[TrollDragon]

i modded my X3's amp section .... cheeers 

What Do?
You just can't come here and say you modded the amp! Spill the beans!

 

[nmatheis]

i modded my X3's amp section .... cheeers 

What Do?
You just can't come here and say you modded the amp! Spill the beans!

There's an X3 mod thread, wherein ClieOS recommended tried swapping out the opamp for better SQ. I'm curious after opamp rolling with the E12 DIY and also hope Mmet divulges all his secrets .

Here's a LINK to the X3 Mod thread ClieOS started. His suggestion is to replace stock opamp with AD8620, which is more neutral and less power-hungry. It's also the stock opamp in the E12 and E12DIY.

 

[nmatheis]

Here's Mmet's post from the X3 Mod thread:

FWIW .... my first smd work is done successfully by replacing AD8397 with AD8066   

seems clearer now ... much clearer ... with a nice sound signature and nicer bass than stock 

I'm curious to read over that thread now even though there's no way I'm going to mod my X3 myself. Maybe I could convince someone else to do it for me - maybe practice their smd skills .

 

[Silverprout]

Hello,
 
Here is a little chart for X3 users... with EARSONICS EM3pro Ciems !
 

 
Don't forget, 4h per day maximum !

 

[nmatheis]

  Hello,
 
Here is a little chart for X3 users... with EARSONICS EM3pro Ciems !
 

 
Don't forget, 4h per day maximum !

 
Curious if this can  be extrapolated to other 'phones based on sensitivity and impedance so I can determine what my typical settings are.
 
EarSonics EM3-PRO Specs (copy/paste from EarSonics website)
Sensitivity: 124 dB/mW
Frequency response : 20 Hz -18 kHz
Impédance: 46 ohms
Driver: 3 balanced armature drivers , 2-way passive crossover.

 

[Silverprout]

   
Curious if this can  be extrapolated to other 'phones based on sensitivity and impedance so I can determine what my typical settings are.
 
EarSonics EM3-PRO Specs (copy/paste from EarSonics website)
Sensitivity: 124 dB/mW
Frequency response : 20 Hz -18 kHz
Impédance: 46 ohms
Driver: 3 balanced armature drivers , 2-way passive crossover.

 
No, manufacturers don't always use the same measurement protocol...
 

 

[spatzi]

I just tried listening to my x3 with the line out using akg q701's. The volume is equivalent to using headphone out at 83 on the dial. My question is: is there any difference in sound quality using it this way, or are HO and LO the same? Of course I can't adjust volume on LO but listening to classical, it's fine.

 

[AluminumHaste]

  A lot of Head-Fier's have said that the Dunu-DN1000 are an excellent pairing with the X3, and they are right in that $200 price range.

 
Bought them on Ebay a few days ago, just waiting for them to come in, should be here around the 24th, can't wait.

 

[AluminumHaste]

I just tried listening to my x3 with the line out using akg q701's. The volume is equivalent to using headphone out at 83 on the dial. My question is: is there any difference in sound quality using it this way, or are HO and LO the same? Of course I can't adjust volume on LO but listening to classical, it's fine.

As far as I understand, the line out port won't be affected by the Bass and Treble adjustments on the X3.

 

[Silverprout]

I just tried listening to my x3 with the line out using akg q701's. The volume is equivalent to using headphone out at 83 on the dial. My question is: is there any difference in sound quality using it this way, or are HO and LO the same? Of course I can't adjust volume on LO but listening to classical, it's fine.

Why ?

 

[spatzi]

I don't use bass/treble adjustments. So, it is identical sound using HO or LO?

 

[spatzi]

Why ?

Because many people say the LO is superior to using the HO.

 

[Mmet]

Here's Mmet's post from the X3 Mod thread:
I'm curious to read over that thread now even though there's no way I'm going to mod my X3 myself. Maybe I could convince someone else to do it for me - maybe practice their smd skills .

 
 

What Do?
You just can't come here and say you modded the amp! Spill the beans!

FIRST .... thanks to Trolldragon for helping me by sending me the link about opamp flavors 
that helps me to make my decision about what op amp to use 
 
Second ... I posted now more detailed description of my experience and sound in the dedicated thread here :
http://www.head-fi.org/t/669830/fiio-x3-mod-ad8397-to-ad8620/195 
 
it was a very dangerous move to do that by myself but i decided to do it as a sort of taking risk

 ... as it is my first SMD work ( i have experience with iron but not like that

) and i faced hard time removing the stock opamp without damaging the board ... soldering the new op amp was far more easy ... and the end results worth the risk 

 

[TrollDragon]

There's an X3 mod thread, wherein ClieOS recommended tried swapping out the opamp for better SQ. I'm curious after opamp rolling with the E12 DIY and also hope Mmet divulges all his secrets ߘɮ

Here's a LINK to the X3 Mod thread ClieOS startedߘĮ His suggestion is to replace stock opamp with AD8620, which is more neutral and less power-hungry. It's also the stock opamp in the E12 and E12DIY.

I sent a pair of AD8620's to a Head-Fi'er in the Philippines so he could mod his X3. The AD8620 has less output than the stock X3 opamp and is way too bright for my liking...

My E12 has an OPA1611 stock, if it had an AD8620 in it that would be cut out quickly and replaced with an LME49860NA...

 

[TrollDragon]

You are most welcome Mmet I have pondered the AD8066 but am still not decided...

Congrats on your SMD mod they can be a little scary when one has not done that kind of work. I find it easier to carefully cut the legs off of the old chip first, then all you have is the pads and legs to clean up which is a lot easier on the boards traces.

I shall go have a read of your journey!