TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
The tables below list most of the relevant specifications, and because Fiio’s players are likely to be compared (a lot), I’ve included the relevant information on the X3ii and X5 I have also.
Fiio X5ii | Fiio X5 Original | Fiio X3ii | |
Approx cost | $349 | $349 | $199 |
Dimensions | ~ 109 x 64 x 15mm | ~ 114 x 68 x 16mm | ~96 x 57 x 16mm |
Weight | 165g | 195g | 135g |
Lossless file formats supported | APE, FLAC, WAV, WMA, ALAC, DSF, DFF | APE, FLAC, WAV, WMA, ALAC, DSF, DFF | APE, FLAC, WAV, WMA, ALAC, DSF, DFF |
Lossy file formats supported | mp2, mp3, aac, ogg | mp2, mp3, aac, ogg | mp2, mp3, aac, ogg |
Use as external DAC? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Battery | 3300 mAh | 3700 mAh | 2600 mAh |
Play time | 10 hours+ | 10 hours+ | 11 hours+ |
DAC chip used | PCM1792A | PCM1792A | CS4398 |
Main amp chip | OPA1612+BUF634 | OPA1612+LMH6643 | OPA1642+LMH6643 |
S/N (H/O) | ≥117 dB (A-Weight) | >115 dB (A-Weight) | >113 dB (A-Weight) |
THD+N (H/O) | <0.001% (1 kHz) | <0.003% (1 kHz) | <0.001% (1 kHz) |
Output into 16 ohm | >436 mW | >460 mW | >224 mW |
Output into 32 ohm | >255 mW | >255 mW | >200 mW |
Output into 300 ohm | >27 mW | >28 mW | >24 mW |
Highest resolution lossless | 192 kHz, 24 bits | 192 kHz, 24 bits | 192 kHz, 24 bits |
DSD/DSF/DFF support | Yes – Native | Yes – converted to PCM | Yes – Native |
Output impedance (H/O) | <0.2 Ω | 0.26 ohm | 0.2 ohm |
Adjustable Balance | 10 db L, 10 dB R | 5 db L, 5 dB R | 5 db L, 5 dB R |
Gain | 3.6 dB L, 9.1 db H | 3.7 dB L, 9.2 db H | 2.6 dB L, 8.6 db H |
Equaliser | 10 band | 10 band | 10 band |
MAX Output Voltage | >8.2 Vp-p | >8 Vp-p | >7.2 Vp-p |
MAX Output Current | >250 mA | >150 mA | >75 mA |
Line Out | Yes / Separate (shared with digital out) | Yes – separate port | Yes / Separate (shared with digital out) |
Digital Out | Yes – 3.5mm to Coax (cable supplied) | Yes – separate port, 3.5mm to Coax (cable supplied) | Yes – 3.5mm to Coax (cable supplied) |
External storage (current) | 2 x Micro sdxc up to 256Gb | 2 x Micro sdxc up to 256Gb | Micro sdxc up to 128Gb |
Screen | IPS 400×360 | IPS 400 x 360 | 2in colour TFT, 320×240 px |
Shell / Casing | Aluminium (gun-metal) | Plastic shell over aluminium body | Aluminium (gun-metal) |
CHANGES FROM ORIGINAL X5
Fiio lists the following as the main improvements of the X5 2nd gen over the X5 original.
- All new exterior design, improved build, and metal finish changed from powdered to brush
- Smaller and lighter
- Reduced black borders around LCD
- New independent amplification stage with analogue volume control – increasing audio resolution
- New digital audio architecture utilising dual crystal oscillators dedicated to multiples of 44.1 and 48kHz respectively (to handle all major sample rates without resampling artifacts and minimal jitter)
- Hardware DSD decoding
- Supports CTIA standard in-line earphone remote control units
- New power architecture design that utilises different system voltages for low and high gain – allowing maximum flexibility between endurance and power.
- Standby mode – allowing player to remain in standby for weeks, ready to continue playing instantly when activated.
- Coulomb meter for precise battery level readouts.
SPECIAL NOTES ON PREVIEW UNITS
When reading this review, and remembering this is a preview unit, it should be noted that the following changes are still to be made by Fiio before release.
