The Fiio X3 Thread.

[SilverEars]

Hi guys, I was at the NY meet yesterday.  I've had a chance to listen to X3 and X5.  X5 is definately better as it sounds more musical.  I didn't like the X3.  The AK120 and 240 trumps any Fiio though.  I hope this is helpful.  This was based on listening with UE reference monitors.

 

[Ananasov]

I take it you've already used the new user interface, or are you making bold statements without having tried it yet?

-CH23

No, I haven't. Sorry for my language But I think we can make some conclusions based on pictures... can't we?

 

[CH23]

No, I haven't. Sorry for my language But I think we can make some conclusions based on pictures... can't we?

I think it's important to remember that anything we say, somebody else will take as fact, so choosing your words more carefully could work out better.

It's clear to me that you don't like the looks of the new UI, but looks and function make or break a good UX, and it's the overall UX that matters. (I crop sound quality with function, as it's the core reason for this devices existence)

I believe that the only good way to know if the UX has been compromised by the UI, is by having used it.

 

[Francisk]

That is not the solution Francisk... although depending on the importance of updates, I might stay on 2.1. It's is just unacceptable to create uglier UI which is actually designed for devices with scroll and looking like fake ipod from 2003!

Perhaps having a few color scheme might help . Honestly I'm looking for a more bug free update, better ogg support and getting files update right. Looks of the GUI is not in my priority list but of course if it looks nice then that's a bonus

I must say the implementation of graphic EQ is worthy of praise indeed. So I think we should give FiiO a break. At the very least, they're trying their best to implement updates to improve X3 by listening to their customers' feedback.

 

[subguy812]

  Hi guys, I was at the NY meet yesterday.  I've had a chance to listen to X3 and X5.  X5 is definately better as it sounds more musical.  I didn't like the X3.  The AK120 and 240 trumps any Fiio though.  I hope this is helpful.  This was based on listening with UE reference monitors.

Good to know...I paid 139.00 for my FiiO X3 on cyber monday. Please let me know when you can find either of the 2 you mentioned for less than 1200.00. Not really comparing apples to apples is it?

 

[TrollDragon]

Good to know...I paid 139.00 for my FiiO X3 on cyber monday. Please let me know when you can find either of the 2 you mentioned for less than 1200.00. Not really comparing apples to apples is it?

Dude posted the same foolishness across 2 other threads, X5 & AK's... He's just trying to stir up Schiit, it would be nice if the Troll's and Haters would stick to their own threads.

 

[subguy812]

Dude posted the same foolishness across 2 other threads, X5 & AK's... He's just trying to stir up Schiit, it would be nice if the Troll's and Haters would stick to their own threads.

Usually I ignore that stuff..it just was a stupid thing to see when i first woke this morning 

 

[meat01]

  Hi guys, I was at the NY meet yesterday.  I've had a chance to listen to X3 and X5.  X5 is definately better as it sounds more musical.  I didn't like the X3.  The AK120 and 240 trumps any Fiio though.  I hope this is helpful.  This was based on listening with UE reference monitors.

Thank you.  This is very helpful.  I don't know how I would have made my purchasing decision without SilverEars telling me that he likes a $1200 and a $2400 DAP more than a $200 DAP.
 
You obviously did level matched blind tests with all of the DAPs to come to your conclusion didn't you? With as helpful as your post is, I can't believe you would just say one is better than the other without having a good reason.  Actually, I am not seeing a reason that you didn't like the X3, but if you didn't like it, you didn't like it.  Reason enough for me not to like it.
 
I agree the AK120 and 240 trumps any Fiio in price.  We already knew this though.  I assume you were talking price, because you didn't list what category it trumps it.
 
Did you know that a Ferrari 458 and Enzo trumps any Smart car?  The Ferrari's are faster. I hope this is helpful.

 

[Mr Trev]

Will we get the option to change the colour? I would love a black one instead of red.

Different colors would be nice. It would also be nice if we still could do some UI mods like we currently can.

 

[SilverEars]

My impression was not based on price as I don't own any of them.  I happen to find all of them at the meet to compare on the Reference monitor.  I was lucky enough to run into UE there to demo the monitors and try to compare them, and to me, without any consideration of price, the AK trumps all the Fiio players.  
 
Reason why this was surprising was the I had on the back of my mind as AK being overprice and of course Fiio being more reasonably priced, but I've never been a fan of Fiio DACs or Amps, but X5 sounded ok, and AK series much better.
 
Would I purchase the AK? No, I would not pay that much, but I thought it was interesting to find out which ones were the top with a very transparent IEM.  Do I think AK is worth the price tag, I don't, but what I came to realize is that it's fantastic sounding DAP/Sources for those they is willing to take the plunge.
 
I suggest all to test out them all with a top iem that is very revealing.

 

[reiserFS]

  here is the whole new UI design picture, any advice is welcome, noted, please click the photo to get the high resolution picture in your PC.
 
 

I like it, but is there any chance for a black & white themed version of the new UI?

 

[james444]

+1 on the colour. Black/Dark Grey with white text please.

Also noticed the EQ. Will the X3 still have the hardware Bass and Treble control? It's hard to tell from the images. I find it a lot quicker to use (and it sounds great), compared to the EQ in the X5. If the X5 had more custom presets it would be much better to use, but right now I prefer the quick and easy X3 Bass/Treble.

 
+1 on retaining hardware EQ, it definitely sounds great.

 

[nmatheis]

+1 on retaining hardware EQ, it definitely sounds great.

I own an X3 and agree that keeping the current hardware Eq in addition to a 5-band software Eq would be great.

 

[Rocker66]

   thanks for your help, and yes our team like to add the DSD supports with the new UI so it take longer time than we expect .

 
If this is being added to the new firmware update, it is worth the wait. I still love my X3 as is and this will only make it better.
 
Thank you.
Dave

 

[fattycheesebeef]

Hope the red theme won't eat up more battery..