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

[bowei006]

Tried X3-II as a DAC under OS X, everything works perfectly

Yeah, Mac has much better USB Audio Driver 1 workings. 
 
Pretty much never need an external driver instal for FiiO or even other units as opposed to on Windows.
 
 
I run both systems so yeah. 

---

 
Comparing the X3 II to a home rig featuring the CS4398 and desktop version of the Objective 2. 
 
The X3 II is definately more heavy handed in the sound. On some of the more instrumental parts on songs, whereas the O2 would keep the parts where the instruments have slight pauses clear, the X3 II has a tendancy to keep it with a bit of noise and color. Introducing points of loss of transparency where you can hear the 'unit'. 
 
The amp isn't as spacious or airy as the Objective but it does add some well meaning character to the music. There's more 'hop' to the X3 II which isn't always good to the more critical ones. 
 
All in all, to non critical listeners, the X3 II has some very well implemented and sounding hardware. Whereas the X5 and E18 feature some harsher moments to them by being too clear, and the X1 & E07K with too much color. The X3 II promotes itself as a testament to FiiO's continued prominence in the audio realm. It's sound is incredibly competetive to say the least in my opinion. 
 
Not the most accurate at $200-$300, but well done and without some of the errors that some 'audiophile' units may have in harshness or overdone clarity. 
 
 
My Colorfly C4 Pro (also with CS4398) is currently charging. I'm preparing some files for it so that I can do another test with the X3 II. 
 
Side Note:
 
The X3 II is exactly what I wanted in terms of sound from the X5 but wasn't able to get. I had many moments where I had to make a monster stack of the X5 and E17K because I disliked the X5's forward and bright sound signature. I don't need to hear all the details in my music on the go personally (this is a crucial pro to critical listeners however). Because you are essentially trusting it to be well produced/mastered and most of the time, songs aren't. I needed a softer and warmer sound that would hide many of the illegitimate details that my mainstream love of songs was giving. The X3 II seems to be the answer. 

I was impressed with the X1 given its price. I liked the X5 given its build and first-look at FiiO's ability to produce a UI. The X3 II seems to be the beginning of a unit that is comprehensively put together. 


There are lots of qualms with it don't get me wrong. But I'll go into those on the review or if I'm asked. Why? Because new-toy syndrome is fun to have 

 

[ensvne]

Hi,
i have the X1 here and i dislike the build quality of the wheel and the "enter" button. Should i buy the old X3 or wait for the updated version? 

 

[doublea71]

  Yeah, Mac has much better USB Audio Driver 1 workings. 
 
Pretty much never need an external driver instal for FiiO or even other units as opposed to on Windows.
 
 
I run both systems so yeah. 

---

 
Comparing the X3 II to a home rig featuring the CS4398 and desktop version of the Objective 2. 
 
The X3 II is definately more heavy handed in the sound. On some of the more instrumental parts on songs, whereas the O2 would keep the parts where the instruments have slight pauses clear, the X3 II has a tendancy to keep it with a bit of noise and color. Introducing points of loss of transparency where you can hear the 'unit'. 
 
The amp isn't as spacious or airy as the Objective but it does add some well meaning character to the music. There's more 'hop' to the X3 II which isn't always good to the more critical ones. 
 
All in all, to non critical listeners, the X3 II has some very well implemented and sounding hardware. Whereas the X5 and E18 feature some harsher moments to them by being too clear, and the X1 & E07K with too much color. The X3 II promotes itself as a testament to FiiO's continued prominence in the audio realm. It's sound is incredibly competetive to say the least in my opinion. 
 
Not the most accurate at $200-$300, but well done and without some of the errors that some 'audiophile' units may have in harshness or overdone clarity. 
 
 
My Colorfly C4 Pro (also with CS4398) is currently charging. I'm preparing some files for it so that I can do another test with the X3 II. 
 
Side Note:
 
The X3 II is exactly what I wanted in terms of sound from the X5 but wasn't able to get. I had many moments where I had to make a monster stack of the X5 and E17K because I disliked the X5's forward and bright sound signature. I don't need to hear all the details in my music on the go personally (this is a crucial pro to critical listeners however). Because you are essentially trusting it to be well produced/mastered and most of the time, songs aren't. I needed a softer and warmer sound that would hide many of the illegitimate details that my mainstream love of songs was giving. The X3 II seems to be the answer. 

I was impressed with the X1 given its price. I liked the X5 given its build and first-look at FiiO's ability to produce a UI. The X3 II seems to be the beginning of a unit that is comprehensively put together. 


There are lots of qualms with it don't get me wrong. But I'll go into those on the review or if I'm asked. Why? Because new-toy syndrome is fun to have 

I had similar experiences with the X5 - at times it was a bit unmerciful with some recordings. The X3 II sounds promising as another dollar for dollar champ. If I could buy stock in this company, I would.

