[Shenook]

Woohoo X5 is in my hands now.  Very nice solid feel.  The wheel probably would feel better with more resistance but oh well!  At this price point it's a steal.  I will post my impressions soon.
 
Where can I get firmware beta 1.23?
 
Ok threw some Flac files and running 1.20 firmware because I couldn't wait to test out the sound.  I know this is comparing apples to artichokes but I listened to some songs including Mendy Gledhill Anchor, Barenaked Ladies, and Pat Benetar to start. 
 
I listened to the same songs from my Denon x1000 receiver.  The sound coming from the X5 sounded better but not by much and for Pat Benetar, the instruments sounded dull.  I'm going to let it burn in and report back.
 
I also compared Koss KSC75 headphones and Th-900's on the x5.  Again Lamborghini vs 1967 bug I know.  The KSC75 sounded ok but you cannot compare the two.  The resolution, detail, depth, soundstage is much much better on the TH-900 coming out of the x5.  I would use the KSC75 in situations where I don't care if headphones get damaged like outside when I'm working on the yard or something or doing some activity.
 
The differences are less using the receiver but still far off between headphones.  Not sure why the receiver isn't as good as x5 but I guess the headphone amp is low powered and can't drive the TH-900's.  Still, waiting on getting a real headphone amp next month so even better comparison then.
 
Yes these are subjective and I'm noob so forgive me.

 

[twister6]

With X5 thread growing exponentially, I hope you guys will be able to catch my mini-review of Pelican Storage case for X5
 
I don't have to tell you how much I love my X5. I stopped listening to music from my laptop or my Note 2 or other mp3 players, and it's all good when I'm using X5 at home. But when I want to take it to work or somewhere else on a go, I get paranoid how to pack it. The good news is that soon FiiO will be releasing a series of new X5 accessories, including different cases, but those are not available yet.
 
For the last month I have been searching high and low to find a storage/transportation case for X5 and couldn't find anything until I came across a series of Micro Cases from Pelican. I'm sure a lot of your are familiar with Pelican cases, but for those who are don't, check out their website: http://www.pelicancases.com/ - they are worldwide known for tough rugged protector cases and shipping containers. Prior to this find, I wasn't aware they make such small cases, down to Micro series. Though I knew the dimensions of X5 and their Micro Series 1020 model (http://www.pelicancases.com/1020-p/1020.htm) to be a perfect fitment, I also got for review 1010 model (http://www.pelicancases.com/1010-p/1010.htm) just to be sure, and as it turned out it was a bit too small but still great for other gear storage (like headphones).
 
What sets these Pelican cases apart is their extremely durable construction and IP67 rating. These cases are water resistant, dustproof, crushproof, and come with lifetime guarantee. They have an easy open latch, stainless steel hardware, removable rubber lining (which also works as o-ring), and one way air valve. As a bonus it comes with a carabiner, and there are two slots for lanyard attachment. One thing to keep in mind, X5 will be a little loose inside of 1020 case. This allows to add a few of your favorite IEMs and some cables, thus preventing it from moving around. Otherwise, you can add another piece of foam inside, or place X5 facing down toward the rubber lining to protect the screen and the scrolling wheel. Either way for about $15 (for 1020) and $13 (for 1010), it's a fantastic storage/carry option for X5 and your other small music accessories.
 
Here are the pictures.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[fiascogarcia]

  With X5 thread growing exponentially, I hope you guys will be able to catch my mini-review of Pelican Storage case for X5
 
I don't have to tell you how much I love my X5. I stopped listening to music from my laptop or my Note 2 or other mp3 players, and it's all good when I'm using X5 at home. But when I want to take it to work or somewhere else on a go, I get paranoid how to pack it. The good news is that soon FiiO will be releasing a series of new X5 accessories, including different cases, but those are not available yet.
 
For the last month I have been searching high and low to find a storage/transportation case for X5 and couldn't find anything until I came across a series of Micro Cases from Pelican. I'm sure a lot of your are familiar with Pelican cases, but for those who are don't, check out their website: http://www.pelicancases.com/ - they are worldwide known for tough rugged protector cases and shipping containers. Prior to this find, I wasn't aware they make such small cases, down to Micro series. Though I knew the dimensions of X5 and their Micro Series 1020 model (http://www.pelicancases.com/1020-p/1020.htm) to be a perfect fitment, I also got for review 1010 model (http://www.pelicancases.com/1010-p/1010.htm) just to be sure, and as it turned out it was a bit too small but still great for other gear storage (like headphones).
 
What sets these Pelican cases apart is their extremely durable construction and IP67 rating. These cases are water resistant, dustproof, crushproof, and come with lifetime guarantee. They have an easy open latch, stainless steel hardware, removable rubber lining (which also works as o-ring), and one way air valve. As a bonus it comes with a carabiner, and there are two slots for lanyard attachment. One thing to keep in mind, X5 will be a little loose inside of 1020 case. This allows to add a few of your favorite IEMs and some cables, thus preventing it from moving around. Otherwise, you can add another piece of foam inside, or place X5 facing down toward the rubber lining to protect the screen and the scrolling wheel. Either way for about $15 (for 1020) and $13 (for 1010), it's a fantastic storage/carry option for X5 and your other small music accessories.
 
Here are the pictures.
 
