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

[420204]

@brooko

I saw that you were using the X3 2nd Gen. with Kubuntu. I am also a Linux user (openSuse, KDE)
did you play any DSD files using it as an USB DAC? would love to know how well it works.

 

[Brooko]

I've used it under Windows with the DSD files (once the new driver was released).  I can try it for you under Linux though - just need to transfer some DSD files to my spare netbook.  I'll report back soon.

 

[Ultrainferno]

The jury is still out
I do like it more than the old X3, that's for sure. It's just that so many things could have been even better. Then again, at this price point I suppose it's normal. I've just been spoiled by iBasso and AK

 

[shineonyou]

Yesterday I was listening to x1 with k612 pro and I was happy with the sound quality. So x3 II WILL BE MY NEXT TRY. James move on with the distribution to EU.

 

[Brooko]

  The jury is still out
I do like it more than the old X3, that's for sure. It's just that so many things could have been even better. Then again, at this price point I suppose it's normal. I've just been spoiled by iBasso and AK

 
Do you find that at a certain level though (especially in the 200-400 price point) it less about overall SQ, and more about features, and slightly different tonality?

 

[Ultrainferno]

   
Do you find that at a certain level though (especially in the 200-400 price point) it less about overall SQ, and more about features, and slightly different tonality?

 
Well, the "our player does Hi Res" argument sure got crushed by Fiio, and that's awesome. I do still find the Ibasso DX90 to sound better, but the X3ii did get a lot closer.
I don't think it's only features and tonality, to me there's still a serious gap for what transparancy, detail, timbre and sound stage are concerned.
 
But that's of course my opinion

 

[Brooko]

  @brooko

I saw that you were using the X3 2nd Gen. with Kubuntu. I am also a Linux user (openSuse, KDE)
did you play any DSD files using it as an USB DAC? would love to know how well it works.

 
Well - it works fine as a DAC under Linux - but what do you use as a frontend, and what is required to actually play DSD?  I tried under KDE - and no go so far (normal flac is fine).
 
I haven't had time to do some serious research yet (a lot of other stuff on the go), and it's been about 5 years since I was seriously into Linux (I used to package for Mepis about 5 or 6 years ago - maybe longer).
 
If I get time tomorrow - I'll look into it further.

 

[420204]

I am using Cantata, a KDE application, but you'll need to install mpd too, also some codecs (libavcodec.so.55).
The only free software I found playing dsd files.
 
I really appreciate all your effort. Thanks mate!
 
edit:
you have to do a little tweak to enable proper dsd playback for mpd:
 
open the konsole and do the following:
su -
leafpad /etc/mpd.conf
 
add this to section audio output:
 
audio_output {
                   type              "alsa"
                   name            "FiiO X3 2nd Gen"
                   device           "hw:0,0"
                   dsd_usb        "yes"
}
 
save, exit and reboot.
you can use any other editor than leafpad of course.

 

[jenia1]

so.... when are the reviews coming out????? already mid march... when will it be shipped to retailers?

 

[ph0n6]

so.... when are the reviews coming out????? already mid march... when will it be shipped to retailers?

 


A store in my country decided to have a tour for people to try out the X3 II and I just happened to be choosen. Should take 4 more days or so for me to have my hand on the X3 II

 

[Prognathous]

  Will the second gen X3 be able to properly drive Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250 Ohm without an additional amp? If not, any recommendation for a player that would?

 
The answer to my question is found in post #702.
 

Recommended headphone impedance    16Ω~150Ω

 
Very disappointing. This player has practically everything I want otherwise

 

[jamor]

  so.... when are the reviews coming out????? already mid march... when will it be shipped to retailers?

 
Not for another Month at least.   A week ago Fiio said that they wouldn't be starting X3 ii production for another 3 weeks.

 

[bruce1967]

Quick question for you about the new X3. Is the entire body aluminum including he back? I know the X1 was all aluminum but the back was plastic. Also how does it feel in your hand? Very solid feeling? Does it feel like it could withstand a drop...not that I plan on dropping it..
 
Thanks

 

[jamor]

   
The answer to my question is found in post #702.
 
 
Very disappointing. This player has practically everything I want otherwise

 
 
This is why people need to be more careful about the headphones they buy.  If you want to use an mp3 player and a portable headphone without an amp, don't buy 250 ohm headphones. 

 

[DisCHORDDubstep]

This is why people need to be more careful about the headphones they buy.  If you want to use an mp3 player and a portable headphone without an amp, don't buy 250 ohm headphones. 

I use my AKG K240 Sextett with the X3 all the time... (harder to drive than HD800 or T1)
It seems to drive them well. Not optimal performance, but good enough for me on vacation or showing them off to people.