For anyone interested in buying this, here's a heads up. I just ordered the F7xii and the F9 iem (on aliexpress...). Fiio messaged me instantly after purchase and told me that they are having a discount of 20% on this combination on 11.11.2017 and if I wanted to wait until then to purchase. Nice guys.
Were you able to hear that beep/metronome at around 1:27 - 1:32 in MJ's 'Starting something' track? I think you said in the IBasso DX150 review that you were able to hear it and that most high end gear are unable to reproduce that sound, so just wondering if the X7ii is able to. Thanks..
Hi on the FiiO x7 ii is it the amp module thats doing the sound quality . Because i have a Q5 its in combo with Sony NW ZX1 and Sony MDR 7550 . I thought of buying a FiiO M11 and stack it with Q5 purely because i have it or stacking it with X7ii . So i am basically just using the daps as source for the Q5 amplifier is that ok or no no ?
Did exactly as you recommended, flipped my X5iii and got the X7 Mark II. Still waiting on my balanced cables and even on SE its already such a huge improvement, can't wait.
Thank you for your review. I am very clear your preferences on balanced outputs. But for those who still listen to unbalanced headphones we would like you to expand your opinion about the two options. Finally, the new amplifier module, AM3A is enough to power for example a headset of 62 Omhs like the AKG712 Pro.?
Hey dude. I have a question. If there any difference in sound between these two, using the headphone Beyerdynamic t51? I have the mentioned headphone and i don’t know would it be better to change x5 iii. And other question is, is there really difference between balanced or unbalanced in both?
Balanced has more power output so it is related to dynamics so that alone is a difference. I don't have that set of Headphones but the X5iii is kind of smooth and the X7ii is neutral
I been going through your reviews and they are pretty good. I felt your opinion would be of much help in deciding between Fiio X3 Gen 3 & Cowon Plenue D. Also Suggest between Fiio F9 & One more triple Driver. Or please suggest any Better DAP of similar price range & any other better IEMs. Thanks in advance
Did you ever cover battery life? Where can I find a firmware update for my fiio x5 3rd I really wishing I didn’t buy it. Battery life on it sucks. Thanks for your replies in advance
Can you explained what is the balanced setup for x7 ii? I have X7 first gen and the balanced output is on the top with a 3.5mm jack, also there is a balanced output module AM3 I think. Balanced setup is really confusing as there is also the 5pin coaxial or two 4 pin coaxial and not to mention sony 4.4mm balanced jack.
Hey, I've got a pair of oppo pm-3's so I'd need a 2.5mm balanced cable for this, sorry I see there are quite a few options for balanced cables, want to get the right one for this little baby!
www.etsy.com/shop/ThePETEREK?ref=l2-shopheader-name This guy can take care probably at a price that is cheaper than some lunatic cable makers. You gotta wait a while though
Hi. I really trust your opinion which is why I'm asking! I have a zx300 for my on the go listening but I'm also after something that will stream Spotify. Would the x5iii suffice or should I really be saving for the x7ii?
Wifi range is not great on both. If you will be near a good router then the X5iii should work fine :) Note offline storage can be an issue community.spotify.com/t5/Android/Spotify-on-FiiO-music-player-X5-3rd-gen/td-p/1675573
Bad Guy Good Audio Reviews I also figure as I already have a sony zx300 I probably don't warrant a x7ii for mainly streaming. Which do you prefer between x7ii and zx300?
I don't think the opamps in these devices are truly "balanced" in the traditional analog sense but rather use phase splitters. Plz correct me if incorrect.
No i did a vid on here from a tour. I had it 10 days and only with the IEM amp that was the first amp for the unit. This has more sparkle and detail than the first version but that was just a very limited impression
Hello, i have iem cypher lab C6iems. Which one is better for cypher labs c6iems? Usualy i listen music with my phone on stream music like spotify but sometime with hardcopy like flac file on my Edifier streo speaker, can you gime me suggestion which one dac and dap best for my iem? Btw sorry for my poor english and hopely you understand what i mean and thank you before :)
I saw, but the problem is i was trying to understand how balanced works. And from what i understand balanced usually requires 2 3.5 jacks. our is it just for the output and not for input?
