[DMinor]

 

  X5 - impact energy. I feel more "involved"
ZX1 - spaciousness. I could get l lost in the atmosphere it creates

 
The difference may be similar to adjusting settings between hi gain and low gain on the internal amp. I am not surprised if that's the game these dap vendors are playing to tune the sound. We now hear the X5 may be "better' than the AK240 due to that "high gain" setting thus fuller sounding as a result of more power.
 
Just my speculations.

 

[Brooko]

  so i am gonna ask X5 users, do you find X5 benefits much from external amping or the differences are not that big?
 
from my experience with DX50 i find that baby needs amping like man needs water, so my DX50 goes for sale since i want a stand alone capable DAP.

 
I pretty much agree with Coop - sounded great without amping.  For me that's the great draw-card with the X5 - easily handles both low impedance (DN-1000 = 10 ohm) and mid/high impedance cans (DT880 250 ohm / HD600 300 ohm) without the need for additional bulk.  The headphone out is so clean - I simply couldn't see myself wanting to carry anything else with me ....

 

[musicheaven]

I pretty much agree with Coop - sounded great without amping.  For me that's the great draw-card with the X5 - easily handles both low impedance (DN-1000 = 10 ohm) and mid/high impedance cans (DT880 250 ohm / HD600 300 ohm) without the need for additional bulk.  The headphone out is so clean - I simply couldn't see myself wanting to carry anything else with me ....

Same here, after enjoying the X5 on it's own, to me that means a lot, it's gonna be hard going dap+amp. Besides the X5 is so heavy that adding extra weight makes you feel like you are doing gym curls, mind you great if you want to grow muscle.

I am still looking for this extra punch, this surprising smooth melody that once I hear, I won't want to put it back. I was very close with the X5.

I am really wondering if the Calyx M, X7 or even the DX90 will be the one.

 

[lofthanza]

Not sure if this is the right place to ask. Anyway, do you think that the fiio x5 would do the HIFI-MAN HE-400 justice?

 

[goodvibes]

   
 
The difference may be similar to adjusting settings between hi gain and low gain on the internal amp. I am not surprised if that's the game these dap vendors are playing to tune the sound. We now hear the X5 may be "better' than the AK240 due to that "high gain" setting thus fuller sounding as a result of more power.
 
Just my speculations.

It will have nothing to do with more power. Gain does not equal power. and power below clipping wont be an issue. Simply, the amp character at that gain setting may subtly change due less neg feedback etc. 

 

[DMinor]

Whatever the difference that might be, we can always say it all comes down to personal preference. What a hobby.

 

[Mython]

  Whatever the difference that might be, we can always say it all comes down to personal preference. What a hobby.

 
Hold on - are we talking about DAPs or women, here?

 

[DMinor]

   
Hold on - are we talking about DAPs or women, here?

 
Does it matter? Both can be cold, warm, intimate.

 

[Mython]

But not micro-detailed

 
 
ANYWAY.... is the X5 still on-target for it's intended release date, James / Joe ?

 

[DMinor]

  But not micro-detailed

 

 
As long as she is resolving I can forgive her not paying attention to micro details. 

 
What I really don't want is a boring, lifeless and dead fish when I expect my dap to sound intimate.

 

[reihead]

  http://www.head-fi.org/t/697166/the-astell-kern-ak240/1560#post_10237466
 
 
I believe some will find this relevant.

 
Also this http://www.head-fi.org/t/697166/the-astell-kern-ak240/1575#post_10238037 should be relevant. 

 

[hilosxdd]

   
Also this http://www.head-fi.org/t/697166/the-astell-kern-ak240/1575#post_10238037 should be relevant. 

2500USD = 

 

[fleasbaby]

The depressing part is that there will be buyers.

 

[DMinor]

  The depressing part is that there will be buyers.

That concept (one single piece portable) will only get you that far if your main concern is SQ. But if you opt for 1-2 punches like me, in my opinion it's silly to throw away money like that.
 
Of course money is useless after we die, and you might just spend it before it's too late.

 

[VXAce]

  The depressing part is that there will be buyers.

Can't the same thing be said about practically everything sold?
 
I facepalmed at the price of a PS3 and now the PS4 when it came out... and still do... and I still don't own one...