Rabbit
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Post by Rabbit on Jan 26, 2015 20:33:25 GMT
3.3 is on now. Very quick to do as well. I noticed an equaliser had appeared after the update. Not many bands but better than treble and bass only.
Having listened for a few hours now, I do feel that the X3 is worth getting. Much more powerful. Crisper although still a warm Fiio sound. DAC on board. It does have a lot going for it tbh.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 26, 2015 20:47:51 GMT
How does it compare to a Clip+?
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Rabbit
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Post by Rabbit on Jan 26, 2015 20:52:48 GMT
It's a lot better than a Clip Zip I think. It's got very good definition and edge around the sounds. Clip Zip is a little softer. Having said that, I reckon some would have a problem telling DAP's apart!!!
trouble with DAP's, we are very often talking small points but I did notice the more clearly defined edge straight away coming from the X1 which is very good as well. For me, since I'm so critical I guess, I prefer the X3 I think, but we're talking 'small'.
The biggest differences are the DAC but also, being able to drive an HD650 without an amp!!
The bass slam is also good. Perhaps a by product of having more headroom available. It drives the K551 as though it's not there!! The bass is incredibly well defined as well, on a supposedly bass shy headphone!
I don't particulrly care for the interface which is clunky (X1 as well) but I think the X1 is slicker because of the wheel. For me though, the sound is the main thing, whatever it looks like or how it works.
I must admit, an X5 is now seeing much more tempting. If I manage to keep this one though, I'd be happy.
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solderdude
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Post by solderdude on Jan 26, 2015 21:45:25 GMT
The clip zip can 'only' do 16/44 and 16/48 and doesn't have a lot of output power.
It does sound great though but falls short on driving high impedance headphones.
The X3 does files all the way up to 192/24.
Sadly it can't do hires MP3 (44/24 or 48/24) and truncates hi-res MP3 (yes it really exists) to 16 bits.
192kHz files are downsampled to 96kHz though.
The X3 has a very high output voltage and can drive high impedance headphones.
When both zip and X3 are playing 44/16 files (most are) and the X3 has the same output level of the ZIP (in my case the Fuze) I can't really tell them apart.
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Rabbit
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Post by Rabbit on Jan 26, 2015 22:01:34 GMT
Of course .... Different bit rates'!!!! Forgot, Clip isn't playing my hi res files.
I tend to forget what they're playing.
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oldson
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Post by oldson on Jan 27, 2015 19:07:48 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!! i think i need to stop reading your posts Ian. or at least my wallet thinks i should. let me guess..... the "cooler/etched" sound compliments the d600 perfectly?  |
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oldson
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Post by oldson on Jan 27, 2015 19:19:14 GMT
if there is a new X3 coming out, i wonder how it compares to the X5?
i notice the original X3 is actually slightly more powerful than X5 too
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dicky
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Post by dicky on Jan 27, 2015 19:22:21 GMT
Yeah - that flippin' Rabbit spends my money faster than the missus! Only kidding.  I've had my X3 for a while now and I've been ripping CDs using EAC - no problems. I thought I'd give some Hi Res a go and downloaded an album from HD tracks - 192/24 wav. However, I just can't get it to copy to my 128GB uSD card. Well, it does copy and I can browse the files on the card (either connecting the X3 to the PC or via a card reader); but as soon as I eject the device and update the library, the files are gone. I copied the files to a 64GB card with no problem - they play fine. Any ideas? Oh, the card was formatted in the X3 - FAT32 and I'm using the latest FW. |
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oldson
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Post by oldson on Jan 27, 2015 19:27:03 GMT
Yeah - that flippin' Rabbit spends my money faster than the missus! Only kidding. I've had my X3 for a while now and I've been ripping CDs using EAC - no problems. I thought I'd give some Hi Res a go and downloaded an album from HD tracks - 192/24 wav. However, I just can't get it to copy to my 128GB uSD card. Well, it does copy and I can browse the files on the card (either connecting the X3 to the PC or via a card reader); but as soon as I eject the device and update the library, the files are gone. I copied the files to a 64GB card with no problem - they play fine. Any ideas? Oh, the card was formatted in the X3 - FAT32 and I'm using the latest FW. would not have a clue, but luckily, i am sure someone will. latest firmware? |