- Packaging will be changed to full retail ready packaging.
- Side control buttons will be manufactured slightly differently to improve tactile performance
- Scroll wheel will have a higher damping factor – similar to the X3ii – for more positive tactile feedback.
- Firmware will be likely to change before final release – but this will be ongoing.
BUILD
Like all of Fiio’s recent releases, the build on the X5ii (IMO) is excellent for a DAP in this price range. The casing is a 2 piece high quality CNC aluminium alloy with a very nice gunmetal shade and brushed finish. I see no blemishes on this unit – everything fits extremely well together, the corners are smooth, but I did notice the front face beveling is angled rather than rounded (similar to the original X5). Both the X1 and X3ii are rounded, and I have to admit I actually like their appearance and feel a little more when held.
One of the first noticeable physical changes between the original X5 and X5ii, apart from the colour, finish, and slightly smaller dimensions, is the very flat “sleek / modern” look of the X5ii. It still has the wheel and 5 front navigation buttons, but this time everything is on a single plane – and quite flat/flush – where on the original X5, the wheel, buttons and screen were all raised. Because of this, the buttons are less likely to be jogged or pressed accidentally. In fact on this unit, the front buttons are actually very flush – which I see as a good thing.
The front buttons themselves are smaller, round, but have roughly the same tactile response, and I have no problems with accidental pushes, or with locating them. The buttons are labeled with white etching in the metal work of the case – but of course this disappears if using the supplied cover. The button layout is very consistent with Fiios other DAPs, and if you’re familiar with the X1, X3ii, or even original X5 – it won’t take too long to know exactly where you are. I find the front buttons ideally located for easy one hand operation.
More after the click
Brooko
I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank Lieven for the opportunity to review the X5ii together. if there are any questions, I’ll try to answer them as best I can 🙂
V2760 .
Is gain and volume have zero effect when using line out?
Brooko
Volume has no effect (as it shouldn’t – being a fixed line-out). I’ll get Lieven to answer on the gain as I honestly can’t remember, and the X5ii is currently on tour in NZ.
Jeff
Surprised to see you here Brooko but great review 🙂
Headfonia_L.
Hoping/planning on seeing him a lot more on here 🙂
Brooko
It was a kind offer from Lieven I couldn’t refuse. You guys will enjoy his take on the X5ii when he posts it tomorrow (I’ve already had a sneak peak) 🙂
dalethorn
I think I understand the UI from reading this, but just wanted to clarify the search. I have all my tracks on i-devices (w/o folders) named as “Artist – Songname”, and tagged the same way for sorting in the music player. So on the i-device, to go instantly from “Lecrae – Falling Down” to “Julia Holter – Boy in the Moon”, I press the “J” button** and do a 1 to 2 second scroll and there I am. So with the FiiO, would you have to first change folders and then scroll? I wonder how long it would take to do what I described?
**Actually when I need Julia etc. on the i-device, I usually press “K” and scroll backwards, since it’s closer.
Brooko
Hi Dale. There is no search function as such – I simply use folder view, with a hierarchy system to make the scrolling a lot less. So I have things folder sorted alphabetically into groups of 3 (A-C, D-F, G-I etc) – so 8 first level folders. Underneath that is the artist folders. Under those are the album folders. I have around 400 full albums on the X5ii, and can get to an albun within a matter of seconds using this method.
Anthony Kimball
Great review, Brooko, thank you. I’ve enjoyed your postings in the past (I think our ears agree on many things)…I do hope you get the opportunity to review more here on Headphonia…a welcome addition IMHO.
Brooko
Thanks Anthony. Hopefuly it will be the first of many opportunities to review alongside Lieven. We have mutual respect for each other’s opinions on audio, but have very different tastes. So hopefully readers will find the contrasts interesting.
Dave Ulrich
I love a good contrast
Anthony Kimball
I certainly do (appreciate contrast)…I look forward to it!
morecrassthanyou
This is a really thorough review – thanks for taking the time to do it, Brooko, and thanks for sharing the nice hi-res pictures!
I would like some advice. I’ve only used ipods as DAP’s and am ready to either amp it (as I’ve got HE-400’s that sound pretty weak with just the DAP) or buy a separate DAP that I would use for everything but gym listening.
