Rabbit
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Post by Rabbit on Jan 24, 2015 20:49:58 GMT
Thanks Frans.
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Rabbit
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Post by Rabbit on Jan 25, 2015 9:06:33 GMT
A new Fiio X3 may be appearing in April. I think it has a scroll wheel like the X1 and perhaps better guts to improve sound further.
That might mean some cheap X3s for sale perhaps? If I can't keep this one and it's a good 'n I might look for one being put out in March then.
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oldson
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Post by oldson on Jan 25, 2015 18:34:13 GMT
i suppose a price increase is inevitable!
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Rabbit
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Post by Rabbit on Jan 25, 2015 18:36:39 GMT
Probably for the new one. I think it might be better, but by how much .... Who knows? I'm just wondering about the old version and whether there'll be a quick sale of the last ones left.
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oldson
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Post by oldson on Jan 25, 2015 18:39:45 GMT
i am pretty sure when i bought my X1 from advancedmp3 they showed the X3 as "discontinued".
now we know why i guess.
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Rabbit
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Post by Rabbit on Jan 25, 2015 18:55:31 GMT
Have you got one Simon?
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oldson
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Post by oldson on Jan 25, 2015 19:03:25 GMT
an X3? no just the X1 , and happy so far. |
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Rabbit
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Post by Rabbit on Jan 25, 2015 19:08:22 GMT
Oh, sorry, I thought you'd got one. I like the X1 a lot and I suspect that sound differences might be quite small. I'm looking more at the bonuses that you get with the X3 more than the sound tbh.
I'm really happy with the sound I get; especially via line out to an amp from hi res files. It is extremely good and performing above what you'd expect for that price.
The X3 is a DAC so that's a bonus and also, it has more power to drive higher impedance headphones better perhaps. Bigger screen and no revolving wheel, which I don't mind losing at all. I'd rather have got hold of an X5 but since this one is just being sent, I can't complain!!!
Have you got hi res files to put through it? I've been thoroughly enjoying myself with it.
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oldson
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Post by oldson on Jan 25, 2015 19:20:53 GMT
i only have one album in hi-res, hotel California which i downloaded from hdtracks 24/192.
the only other hi-res stuff i have is on sacd and as you know you cant rip them.
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Javier
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Post by Javier on Jan 25, 2015 19:22:40 GMT
the only other hi-res stuff i have is on sacd and as you know you cant rip them. Actually you can but it is a PITA and need very specific hardware. |
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Rabbit
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Post by Rabbit on Jan 25, 2015 19:25:41 GMT
Oh ok. The price of them is really bad. Mind, you, I'm still thinking that differences are more to do with mastering than the resolution tbh.
There's a time saving tip that might be useful when you insert a new card. Instead of having the player automatically scan the new card, switch it to manual. That way, the card works straight away with no scanning and you can use the folders view to access your files. Then when you're finished, do a scan and leave it sorting it out. Saves you waiting if you change the card.
I thought you might pop in Javier!!
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oldson
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Post by oldson on Jan 25, 2015 19:34:24 GMT
the only other hi-res stuff i have is on sacd and as you know you cant rip them. Actually you can but it is a PITA and need very specific hardware. go on then..... spill? i guess it is costly? |
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Javier
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Post by Javier on Jan 25, 2015 19:42:55 GMT
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oldson
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Post by oldson on Jan 25, 2015 20:02:17 GMT
just gave my old ps3 to my son. i think it was a newer firmware though. i remember looking into this some time back. just thought there may be an easier solution by now. i would imagine the "ripping service" is illegal ? will look into that 2nd link, thanks Javier. |
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Rabbit
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Post by Rabbit on Jan 26, 2015 18:13:04 GMT
It's arrived. Brand new as well. Firmware 3.2 on it. First impressions are good.
It's bigger than the X1. X1 cover is thick and more substantial. It's a doddle to use although the buttons feel as though they are in the wrong place. Once you get used to it though, I guess it's not a problem. My instant feeling is that the volume is in the wrong place and should be the first set of up/down buttons, not the second.
It's built like a tank and nice gold headphone socket and line out, which is separate, unlike the X1. Screen is way better. It's bigger and brighter with better contrast.
Interface is similar to X1 but is old fashioned really. Crystal clear and easy to use though. You have to go through each item with a click up and down which seems a little crude in comparison to the scroll wheel actually. So I can see why the new X3 will have the wheel, although I hope they build it more substantially than the X1.
It has more power and I'm now listening around 30 - 35 with the K551. The volume doesn't seem to need to be very loud to snap into focus. OMG - it was on LOW power. I switched to high and this goes insanely loud. It's the loudest DAP I've ever heard. Perhaps an amp isn't needed with this to be honest. It's insanely loud compared to anything else I have.
Sound is slightly cooler perhaps than the X1. It is very much pin sharp type of sound. There is a slight improvement actually. It has a clearly defined basss clout and seems more etched. The strange part is, that to me, it sounds like it's an improved X1, but I can't really pinpoint why. It's more defined. Even with MP3 at 320, it seems more focused. I would say that it still has a warm sound though with a healthy bass.
The question many would ask is whether it's worth the extra money over the X1. My feeling is that for me it is. For others, I suspect the differences will be too small, but that etched sound is very good and it does get into the music more. It is a tad more focused.
I quite like it actually. Listening on it feels like a real treat. Better than an IPod for sure and an improvement over the X1 although, I think to spot it, you'd need to have both.
So if you have an X1, you have a bargain. If you have an X3, you have a terrific player. In fa t, the best I've ever heard so far. I know, it's X5 next!!
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