Ok now...
I don't know if it's fatigue or whatever. But I listened to a few tracks from Royksopps Inevitable End and I had this setup:
That's:
AK100 Mk2 FW 2.41
DX50 SU1.3.3 IRR off, lossless, cpu default (also: new Samsung S3 battery)
X5 FW 2.40
I listened to FLAC in 16/44.1 and I set the DX50 to the settings you recommended.
All listening tests were done with the Logitech UE900s Quad Balanced Armature IEM with gain on low for the AK100 and X5 and in the middle setting for the DX50.
There are differences. But I can't for the life of me describe them. Also, they were so small that I could not tell them apart. Whenever I thought "that's it, the Fiio" I opened my eyes and it was wrong. Probably my hit average was worse than random.
What I can say:
- The AK100 had surprisingly the smallest soundstage (by a hair) - still all three had great soundstage.
- The AK100 had the smoothest sound, but not the most detail
- Overall the X5 and DX50 were amazing and certainly on par with the AK100Mk2
Explanation of what I heard:
With all DAPs on the latest Firmwares (or the special one for the DX50) it seems they have all reached a level where I (emphasis on ME) cannot hear any meaningful difference that would allow me to identify a players signature reliably.
Why do I prefer listening to the AK100Mk2?
- I just bought it and need to justify the expense.
- I like the user interface
- I like the Gloveaudio A1 (not part of this comparison)
Do I think the DX50 and X5 have the same sound quality?
- with the tracks and headphones I listened to them (and the firmware and tweaks on the DX50): yes!
- different results though with the stock FW 1.6 on the DX50
So overall I am a bit baffled - again - direct comparisons are mind blowing. All these lovely words of how I used to describe the differences made poooof and vanished. More time to enjoy the music, yeah!!
Closing remark:
We are blessed that we reached this level of performance with DAPs that only cost $249 (amazon) for the DX50 and even the AK100Mk2 is "only" 50k JPY = $420 now. The X5 can be had for $350.
You won't be disappointed with any of these players. If you need a performance boost, just buy a Cayin C5 and connect it via line out - boom.
I will repeat the whole thing with my friends who, without doubt, have better ears than mine and are used to better equipment than me, so they might be able to discern the differences better.
Cheers,
K