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

[fourrobert13]

I own an X1 and love it.  I've considered getting another X1 for dedicated use in my car and now the X3 gen 2 will be available shortly.  I guess my question is am I gaining anything with the X3?  is the sq that much better than the X1?  obviously they have the same UI and controls, same capacity, so the only real difference I see is the different chip set? Is that it or am I missing something (probably am)? This has me wondering if the X5 would be the better choice due to more storage capacity since I wouldn't gain any with the new X3. Anyone have any input on this?
 
Thanks

 

[jamor]

  I own an X1 and love it.  I've considered getting another X1 for dedicated use in my car and now the X3 gen 2 will be available shortly.  I guess my question is am I gaining anything with the X3?  is the sq that much better than the X1?  obviously they have the same UI and controls, same capacity, so the only real difference I see is the different chip set? Is that it or am I missing something (probably am)? This has me wondering if the X5 would be the better choice due to more storage capacity since I wouldn't gain any with the new X3. Anyone have any input on this?
 
Thanks

 
One thing  i noticed is x3 has a much bigger battery.  That's big pro theoretically but maybe it takes more power?  We'll have to see.

 

[cireyay]

   
OK - you've confused me.
 
In terms of pure SQ - Fiio's range goes (leaving out the original X3 because I haven't heard it)
 
X1 < X3ii < X5
 
Tonality is actually pretty similar between all three - but where they differ is in the blackness of the background and the overall refinement of the sound.
 
In terms of features and hardware - Fiio's range goes (leaving out the original X3 because I haven't heard it)
 
X1 < X3ii < X5
 
X1 gives you the basic HQ package, good line-out, but no stand alone DAC
X3ii raises it a notch with introduction of a pretty good stand alone DAC, ability to take pure digital out + some new software features (instant on etc).  In the hardware stakes - the overall build quality is slightly better as well with even better implementation fo the wheel.
X5 remains the pinnacle for features with it's dual microSD slots - but the X3ii is actually pretty close.
 
In terms of pricing and where Fiio has positioned their DAPs
 
X1 < X3ii < X5
 
As you can see from above - I think I've been pretty consistent throughout my descriptions.  The X3ii sits between the X1 and X5.  The overall advantages are a combination of features and SQ. I'm happy to own all 3 - but I can tell you right now that the X5 and X3ii will get the most use.  The X5 because I have my entire library with me in redbook flac format and because it ultimately has the most refined SQ. The X3ii because it is now very close to the X5 overall - just doesn't have the overall storage, and slightly less SQ and power (but for strictly portable, I don't need it).
 
The X1 still has a place though because it gives incredible value for money, and if you don't need a DAC, and are on a pretty tight budget - it really is a great option.
 
If you're still confused and need me to break it down further - please advise specifically what is confusing you.  Then I'll try to simplify it further.

Hi Brooko,
 
First, thanks for replying my question. I'm not confused about the differences in hardware features, like the use as a USB DAC and # of micro-sd slots, I was confused about the differences in SQ as when I auditioned the X1 and X5 last year, the tonality of the two sounded different to me, thus I was kind of puzzled why you mention that the tonality is similar, just different in the level of refinement. Perhaps my listening experiences isn't sufficient to make an accurate assessment of what is same tonality and what is different tonality, but I did feel two difference characters of music portrayed by the X5 and the X1.
 
Nevertheless, I just found out from a friend that a local audiophile shop has got demo units of the X3ii, I don't know how they have gotten units since it isn't officially launched yet, probably they asked Fiio for demo units and collect pre-orders. So I will be heading down on Tuesday to have an audition, excited for it!

 

[TCD1975]

   
One thing  i noticed is x3 has a much bigger battery.  That's big pro theoretically but maybe it takes more power?  We'll have to see.

 
X1 battery life 10 hours
X3 II battery life 11 hours

 

[x RELIC x]

I own an X1 and love it.  I've considered getting another X1 for dedicated use in my car and now the X3 gen 2 will be available shortly.  I guess my question is am I gaining anything with the X3?  is the sq that much better than the X1?  obviously they have the same UI and controls, same capacity, so the only real difference I see is the different chip set? Is that it or am I missing something (probably am)? This has me wondering if the X5 would be the better choice due to more storage capacity since I wouldn't gain any with the new X3. Anyone have any input on this?

Thanks

Besides sound differences there is twice the amp output power for more difficult to drive headphones, USB DAC capability, and coaxial output.

 

[Mistyc]

http://store.treoo.com/main/fiio-x3-ii-digital-audio-player.html
hmm just bought a sony zx1,comon x7 i cannot wait!!!

 

[Brooko]

  Hi Brooko,
 
First, thanks for replying my question. I'm not confused about the differences in hardware features, like the use as a USB DAC and # of micro-sd slots, I was confused about the differences in SQ as when I auditioned the X1 and X5 last year, the tonality of the two sounded different to me, thus I was kind of puzzled why you mention that the tonality is similar, just different in the level of refinement. Perhaps my listening experiences isn't sufficient to make an accurate assessment of what is same tonality and what is different tonality, but I did feel two difference characters of music portrayed by the X5 and the X1.
 
