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

[nati8056]

Has anyone tried the fiio x3 2nd with headphones dunu dn1000 and could tell me how to sound without dac?

 

[NCSUZoSo]

How are we able to know what 3.5mm to Coax cable will work for the X3II?

 

[JaZZ]

  I don't need you to explain file size differences and I never told anyone to use the X3K or not to use it...
 
I simply asked if there aren't more cost effective DAPs out there for listening to MP3s.  Most people getting this DAP are interested in 192/24 and DSD, that is ALL I was saying, plus I was asking a question.  FiiO invested a lot of their R&D into high res audio formats along with the actual hardware installed. 
 
If the X3K has superior audio quality and shaping with MP3s than other DAPs, then that would be all I needed to hear.  I was curious why users would buy a DAP aimed at the high res market just to play MP3s.  Remind me not to ask anything other questions about high res vs. MP3, I didn't realize how touchy you all were about the subject.

 
With well encoded MP3s you get the same benefit from good DAPs such as X3 II or X5 compared to lesser players. That's my experience. I have a mix of Flac (70%) and MP3 (30%) files on my FiiO players which I play in shuffle mode – and I could not tell if the now playing song is MP3 or Flac.
 
If you're trying to sound condescending... well, you have succeeded.

 

 

[Brooko]

  I don't need you to explain file size differences and I never told anyone to use the X3K or not to use it...
 
I simply asked if there aren't more cost effective DAPs out there for listening to MP3s.  Most people getting this DAP are interested in 192/24 and DSD, that is ALL I was saying, plus I was asking a question.  FiiO invested a lot of their R&D into high res audio formats along with the actual hardware installed. 
 
If the X3K has superior audio quality and shaping with MP3s than other DAPs, then that would be all I needed to hear.  I was curious why users would buy a DAP aimed at the high res market just to play MP3s.  Remind me not to ask anything other questions about high res vs. MP3, I didn't realize how touchy you all were about the subject.

 
Try rereading the replies in a calm voice to yourself.  No-one is being touchy - they're just relating their experiences.  In fact they are answering the question you asked.
 
For me - I generally use the X3ii portably more than anything else, and the big pluses are:

• Sound quality - it genuinely sounds very good
• Space - with 128 Gb I can actually fit my entire library on in aac256 (which to me is audibly transparent)
• Format support - yes it does lossy, but it also does lossless and DSD if I want.  Because I also have the X5 - and (again) tend to use the X3ii portably, I simply use aac on this device.  I'd change if/when storage on a single card allows me to.  The only reason for change would be so I don't have to maintain a second copy of my complete library.
• Power - the X3ii can drive anything from my very sensitive IEMs, all the way up to my HD600 - without an amp.
• 10 band equaliser - I use this a lot
• Customisable GUI.  You can't change the features, but you can change the look.  Community mods will become more prevalent over time, and they do genuinely help the overall user experience,

 
Of course then there is the DAC function, plus the ability to use both line out and digital out.
 
As to the alternatives out there - well other than my Fiios, my main source of audio would be my iPhone 5S.  It sounds great and is very handy.  But it's limited on space, power, and the EQ (unless you use 3rd party apps) isn't that great.
 
Hope that helps 

 

 

[aaDee]

Received my X3ii yesterday. Honestly I was not very happy in the first listen, I'm used to listen to Cowon's sound which I thought the perfect player for most of my life. Tried different eq settings but thought keeping eq settings gives the loudest volume(strange). Im using X3ii with my Takstar Pro80+ HM5 velour pads. Bass is already reduced due to pads and I feel default sound of X3ii has less sub bass compared to Cowon.
 Then I added my lil Fiio E6 just to experiment(Honestly I think Hi-res player like this should need help of amp of merely $25) BUT strange thing happened. E6 made the sound more livelier. It gave that roundness to the bass I was desperately looking for.
I seriously feel Fiio should have added that bass boost option in the settings. I wonder if E6 helps X3ii so much then what will be the result using high end amps.
Anyways I'm having musical Nirvana right now(X3ii+E6+Pro80)

 

[Brooko]

The difference between the X3ii and X3ii + E6 is purely volume (the way you describe it).
 
Try turning it up, or engaging high gain.
 