I’m looking for a portable solution that I’ll use primarily at home when I want a relaxing listening session. The only headphone amp/DAC I’ve had experience with is the Meridian Explorer, which provides plenty of power to the HE’s. I’d like to find a similar experience using a DAP as a source.
Would you suggest a new DAP? Amping the iTouch? Thoughts?
Headfonia_L.
I would suggest CLAS SOLO and Duet amp if you like using the ipod/pad
I resized brooko’s pics and did some retouching 😀
Brooko
Thanks. I know there are plenty of Apple nay-sayers out there, but I’ve always rated the later i-Devices pretty highly as far as sonics go. They’re just limited on expandable storage space and power – which is where the Fiios excel. Hard to go past the Apple UI though.
I guess it depends on what you’re looking for, and what features you value. I personally haven’t heard a lot of the “increased dynamics / bigger sound stage etc” that a lot of reviewers talk about when adding amplification. To me – an amp changes 3 main (useful) things : impedance (useful if you have a higher impedance source and sensitive earphones), hardware EQ controls (eg bass boost), and most importantly and increase in clean and constant power (voltage & current). If your headphones need more current or voltage than your DAP can supply – which I’m guessing you need with the HE-400s, then that is where the amp will be necessary.
For a nice portable solution – I always really liked the Headstage Arrow series, but if you’re going to be spending $300 on an amp, then it may be better to just look at something like the X5ii (and no amp) because you will get argaubly better SQ and features. For a cheaper solution – even the Fiio E11K supplies very good clean power.
I’m not sure if Lieven has the HE400, or access to one? If he does, maybe he can try it with the X5ii, and tell you what he thinks.
dalethorn
My iPhone 6-plus sounds better than my iPhone 5 and iPod Touches. But adding the Oppo HA-2 gains me very little over the phone alone, and my older Verza isn’t as good as the HA-2. If someone asked me, I’d say get a much better amp, or skip that and get the DAP.
independentskeptic
…. by much better amp, can you give a few suggestions? Looks like Lieven (or the person who might be Lieven below) recommends Cypher labs’ stuff.
Headfonia_L.
Yes and yes
dalethorn
Yep, that’s it.
Ilias K
thanks for the thorough review, it looks like a very complete dap. soo any comparison with ibasso and other daps would be out of place?..also i’m curious how the amp section compares to E12/E12A.. and..would a X3II paired with a E12A give better sound? many questions, i know XD
Brooko
Hi llias – thanks. If you wait for Lieven’s follow up tomorrow, he has a section on his comparison with the iBasso DAPs. I’m yet to hear an iBasso – but will try at some stage to get hold of one for future reference.
Chris
Well, at least now I think it looks much better
Brooko
Definitely a sleeker and more modern look.
ohm image
You finally made it here. Great to have you here.
johthor
A very nice review and much appreciated. I am looking forward to Lieven’s review and any differences with Brooko’s. Nice to see you here at Headfonia Brooko as I have often enjoyed your reviews and posts on Headfi. Great idea Lieven to have Brooko as a guest reviewer.
Brooko
Thanks. Hopefully there will be more collaboration in the future if Headfonias readers enjoy the contrasts.
Tronco
G’day Brooko,
Nice (and long) review and I admit that for a second I thought about skipping it and jumping to the conclusion. I liked the review. Well written, structured, interesting and easy to read. It would be nice to see more of your reviews here in the future!
Brooko
Thanks. I’m sure Lieven and I will be collaborating again in future. We just need to find some gear we have in common 🙂
Jeroen Wijnands
Nice work, good writing. Surprised to see someone write that Fiio’s latest doesn’t bring all that much more. Not something you read often
Brooko
Thanks. It’s a step-up from X5 original, but its incremental rather than exponential, or evolution rather than revolution. The X5ii (IMO) still represents extremely good value for money – especially compared to some of the other boutique offerings.
Observer
I think unless you absolutely need to have the X52G or you never owned the 1G, then perhaps you could give it a miss. Unless $350 is no skin off your nose.
Brooko
What other DAPs are you comparing with, what headphones have you had experience with (with X5 and X5ii), and what is your rationale behind this comment? Genuinely curious 🙂
Observer
OK.