Designed for long line PA systems and guitarist etc. In personal audio it increases power and therefore dynamics. You can google for more. Some folks believe it does more. Some don't believe it has any benefits. If the term is 3.5 you can have that on one end and 2.5 trrs or whatever on the DAP side
Awesome. :) Off the back of your FiiO F9 (Pro, FH1, 9) review I bought the FH1s last night and am looking forward to hearing their sound sometime this week when they arrive. One thing I'm not sure if you've reviewed is the BTR1 bluetooth amp and I know I'll be getting one of these to replace my Smart Wireless Headset Pro (Sony) which no longer holds its charge.
If it is the real aluminum chassis version you got a gem. Enjoy it :) Make sure it is the aluminum one. They call the plastic one metal in some titles so make sure.
Bad Guy, i live in Europe can not get Opus#1 Metal but i can get later X7mkii , i have now bought Meze 99C so if you had experience with it which should way i go, i can pay more if i really would be satisfied to it:) Opus dealer somehow did not find... shiping to Lithuania, thanks.
Hi ! Thanks for the "balanced" comparison. It's that big of a gap that you're getting rid of the X5MKIII, impressive. I'll probably get a chance to audition the X7MKII. Regards.
Bad Guy Good Audio Reviews For the time being I don't use balanced, but that's not to say I would start using. Just ordered the F5 to audition with the X7MkII. How do they compared sonically, sound wise.
Man, I just got a PHA-3 (for a great deal) to stack with my DP-X1 and was excited and now this thing pops up..Is there anything that is still better on the PHA-3 to this new X7, strictly speaking regarding to sound and amp power in balance mode..Not worried about the Sony balance being dual 3.5mm...
Yes it does...so I got he PHA-3 yesterday and while I'm waiting for my custom Dual 3.5mm cables and upgraded OTG USB, i decided to do a quick comparison (dp-x1 vs pha-3) (LCD-X) using the SE and sony OTG USB..OMG, the difference was night and day, wow...The Dp-X1 balance did sound great with the LCD-X, but I/phones wanted more, so that's why I got the PHA-3..I'm stocked about the PHA-3 balance potential!! So i put everything away until I get proper cables for balance...Since you sold your PHA-3, you have any balance dual 3.5mm cables/adapters you like to sell..?
RIP X5iii. Having sunk no cost into balanced anything yet, I'm still gonna be content with the 3rd Gen X5. You rock an iPod Nano 7th generation long enough you're just happy to get out of the woods. If I spent $700+ on a DAP it would be an even more glaring sign that I should be using better headphones. I really don't need those urges.
Hey BGGAReviews, I just wanted to thank you for expressing your opinion. It’s a shame when the anti-hype brigade shouts down people with favorable opinions, biases aside it seems silly to tell someone “you can’t say you like it.” I don’t think you were lying here, haha. Pretty strong recommendation from you for a DAP I haven’t looked into much yet. I was looking into the Sony ZX300 (which has a great, more physically durable balanced output) and Onkyo DP-X1, dismissed the FiiO X5 mk lll when people were saying it doesn’t use a true balanced output but rather uses one amp and splits the signal before making it connect to the balanced output. I also have other friends who say there are similarly priced but sound better. I had a FiiO X3 mk ll, which sounded ok but I HATED the interface and selecting a particular song was a long and imprecise chore. How is the interface on this X7? What is the menu system like, how are the external buttons?
