Fiio X1 Review - Portable High Resolution Audio Player

Get it here === www.headphonere... ===
This is a full review of the Fiio X1 Portable High Resolution Audio Player.
What's covered in this video is my thoughts on the overall product. I don't go through all the settings and various screens as that's a LONG video in and of itself. However, I talk about what I like and dislike about the device as well as how well it's held up and how it sounds.
Facebook: / headphonereviewhq
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Please leave a thumbs up and share with your friends, family or the whole world! :-)

[@HeadphoneReviewHQ]

Bane Tudajfor Thanks man. It's actually not for lack of people sending me things to review, the past three or four months it's just been time constraints! Between my day job, pregnant wife and existing family, it's just been incredibly difficult to try and get everything done! Seriously though, thank you for those kind words. I'm going to make a real effort to get more reviews out on a more consistent basis this year. And I totally agree - I will never sell out. I always give my own opinion in the reviews and they are not skewed by companies trying to push products. Thanks again for sharing the video and for taking the time to stop by and leave me a comment! Happy New Year!

[@tudajfor]

You bet. And Happy New Year to you too.

[@stevep7837]

Hi Alan, I'm sure I speak for a lot of people when I say, we really miss your reviews! I hope you start doing some more stuff on here.

[@tudajfor]

Dude, I love your reviews and I think you do a really good job at it. That said, you should try to get more content out, I know it's hard, but just bombard the hell out of retailers, manufacturers and everyone that can help you get those products for you to review. The community deserves to have you review stuff because you do a great job at it. But please stay real, don't sell out. People love honesty. Shared the hell out of this.

[@sonichedgehog36]

Please come back! Your reviews were unbiased and unfiltered, something the headphone community greatly lacks. Many people diss on the T90 because they think just because everyone says the HD 650 are so great, they are neutral, which they aren't! The T90 are loads better and we really need more polite, honest reviews like yours.

[@5bagpiper]

I just bought the Fiio X1 first generation. You have 3 settings for locking the device. In my choice, if I just tap continuously when the X1 is on lock, then the volume goes up and down, depending which button you press. Hold it down continously, then you will change the selection of the song. The on line manual explains it well. So the one concern you have is gone. But their short manual included does not. Like the review, and it is an awesome product. Got one on sale for $89 Canadian. And the sound is awesome, compared to Apple products!

[@ecoraven]

Love your reviews, although they are longer than expected the information is always very detailed which makes them a pleasure to watch.

[@TheGabe92]

Kinda been waiting for your opinion on the X1! Thanks for the in-depth review, much appreciated!

[@HeadphoneReviewHQ]

You got it!

[@brianpronitkumarbiswas9869]

Really this is an awesome in depth review. Can't remember the last time when I watched a review video so intently from the begining to the end.Thanks HeadphoneReviewHQ. Please keep up the good work and hope to look forward to more of your product reviews.

[@hardreset5168]

Best review i have seen of this online. Comprehencive and covering the insteresting points. I would enjoy a short update on how it performes stacked with the e11 with iem and also bigger cans. There is a stacking kit for that from fiio. Best whishes for Your growing family!

[@HeadphoneReviewHQ]

I appreciate the kind words and the thoughts for the family. I'll try and get a little comparison / demo together for the two. Thanks again for stopping by!

[@metalmick99]

Great review! Thorough, considered, and intelligent. You highlighted the pros and cons of the device, and didn't hold back. I'd happily check your other work and accept your opinions.

[@DanielReganthatLoP]

it sorts songs numerically and alphabetically

[@_Randwulf]

Excellent review... P.S. Your audio in the vid is perfect... that in itself is a rare thing..

[@RobertDigitalArtist]

Nice detail review, thanks. Btw, what mic are you using and do you use any noise cancelling?

[@microfighterz]

Does it come with the dog?

[@afistfulofpimples1745]

Why would it ?

[@microfighterz]

@@afistfulofpimples1745 its a joke lad

[@Freewill415]

Thanks for the review sir! Question: Can it sync with your iTune's playlists? Thanks! Looking forward to more reviews from you!

[@mmmbbq]

Just picked up one in the box from my local pawn shop for $30. LOVE IT! The 128GB micro SD that was for my tablet, is now going in this. And yeah, that volume thing with the screen blank makes no sense. Nice review!