I have owned several DACs in the FiiO range and have absolutely no issues with any of them. Except perhaps earlier models had a bit of background hiss.
My reference headphones are the Shure SE846CLs. Even my Oppo PM-3s don’t come close. But different strokes…
I also purchased the Oppo HA-2, but to me, the FiiO E12A sounds better when paired with the FiiO X5. But all I am commenting on are my own personal preferences and opinions.
Your taste in music may vary vastly from mine.
I am a Jean-Michel Jarre, Andreas Vollenweider, Darshan Ambient, Tangerine Dream, Art of Noise, Jimmy Smith, Eric Gale, Herb Alpert, Barry White, Herbert von Karajan (with Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra), Beethoven kind of person.
The review is well written and if I can get a buyer for my X51G, I will go for the 2G, but for now, I can play DSD256 with an iPhone 6 and HA-2 quite happily paired with my Shures.
Just my opinion sir.
Observer
I would recommend the following if you can get your hands on them. Just for reference purposes: ALL LOSSLESS PLEASE.
1. Watch Your Step – Darshan Ambient (24-bit 96Khz)
2. Tubular Bells, Introduction – Mike Oldfield
3. Allegretto Movt. Beethoven’s 7th Conducted by Herbert von Karajan (DG label)
4. Moments in Love – Art of Noise
5. Your Love, So Good I Can Taste It – Barry White
6. Hobo Flats – Jimmy Smith
7. Mako D’amour – Eric Gale
I could go on, but start here.
Brooko
Thanks – I’ll be sure to look into them. Always on the lookout for new music. I have HvK’s entire set of Beethoven’s 9 Symphonies (DG), so totally no where you’re coming from with that recording 🙂
Freckle
Great review! I’d love to see a comparison of the X5ii and the Astell & Kern Jr. I’m new to the DAP world – which would be the best to start with?
Brooko
Thanks Freckle. Unfortunately I haven’t had a chance to listen to the AKJr – but I understand Lieven may be getting a sample unit – so hopefully he’ll eb able to make the comparison and recommendation for you. What headphones will you be driving?
Freckle
I have a choice (both new to me) of the Blue Mofi with the built in amp or the B&O H6. I’ve read up on both so hoping at least one of these matches well with a new DAP (leaning towards an X5II purchase).
Brooko
Haven’t heard either – sorry. Love the looks of the H6 though. If you do get one – please post back and tell me what you think of them. I’d really like to know your thoughts – especially if you end up getting the X5ii.
Freckle
Will do. I’ve heard that both headphones are not bass-centric and have a balanced sound across the spectrum with a fairly wide soundstage. I’ll send some feedback once I have some time to break these all in.
Brooko
Sounds like my kind of signature 🙂 If you’re ever looking for an open headphone with the same traits for home use – start with the HD600 🙂
Freckle
I bought a pair of Grado 225s awhile back and they left many other headphones behind in terms of quality open headphones, but the Senns seem to be a good choice to 🙂 definitely highly rated on amazon, etc.
dalethorn
I haven’t heard the 225, but I have the 325 and it really is good – minor peak around 2 khz, but that’s the Grado sound.
Brooko
Loved the 325 when I had one. Always regretted selling it. Mine was modded quite a bit though – full wooden jacket, leather headband, mogami recable. I actually liked them more than the RS1 I had.
dalethorn
I got the Brooklyn Tree (GH1) woodie recently. A little darker, more mellow than the 325e, but more uneven in the treble. Unless it flattens out some after the 150 hours already played.
Brooko
I thought about trying the RS2 and seeing if that was closer to the 325 than the RS1 was. I think if I ever end up getting another Grado, it’ll be RS2 or 325 again.
dalethorn
The H6 has some definite bass emphasis compared to the Senn HD600, but it’s a very solid bass with no bloat or mud.
Freckle
I may have to tweak my EQ for the H6s. The Senn HD600s might have been a better choice for less bass emphasis.
dalethorn
Not a huge difference on a lot of music, but for some genres it really stands out.
Headfonia_L.