The ONKYO is a fine DAP. X7II is having issues with being used as a DAC for PC...again. Navigation is pretty good and sound is great IMO. The older FiiO used that scroll wheel nav system which I am done with
Do you think the PC use issue is just a firmware thing, or some communication issue because of the USB connection? Any other issues with the device? Definitely good luck to you on getting the issues sorted! Do you think the modular aspect of the X7 mk II will lead to shorts and durability issues? You know, I liked the old iPod Classic, very responsive and the scrolling acceleration (jumping by alphabetical order) both contributing to that system “working” for me, still nice on my mom’s old one, nicer than the flick-flick-flick of touchscreens... BUT NOBODY has done it as well since Apple, and yeah I’m done waiting to see if FiiO/Shanling/HiFiman/etc can ever get it right. Thanks for the reply! You’re a boss!
No. It's not bright or dry. It sounds perfectly voiced in balanced. The Calyx-M was very lush and thick and had a sabre dac. The power stage and quality of design has more impact than people think.
![Blox Fruits Dragon Rework Update [Full Stream]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/EqDAp8udhm0/mqdefault.jpg)
For anyone interested in buying this, here's a heads up. I just ordered the F7xii and the F9 iem (on aliexpress...). Fiio messaged me instantly after purchase and told me that they are having a discount of 20% on this combination on 11.11.2017 and if I wanted to wait until then to purchase. Nice guys.
Were you able to hear that beep/metronome at around 1:27 - 1:32 in MJ's 'Starting something' track? I think you said in the IBasso DX150 review that you were able to hear it and that most high end gear are unable to reproduce that sound, so just wondering if the X7ii is able to. Thanks..
Hello! Do you think of making comparison video about X7 Mark II and Ibasso DX200?
Yes, I may do that.
Please do waiting patiently, in market for 1 of them
I listened to both and made a vid. Chose the X7II. The DX has been sold. Too dry and lifeless. FW update changed nothing. Still dry and lifeless
Thanks for doing the comparison. Glad it was something you wanted to know, too!
Im looking at picking up a x7 mkii for the optical output into a dsp. Is there anything with a optical out that you would reccomend over this?
Hi on the FiiO x7 ii is it the amp module thats doing the sound quality . Because i have a Q5 its in combo with Sony NW ZX1 and Sony MDR 7550 . I thought of buying a FiiO M11 and stack it with Q5 purely because i have it or stacking it with X7ii . So i am basically just using the daps as source for the Q5 amplifier is that ok or no no ?
Thank you for the nice review, is it possible to use the balanced output with the ie 800 and what adapter i have to buy? best regards
Did exactly as you recommended, flipped my X5iii and got the X7 Mark II. Still waiting on my balanced cables and even on SE its already such a huge improvement, can't wait.
AWESOME!! Good choice bro. It is really a nice piece of kit. I LOVE mine
Thank you for your review. I am very clear your preferences on balanced outputs. But for those who still listen to unbalanced headphones we would like you to expand your opinion about the two options. Finally, the new amplifier module, AM3A is enough to power for example a headset of 62 Omhs like the AKG712 Pro.?
It would power it but the stock amp module might not be ideal.
Hey dude. I have a question. If there any difference in sound between these two, using the headphone Beyerdynamic t51? I have the mentioned headphone and i don’t know would it be better to change x5 iii. And other question is, is there really difference between balanced or unbalanced in both?
Balanced has more power output so it is related to dynamics so that alone is a difference. I don't have that set of Headphones but the X5iii is kind of smooth and the X7ii is neutral
Astell&Kern AK70 MK II or FiiO X7 Mark ii ?, do both have optical out. That's a massive USP for me.
Hey Dee, have not tried Astell & Kern but FiiO has the optical and i just learned what USP means :) Merry Christmas!
I been going through your reviews and they are pretty good. I felt your opinion would be of much help in deciding between Fiio X3 Gen 3 & Cowon Plenue D.
Also
Suggest between Fiio F9 & One more triple Driver.
Or please suggest any Better DAP of similar price range & any other better IEMs.
