highs. I wonder if the perfect pairing wouldn't be the IM04 with the X5ii. Unfortunately, I won't be buying an X5ii anytime soon, so I can't know for sure.
With the gear I have today, the X5 Classic-->IM03 & UE tips seems to be the optimal setup for my tastes.
The X5 has a more spacious, refined sound, on every headphone I've paired it with. But the second gen FiiO DAPs are certainly more neutral, and perhaps more detailed, due to more highs. I wonder if the perfect pairing wouldn't be the IM04 with the X5ii. Unfortunately, I won't be buying an X5ii anytime soon, so I can't know for sure.
With the gear I have today, the X5 Classic-->IM03 & UE tips seems to be the optimal setup for my tastes.