[Barra]

The X3 is getting a UI overhaul, it has DAC functionality.

It does lock up at times, not a lot though.(personal experience)

It charges and plays at the same time, yes

Thanks again, you guys are very helpful!

So you mean to say that... the X3 is going to get the same UI... it also works as an USB DAC, it charges and plays at the same time... it costs about half the price of the X5... I'm failing to understand why anyone would buy an X5 then!!!

Thanks again

Because the x5 sound stomps all over the sound of anything even twice it's price or more with the possible exception of the dx100 that isn't very pocketable.

 

[LarsPT]

Because the x5 sound stomps all over the sound of anything even twice it's price or more with the possible exception of the dx100 that isn't very pocketable.

Yeah I took a look at the diagram comparison at Fiio's website and they're completely different animals.
 
However, I think I've made up my mind. I'm a bang for buck kinda guy, and 200 eur sounds about right for a decent mp3 player (for me). The X5 at 350 might be overkill for me, thanks all!!

 

[Nichief]

"with the exception of the DX100" HM901 is rated over the DX100 by most A/B reviews so I'd say no it doesn't stomp over it. But for those wanting a near ipod/smartphone experience and superior value/price ratio there's no question it's an extremely viable option. Personally I can't wait for my HM901 to come in  tho April is too far away I daresay

 

[Barra]

 

Because the x5 sound stomps all over the sound of anything even twice it's price or more with the possible exception of the dx100 that isn't very pocketable.

What about the HM901 ? does it stomp over that.

 
Actually, being the almost undisputed champion in terms of SQ, the balanced HM901 is the one that I compare all others to and the reason I only claimed twice the price. However, priced at $1279 and adding around $300 for a good balanced cable - the balanced 901 is 4 to 5 times the price of the $350 X5.
 
Not having had the pleasure of hearing the 901 myself, all I can say that 901 owners who compare the two say that X5 shares a similar signature with the 901 being only a little better. If it is worth 5 times the price to you for a couple of ticks better SQ, that is up to you. 

 

 

[Currawong]

I've finally gotten around to listening with the X5 again. I am definitely enjoying the smoother presentation with my JH-13s. I think the real test will be listening for 12 hours on a plane with this and the JH-13s or Roxannes, but so far I think, if not comfort-wise, sound-wise it should be non-fatiguing.

 

[Nichief]

Not having heard the HM901 yet regardless there's still something to be said for scaling with more resolving headpieces and the dynamic sound is a signature that some will prefer over the x5. But again I'm going to hear things for myself once my K10s come in, can't think of a better setup to test the quality of the source itself.

 

[Barra]

  Not having heard the HM901 yet regardless there's still something to be said for scaling with more resolving headpieces and the dynamic sound is a signature that some will prefer over the x5. But again I'm going to hear things for myself once my K10s come in, can't think of a better setup to test the quality of the source itself.

 
Well, I am jealous of your HM901 as it is supposed to be the best. Did you get the balanced card?
 
As for the K10s, I am jealous once again as I would love to be able to compare them to my NT6 Pros which I feel would be hard to beat. The word right now is the the K10s are beating the Roxannes in sound quality so the K10s is the key newcomer going up against the raining champions - the SE5 and NT6 Pros - per average_joe's multi-CIEM review. 
 
The reason that I am so up on the X5 vs. the balanced HM901 is that I am currently testing the X5 tour unit and it is an absolute dream pairing making the NT6 Pros sound better than ever before including through my desktop setup. However, I have heard from a 901 owner that the 901 didn't pair as well as they hoped with the NT6 Pro. Therefore, "a bird in the hand" and all that. 

 

 

[Barra]

Just added the Fostex TH900 pairing to my X5 review:
http://www.head-fi.org/products/fiio-x5-high-res-portable-music-player/reviews/10579

 

[Nichief]

Haven't received it yet, but its being packaged with the IEM and Minibox cards, might use the Minibox to power the ol' Fidelio X1s and eventually sell it for the Balanced card. As for impedance, the IEM output is 2 ohms, according to the hifiman product page. Like I said though I imagine the HM901 would scale a little better for something like top range customs. I might just terminate the cord on the K10s myself for the balanced input as the shipped cable has that aspect integrated already, hesitant to spend even a dime more on this setup at this point x_x

 

[hoekeat]

  Thanks for your reply
 
Well... the X3 had some bad reviews of software lock ups and s**t... also I read the UI is supposed to be much better on the X5. I might also find the DAC option useful. One of my biggest problems with the sansa is that when I can't use it when it is charging at the same time. Would the X3 be able to play music while charging?
 
Thanks!!

Clip+ does play while charging, please PM me for detail as I dont want to derail this thread.
 

 
 
A bundle kit for X5 , includes a LOD.

 
James, what is the option for those who already have E12DIY?

 

[Joe Bloggs]

http://www.head-fi.org/t/707751/official-plans-for-firmware-updates-for-the-x5-after-version-1-10
Update plans for the X5

 

[goldendarko]

Nice, thanks for the update on the updates! Any release date set for 1.10? Am glad to see DSD support and gapless playback coming too.

 

[JACONE]

Hello!
 
I apologize if this has been asked before but is the line out on x5 a "true" line out bypassing built in amp?
If so, pairing with amp might be phenomenol 
Any information would be appreciated.
 
Thanks!

 

[lee730]

To my knowledge it does bypass the amp. Both the LO and HO sound really good to my ears. The HO is more detail oriented and neutral. Not in the slightest bit warm to my ears.

 

[JamesFiiO]

  Hello!
 
I apologize if this has been asked before but is the line out on x5 a "true" line out bypassing built in amp?
If so, pairing with amp might be phenomenol 
Any information would be appreciated.
 
Thanks!

 
of course.