Your technical computer experience demonstrates how specialization in a related area doesn't imply knowledge of a specific field. The difference between 16-bit and 24-bit audio is in the noise floor and dynamic range.
Exaactllyyyy!
And what is the dynamic range of a 24-bit file? Enough to instantly cause hearing loss and, in some cases, kill you.
I am a cisco certified network engineer (though I'm not currently working in the telecoms field), trained in analyzing data, and my girlfriend of 4 years is an audiologist and speech language pathologist. I guarantee you I'm not speaking out of my arse.
Back to the X5...
My original point was that you should let features and UI decide what DAP you buy. When it comes to SQ, it's all in the recording and your headphones. That's why I like to bring my own music when I go to head-fi meets and other audio shows. There have been so many here who have bought gear based on demos they had no control over. If you listen to a binaural track on the Clip+, and a normal track on the X5, which will you think is better?
The X5, in my experience is the ultimate so far when it comes to balancing raw hardware features. I've used it side by side with almost every TOTL DAP there is, and its only better is the ZX1, and maybe the AK240. If you need a DAP, DAC, huge storage, good UI, rugged build, all at an awesome price, get the X5. The others offer only better UI, and the benefits of a full Android system. And the ZX1 has a wonderful screen.
http://www.head-fi.org/t/709479/multi-review-hifiman-hm901-fiio-x5-sony-zx1-hisound-studio-3rd-anv-iphone-4