[@rmigel1]

So, 2 things, first off, I just got mine and I found your video relatively informative, but a flaw in it being that, as you sit off center, whenever you make a point while holding the unit in your right hand, it's out of camera range and can't be seen (hoping you don't find that to being overly picky); and second, wondering where you were able to find the (charging?) dock as seen in the intro photo ? And good job btw.

[@roccotool]

Can you compare this to the Xduoo X2? I can't find any English reviews of it. Thank you.

[@ElectroPeyote]

Great review, thanks. Quick question though, is there much point in pairing this with the E11K, or is that overkill? Well, maybe two quick questions... Does the library just display the albums in a folder format? I hate it when players separate the tracks, especially Various mixes. Thanks again.

[@joenorris2072]

Good to see you back doing reviews again any more headphone reviews on the way ?

[@HeadphoneReviewHQ]

Yes...just as soon as I can I've got more than a few I need to get out there!

[@HusseinMadiiqSmol]

nice review, glad to see you back. you should do some videos on your top albums or something like that. i'm always interested in finding new stuff to listen to.

[@HeadphoneReviewHQ]

That's a great idea...I'm all over the board when it comes to music. I'll try and do that. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@paulcallaway3777]

How much battery life are you getting with your X1? I've been reading 10 to 12 hours...which I hope is underestimated. Everything about the X1 seems to make it a solid buy for the price, except for battery life. I'm really torn between this and the Cowon iAudio 9+ with it's much longer battery life. Great job on the review too.

[@PatJeeno]

Good to see you back !

[@HeadphoneReviewHQ]

Thanks man! Felt good to get a review out there! I have SO MANY to do! :-)

[@PatJeeno]

HeadphoneReviewHQ good to know looking foward to that !

[@pgsaravanos]

Very nice review thank you. I was wandering if I can ask you a question, I want to buy the X1, but first I want to make sure you can browse and listen to music through folders like I know the X3 does. I am not a fan of software handling thousands of songs as they tend to slow down when the card starts getting loaded, so I prefer folders. does the X1 allow you to brows and listen to folders??? thanks.

[@213REALKILLA]

your reviews are awesome bro what headphones would you recommend for bass lovers? not really worried about price. thanks

[@thiscorrosion900]

Pioneer DJ headphones, or some really good IEMS, such as the new Linsoul KZA ZS10 Pros. Most planar or low-efficiency, mid-fi to audiophile cans don't have massive bass response, trust me on that one. Especially from a portable source. Maybe with a headphone amp, the bass can be boosted quite a bit. Or Beats if you really want that deep exaggerated bass, if all you listen to is dance music and such, but I wouldn't speak of the quality of the Beats vs. a lot of other better headphones. I have some new Pioneer DJ X7 phones that are unreal, they can deliver deep tight bass, but they also sound good top to bottom. The only issue with those is they can be a tad tight at first, unless you adjust them properly, since they are made to be DJ cans with a tight seal, first and foremost. But they're very well made headphones, metal construction, and sound excellent, and are low-impedance so can be driven by anything. JVC make some bass-heavy phones but not sure how good they are. I'd be wary of those, they're not really high-end at all. Sony quality varies with their Xbass models, I don't really like them much. JBL really varies widely. I have Fostex RP40s planar cans and Hifiman He400Is, and I absolutely love both, (thought not as much for portable use) they are truly premium headphones, but low-efficiency so require an extra amp, mainly, and the bass on both is tight and muscular, but not super sub-deep like Beats or whatever. I don't like Bose for bass, nor do I like any ATs since they lack bass usually and sound tinny, and AKGs vary and are mainly studio reference cans. Beyerdynamic are really studio phones, and Grados lack some bass for sure, generally speaking. I would buy the Linsoul Pro $55 IEMs or the T1s, because they are phenomenal IEMs with unreal bass, they sound amazing, and can go anywhere with the X1 player, no amp required otherwise, and they're loud at like volume 4. But the quality is astounding. Some Sennheiser cans have some decent bass, depends on what models. I have a pair of newer Sennheiser 569 closed-backs and they are excellent, tight bass, but again, not brain-eating. But they're outstanding phones, and outstandingly well-fitting and comfortable. As far as the X1 player itself, it's phenomenal. Worth the money absolutely.