 

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

 
 
 

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

 
 
 

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

 
 
 

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

 
 
 

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

 
 
 

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

 
 
 

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

 
 
 

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

 
 

 
 

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

 
 
 

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

 
 
 

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

 
 

 
 

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

 
 
 

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

 

 

You could also try the 1020 Pick and Pluck foam kit, maybe line the bottom and place the X5 face down for a more snug fit without the iem's and cables.

 

[goldendarko]

Thanks for the recommendation and high quality pictures, I myself am hoping the official X5 accessories will be released soon as I plan on getting the stacking kit and the case for the X5/E12, though the Pelican cases look like an excellent option as well. Thanks for making us aware of them!

 

[twister6]

I gotta try that Pick'n'Pluck kit.  Will update my pictures once I get it!!!

 

[quimbo]

This is in reply to the IC question a few posts above
 
BTG: http://btg-audio.com/webstore.htm#!/~/product/category=2609202&id=11788795
 
Bottom Picture

 

[Joe Bloggs]

I've received several queries about the 1.23beta firmware so I'm going to post it here
https://www.dropbox.com/s/8d2ctfv5qmhrfti/X5%20FW1.23.zip

X5 firmware version 1.23beta (2014-04-11)

Changes from 1.22beta:
1. Fixed issue where APE files played through OTG contained static noise.
2. Removed support for APE files at Insane compression level (as player
becomes too unresponsive while attempting to play such files)
3. Fixed regression in 1.21 and 1.22 where album art display was delayed
for a few seconds after playback of a new song.
4. Added support for ID3 tags from DSD files in DFF format.
5. Fixed bug where starting playback of a song too quickly after changing
from phone out to line out caused the X5 to hang.
6. Numerous other bug fixes.

I also received unconfirmed reports that this version fixes the bug with playing back 24/88.2 files. If I can receive further confirmation from you guys I'll add it to the changelog.

Please note thought that an official version 2.0 firmware is coming soon.

 

[goldendarko]

Boy these firmware updates are coming hot and heavy, talk about supporting a product. Good to hear the 24/88 issue is fixed (or probably is anyway), other than that I've had no issues with my X5 thus far. Any major changes coming in firmware update 2.0?

 

[y2jdmbfan]

I've received several queries about the 1.23beta firmware so I'm going to post it here
https://www.dropbox.com/s/8d2ctfv5qmhrfti/X5%20FW1.23.zip

X5 firmware version 1.23beta (2014-04-11)

Changes from 1.22beta:
1. Fixed issue where APE files played through OTG contained static noise.
2. Removed support for APE files at Insane compression level (as player
becomes too unresponsive while attempting to play such files)
3. Fixed regression in 1.21 and 1.22 where album art display was delayed
for a few seconds after playback of a new song.
4. Added support for ID3 tags from DSD files in DFF format.
5. Fixed bug where starting playback of a song too quickly after changing
from phone out to line out caused the X5 to hang.
6. Numerous other bug fixes.

I also received unconfirmed reports that this version fixes the bug with playing back 24/88.2 files. If I can receive further confirmation from you guys I'll add it to the changelog.

Please note thought that an official version 2.0 firmware is coming soon.

 
Joe,
 
Thanks for the beta. It doesn seem to indeed fix the FLAC 24/88 bug. Will do some further testing, but looks good as of now...
 
Y2J

 

[nmatheis]

Please note thought that an official version 2.0 firmware is coming soon.

Might just be on 2.0 firmware before a lot of us get our hands on the X5's we pre-ordered

 

[goldendarko]

Might just be on 2.0 firmware before a lot of us get our hands on the X5's we pre-ordered

At the rate the firmware updates are coming out, they might be on 3.0 by the time everyone gets their pre-orders

 

[mhammond]

The one plus side I have in still waiting is it sounds like I'll have a rock solid player in my hands when it arrives.  The UI lag fixes, 28/88.2 fix, amongst others alleviate the only minor concerns I had. Oi, if only I could listen to it! Big thanks to the dev team for such quick responses to bug fixes. 
 
Joe, I know you guys don't plan to do daily updates on shipping anymore, but is it OK to ask for a general update from the last few days for those of us still waiting on preorders/hoping to see it in stock at a particular retailer? Much appreciated and totally understand if the shipping process has gotten far enough along that its not really possible to give a list anymore 

 

 

[ptravel]

Please note thought that an official version 2.0 firmware is coming soon.

I know I'm not the first to say this, but Fiio's commitment to its customers as evidenced by, among other things, how hard it works on perfecting the firmware, is extraordinary!  If all businesses were this dedicated to quality and customer satisfaction, the world would be a much better place.
 
Thanks to you and James and all the fine folks at Fiio.

 

[pe3ucTop]

Hey Joe, thanks for the firmware updates and for taking our feedback. I have one single album in DTS wav format, which does not play in X5. Is this format going to be supported in future firmware updates? Thanks...

 

[Joe Bloggs]

Hey Joe, thanks for the firmware updates and for taking our feedback. I have one single album in DTS wav format, which does not play in X5. Is this format going to be supported in future firmware updates? Thanks...

Does this mean it is a multichannel recording? You would need to convert it to stereo before playing it properly on any portable player anyway. May I suggest the excellent Dolby Headphone wrapper for foobar...? (and export the output from foobar to a FLAC via the Convert command)
http://www.foobar2000.org/components/view/foo_dsp_dolbyhp