[Mython]

And then there is build quality. I have seen reports saying the A&K DAPs have very high build quality, but that the X3 looks good on photos, but isn't as nice in the hand as it looks.
 

 
To be fair, James (Fiio) has been very upfront about the less-than-stellar build quality of the X3:
 
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/651769/fiio-x3-thread-full-review-http-www-head-fi-org-t-663600-impression-fiio-x3-high-fi-low-price/510#post_9384944 :
 

now I have nothing to worry because Chinese customer is the most picky customer. now they are very satisfy with the sound quality and the features . the only thing I am not so satisfy is X3 is designed 
 
in 3 years ago so the build quality and appearance does not reach our new level ( E12, E17 )。
 
anyway, there are not any DAPs can compete with X3 in the music format support. even the expensive one.

 
 
 
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/651769/fiio-x3-thread-full-review-http-www-head-fi-org-t-663600-impression-fiio-x3-high-fi-low-price/615#post_9391416  :
 

 
Very sorry, lots of head-fi'er known that X3 is designed before E17, the build quality of X3 is not as good as E17, but the SQ is better than E17.
 
although we have the ability to make a more better X3 in build quality, but the time is not enough , also the cost will increase too. hope you can understand. but for X5 , it will represent our best ID in 2013. 
 

 
 
 
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/651769/fiio-x3-thread-full-review-http-www-head-fi-org-t-663600-impression-fiio-x3-high-fi-low-price/780#post_9412859  :
 

 
yes, X5 will be the best build quality and ID design in our line up, but the price also the most expensive one. lol
 

 
 
 
 
Just sayin'...  

 

[LarsHP]

Quote:

Lars, have you seen the E12? The build quality on that easily matches, maybe even surpasses the AK100 in build quality.

No, but the reports I am referring to mentions the X3 being less well bult than other (well built) FiiO units.

 

[Greed]

Honestly, build quality can't get much better for a DAP than the AK series... 
 
I expect the X3 to have good quality, but I wouldn't expect the perfection of the AK to be matched. Personally, I though the E12 was built like a tank, but tanks aren't made to look pretty... a few rough spots as Panda Man said. 

 

[Levanter]

Build quality for X3 is not as bad as some people said, it feels solid and looks nice and sleek... but it's not perfect. There are a few small minor imperfections to the aesthetics, but only noticeable to those with OCD complex over their gadgets like me =)
But still minor enough to let it slide..

 

[OK-Guy]

Quote:

I have the E12, will be getting the X3 next week. Never felt the AK100. But whilst the E12 looked and felt smooth. The AK100 looks much more smooth and well creased. There are some rough spots on the E12 where the edges and screw holes are. The metal is smooth for the most 

 
I have one of the first 20 'Mont-Blancs' built... fit & finish is top rate (first class even)... can't really agree with your observations whatsoever.

 

[Afterparty]

I don't understand all those build-quality demands
as long as it holds it's own and plays the music I want to hear, I'm more than happy
 
seriously, I'd rather it looked like **** but had superb sq than having a sq sacrifice to get a stunner buildquality
 
I am not buying music- related hw to look cool in front of others
I'm buying it for MYSELF, so I can enjoy music
weight + size + durability are obviously important but besides that...
 
sorry if rant

 

[Heterodoxa]

Hi guys.. just a question about x5.. will it be also a bluetooth device?
It would be very useful to listen music in the car etc!

 

[JamesFiiO]

Quote:

Hi guys.. just a question about x5.. will it be also a bluetooth device?
It would be very useful to listen music in the car etc!

 
Sorry not

 

[Heterodoxa]

Does it is for technical, marketing or space reasons?
It would be very appreciable to have the bt support in a premium device!
 

 

[AmberOzL]

Premium device doesn't mean you will have all the features ever invented. X5 will be a properly functioning, perfect digital audio player without useless features. Most of us don't care BT technology at all in DAPs. AK series have it and really I don't see the point. Yes there are ways to use it but if it wasn't there nobody would ask it. Completely unnecessary.

 

[Niyologist]

The X5 is looking more and more likely to replace my Cowon J3.

 

[Hutnicks]

Quote:

Does it is for technical, marketing or space reasons?
It would be very appreciable to have the bt support in a premium device!
 

Bluetooth is low fi, it has no place on the X5.

 

[JamesFiiO]

Quote:

Does it is for technical, marketing or space reasons?
It would be very appreciable to have the bt support in a premium device!
 

 
marketing reason because we need to control the cost and we are not going to sell at expensive price.

 

[OK-Guy]

Quote:

 
marketing reason because we need to control the cost and we are not going to sell at expensive price.

 
don't you just love this geezer...

 

[bowei006]

James is pretty young if I may say so myself considering him working at other companies before founding FiiO and what not.