[@KocaMetallec]

Excellent review! Just one question man: Is X1 louder than iPod classic? Because I hate output of my smartphone and when I tried iPod from my friend, the volume is much louder comparing to my LG smartphone which I need.

[@Icelake84]

Killer review, man! Just one question. Does an headphone with 64ohm impedence sound good on this one? I mean, the low volume is a costant problem with mobile devices

[@HeadphoneReviewHQ]

AOR / Melodic Rock Yes this has more than enough power for 64 ohm cans.\

[@Icelake84]

HeadphoneReviewHQ Thank you, man :)

[@rdaffon23]

Welcome back! Good review. I like the off center shot but maybe center the product in the other hand?

[@AllenUnderwood]

You got it man. I appreciate the feedback. good to see you on here. best wishes for the new year

[@JAY61ish]

Just ordered mine via Amazon UK.. Can't wait.. love the "old school" design... y'know some of us don't want touch screen this and touch screen that.. love buttons and jog wheels..

[@polaris911]

Does the jogwheel physically rotate? Or is it a touchpad? You didn't really show a close up of it. How do you change volume once the screen turns off? Jogwheel?

[@ShoobieStomper]

Thank you for this! I actually just ordered one and I'm pretty stoked to get it! With that being said, I have a couple of questions. Do you know if you can manually add music to a micro SD and have it work on the Fiio X1? Can I connect it to my stereo via USB and have it access my music? Thanks in advance! :-)

[@Doxices]

In an other review, I saw that when you scroll through your list of albums or song titles, it will basically scroll one file at a time. When I compare this to apple devices, when you scroll fast with those, they automatically go into a "alphabet" mode and then it's a lot faster to select the song you're looking for. I used to have an other mp3 player years ago with this same issue and I just couldn't operate it because of that. I also don't see any "search" function on the fiio x1, or am I wrong? So when you have say 100 GB of songs on there, how are you supposed to scroll to a song with a title that starts with a Z? Are there faster ways to scroll with this device that haven't been shown in other reviews? And is there a 'search' function on this device? Thanks for taking your time to answer my concerns :)

[@ocean4315]

Thanks for the great review, Alan. I was saddened to learn that the iPod classic was discontinued, but I think this will be a good replacement. Really liked your detailed review. The techy stuff was a little over my head, : ) but I learned something and I'll be reading up to be able to take advantage of this device's features. I think I'll be picking one up tomorrow. By the the way, who's your little buddy who was trying to cuddle up and get some camera time. What a cutey. : )

[@HeadphoneReviewHQ]

Yeah, that's my little pal. I didn't even realize I was pushing him aside...I'm a bad dog parent! :-)

[@clarkepersonal9213]

Thanks for the video... Is there a PC interface for this unit? Using the onboard one is aweful... How do you delete multiple files at once? How do you organize the material on the unit? Where is a detailed manual on all this?

[@vidsquid5636]

Dude hold up.. I recognize that voice anywhere. I listen to you constantly on the Coding Blocks podcast. Keep up the great work! Why haven't you brought up audio as a topic on the podcast yet?

[@allandaluz12]

Good day Allen, can you do a full review of the Audio Technica IM70's? I've heard that those and the M50's have the same sound signature. Thanks in advance, have a great day and keep up the good work! 👍

[@krishtrinity]

you are back,thought you stopped making reviews

[@AllenUnderwood]

Just a (short) hiatus.

[@krishtrinity]

good..keep the reviews coming..i am probably going to buy the fiio x1

[@Aman-Manik]

Hi! I currently have a pair of Audio Technica ATH M50x and FiiO E06. Would you recommend to buy FiiO X1 or X5. As a matter of fact, I don't like the button style of X3. but still your opinions are welcome for all three players. - Price is negotiable. - Sound quality and bass matters the most

[@ArthurRosos]

I also noticed what you mentioned in 14:15 and I thought I already broke my X1. Hopefully they will have a fix for it. Very nice review!!

[@HeadphoneReviewHQ]

Thanks man...yeah, that volume up/down thing on the lockscreen is like a rash that won't go away.

[@chopcookies]

Glad your back. Any comparison with the x3 sound quality?