Thanks in advance
Did you ever cover battery life? Where can I find a firmware update for my fiio x5 3rd I really wishing I didn’t buy it. Battery life on it sucks. Thanks for your replies in advance
Can you explained what is the balanced setup for x7 ii? I have X7 first gen and the balanced output is on the top with a 3.5mm jack, also there is a balanced output module AM3 I think. Balanced setup is really confusing as there is also the 5pin coaxial or two 4 pin coaxial and not to mention sony 4.4mm balanced jack.
FiiO uses the 2.5 TRRS balanced output and a regular 3.5 on the bottom with the usb data/charge input. Top has a line out/coax/optical out on top
I'm leaning towards getting the X7 mark 2 unless you recommend something else.
I'd rec the X7II. It's my personal fave right now and likely for a while. Storage, balanced, sound quality, smooth G.U.I...I dig it :)
how can i use my sennheiser hd800s with this device ? do i need any other cable/cords?
Hey, I've got a pair of oppo pm-3's so I'd need a 2.5mm balanced cable for this, sorry I see there are quite a few options for balanced cables, want to get the right one for this little baby!
www.etsy.com/shop/ThePETEREK?ref=l2-shopheader-name This guy can take care probably at a price that is cheaper than some lunatic cable makers. You gotta wait a while though
Can u make a comparison between this and onkyo granbeat
Hi. I really trust your opinion which is why I'm asking! I have a zx300 for my on the go listening but I'm also after something that will stream Spotify. Would the x5iii suffice or should I really be saving for the x7ii?
Wifi range is not great on both. If you will be near a good router then the X5iii should work fine :) Note offline storage can be an issue community.spotify.com/t5/Android/Spotify-on-FiiO-music-player-X5-3rd-gen/td-p/1675573
Bad Guy Good Audio Reviews thanks I'll probably get a x5iii off aliexpress deals today
I actually love that DAP. Has the most views on this channel. Very popular item.
Bad Guy Good Audio Reviews I also figure as I already have a sony zx300 I probably don't warrant a x7ii for mainly streaming. Which do you prefer between x7ii and zx300?
zx300 :)
I don't think the opamps in these devices are truly "balanced" in the traditional analog sense but rather use phase splitters. Plz correct me if incorrect.
You are correct. It is more output power but not truly balanced in the tech engineer sense
Hello, can you do head 2 head comparison between Onkyo DPX1 and Fiio X7 mark ii?
I am trying to get that DAP right now for loan
okay, i'm hoping you would do a video comparison between Onkyo DPX1 and Fiio X7 mark ii
thank you
okay, i'm hoping you would do a video comparison between Onkyo DPX1 and Fiio X7 mark ii
thank you
Hello, Fiio X7 Mark II or Sony Nw-ZX300?!
Have you owned X7 gen. I? Any comparison between that and gen. II?
No i did a vid on here from a tour. I had it 10 days and only with the IEM amp that was the first amp for the unit. This has more sparkle and detail than the first version but that was just a very limited impression
Understood. The difference in sparkle and detail might have been caused by different amps though. Thanks for the reply.
FiiO X7 or Astell&Kern AK70 MKII?
Hey man, shall you be doing a video on the new x3 3rd gen?
Hey Paul, I already did. My impressions were soon after I got it but it is still accurate
Cool, wheres the link? went through ur videos for it.
Sorry man, I thought you typed X5iii...my bad :( No vid for X3iii sorry
Bad Guy Good Audio Reviews no worries dude!
What full size headphones are you using?
Hi, who do you get your balanced cables from? Thanks.
www.etsy.com/shop/ThePETEREK?ref=l2-shopheader-name He is the man!
Thanks!
Hello, i have iem cypher lab C6iems. Which one is better for cypher labs c6iems? Usualy i listen music with my phone on stream music like spotify but sometime with hardcopy like flac file on my Edifier streo speaker, can you gime me suggestion which one dac and dap best for my iem? Btw sorry for my poor english and hopely you understand what i mean and thank you before :)
FiiO X7 would be a better buy
How about my iem, had you ever tried it?
