[mikroski]

Then, tried to install that driver on my other Win8.1 laptop, and it failed.  I'm not surprised, it's 8.1 after all, but wondering if anybody else was able to install it on Windows 8.1 or 8.0?

Try this first, it may help
 
http://mywindows8.org/disable-driver-signature-verification-on-64-bit-windows-8-1/

 

[twister6]

Thank you guys for Win8.x tips!!!
 
Regarding FW1.10, I did a search in this thread, and can't find a link.  Can anybody please provide a link where to get 1.10?  Thanks!!!

 

[Joe Bloggs]

I remember reading someone updated their X5 firmware to 1.10, while I only see 1.00 on FiiO Support/Download page.  Is 1.10 update available to a general public or only in beta testing?  Is there a link where I can download it?

Also, I installed and tested X5 USB DAC driver on my laptop with Win7 without any problem (the sound is fantastic, almost like listening directly from X5, cleaner and lower noise floor in comparison to E18 - I assume better filtering of power supply and ground).  Then, tried to install that driver on my other Win8.1 laptop, and it failed.  I'm not surprised, it's 8.1 after all, but wondering if anybody else was able to install it on Windows 8.1 or 8.0?

Hi,

In this post

http://www.head-fi.org/t/696004/fiio-x5-preview-world-tour-first-arrivals-on-page-19-first-impressions-rolling-in#post_10082630

You will find a download link to the 1.1 firmware at the top and a full instruction manual to the X5 at the bottom, including how to install the DAC driver on Windows 8.1 as well. And yes, disabling driver signature enforcement is the main required point.

 

[Shawn71]

So far I'll rank them as follow: HM901 > X5 > HM700 >= DX50 = mod'ed X3 = AK100. AK100 is extremely clean but disappointingly weak in power and control. X3 has great texture and power, but not enough clarity. DX50 is somewhat in between but closer to AK100. It has good clarity and power over AK100, but still somewhat lacking the authority. I put a ">=" on HM700 because HM700 really outdoes the other three (AK100, DX50, and X3) only when all of them are driver RE400 (with balanced RE400 for HM700). On other IEM, it doesn't quite have the advantage.

Thx much ClieOS......I appreciate it. Simple and straight to the point.

You have a nice weekend and wonderful chinese new year. This goes to all who celebrate it too.

 

[DrunkenTiger]

I was considering getting a E18, but if the X5 is a better USB DAC and it's a DAP too...
Does it charge through USB while it's being used as a dac on your computer?

 

[twister6]

  I was considering getting a E18, but if the X5 is a better USB DAC and it's a DAP too...
Does it charge through USB while it's being used as a dac on your computer?

 
Yes, it charges while being used as a DAC.

 

[Andykong]

  
Never heard of any of the mod'ed AK.
 

Where did you see any published spec that would indicate DX50 having higher power? I just did a basic measurement (the same one I usually do on DAP and amp I reviewed), and on the face, X5 is about 0.45V higher on max volume compared to DX50 (2.55Vrms vs. 3Vrms) and with 3.5x more current output (85mA vs. 300mA), making X5 about 4 times more powerful than DX50. In fact, X5 has one of the highest current output I have ever seen on portable gears, beating most portable amps easily. I will however say the DX50 isn't bad at all, but X5 is just very far ahead in raw power.

 
Both iBasso and Fiio has published the power rating of their DAP, but the information are not presented in the same manner, I tried to work out the numbers for both sides based on the formula: W= V^2 / R
 

 
I have highlighted the figures collected from official specification in blue, and the calculated figures in yellow.  I hope the numbers are correct, feel free to correct me if anyone spotted any mistake.

PS. I agree that X5 has more control and better authority even when the rating is slightly lower, and I am interested to find out the story behind too.

 

[krayziehustler]

   
Yes, it charges while being used as a DAC.

 
Can you listen to music on the player while it is charging?

 

[twister6]

   
Can you listen to music on the player while it is charging?

 
Only when you are charging from wall outlet or from a laptop where X5 usb dac driver wasn't installed.  As soon as you connect it to your PC/laptop as USB DAC, it only works as a DAC for the music played from your computer, not from the player, which makes perfect sense.
 

 

[reihead]

   
Only when you are charging from wall outlet or from a laptop where X5 usb dac driver wasn't installed.  As soon as you connect it to your PC/laptop as USB DAC, it only works as a DAC for the music played from your computer, not from the player, which makes perfect sense.
 

 
Glad to see a Winamp user!

 

[twister6]

   
Glad to see a Winamp user!

 
Right on!  Vintage 2.80 version from 2002

 

[akash neagi]

Any clue as to when the X5 will be for sale worldwide????
I can't wait to get one!!!!

 

[gelocks]

  Any clue as to when the X5 will be for sale worldwide????
I can't wait to get one!!!!

 
Search the thread for "worldwide" and you'll probably get it...
And no, I wont do it for you!

 

[jamato8]

I will have one in a day or two.

 

[DMinor]

  Any clue as to when the X5 will be for sale worldwide????
I can't wait to get one!!!!

 
You can actually buy it now from aliexpress.com.
 
http://www.aliexpress.com/wholesale?SearchText=fiio+x5&catId=0&initiative_id=SB_20140131121538