[@HeadphoneReviewHQ]

I will try and get some A/B time in the next few days and let you know what I think. I can definitely say this about the user interface - I like the X1 MUCH better - I could not stand the staggered button layout on the X3! :-)

[@chopcookies]

yes the buttonlayout on the x3 is very strange... i barely got use to it and still press the false button every now and then. the batterylife you mentioned is also tempting as i only get ~ 7.5h with 16/44 flac's on my x3

[@Ozem_Israel]

OK,good review as usual. What I really would like to know and kinda expected at this point is how this thing stacks up to fio e11? Which I bought per your recommendation and have not been disappointed.

[@HeadphoneReviewHQ]

While they're two different types of devices, the X1's sound quality is a slight step above the E11. The DAC/Amp in the X1 is rather good, especially for $110 (which is just about unheard of for a good, lossless media player). If you own a lot of music (you're not completely streaming music) and you have the ability to put it into a digital format, the X1 would not disappoint.

[@mkerwin8]

Agreed on the holding down the volume button skipping the track...They do that on the X5 too, what gives Fiio? Nice review as well, just picked one of these up and can't wait to use it on the go!

[@HeadphoneReviewHQ]

Sabrosa Awesome - look forward to hearing your thoughts on the little device. I asked my contact at Fiio if we could get a firmware update with the choice to change that! :-) One can hope

[@howva]

Hey what are the headphones you've got on at the start? Are they over ear or on ear? I wear glasses and over ears are very uncomfortable so I am looking for a on ear. I'm currently using the phillips citiscape downtown

[@djmaxtrim]

Hey~HeadphoneReviewHQ, I want to buy a FiiO DAC but im stick with E07K and E11K.Which One Is Better? I think,the price is not a lot difference right?

[@RainWalking]

Seeing this review, I am really considering buying it now. I was using a PSP go and now after many years it is wearing out.

[@koolpep]

Hey, you are back! Cool. Thanks for the review.

[@HeadphoneReviewHQ]

My pleasure.

[@davidyang1145]

Again, a really nice and clear review, Thank you Alan! I am currently using an Ipod classic 5.5 (yes, an old device indeed) + ATH M50x as my listening gear and thinking of a change. Please would you recommend this X1 player over the ipc, or go up to a X3 for example? if so, do I need a headphone amp for the M50x, like E11k or E07k? guess an amp would be helpful, not sure how much though in this case. It would really help me out , thanks a lot :-)

[@HeadphoneReviewHQ]

Actually the X1 works great with the M50's. I was just listening the other day and at 70 it's pretty loud and it still has another 30 notches to go. So if that's going to be your primary set of listening cans, I'd say save the money and get the X1. The only reason I'd tell you to step up to the X3 is if you have any interest in using the player as an external DAC (like an external soundcard) for any of your computers. I like the button layout and interface of the X1 over the X3, but the fact that the X3 can be an external USB soundcard is a nice option. But, to answer your question, the X1 can definitely drive the M50's.

[@davidyang1145]

great! good to know you tested it already. have a good day.

[@15estrem]

Hey man I've been looking for a iPod 5.5 user for ages now but do you experience distortion in music when using the eq?

[@davidyang1145]

15estrem hi not from my experience, but just mine really. It is a European model (Switzerland, Austria)

[@D5eg6]

Does anyone know if i can use this DAP as a DAC for my PC?

[@lovehatelove2594]

It's probably too late but no you can't.

[@DoctorJackDaniels]

I bought mine back in 2015. my only issue with it is i still cant figure out how to transfer an entire play list from my computer to the device. It wont let me select an entire album and add it to a play list either. have to do it one track at a time. Other than that I love it. its strong. compact. I use it when i work out and when I'm on the go to listen to music. running errands or at work. lasts long and no issues with battery power. had it in my pocket when doing construction and landscaping. thing is still in perfect condition. came with a rubber case to protect it. no dings no dents no scratches. still has the plastic screen protector on it. DEFINITELY PREFER A REAL MP3 PLAYER OVER A CELLPHONE FOR MUSIC ANY-DAY.

[@GeorgeTJ]

Hi Alan. How is the synergy between RE-400 and Fiio X1? I have the RE-400s and my main music player for on the go listening is a Galaxy Note 4 but I have to crank the volume up over 60% to get the most out of my RE-400s... I won't mention as I'm sure you know these IEMs are supposedly easy to drive. Any idea if this little player will make a more efficient source?

[@HeadphoneReviewHQ]

***** The Fiio X1 will have more than enough power to drive those little babies - those are some excellent, neutral in ears, and the X1 would do them proud.