How does the x7 ii compare to i7 iii? Thanks
Wanted to ask, i have oppo PM-3 and i was wondering is there anything i need to do to make it balanced, or can i just switch out the cable?
If it has a removable cable you can buy a balanced cable. Just switch it out
I saw, but the problem is i was trying to understand how balanced works. And from what i understand balanced usually requires 2 3.5 jacks. our is it just for the output and not for input?
Designed for long line PA systems and guitarist etc. In personal audio it increases power and therefore dynamics. You can google for more. Some folks believe it does more. Some don't believe it has any benefits. If the term is 3.5 you can have that on one end and 2.5 trrs or whatever on the DAP side
but because the connector on the cans is 3.5 wont it lose any benefits of balanced?
check DARKO www.digitalaudioreview.net/2016/05/get-more-from-your-oppo-pm-3-headphones-with-a-balanced-cable/
How would you compare the X7 with the NW-ZX300?
I am going to do a vid. Different strengths, make for a good vid :)
Awesome. :)
Off the back of your FiiO F9 (Pro, FH1, 9) review I bought the FH1s last night and am looking forward to hearing their sound sometime this week when they arrive. One thing I'm not sure if you've reviewed is the BTR1 bluetooth amp and I know I'll be getting one of these to replace my Smart Wireless Headset Pro (Sony) which no longer holds its charge.
I have not tried the BTR1
So how do you compare the x7mkii to the opus 1 metal? in terms of pure sq?
FiiO has better detail and stage. I think the #1 metal is the best of the 3 OPUS devices. Good choice for folks who like a spartan Android
If it is the real aluminum chassis version you got a gem. Enjoy it :) Make sure it is the aluminum one. They call the plastic one metal in some titles so make sure.
Cool, good buy. :)
Bad Guy, i live in Europe can not get Opus#1 Metal but i can get later X7mkii , i have now bought Meze 99C so if you had experience with it which should way i go, i can pay more if i really would be satisfied to it:) Opus dealer somehow did not find... shiping to Lithuania, thanks.
Love my X7MkII I would rec you get it.
X7ii or dx200..? Is dx200 very superior justifying the price difference..
No...not at all. X7II would be a much better choice
Bad Guy Good Audio Reviews thanks for the reply..that extra memory slot is also a big plus
Hi ! Thanks for the "balanced" comparison. It's that big of a gap that you're getting rid of the X5MKIII, impressive. I'll probably get a chance to audition the X7MKII. Regards.
If you do not use balanced anyway it's no biggie. If you do then you should switch IMO as the difference there is big...IMO
Bad Guy Good Audio Reviews For the time being I don't use balanced, but that's not to say I would start using. Just ordered the F5 to audition with the X7MkII. How do they compared sonically, sound wise.
How is the balanced output compared to pha3?
The same or better and it is a more standard cable input and a DAP so I sold my PHA-3
Man, I just got a PHA-3 (for a great deal) to stack with my DP-X1 and was excited and now this thing pops up..Is there anything that is still better on the PHA-3 to this new X7, strictly speaking regarding to sound and amp power in balance mode..Not worried about the Sony balance being dual 3.5mm...
The PHA-3 is awesome. You should enjoy that rig for a while. Does the DP-X1 do OTG/USB to PHA-3?
Yes it does...so I got he PHA-3 yesterday and while I'm waiting for my custom Dual 3.5mm cables and upgraded OTG USB, i decided to do a quick comparison (dp-x1 vs pha-3) (LCD-X) using the SE and sony OTG USB..OMG, the difference was night and day, wow...The Dp-X1 balance did sound great with the LCD-X, but I/phones wanted more, so that's why I got the PHA-3..I'm stocked about the PHA-3 balance potential!! So i put everything away until I get proper cables for balance...Since you sold your PHA-3, you have any balance dual 3.5mm cables/adapters you like to sell..?
