Taking my eyes in this dap, and willing to get one. All said X1 is warm, bassy but not going into deep bass. not problem to my taste, but the worryíng me is clarity. Hów is it?
I don't find it that bassy to be honest. I think calling it a bit warm is the correct way. It has great clarity and dynamics.
Compared to my previous DAP [a puny, but pretty good Clip+] there's more extension on both ends, more punchy bass, great midrange and very good treble presence still, but far from being harsh. Better soundstage dimensionality, better separation and very good clarity.
That's with a RE-400 IEM by HiFiMAN, which is mostly described as slightly warmer [a sentiment which I did not agree with entirely, while using the Clip+].
Honestly with only the X1 - RE-400 it is pretty spectacular. Very dynamic and musical but still within neutral boundaries IMO.
With the Clip+, it sounded constrained and limited in terms of dynamic and soundstage size, while with the X1 I am really liking it that much more and feel that now it is indeed a bit warmer and more musical than I thought it is