[@GeorgeTJ]

HeadphoneReviewHQ Thank you Alan. I have an X1 a few days now and it drives the RE-400 amazingly. The Note 4 lacks a bit in dynamics and you have to crank it up over 2/3 of the volume for the RE-400 to shine while with just 35/100 of the X1's volume the result is full-sounding and impressive. As for the RE-400, what can I say? Nothing can beat their smootnness, delicateness and musicality in the under $200 price bracket. I have a pair of the hghly regarded 3-way Hybrids T-Peos Altone200 and have put them on sale on ebay... Do I need to say more?

[@Imfors4ken]

Hallo sir. First of all, thank you for great review! Now my question.. Is it good idea to set up Fiio X1 together with Marshall monitors? Thank you for answer.

[@arigato7788]

Welp, I'm totally getting the X1 then. I already have a Fiio E07K for DAC and amp'ing my Sony CD900ST on my laptop, so I figure the X1+E07K will make for a great combo when commuting. Nice review, it really was helpful.

[@thiscorrosion900]

The X1 has a pretty powerful amp already, but a good headphone amp/DAC will really provide you some extra oomph. Especially if you're running some higher-impedance cans. I've been running my X1 via Bluetooth to my car system, and it sounds amazing.

[@broodjeaap77]

Hello, Thx for your review. Would you say it's an upgrade to go from my iPhone 4S to this bad boy? I'm using Marshall Monitor headphones. Thanks!

[@DominoChild]

What are some retail stores that currently sell this product in store? I've looked at Fiio's official site and all of the nearest stores here in the US are located in NY. So far the only stores that I see that sell them are WAlmart and Sears, but they are via their site.

[@chilly6470]

Excellent review. Just ordered one. Thanks man!

[@HeadphoneReviewHQ]

Aman Manik Wouldn't let me reply to you inline for some reason. Anyways, for the M50's, the X1 is more than enough. I agree - the button layout on the X3 is maddening. I've not tried the X5...but, the parts that would be important to know is the X5 can be used as a DAC as well (X1 cannot), and the X5 has more power and more bands on the equalizer. I can tell you from playing with the X1's EQ that you can get a great amount of (quality) bass with what it provides, especially for the M50's. I hope this helps.

[@Aman-Manik]

First off, Thumbs up to your neat and clear feedback. After reviewing your full video and comment response, I have concluded that X1 is a better choice because I don't need DAC in my player (as of now), Plus ATH M50x and FiiO E06 is already a deadly combo. Overall, X1 isn't a bad choice for Hi-Res audio and it's not worth to spend thrice on X5 just for few extra features & nice body.

[@mkarchives1373]

Aman Manik The new coming version of the X3, called the X3K will have the same UI layout as the X1 which is a good news for those wishing a step up version of the X1. I've just received my X1, and waiting for the micro SD to get things started. With all the good reviews I've seen here and there from the player, I'll probably put aside my old Nano Ipod 2nd generation, which still works well.

[@mikemlm]

Hello, I would like to ask also about M50 that I posses and potential combo with X1..Is this a best choice for the price range and do I need maybe for best audio quality an E12..? I mainly listen to classic, metal, chillout and I have now a Sony E443. Will the difference be notable between the two..?! Thanks !

[@Joe1900-v4q]

HeadphoneReviewHQ Hello, i have bought Fiio x1. I pair it with sony mdr-xb30ex in ears and the sound quality is very good. But for some reason i feel that the Fiio x1 is underpowered by my in-ears(16ohm). So would you please recommend me a powerful headphone that would bring out the fantastic sound that Fiio x1 is capable of. Is there any great headphone in your estimate, under (150 dollars- max-200). (

[@kawhileonardmichaeljackson8501]

I need help deciding which headphone to get. I either want the ath m50x, sennheiser momentum, sennheiser hd598, or beyerdynamic dt770. Im looking for a clear,clean, balanced,natural and detailed sound without sacrificing bass,mids or treble. I listen to rock(metallica,iron maiden, queen, scorpions, black sabbath, ozzy),pop(alot of michael jackson), rap, soundtracks(rocky,wizard of oz) and watch movies/shows. I never tried open headphones and dont know if they would be good for my music. Sorry for the rambling but i just need help deciding.