I should save em in case I get the PHA-3 again the link above (description box) is to the cable make who made my PHA-3 balanced cables
Can one of them be used with my hd700 Sennheiser or is better use a dac+amp?
X7II can do it. It has a more potent amp AM5 also if you need more power
Finally was able to order one today. Great review!! Keep it up
Thanks for the comment. Enjoy! It is a great piece of kit !!
The one comment about Michael Jackson may have sold me on this. Been researching DAPs for the past month, there are just so many in the 500-1500 range
This DAP does MJ very well. everything sounds just right.
X7 vs Paw Gold?
RIP X5iii. Having sunk no cost into balanced anything yet, I'm still gonna be content with the 3rd Gen X5. You rock an iPod Nano 7th generation long enough you're just happy to get out of the woods. If I spent $700+ on a DAP it would be an even more glaring sign that I should be using better headphones. I really don't need those urges.
Yeah, I am speaking to balanced folks which is just above cable voodoo folks but I am a believer.
Bad Guy Good Audio Reviews lol, we audiophiles are into alot of voodoo tbh but we take it all with us
Hey BGGAReviews, I just wanted to thank you for expressing your opinion. It’s a shame when the anti-hype brigade shouts down people with favorable opinions, biases aside it seems silly to tell someone “you can’t say you like it.” I don’t think you were lying here, haha.
Pretty strong recommendation from you for a DAP I haven’t looked into much yet. I was looking into the Sony ZX300 (which has a great, more physically durable balanced output) and Onkyo DP-X1, dismissed the FiiO X5 mk lll when people were saying it doesn’t use a true balanced output but rather uses one amp and splits the signal before making it connect to the balanced output. I also have other friends who say there are similarly priced but sound better. I had a FiiO X3 mk ll, which sounded ok but I HATED the interface and selecting a particular song was a long and imprecise chore. How is the interface on this X7? What is the menu system like, how are the external buttons?
The ONKYO is a fine DAP. X7II is having issues with being used as a DAC for PC...again. Navigation is pretty good and sound is great IMO. The older FiiO used that scroll wheel nav system which I am done with
Do you think the PC use issue is just a firmware thing, or some communication issue because of the USB connection? Any other issues with the device? Definitely good luck to you on getting the issues sorted!
Do you think the modular aspect of the X7 mk II will lead to shorts and durability issues?
You know, I liked the old iPod Classic, very responsive and the scrolling acceleration (jumping by alphabetical order) both contributing to that system “working” for me, still nice on my mom’s old one, nicer than the flick-flick-flick of touchscreens... BUT NOBODY has done it as well since Apple, and yeah I’m done waiting to see if FiiO/Shanling/HiFiman/etc can ever get it right.
Thanks for the reply! You’re a boss!
Is the X7ii bright in the treble?
No. It's not bright or dry. It sounds perfectly voiced in balanced. The Calyx-M was very lush and thick and had a sabre dac. The power stage and quality of design has more impact than people think.
Cool thx
Can it sync with itunes?
I don't use itunes. Sorry. Maybe another person on Head-Fi or a google search can answer that
Your review had me cracking up... sometimes the truth is funny.. great job.. I picked up the fiio X5 g3.. I only use the digital portion of it.
Thanks
2 months in how you feel about it with the price drops im thinking about getting it going into the holidays.
Fantastic DAP . Not sure if you use it as a DAC for PC? As a DAP it is a great buy
Bad Guy Good Audio Reviews thanks got the f9 at a good price and getting some hires music now for starters
Great vid btw!!
I'm waiting for This Bruhh
Git your balanced..thing is dope. Don't listen to SE much but balanced is among best I heard
thanks Bruhh ! this is very big help 😊 & good review
On SQ alone, how do it compare with the Shozy Alien+ please? Thanks!!!
I own that and it is great. The presentation is not as wide as the X7ii . The Shozy + is pretty excellent though.