The FiiO X3 2nd gen (ex X3K, X3II) Thread : 192K/24B, CS4398,Native DSD, USB DAC with LO and inline remote

[bowei006]

Same UI as X1? Heavier than X3? When can we expect comparison to X5?

90% same UI as X
 
It has a more shaded semi abstract look to it. Creates a more 3D look I guess while still being very flat
 
Comparisons when I have a bit more time. 
 
 
 
 
*NOTE. This is BETA Software and is not representive of what the X3 Second Gen will come with. This is NOT the official firmware but a display/exhibition/BETA test fw. 
 
However, this is the first time that I've had such a bug free UI on a beta fw. All other betas on units that have come to me were barely working or would have freezing errors. 
 
 
 
Maybe you can see it from these pics
 

 
This one is slightly better at trying to show it.
 

 
A comparison of the bottom interface's build, design, and layout similarities. The X3 Second Gen uses the felt/soft wheel of the X5 while retaining the design of the X1. However, it is stabalized moreso than the other two.
 
Picture also shows texture differences between X1 and X3 second gen
 

 
Another UI change is that at the top, it will continuously display folder title even when you go into it. Done slightly different than it is now. 
 
This is not with the sorted file browse but with manual file browser.
 

 
Look at the 10band EQ
 

 
 
Bottup screen
 
 Pencil shows that X3 II is thicker than X1

 

 
 
Also X1 is thinner

 

[Hi 5]

Big thanks!!

So .... Release date April.. Early April or late April?

 

[bowei006]

Big thanks!!

So .... Release date April.. Early April or late April?

I contacted my friends at FiiO on a better ETA a few hours ago. Will get back as soon as I hear from it

---

QUESTION:
 
Do most of you here understand how the playlist feature/function works on the FiiO DAPs? It is still quite new but it comes native on the X3 II's beta firmware and works quite well.
 
I can shoot a short video if need be. But if y'all are pros at it, then there wont be a need. 

 

[Hi 5]

Thanks really appreciate that!

I love the UI of the x1 so any improvements is greatly welcomed.

And rather impressive ..

 

[bowei006]

Thanks really appreciate that!

I love the UI of the x1 so any improvements is greatly welcomed.

And rather impressive ..

Every generation since the X3 (their first DAP), they've made great strides in everything
 
The X5 kickstarted a good baseline UI that is very usable. The X1 dropped a shell on the market with its price and integrated featureset and build. Now the X3 II pretty much fixes up all the build issues on the X1 (it feels so nice, the X3 II that is) and gives us an even better OS.

 

[Zachik]

  Hi guys
 
Just got alerted there was a thread here
 
I gots an X3 Second Generation

 
Any Questions?

 
Well, the biggest question that was not addressed (yet):
How does the new X3 compare to old X3? to X1? and to X5?
I am not an audiophile (yet) - that would be my first venture into HiRes music, already got good cans, and want to buy my first HiRes DAP!  So, which should I get?  

 

[Zachik]

I am referring to sound quality, sound stage, power (for headphones), etc.

 

[Hi 5]

Wow!

And I was already totally sold on getting the x3 II

But it just keeps getting better!

People are going to flip out when the X5 MK II comes out...

 

[bowei006]

   
Well, the biggest question that was not addressed (yet):
How does the new X3 compare to old X3? to X1? and to X5?
I am not an audiophile (yet) - that would be my first venture into HiRes music, already got good cans, and want to buy my first HiRes DAP!  So, which should I get?  

Welcome to Head-Fi! Sorry about your Wallet
 
It wasn't addressed because my original post said I didn't yet have the time.
 
I have them in front of me yes. But if anyone could just pick up the few devices and in 5minutes of receiving a new product, write an entire product comparison. then I would like to meet that guy 

 
 
Which one you should get depends on your wallet, headphones, UI preference, availability, and what you want from it. 
 
This question is like asking any old person which car/house/TV they should buy. It's easier to understand this one and its futility as its more accessible to most people. It pretty much is a way to address that everyone has different needs. 

 

[oldmate]

I second that ^

I quite enjoy the look and feel of the X3

I wish they would have kept a similar design to the Original..

It's no wonder that the price of the x3 has gone up allot over the last few weeks.

There will no doubt be some audio enthusiast collecting them.

That being said I welcome the the continued fiio releases!

I 3rd that!!
 
It will go down as a classic and I put my money where my mouth is. I sold my X5 and E12 as the X3 with my iBasso D6 kicks ass with the DUNU DN1K's and my NAD Viso HP50's. Plus no bloody scroll wheel. Gotta be happy with that!! By itself or amped it's a damned good dap.
 
Then again, perhaps I'm blessed with sonic indifference and my wallet is safe. For another 12 months at least as I think during that time a killer DAP is going to be released that will put everything available now to shame and it won't cost a bloody fortune.

 

[bowei006]

Wow!

And I was already totally sold on getting the x3 II

But it just keeps getting better!

People are going to flip out when the X5 MK II comes out...

Please don't wish for this 

 
I have a FiiO backlog of products. Need to finish that before I get another package in the mail 

 

 

[Zachik]

  Welcome to Head-Fi! Sorry about your Wallet
 
It wasn't addressed because my original post said I didn't yet have the time.
 
I have them in front of me yes. But if anyone could just pick up the few devices and in 5minutes of receiving a new product, write an entire product comparison. then I would like to meet that guy 

 
 
Which one you should get depends on your wallet, headphones, UI preference, availability, and what you want from it. 
 
This question is like asking any old person which car/house/TV they should buy. It's easier to understand this one and its futility as its more accessible to most people. It pretty much is a way to address that everyone has different needs. 

 
Bowei006 - I totally agree that it takes time, and I was looking for first impressions. Not full detailed review. You're right - it takes hours of listening, and then many more hours putting it all in writing  
 
As for getting help in choosing my new DAP - My budget allows for X1 or X3. I guess the X5 is a little too pricey for me, at this point, especially for first venture into this world.
As for headphones - I got the Sennheiser HD 598, and the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x.
In term of music - mostly rock (classic rock and alternative rock). 
Does that help?  Should I get the new X3, or for the same budget X1 + AMP (like E11, etc.) ?
 
Thanks again for your help and patience with the noobs...  

 

[bowei006]

   
Bowei006 - I totally agree that it takes time, and I was looking for first impressions. Not full detailed review. You're right - it takes hours of listening, and then many more hours putting it all in writing  
 
As for getting help in choosing my new DAP - My budget allows for X1 or X3. I guess the X5 is a little too pricey for me, at this point, especially for first venture into this world.
As for headphones - I got the Sennheiser HD 598, and the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x.
In term of music - mostly rock (classic rock and alternative rock). 
Does that help?  Should I get the new X3, or for the same budget X1 + AMP (like E11, etc.) ?
 
Thanks again for your help and patience with the noobs...  

Your headphones aren't so needy
 
If you absolutely want a niche DAP, than the X1 by itself may even be a good choice
 
see if you can demo any?

 

[Zachik]

  Your headphones aren't so needy
 
If you absolutely want a niche DAP, than the X1 by itself may even be a good choice
 
see if you can demo any?

 
Would I benefit from a X3 (2nd gen) ?
I understand my headphones do not require a lot of power, but X3 should still sound noticeably better than X1 - right?
And the USB DAC is a nice added feature...

 

[Ultrainferno]

I did find an error earlier, as the X3 2nd Gen can't show certain letters with accents on the screen