[@MaviNK]

Very nice review, i have one very important question that actually you haven't mentioned in your review. Can it be used in high intensity running? I mean, will it be able to survive the sweat? As most of the people buy portable music players for running and gymming. I'll be happy if you reply promptly!

[@Xenoforge78]

+Naveen Kumar Mavi I'm pretty sure it comes with a black rubber case you can put over it.

[@azsamsasho]

hello :) I consider buying X3 or X5 in the end of the month,what headphones... would you suggest I should be buying,thank you

[@akki015]

+alexander neshev ath m50-x

[@mindseyelynx9738]

Where did you go man? I loved your videos.... HE-400s --- come on man I need a review on it :D

[@krishtrinity]

exactly what i am wondering,half of the devices i own is because of him

[@CDXXIX]

Pretty sure he is dead.

[@fitoou1]

Im sry if you said it during the video, but whats about the battery life? if my iPod Classic breaks someday after all its years i think ill buy this one.

[@dominik2057]

Are there any problems between "Fiio X1" and "Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 250 Ohm"? Have I then also sufficient reserves in the volume?

[@sicness0]

I have a question: How would this device sound with a Beyerdynamic T70p headphone?? I own a Sony walkman NWZ A17 player and I'm looking forward to change it for a Fio X1 or X3

[@krazYFaic]

How does the shuffle function work? Is it like apple's where you pick the first song and the next song is random or is it like an android shuffle where it shuffles everything and you don't get to pick the first song?

[@smartwarden]

How does this compare to the Sony NWZ-A15 or A17 ? I'm interested in the sound quality, thanks.

[@Linuxwarlord]

Great vid, how does this compare to an X3 Gen2?

[@TreesOnTheBeach]

Really good, detailed review. Thanks for posting.

[@CesarFerrer]

I'm viewing this in August, 2016, would you still recommend this for $100? or should I spend it anywhere else? looking for a mp3 player like this.

[@sharronpeters7753]

Great review!!, Helped me decide to get it.

[@lifelessperson1993]

I'm new to ear-phones et c... Would you recommend pairing this (FiiO X1) up with the ATH M50X?

[@ransherparihar]

Fantastic review. Ever since they killed the iPod line (the only thing apple got right) I've been looking for alternatives. Not only does this support sd card, I really like its look too.

[@HeadphoneReviewHQ]

Yeah, Fiio is constantly delivering high quality products at affordable prices. The X1 is no exception.

[@muttley9520]

Excellent review, thank you my man! OMG, I have the same M-Audio speakers!

[@SuperBlackdalhia]

Hi. Bass on the x1 seems to be a bit high. Will it be a problem if I pair it with audiotechnica ath-nc9 which is a bit high on the bass too or on the contrary a good fit? Will eq be able to correct that?

[@philipshapkin6607]

Would really love a review on those grado's Btw definitely buying this mp3

[@taraaboz]

great review! thanks a lot! I'm looking forward to buy this!

[@DominoChild]

Also, does this mp3 player require a default media player, like itunes does for the IPod? What other media players are compatible with this product? (The Ipod had players like, "Copy Trans", "Amarok", Banshee" (the latter two being for linux)). Can I connect the X1 to any computer and sync it without having to worry about all of my songs being deleted, like with the Ipod? As you can tell, I'm trying to find a product that is an alternative to the now discontinued Ipod classic.

[@junits15]

+DominoChild you can just drag and drop files on to this

[@Rossi0489]

how does it sound compared to the walkman nwz e384.Nice video realy helps

[@RobertJohnsson]

R.I.P Allen!

[@AutumnOnFire]

Did he die?

[@daymarew]

I think the retro look gives it an unusual finish. It looks good.

[@dzubmariner]

i'm currently using brainwavz m4s with my samsung s4 for my music needs. sometimes i use my ipod naon 6th gen too. would this be a significant upgrade over the two devices? also, would the m4s be a great combo with the x1? thanks!

[@ddave7026]

I love the look! retro/tech stuff rocks.

[@AmirAbdullah]

Good review, seen one on Amazon used. I may get this or the Another one used as well.