I’m not getting the Jr, Nathan is getting it though. But he doesn’t have the X5SG
snip3r77
It would be great if the same reviewer has the X5SG and the AKJR.
Headfonia_L.
Nathan will do the AK Jr. I could only keep it for one month and I don’t have the time for it.
Headfonia_L.
Well I already said he doesn’t… 😀
snip3r77
Maybe send X5SG else there’s no benchmark/yardstick.
The review is just it is so good, soundstage so great, it’s so pretty. Pls buy one LOL
Headfonia_L.
I have no idea what you mean
Brooko
Actually – the reviewer (me) points out good points and bad, doesn’t mention prettiness or sound stage (IMO with DAPS, the headphone has more influence on the soundstage than the DAP does), and actually says that its an incremental rather than exponential upgrade. I’d love to be able to review the AK Junior against it – but unfortunately I don’t have one, and at this stage no interested in buying one just for a single review/comparison.
Alfiero Ventura
To be or not to be!
X1 or X5
this is the (my) problem
The X5, or X5 II, worth the difference in money than in X1 or X3 ?
Headfonia_L.
depends on budget, headphones used, etc
Alfiero Ventura
Headphones is Sennehiser Momentum Over-ear.I would like to change my iPod 2ND 80gb
the budget for €210 or €345 isn’t a problem, I like only listen a good music
thank
Brooko
The Momentums aren’t difficult to drive, and if you’re mainly using them on-the-go, I’d probably recommend staying with the X3ii. It’s cheaper, smaller form factor, and you’d be unlikely to kiss the lift in fidelity (particularly if most of your listening is portable). If on the other hand you plan to use the DAP also as a DAC, and as part of an integrated system, and if space (dual slots) is needed, then the X5ii has the upper hand. At the end of the day – I’d pick first on the feature set you need.
Ajay Marrott
How is the X5ii compared to the DX90?
Headfonia_L.
Come on guys, read about it first
http://www.headfonia.com/review-fiio-x5-second-generation-part-2
Ajay Marrott
I was just looking for others who may have tried the two. I already got your answer, and thank you, I did read the review.
Roscoe Trey Nicholson
Reading on the train, so may have missed it but how does the sound compare to your Micro iDSD?
Rajesh Madan
Rm ….Has any one experienced X5ii stuttering on Hirez files 24b 96k and above.
dalethorn
Are the files resident in the player or on a plugin card?
Headfonia_L.
Not that I can remember
Sergey Green
Does it need to burn in to sound better? What is your take on it?
Nick Woolley
Is it known if you can do more than the 128GB for each slot?
Headfonia_L.
I haven’t tested it myself but it should be ok. The guys on Headfi also know more about it
John Hogendoorn
Would love to hear yr comment on the x7 compacter to the x5ii, and is there an x7 ii coming up too?
Noel
I have X3 2nd gen. Is it a wise idea to upgrade to X5 2nd gen or is it worth the upgrade. If the difference is too little I would like to be satisfied with my X3. Kindly suggest
johann
wanna ask the same thing. planning to get an x3ii if the x5ii is not really a big step up for IEMs which aren’t power hungry.
pablo rey
sorry, but it would be nice if you can answer just a question, i have a X1 1st generation on may way and I have a Senheiser Amperior, Now i have the chance of getting a cheap (in my country these gadgests cost more than twice) X5 2d generation.
So my cuestion is : Do you think i would get a noticeable difference between the X1 and the X5II?
Lieven
Of course there’s a huge difference. That’s logic.
Eric
I am very new to the DAP world so please forgive my ignorance. I’ve been doing a lot of reading but still can’t seem to get the answer to my question, and you folks combine the technical skill with the real-world knowledge I look for in a reviewer.
So, here’s my question: I recently ripped my modest collection of CD’s to FLAC using DBPoweramp (great tool by the way) and I have a little over 115GB of content I’d like to play on my tried & true (read ‘old’) receiver/amp and tower speakers. Are the Fiio DAP’s (X5iii and X3ii) a good answer for this, or should I be looking at a different solution? Portability is not that important to me, but getting good sound quality out of my music is.
dale thorn
You can always find something that’s better, but try to maximize what you have first. Impedance matching, amount of gain, fine tuning for the gear and the room are all factors you should address.