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

[H20Fidelity]

Funny you say that. I did the exact thing some time ago. A little embarrassed that I couldn't tell too much of a difference. Goes to show how perceptions curve your opinions.

Sure put a smile on my face. =)

 

[Richsvt]

It's just wonderful that we're in a time when even a 'cheap' DAP can still make me happy with high quality sounds.

 

[interpolate]

DAC's are usually not that expensive to produce in material form, it's just their implementation and design costs most the money. Perhaps the metals/minerals used to create them also take a bit of research and availability, cost effectiveness and R&D that goes into the architecture. Also how the DAC is implemented is key to a good device. Some Android mobile handsets have fancy Wolfson DAC and really average headphone amplification.

 

[audiowatts]

Thanks again @dbdynsty25 great call! I just picked up the X3II and a few hours in and I really love it already.
 
I do however agree with the last couple of posters comments that the X1 sounds equally as great. However, in my opinion it's really nice to own both because the X3 is just a solid and really beautiful piece of portable audio gear in every way and really well made.
 
The small additions compared to the X1, like the dedicated Line Out and even the extra power/volume & H/L that the amp seems to offer makes it worth it IMO.
 
We all have so many different mastered quality tracks in our collection, some you can leave as is and some need a little power boost so it's a nice little extra feature. The DAC is cool to have in the unit as well but A/B'd with a MacBook Pro and I honestly couldn't hear any difference there.
 
Again, I really appreciate owning both the X1 and the X3II as you can't go wrong with either choice because at the end of the day you're really going to be enjoying your music sounding so good completely unplugged from the internet or a phone and to this poster that is one of the greatest joys of life.

 

[dbdynsty25]

  Thanks again @dbdynsty25 great call! I just picked up the X3II and a few hours in and I really love it already.

 
Glad to hear you're enjoying it.  It really is a great piece of equipment.

 

[audiowatts]

For sure and BTW does the added 'deep sleep' option I read about here need to be set or will it just turn off like X1 after 5min or so?

 

[JaZZ]

It's just wonderful that we're in a time when even a 'cheap' DAP can still make me happy with high quality sounds.

 
Resently I had to get a new crown adjusted (one made of china) at a dental laboratory, and unexpectedly I had to wait about 20 minutes for the varnish to burn in. In the meantime I was offered to relax in the garden. Fortunately I had my SanDisk Clip Zip with me and a Shure SE535. Guess what? It sounded fabulous! Enjoying music below a parasol during 20 extra minutes without ultimate expectations on sound quality, which nevertheles have been largely exceeded...

 

[audiowatts]

@dbdynsty25 Disregard that last question I see how it works now (X3II noob lol) and YES @Brooko (read your fantastic and detailed review) the 'deep sleep' feature is BADASS!!! 
 
Now if we can just get @TCD1975 to make the X3II version of his incredible custom theme.
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/749000/x1-custom-firmwares/30#post_11346158
 
Man this X3II DAP is truly addicting already WILL NOT REMOVE HEADPHONES this weekend.
 

 

[ngs428]

@dbdynsty25
Disregard that last question I see how it works now (X3II noob lol) and YES @Brooko
(read your fantastic and detailed review) the 'deep sleep' feature is BADASS!!! 

Now if we can just get @TCD1975
to make the X3II version of his incredible custom theme.

http://www.head-fi.org/t/749000/x1-custom-firmwares/30#post_11346158

Man this X3II DAP is truly addicting already WILL NOT REMOVE HEADPHONES this weekend.

I have been hoping for a firmware too from TCD1975. That is an amazing theme!

 

[bruce1967]

Something quite funny occurred earlier this evening.

Being late at night with just a bedside lamp on I picked up Fidue A83 IEM then reached over to a draw. Inside this draw lies an iBasso DX50, FiiO X1 and FiiO X3II. I picked up X3II, plugged in my Fidue A83 happily listening away for about an hour thinking how good it sounds etc.

Only a little later I reached for X1 to use with GR07 MK2 but..when I turned X1 on guess which FiiO logo I saw? The entire time I was listening to 'X3II' with A83 it was actually X1. And I tell you now I would never have known personally in this instance. Let this be a little lesson on how powerful the mind can be and effects of placebo.

Maybe I won't bother upgrading to the X5II from my X3II. Likely the biggest difference would be the extra card slot. 

 

[ZMan2k2]

Putting my X3ii up for sale.
http://www.head-fi.org/t/772009/fiio-x3-2nd-gen-dap

 

[bruce1967]

  Maybe I won't bother upgrading to the X5II from my X3II. Likely the biggest difference would be the extra card slot. 

Plus I really like the size of the X3II...

 

[betula]

   
Glad to hear you're enjoying it.  It really is a great piece of equipment.

+1 X3ii is exceptional value for money on the DAP/DAC market. I am loving it.

 

[PinkyPowers]

You know what synergies really, REALLY well with the X3II? These ATH-IM04s I just opened.
 
Been listening for about half an hour, and WOW do they sound nice together.
 
Haven't even been tempted to try it on the Dragonfly yet.
 

 

 

[GregC]

  I was tempted to get it from Parts Express but there are better deals out there. The 15% off coupon headfi15 at Headphone.com brings it to $254. Even better... 
 
Still for me, I'm choosing between the X3ii and the X5ii. If X3ii had dual microsd slots, I'd never look back.

Thanks for the tip regarding the X5 for $254.  Now we are talking $54 more for the X5 versus the X3 II.  I know that I am giving up OTG, a better wheel, and smaller form factor, but is the X5 better in sound quality?