[@elstepeeno23]

Should I ditch my E17 for the X1? Or buy the X1 and pair it with the E17? I have currently the E17 paired with my Zune HD and my Monster Turbine Pro Gold, but the bulk is getting a bit annoying. I am wondering if the X1 is the ultimate "all-in-one-solution" sound wise for my MTPG (Might be considering the X3 or X5, but the price for the X1 is just right for my budget, and plus if I get the X1 it will be my first time listening to FLAC rather than 320 all the time, so am quite ecstatic!) Thanks :)

[@HeadphoneReviewHQ]

Hey man, for your Monster Turbines, the X1 should be all the power you'd need. As I mentioned in my review, the sound quality is quite good, and it should have MORE than enough power to drive your Turbines. For your headphones, I would go with the X1 over the X3 for a couple of reasons. 1. I hated the button layout on the X3 - the X1's UI is so much better than the X3, at least for me. 2. You're not trying to drive higher impedance headphones and the X1 will have more than enough power to drive yours. I'd personally believe that if you got the X1 you'd be more than happy with your sound. There are a couple of things to consider though - and I don't know your listening situation, but the E17 buys you the fact that you can use it essentially as an external soundcard for a computer, a PS3, etc. With the X1 you're simply getting a standalone audio player. If you want to have the external DAC functionality like the E17, the X3 will do that...so, just know what you're getting and what your own use cases are and that should help you decide - in terms of power and sound quality, they're all pretty excellent.

[@pottswilliam]

I just bought the FIIO x1 and it was hooked up to the FIIO E12 MONT BLANK AMPLIFIRE but when switched to out put the EQ TURNS OFF and then when switched back to headphones it turns back on there is no information on regarding this question or any other questions i am guessing it has to do with the x1 amplifier being off when it is switched over what is you thought I NOT SURE ABOUT LEAVING HEADPHONE ON POWER TO POWER ISNT A GOOD FOR THE UNIT OR AMP CORRECT ME IF I AM WRONG other than that it sounds great what is your thought s of ATH M50 WITH THIS UNIT

[@CompoundNihilist]

A stellar review, as usual from you, but isn’t there a setting to repurpose the buttons you’ve complained about? I recall seeing a screen that can change the settings on those, perhaps tied into a firmware upgrade. That aside, there seems no better company as far as more bang for your buck than FiiO. I’m astounded the quality they provide for a fraction of the cost of other DACs and DAPS. Sony just announced a Walkman for over a grand and FiiO’s X5 is a third of the cost and I’m betting just as good if not better. Grados are pretty magical with the X1 and their teensy E6 amp complimented it even more. When I found out that Apple was discontinuing the iPod Classic I started looking for alternatives and already owned a FiiO amp. “Nature abhors a vacuum” and FiiO is definitely filling many voids.

[@HeadphoneReviewHQ]

Hey man - thanks for sharing! So, I just went back into the settings to find what you're talking about. They only thing I saw was the Lockscreen button settings. From what I could tell messing around with that is it just enables or disables buttons - you can't actually re-purpose those. I'm running Firmware 1.1. I'll check to see if there's another update available because that would be killer if I could tell the system to stop it with the volume buttons! And yeah, I totally agree. I just saw the announcement of the new Sony which looks killer, but $1k is a lot to swallow for a portable media player - it better bring its game hard! The Sony did sound interesting from the perspective that you can use it for streaming as well as for lossless stored media and the like. No doubt the UI could be tailored to whatever you'd like considering it looks like a nice capacitive touchscreen...all that being said, I completely agree with the value proposition that Fiio brings to the table - for the price, they're incredibly hard to beat.

[@CompoundNihilist]

HeadphoneReviewHQ They've just issued a new firmware, which I think is 1.3 and it's pretty great.

[@BecauseICan]

You make great videos. When will you be back from your underground bunker?

[@Bhrazz]

Loved the review. Won't be getting one lack of FM trasmitter. I'll rather use my phone. Still looking for a good high class mp3 player with radio.

[@navaneetsuresh561]

Hi, was wondering if a firmware upgrade fixed the double-purposing of the volume keys to switch tracks when the screen's off? wanted to buy this for my wife for her birthday, didn't want a trivial functionality to be an annoyance..TIA!

[@DeadDiznee]

Latest firmware does not correct the double purposing. Keep in mind that the only way you can advance tracks with the screen off is to actually hold down the volume button for a couple of seconds. It won't advance tracks if you merely touch the volume button.

[@bryanperera202]

I have Sennheiser HD 598 which is 50 impedance headphone.Do you thing these can drive them.And how is the soundstage?

