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

[bruce1967]

   
If I am not mistaken, when you use the EQ on the X1, it lowers the overall maximum volume.

You're not mistaken. It does lower the volume the same as the X3ii.

 

[x RELIC x]

The X3ii drops the volume by ~6dB immediately, the X1 cuts the max volume but is transparent to the user.

I already explained it to thepooh here:

http://www.head-fi.org/t/743704/the-fiio-x3-2nd-gen-ex-x3k-x3ii-thread-192k-24b-cs4398-native-dsd-usb-dac-with-lo-and-inline-remote/7380#post_12432700

 

[thepooh]

The X3ii drops the volume by ~6dB immediately, the X1 cuts the max volume but is transparent to the user.

I already explained it to thepooh here:

http://www.head-fi.org/t/743704/the-fiio-x3-2nd-gen-ex-x3k-x3ii-thread-192k-24b-cs4398-native-dsd-usb-dac-with-lo-and-inline-remote/7380#post_12432700

Thank you Relic, I missed the part on the transparency regarding the X1.

Actually, the EQ is not that bad but I still prefer the one in the X1 which really helps getting the right balance with some bright headphones.

I'm actually using the E11k with bass boost on to compensate, as I'm not using the X3II EQ

 

[x RELIC x]

Thank you Relic, I missed the part on the transparency regarding the X1.

Actually, the EQ is not that bad but I still prefer the one in the X1 which really helps getting the right balance with some bright headphones.

I'm actually using the E11k with bass boost on to compensate, as I'm not using the X3II EQ

 

[bruce1967]

Thank you Relic, I missed the part on the transparency regarding the X1.

Actually, the EQ is not that bad but I still prefer the one in the X1 which really helps getting the right balance with some bright headphones.

I'm actually using the E11k with bass boost on to compensate, as I'm not using the X3II EQ

I've had the X3ii and the X1 for quite awhile now and love both but lately I've been using the X1 more often. There is something about the sound of the X1 that I prefer.

 

[thepooh]

I've had the X3ii and the X1 for quite awhile now and love both but lately I've been using the X1 more often. There is something about the sound of the X1 that I prefer.

Me too but unfortunately I gave away my X1, big brother is actually enjoying this little beast. To my ears the X1 has a little warmer tone that pairs well with all my headphones.

The X3II is really an upgrade in terms of soundstaging, features and details, but less musical/fun IMO

 

[Skullbox]

I've had the X3ii and the X1 for quite awhile now and love both but lately I've been using the X1 more often. There is something about the sound of the X1 that I prefer.

Interesting, can you elaborate more on this little beast ?

Maybe adding an Amp (E12a) will help to get this missing fun from it!?! Without the need to IQing.

Personaly, I've never use this option with my X1. Hope not to have to do it with X3.

Edit: (I'm enjoying now with my X1, "The Love Thives" - Depeche Mode) Will compare this same tune with the X3ii when getting it.

 

[fourrobert13]

Interesting, can you elaborate more on this little beast ?

Maybe adding an Amp (E12a) will help to get this missing fun from it!?! Without the need to IQing.

Personaly, I've never use this option with my X1. Hope not to have to do it with X3.

Edit: (I'm enjoying now with my X1, "The Love Thives" - Depeche Mode) Will compare this same tune with the X3ii when getting it.

The X1 has a very clean line out and pairs well with just about any amp.  I pair mine with a Topping NX1 and HD558 headphones.  If you want more bass, then I'd suggest any of the FiiO amps because they have a passive bass boost that doesn't affect the mids or highs.
 
ETA:  The X1 was a little to warm for my taste alone and that's when I paired it with an amp.  I had to use the eq without the amp to tone it down to more my liking.  YMMV, but I like what amps bring to the table as far as coloration of the sound.

 

[Skullbox]

The X1 has a very clean line out and pairs well with just about any amp.  I pair mine with a Topping NX1 and HD558 headphones.  If you want more bass, then I'd suggest any of the FiiO amps because they have a passive bass boost that doesn't affect the mids or highs.

Thx!

I will see first when getting the X3 if it a need to getting amping. Nice to hear that Bass BOOst will doesn't affect mids and highs... Without IQing anything.

I will keep my X1, just as a back up. I dont givewaway,

 

[JWolf]

Me too but unfortunately I gave away my X1, big brother is actually enjoying this little beast. To my ears the X1 has a little warmer tone that pairs well with all my headphones.

The X3II is really an upgrade in terms of soundstaging, features and details, but less musical/fun IMO

 
What you are saying is you prefer a sound that's a bit modified in some way. The X1 is not neutral. The X3II is neutral. So, the way to tailor the sound of the X3II to how you like is to get a set of cans that has a sound signature you want.

 

[Skullbox]

Is FiiO can change, or modified the sound signature by some fw update ? To be slightly less neutral or little warmer.

Depending of the phone you plugged in... DAP will detect the phones and adjust auto to your own signature flavors!

Some replacement cards can be solds as an option, to your convenience, to get the sound sig. you want!

This can be a dream or reality! lol

 

[JWolf]

Is FiiO can change, or modified the sound signature by some fw update ? To be slightly less neutral or little warmer.

Depending of the phone you plugged in... DAP will detect the phones and adjust auto to your own signature flavors!

Some replacement cards can be solds as an option, to your convenience, to get the sound sig. you want!

This can be a dream or reality! lol

 
Dream. Neutral is neutral. You tailor the sound with the EQ and/or the cans you use.

 

[Skullbox]

Dream. Neutral is neutral. You tailor the sound with the EQ and/or the cans you use.

I've read that sound can be easily tailored by fw. Ok, It's not true then! I'l be prepared for some more cans then!

 

[sledgeharvy]

Agree that the Fiio E12a would be perfect for adding just the right amount of bass and power, yet keeping all the Mids and highs buttery smooth.

 

[bruce1967]

Interesting, can you elaborate more on this little beast ?

Maybe adding an Amp (E12a) will help to get this missing fun from it!?! Without the need to IQing.

Personaly, I've never use this option with my X1. Hope not to have to do it with X3.

Edit: (I'm enjoying now with my X1, "The Love Thives" - Depeche Mode) Will compare this same tune with the X3ii when getting it.

Like Poo said I like the warmer sound of the X1 right now but I won't be giving my X3ii away.