Nevertheless, I just found out from a friend that a local audiophile shop has got demo units of the X3ii, I don't know how they have gotten units since it isn't officially launched yet, probably they asked Fiio for demo units and collect pre-orders. So I will be heading down on Tuesday to have an audition, excited for it!

 
No problems.  Again - levels of overall differences will vary wildly between people.  I'd like to think that I don't try to over-exaggerate what I hear, so for me when differences are small, that's the way I call them.  I'm not a "night and day" kind of guy 

 
Here's how I described the X5 vs X1 when I reviewed the X1:

 The X1 (to my imperfect ears) is quite a neutral sounding DAP – with a slight touch of warmth, very similar to the X5. Where the X1 differs is that it has a very slightly thicker, or fuller overall sound compared to the X5 – the X5 sounds comparatively cleaner, instruments sound more precise, with more space.  The differences are there – but they are not huge – but to me they are noticeable. This can give the X1 the impression that the mid-range might be ever so slightly forward, but with the volume matching and constant back and forth during testing, I think that’s just an impression.  I personally think what I’m hearing is the X5’s blacker background, and greater refinement – it’s simply more effortless in its presentation.

 
When I critically compare side-by-side, I always make sure that:

1. Volume is matched
2. Same tracks are used (same master, same format, essentially same files)
3. No EQ
4. Same earphones
5. Both fast switching, and also longer sessions with each

 
I also make sure that I give solo time to each DAP (ie at least 2-3 days to a single DAP) to "brain-burn" the signature - rather than faster switching from the start.  I find that this gives me greater appreciation of similarities ...... and also differences.
 
I've also been lucky in that I've had a lot of quality time with both DAPs.  FWIW my opinion on the two remains the same (I redid the comparison this morning just to be sure).
 
Tonally the X1 and X5 are similar - but the X5 does have a more refined, cleaner, smoother presentation - and it is quite noticeable.  The X1 sounds thicker comparatively, and slightly warmer.  Again for me - the X5 is my preferred presentation.
 
Comparing all 3 directly - my impression of SQ would go:
X1 < < < X3ii < < < X5
 
I'd say the X3ii sits squarely between the X1 and X5 as far as levels of refinement go.  There is a bigger difference between X1 and X5 (naturally), and smaller cumulative differences between X1 to X3ii and X3ii to X5.
 
Hopefully when you get to demo the X3ii, you can spend a couple of hours with it - and can volume match properly when you do your A/Bs.

 

[jamor]

   
X1 battery life 10 hours
X3 II battery life 11 hours

 
that's interesting considering the difference in battery sizes.  Must have a powerful amp.

 

[needmoretoys]

   
Comparing all 3 directly - my impression of SQ would go: X1 < < < X3ii < < < X5
 
I'd say the X3ii sits squarely between the X1 and X5 as far as levels of refinement go.  There is a bigger difference between X1 and X5 (naturally), and smaller cumulative differences between X1 to X3ii and X3ii to X5.

I think that I might have asked this question a couple of weeks ago, but I don't remember anyone answering. How is the SQ of the X3 ii compared to the X1 with the E11k amp. I read your X1/E11k review that you did before the X3 ii came out, but I have not seen a comparison between the X1/E11k and the X3 ii.

 

[jenia1]

i would also like to add something. can some1 of the reviewers open up the x3ii and post a picture of internal circuitry? Thanks.
 
Edit:
@JamesFiiO  are there any retailers in Germany/Russia that will be given a stock of the X3ii once its out? can you please say which ones?
thanks.

 

[Brooko]

  I think that I might have asked this question a couple of weeks ago, but I don't remember anyone answering. How is the SQ of the X3 ii compared to the X1 with the E11k amp. I read your X1/E11k review that you did before the X3 ii came out, but I have not seen a comparison between the X1/E11k and the X3 ii.

 
Should be able to give you a comparison of line-outs within next 24 hours.

 

[needmoretoys]

   
Should be able to give you a comparison of line-outs within next 24 hours.

Thank you. I wonder if the E11k is better than the X3 ii amp. I know there's no way to tell, as the X3 ii DAC and amp are not separable.

 

[JuanLuis91]

Eager for the comparison ... Has anyone had a chance to use the jds c5 with x1 line out ?

 

[twister6]

 

   
Should be able to give you a comparison of line-outs within next 24 hours.

Thank you. I wonder if the E11k is better than the X3 ii amp. I know there's no way to tell, as the X3 ii DAC and amp are not separable.

 
That's why you use LO to bypass internal amp and go straight out of the DAC.  This way you can compare X3 II dac/amp to X3 II dac + E11k.

 

[needmoretoys]

   
That's why you use LO to bypass internal amp and go straight out of the DAC.  This way you can compare X3 II dac/amp to X3 II dac + E11k.

Oops, I knew that. I just wasn't thinking when I wrote it.  What I'm really trying to find out if someone knows, is how my current X1 using LO into an E11k compares SQ wise to the new X3 ii using its own amp. I'm trying to decide if I want to buy the E11k to go with my X1.