[@metamofia]

Can we create a playlist in this?

[@freddynavejas]

does it remember last position played for audiobooks?

[@Mandalore06]

Would someone tell me if FIIO ever fixed that volume button repurposing issue?

[@stoogethree4438]

What type of headphones/earbuds does one buy with this? I have no clue My last mp 3 player was a creative I'm low-tech but like quality

[@motap001]

Good review. Thanks for mentioning about High resolution music. 44.1 at 16 bit is fine. Our hearing is in the range of 20hz-20khz. Will probably buy the X1 base off this review....thxs

[@muharemihsan3826]

hi, it sounds better than Cowon ? thanks

[@N3ukenInD3K3uken]

So...any videoformats supported? + is it required that you transfer files through the usb cable between the pc and the X1 (while the SD card is in it obviously...) or is it possible to transfer files to the SD card and thn inserting it into the player, or will this provide issues? does it require additional software to transfer or is it just drag and drop?

[@HeadphoneReviewHQ]

No video formats. You don't have to transfer via the X1 connection - you can put your files on your microSD card (this is how I did it). No software needed...just drag and drop if you do the connection.

[@N3ukenInD3K3uken]

HeadphoneReviewHQ nice... using a usb 3.0 cardreader I should be able to get around the slow transfer rates. Thx for the reply! (and the review ofc.)

[@davidholt2335]

Great job on this.

[@MeepMeep88]

Sorry I don't mean to be ignorant but.... Why not just use your phone? Once again I apologize if this was already mentioned in the review but the review is long (which is a good thing) but I don't want to try and find it for just one question. Is it merely just for quality of the sound?

[@lizichell2]

+Mochaka Boom for anyone who actually cares about the music they listen to, the photos they take and the video they shoot, then that question just proves to them the intelligence of the average smartphone user.

[@lizichell2]

+lizichell2 P.S. use a phone just for that. A phone. You may as well ask why not just perform heart surgery with a vacuum cleaner.

[@MeepMeep88]

lizichell2 Meow So the fiio is able to shoot video and take pictures?

[@lizichell2]

No because it's a purpose built HD audio player and excels at performing one task as opposed to a phone that does 20 tasks rather craply

[@krashkow]

+Mochaka Boom Sound quality is part of it. Another is library size. My music library is far larger than my 64 GB phone (or even the 128 GB max of the X1). Further, not everyone can count on streaming to always work right if they are in a rural area, or they may be limited in how much data they can pull for the month. And for some people, it's just plain easier to have their music be in one place, their phone in another (which sounds counter intuitive for some, but others will get it immediately).

[@waelwell8909]

Which do you think is better, the "Fiio X1 2nd gen" or the "Sony walkman NWZ A15 " as they are close in terms of price ? Thanks.

[@widM_]

a15, no doubt. Did you see the battery life on Sony? and whole UI is better in my opinion.

[@waelwell8909]

widM Thanks :)

[@msmeraglia]

does this have a lock button/option for pocket use?

[@dobbsiancant7736]

nice review.i want to get one soon.

[@mado0000]

hey man, nice review. i wanted to get this media player as a replacement for my ipod nano 5th generation. i am using the v-modas crossfade lps and as u can tell im a bass head. i feel like i need slightly more bass than apple has to offer but i still enjoy some rock and classical music. any clue on how the bass stacks against the ipod nano 5th gen? thanks

[@HeadphoneReviewHQ]

I have never really been a user of the iPods (not because I didn't like them but just never grabbed one). However, having owned a couple of iPhones, the one thing that the X1 has over the iOS devices is the fact that you can set your own EQ rather than using one of their presets...So, if you want more bass, you could always bump that up and drop the other bands to bring the bass even more forward. That said, I was pleasantly surprised with the EQ'ing from the X1 - it's controlled and smooth and does a nice job tweaking the sound.

[@HeadphoneReviewHQ]

So a quick followup. I just did exactly what I described - dropped the last five bands near the bottom and jacked up bands 1 & 2 (62Hz, 160Hz) and I'm listening through my M50's right now and with T.I's Top Back it sounds killer! :-) So yeah, with your LP's it'd probably rattle some grey matter loose!

[@mado0000]

HeadphoneReviewHQ thanks for the quick reply. I think I'm getting one soon :)