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Rabbit
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Post by Rabbit on Jan 27, 2015 19:28:56 GMT
I'm very aware of things like that Simon. While I get enthusiastic over gear, others may follow and perhaps spend money that they shouldn't!! Funnily enough, I really like the k551 with it and the Senn hd598. Both might be regarded as bass light, but honestly, I don't get it. They sound superb to me. I've decided to listen for a good long period and then move bck to the others that I have to see if I'm hearing anything different. I suspect the 'etching' might be to do with the files that I'm able to access with it. I forget what I'm listening to so doing comparisons can be unfair. The etched bit might be to do with remasters and hi res files on the X3 whereas the other lesser players can't play them. It has bucket loads of power for a portable device. I thought it was loud and then switched to high power and it became deafening. So there is a lot of headroom without an amp. Combine that with remasters and hi definition files and you have a very lively listen to be honest. That's how I'd describe it really. I suspect no difference to x1 on yer average MP3. Remember how I felt about hi res on the X1? I suspect it might have been the fact that they're all remastered and are way better. If you heard Alex original files that he ripped in hi res, this is very similar. It has more impact. I got the very same with the X1. I have to say that I really do like the X3 though. It has a 'solidity' in its sound that is lovely. Same warmish sound and seemingly, a good match with hd598, k551 and k550. Not only that, but it drives an hd650!! I might buy it now myself if it has to go back I think. Or go mad and get an x5. I hear that some prefer the sound of the x3 though. It scans cards quicker too. For me, the hi res has opened new ears. I still think it might be remastering but there also an added dynamic range that you seem to get that makes the music very powerful indeed. To me, it's a step closer to the music. I don't know why I feel it's 'sharper etched'. It's not more treble laden, but seems to be fast sounding. Maybe because it goes louder much easier? It certainly has impact or maybe I'm getting a bigger dynamic range. I'm not sure exactly. I'd need to have two cars with the same mix on them and get the two players to play at the same volume. I am having trouble putting it down though.  |
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dicky
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Post by dicky on Jan 27, 2015 19:36:57 GMT
3.3, I think.
I'm sure the uSD card is OK - I've been using it in the X3 since August 2013 - but this is the first time any files have failed to 'stick'. I wonder if it's related to the recent FW update.
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solderdude
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Post by solderdude on Jan 27, 2015 19:40:17 GMT
You can always revert back to an older FW version and try that one. HERE you can download the 3.21 beta version that appears to be an improved 3.20 version. It does have a 5,800 song limit though but suspect the 3.3 version has this as well. I never come near it but with 128GB you will. I believe the song limit is not present when 'browsing' the X3, only for the 'artist, song thing' Th3 3.21, 3.22 firmware is discussed HERE, perhaps others have run into this as well. The 3.24 beta is located HEREI thought this version was later dubbed the official 3.3 FW The 3.3 firmware is discussed HERE |
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dicky
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Post by dicky on Jan 27, 2015 19:42:06 GMT
OK - I'll try that. Thanks, Frans.
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Rabbit
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Post by Rabbit on Jan 27, 2015 19:42:11 GMT
Mine are playing fine.
Dicky, have you looked in the folders view? If you use the other views, I think it will only show so many files. It's restricted to a certain number, but folder view will show everything. (Browse files)
I remember that it was also an issue with the X1 but browse files sees everything. I'm not sure whether Fiio found a 'fix'.
When you get to hear it, I wonder if you get more 'impact' from those files?
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dicky
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Post by dicky on Jan 27, 2015 19:59:08 GMT
It's not a file number issue - I'm only at 3000 tracks. The album simply isn't there. I copy it and it's there (browse files), I eject the device and update the library and it's gone. Bizarre. It copies perfectly well onto a 64GB card - I did wonder if I should reformat the card - I read somewhere that it might be better to format exFAT as that makes drag and drop easier?
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