BTW - the X3ii is actually quite a powerhouse for it's size - so be careful with that volume for long term listening 

 
 
And if you need more sub-bass, just engage the EQ and customise it to your taste.  Remmeber that enagaing EQ will drop overall volume, so you need to increase the volume to compensate.

 

[NCSUZoSo]

  How are we able to know what 3.5mm to Coax cable will work for the X3II?

 

[aaDee]

  The difference between the X3ii and X3ii + E6 is purely volume (the way you describe it).
 
Try turning it up, or engaging high gain.
 
BTW - the X3ii is actually quite a powerhouse for it's size - so be careful with that volume for long term listening 

 
 
And if you need more sub-bass, just engage the EQ and customise it to your taste.  Remmeber that enagaing EQ will drop overall volume, so you need to increase the volume to compensate.

I'm not pumping the volume up but using second eq option on E6(Blue). Kind of boosted bass and treble but reduced soundstage by small margin.

 

[Brooko]

 

How are we able to know what 3.5mm to Coax cable will work for the X3II?

 
There is an adaptor included with the unit.
 
My review  - http://www.head-fi.org/products/fiio-x3-2nd-gen-ultraportable-hi-res-dap/reviews/12744
 
The photo.  Cable is on the right
 

 

[Brooko]

  I'm not pumping the volume up but using second eq option on E6(Blue). Kind of boosted bass and treble but reduced soundstage by small margin.

 
So you're using ahrdware EQ (bass boost) on the E6.  Try using the X3ii by itself, using the custom EQ setting on the X3ii, and raising the left most slider 31Hz, and possibly next one in 62 Hz.  Both will effect sub-bass.  If you need more thump - also try the 125 Hz slider (mid bass).
 
Once you get the hang of EQ, you should find it a lot better than hardware on the E6 (you'll have more control).

 

[NCSUZoSo]

I realize there is an adapter included, I am talking about cables like this that were posted earlier in the thread.
 

 
 
EDIT:
 
The above cable does not work according to this review on Amazon from May 29th regarding the FiiO X3II:
 

 This cable doesn't seem to be designed for a Fiio X3 2nd generation player. When the plug is inserted completely into the player the there is no sound from the coaxial connection. If you pull the cable slightly out it does play... until the cable falls out of the jack. I'm returning mine.

 
http://www.amazon.com/Micca-Premium-SPDIF-Digital-Coaxial/dp/B00V436UQU/ref=sr_1_1?s=audio-video-accessories&ie=UTF8&qid=1433710284&sr=1-1&keywords=1%2F8+Coax
 
Can anyone confirm or dispute?

 

[aaDee]

   
So you're using ahrdware EQ (bass boost) on the E6.  Try using the X3ii by itself, using the custom EQ setting on the X3ii, and raising the left most slider 31Hz, and possibly next one in 62 Hz.  Both will effect sub-bass.  If you need more thump - also try the 125 Hz slider (mid bass).
 
Once you get the hang of EQ, you should find it a lot better than hardware on the E6 (you'll have more control).

I tried @Brooko but the result is different somehow. The original sound is bit thinner, has more soundstage and more sparkle but E6 makes the sound fuller. I think you should try it. You will be able to explain it better than what Im trying to say.
It just sounds like it has more juice than original.

 

[JaZZ]

  I tried @Brooko but the result is different somehow. The original sound is bit thinner, has more soundstage and more sparkle but E6 makes the sound fuller. I think you should try it. You will be able to explain it better than what Im trying to say.
It just sounds like it has more juice than original.

 
You may try to simulate the FiiO E12 bass boost like Theo in the X5 thread (translated for better readability):
 
+6   +5.4   +5.2   +3   +1.6   +1.2   +1   –1   –1   +1.2   +1.8

 

[aaDee]

You may try to simulate the FiiO E12 bass boost like Theo in the X5 thread (translated for better readability):

+6   +5.4   +5.2   +3   +1.6   +1.2   +1   –1   –1   +1.2   +1.8

Wish I had E12,,,,I have Topping NX1 but that has almost no bass

 

[jamor]

   
 
I agree, if you are using mediocre hardware and headphones/speakers.  Also I am talking about 24/192 and DSD/DFF vs. MP3...

 
Nah not true.  Even with good headphones it's pretty hard to tell the difference.
 
Also, most people don't get these players for DSD.  Not a lot of people actually use that format.