 

[oldschool]

I don't need to hear all the details in my music on the go personally (this is a crucial pro to critical listeners however)

 
My thoughts exactly. Above all, these units are to be treated as portable on the go DAPs that are able to deliver quality sound that is noticeably above the average.
 
Anyone looking for neutrality and truly audiophile grade sound should instead go ahead with more expensive desktop headphone dac+amp combo.

 

[nimnz]

How would you Compare the new x3 with the e18, on overall sound quality.

 

[Zachik]

   
My thoughts exactly. Above all, these units are to be treated as portable on the go DAPs that are able to deliver quality sound that is noticeably above the average.
 
Anyone looking for neutrality and truly audiophile grade sound should instead go ahead with more expensive desktop headphone dac+amp combo.

 
I disagree!
I am looking into making my first step into the audiophile world with the X3 II and for me - it is going to be the main HiRes / HiDef audio source.
I might (in the future) invest more $$$ into a desktop / non-portable setup, but for me (and I am sure some others) - the "portable" DAP is the only device (and I am actually going to use it only at home).
 
Just my 2 cents.

 

[oldschool]

   
I disagree!
I am looking into making my first step into the audiophile world with the X3 II and for me - it is going to be the main HiRes / HiDef audio source.
I might (in the future) invest more $$$ into a desktop / non-portable setup, but for me (and I am sure some others) - the "portable" DAP is the only device (and I am actually going to use it only at home).
 
Just my 2 cents.

 
Sure but you have to be reasonable with your expectations for a $200 unit, mostly designed as a DAP

 

[Zachik]

   
Sure but you have to be reasonable with your expectations for a $200 unit, mostly designed as a DAP

 
I expect it to be noticeably better than my iPhone 5  -  is that a reasonable expectation?  
 
I do NOT expect it to be the best sound source ever made by man, competing with $2,000+ setups...

 

[oldschool]

   
I expect it to be noticeably better than my iPhone 5  -  is that a reasonable expectation?  

 
That should be a pretty low bar to raise

 

[Brooko]

You'd actually be surprised in a proper level matched test. I love my X1, X5 and now my X3 2nd gen. - but my iPhone 5S is no slouch either. It's a great source for easy to drive IEMs.

Apples gear is often maligned for no good reason.

 

[Zachik]

You'd actually be surprised in a proper level matched test. I love my X1, X5 and now my X3 2nd gen. - but my iPhone 5S is no slouch either. It's a great source for easy to drive IEMs.

Apples gear is often maligned for no good reason.

 
Brooko - I am still hopeful, because I am "fixing" 3 issues at once:
1. Upgrade from MP3 (high bit-rate, but still lossy...) to FLAC
2. iPhone 5 DAC to a better DAC (and better implementation)
3. Much better AMP (should make a difference even with easy to drive headphones, from what I can tell by reading A LOT reviews and online forums)

 

[bowei006]

Hey Guys, the unboxing for the new FiiO X3 II Second Generation is up! Please check it out if you want!
 

 

 
 
 
 

---

 
 
 
 
Quote:

  Hi,
i have the X1 here and i dislike the build quality of the wheel and the "enter" button. Should i buy the old X3 or wait for the updated version? 

Welcome to Head-Fi. Sorry about your wallet. 

The X3 II still has some of the main qualms of the X1, but with slightly better tolerances for the build, wheel, and buttons. If you didn't like them, you may still not, but they are better than on the X1. 
 

 
I had similar experiences with the X5 - at times it was a bit unmerciful with some recordings. The X3 II sounds promising as another dollar for dollar champ. If I could buy stock in this company, I would.

FiiO isn't public in China and especially not in America last I checked 

 

   
My thoughts exactly. Above all, these units are to be treated as portable on the go DAPs that are able to deliver quality sound that is noticeably above the average.
 
Anyone looking for neutrality and truly audiophile grade sound should instead go ahead with more expensive desktop headphone dac+amp combo.

I believe that quote you quoted is mine 

 

How would you Compare the new x3 with the e18, on overall sound quality.

I did compare the two slightly in my post above. 
 
E18 is too clean going towards neutrality that it gets a bit harsh at times. If you want full blown detail, the E18 is your boy.
 

  All in all, to non critical listeners, the X3 II has some very well implemented and sounding hardware. Whereas the X5 and E18 feature some harsher moments to them by being too clear, and the X1 & E07K with too much color. The X3 II promotes itself as a testament to FiiO's continued prominence in the audio realm. It's sound is incredibly competetive to say the least in my opinion. 
 
Not the most accurate at $200-$300, but well done and without some of the errors that some 'audiophile' units may have in harshness or overdone clarity

 

[Uberclocked]

It's not even March yet.
>.<

 

[bowei006]

  It's not even March yet.
>.<

 
The reviews are supposed to be out in March. This is just an unboxing 

 

[Uberclocked]

   
The reviews are supposed to be out in March. This is just an unboxing 

:O
All the other X3 owners better get their unboxing and impressions up stat.