[CH23]

Got a FiiO crystal ball, Relic? Do you even have an X1?
Um - You DID read my first sentence, right? Do you have an X1?

I believe with the way you're using it in the car, it's nothing more than a very expensive USB flash drive.

Your car stereo scans the folders on the X1 for music, then plays the files it can. Not a lot of audio systems can play flac (sadly).

Correct me if i'm wrong

 

[sardar17]

U are dead right,majority play just mp3 and wav only.

Aux is the best solution or buy the system with flac support if u can.

 

[JamesFiiO]

My delivery date from Amazon is now supposed to be Oct 9.

I was searching on the web for advantages/disadvantages of the TI PCM5142 DAC chip used in the X1 vs the Wolfson WM8740 used in the X3.
It appears that the X1 is so far the first and only portable player to use the PCM5142 or do you know of any other devices?

What I gathered from HTML.datasheet.com the Wolfson DAC has a considerably better Signal to Noise Ratio of 117db with a single WM8740 and 120db if two DAC chips (one for each channel) are used vs. a SNR ratio of only 112 db for the PCM5142 used in the X1. The often used SABRE ES9023 also "only" has a SNR of 112 db according to html.datasheet.com.
Of course most people probably won't be able yo hear this difference in SNR... For comparison GSM Arena measured the iphone 4S with a total SNR (not just its Cirrus DAC but all components measured at the headphone jack) of 91.2 db.

A strength of the PCM5142 appears to be its integrated PLL clock when using it as a USB DAC, also its DSP capabilities and like the SABRE DAC a simplified design can be used as there is no need for blocking capacitors and it has an integrated charge pump . The DSP of the PCM5142 can possibly be programmed to give the X1 it's "younger" (=more bass?) sound (even though preliminary measurements seem to indicate frequency response is fairly flat).
And of course its lower price of ca 3 USD per chip when compared to the Wolfson DAC.
The Wolfson chip appears to have its strengths in its internal digital filtering capabilities.

It appears that FIIO used the PCM5142 instead as first communicated the WM8740 (used in the X3) to
A) save cost and simplify the design
B) still be able to sell the more expensive X3 and X5 because who would buy those if the DAC / sound quality of the X1 was as good as that of the X3 and X5?

Just my two cents - what do you think?

 
 
you are right , since wm8740 is installed in x3, why we develop another DAP and still use the same DAC chip?  here is why we choose the PCM5142:
 
1, It have better performance/price value than other DAC chip.
 
2, it can help us save the cost so we can make a inexpensive DAP in reasonable price.
 
3, there are too many model used the WM8740, and we have used in our E7, E10, E17, X3, not to talk the other brand. so maybe time for something new.
 
4, the PCM5142 has hardware EQ .

 

[JamesFiiO]

  Quick question for those that have their X1s.
 
I just tried making a playlist externally - exactly same method we use on our X5s. I then navigated to the folder I have it in, and it won't recognise the playlist file.  I've tried the same file in my X5 - and it has no issues.
 
Is there no playlist support (outside the favourites folder) yet on the X1?
 
Joe / James - is there anything planned with future firmware releases?

 
yes, we will add the playlist support by firmware update, sorry we are working in x1/x3/x5 so we have upgrade one by one.

 

[mebaali]

@JamesFiio - Mr James, any idea on when will FiiO X1 be available in Indian market (your authorized resellers for India, Headphonezone and ProAudioHome are not giving any update on this) ?

 

[JamesFiiO]

  I posted this in our tour discussion thread - and they are just initial musings - but thought you guys might be interested.
 

---

OK - sorry for the photos - they're 1200 x 800, and clickable, but the lighting was pretty ordinary, and there is quite a bit of glare and grain - and I'll do something much better for the reviews.
 
Really early impressions - size is excellent - perfect for on the go.  Very intuitive interface, coming from the X5, and I'm having no issues getting around the menus etc.  Some really nice choices with the software set-up etc (like you can't switch the output from jack to line whilst the player is playing).
 
This little sucker is powerful too - nowhere near as good as the X5 in that department, but no sluggard.  For tonight's test, I just threw a toughie at it.  X5 vs X1, volume matched with an SPL meter, both driving the HD600 - yep, not a fair fight really (or so you'd think).
 
Really surprised how good they both sound, and how close.  X1 might have a tiny bit less bass (which I'd expect), but it's marginal. To be honest I could live with either if I was just jamming out.
 
Right now, I've connected the E11K to the X1, and because I'm shagged (away next 4 days with US visitors so I've been putting in a lot of hours prep), I've stopped the critical listening, and am just listening to the combo with HD600 - still playing Dire Straits.  Guess what - it's good, no it's great - I can't believe this USD160 set-up sounds as good as it does with the HD600.  I still need to compare it to a full sized amp to get a decent base line - but that will come in the weekend.
 
Anyway - you guys are in for a treat.  Fiio have done some great things here.
 
Joe - this one is for you (see the photos).  The E11K is the perfect size for the X1 - and should be the perfect accompaniment - especially on price factor as well.  The problem is that if you use bands to pair them up - they cover the buttons.  Not an ideal situation.  Need a correctly sized stacker kit specifically designed for X1 and E11K.  Make sure you allow for the E11K having feet attached whilst stacking.  I'd buy one straight away.
 
Photos below - click for the larger images.  Again sorry about the lighting ....
 

 
thanks for the great photos ,and yes the  stacker kit is under developing

 

[JamesFiiO]

@JamesFiio - Mr James, any idea on when will FiiO X1 be available in Indian market (your authorized resellers for India, Headphonezone and ProAudioHome are not giving any update on this) ?

 
sorry, I believe it must because they have not ordered it from us . not sure why but I need to ask our staff tomorrow. 

 

[mebaali]

 
sorry, I believe it must because they have not ordered it from us . not sure why but I need to ask our staff tomorrow. 

 


My Bad! Hope they order them soon then. Thanks for your reply

 

[JamesFiiO]

  I have same party now! X1 + Newest Xiaomi 2.1 Gold

 
haha, I guess you guys have not idea about how Chinese audiophiles called the xiaomi earphone. 

 

[lesp4ul]

 I have same party now! X1 + Newest Xiaomi 2.1 Gold

 
haha, I guess you guys have not idea about how Chinese audiophiles called the xiaomi earphone. 

Hi, Mr. James

I have piston 2.1 also, is piston plays nicely with x1? I like blues and jazz genre, a little warm to bright orientation.

Also may I know when X1 will arrives in Indonesia? Thanks

 

[miriddin]

  I didn't know you could 'RockBox' an iPod Classic, I've done it to a Sansa Clip.
 
Will have to look into it. Cheers for the info.

It isn't officially supported as you need to use a third part bootloader, but it works quite well!
 
(Off Topic closed)

 

[locksbury]

Happy to report that the X1 and NAD HP50s are a good pairing.

Welp, that's enough of me for this thread. TTFN.

 

[truthless]

So after my complaint about Amazon...
 
I will receive my X1 tommorow !
 
I'm really glad. Fiio-shop did a damn fine jop! I just ordered it yesterday. I call that super fast. I can't wait.

 

[Nuke142]

   
haha, I guess you guys have not idea about how Chinese audiophiles called the xiaomi earphone. 

 
So tell us please

I am thinking about more high level IEM and buying Ostry KC06A for my new X1. 
Or better option you can suggest for FiiO ?

 

[sardar17]

Consider re-400/gr07 classic,they are just 20$ more.

I would say havi b3 1 too,at least read the reviews.

go to vivo xe800 thread,taobao has these at approx 60$ and they allegedly sound like gr07 as driver is same.

cheers