Budget player and portable amplifier for smartphone from FiiO. We connected it to an iPhone and realized that Apple couldn’t do that.
Our editors have received updated versions of FiiO : the budget audio player X1 II (second revision) and a portable amplifier of the new line.
We not only listened to the devices, but also made a detailed sound comparison: an audiophile player versus an iPhone with an amplifier.
FiiO X1 II - the perfect upgrade to the perfect player
The previous version of X1 can be called an example for all manufacturers of portable music equipment - everything is in place. The new version of the device has only gotten better.
The player's dimensions are slightly larger than a matchbox. But holding it is much more convenient due to its more elongated body with rounded edges. And the materials are different now. The back cover is metal, the front surface is glass. What could be better?
A balanced headphone output, memory card slot and microUSB are located at the bottom. The screen remains unchanged - the same color LCD panel with a resolution of 320 x 240 is used.
The power button and volume rocker are now semi-recessed into the body, and their placement prevents accidental pressing. But you don’t have to stretch - everything is exactly under your finger, index or thumb. Yes, the FiiO X1 II is a rare case when the design allows you to hold the device with either hand and not feel discomfort.
The dimensions of the player allow you to click on any key on the front surface, including the wheel. “Menu”, “return”, “back”, “forward” remained unchanged - they are mechanical, clicking pleasantly under the fingers.
The control wheel has been updated, and now it is one of the main features of the FiiO X1 II. In the past, this control was mechanical and was a source of criticism from some users. Now it has been replaced by a touch surface of the same shape, in the middle of which there is a central Play/Pause key.
Thus, nothing changes for fans of the brand - the control method remains the same. But it became more convenient and distinct. No random scrolling or jamming. The responsiveness of the sensor is beyond praise even in the cold: no sticking, no phantom clicks.
Another innovation is the proprietary FiiO operating system, which runs the X1 II. It is based on the open-source MIPS Linux and can be further developed by enthusiasts.
The menu is divided into five separate items. The first item allows you to go to the song that is currently playing. The second is a really very convenient library that reminded me of Foobar. The third is folder navigation.
Next are the playback settings, which allow you to select the playback order and repeat, turn on and off the memorization of the current position and volume, and fade-out between tracks. A 7-band equalizer, balance and line input settings are also hidden here.
The list is completed by a system menu that meets all expectations from a device of this class. I note that the localization of the firmware is ideal. The fonts are chosen correctly (their eye-popping quality is familiar to all fans of budget players with losseless support).
I assume that the company itself will not leave the product without updates - such an OS solution provides fertile ground for the development of patches, updates and expanded functionality. The only drawback of this choice was the lack of a license for the popular aptX codec in the original distribution.
Yes, you heard right - FiiO X1 II is now equipped with an energy-efficient Bluetooth 4.0 with high-speed streaming. Moreover, the player is equipped with the function of broadcasting to two devices simultaneously. For example, into a headset and home audio system.
Another hardware innovation of the second revision is the car mode of the microUSB connector. Activated it, plugged it into the cigarette lighter, started the car - the music started playing. I turned off the ignition and the music turned off too.
The heart of the X1 II was the JZ4760B . Digital to analog converter (DAC) - PCM5242 . OPA2322 is used as a built-in filter . The amplifier is an ISL28291 chip. There is still no built-in memory - any flash drive that comes to hand should work for it.
Thanks to this set of solutions that will inspire awe in every audiophile, the FiiO X1 II has excellent technical data. Thus, the range of reproduced frequencies is 5 Hz – 60 kHz. The maximum audio resolution for most playable formats reaches 192 kHz/24 bits, but for WAV and Aiff it is even higher - up to 192 kHz/32 bits.
The harmonic distortion level is amazingly low for a portable device - just 0.003%. And this is with an impressive power of about 70 mW. This is enough for any headphones with an impedance of up to 100 Ohms.
Since the player is the youngest in the updated line, it lacks some of the features of the flagship models. Thus, FiiO X1 II is not equipped with a USB DAC function. In addition, DSD is not in the list of supported formats. If it is vitally necessary, you will have to buy a less affordable version of FiiO, or wait for custom firmware.
Diagrams on the official FiiO website show slight distortion at 14 KHz and 20 Hz. There are also blockages: from 10 to 100 hertz and from 5 to 10 Hz. However, most of these frequencies are not heard by humans, and the pursuit of such numbers is exclusively for marketers.
An excellent device has an excellent battery. from FiiO in this regard. The device is equipped with a built-in non-removable 1300 mAh battery, which is fully charged in less than 3 hours. By the way, unlike many competitors, the device goes to sleep when paused - and the battery life does not drop at all.
When using regular 32-ohm headphones, the new model will last up to 12 hours (with the screen off, of course). “Mugs” with high resistance when listening at maximum volume (I don’t know who wouldn’t have their brains drained from this) will eat up the battery in 8 hours.
Detailed characteristics of the player can be found here.
conclusions
In the audio world, the truth “you have to run as fast as you can to stay in place” is truer than anywhere else. Fiio have taken a vigorous pace and are not slowing down. The X1-II is a very good upgrade from their smaller model. Of course, there is no mega-breakthrough here that will make you sell your current player and rush to buy this one, but for those many who are just looking for a suitable device to join the world of high-quality sound, the X1-II will be the final point in their choice. Of course, it has several flaws in the firmware, but they will be corrected over time, and the stylish appearance, good sound and affordable price will remain with us for a long time. Until the next update in a couple of years.
FiiO A5 - something that will make even stones sound
In addition to the updated player, FiiO brought to Russia the first model of a new line of portable amplifiers. The device will immediately replace two amplifiers loved by customers - FiiO E12 and FiiO E12A .
In fact, FiiO A5 is the E12A , but with the power of a regular E12 .
The index has been changed as part of rebranding. Now brand amplifiers will have the letter “A” with a number given in accordance with the model range of players.
At the moment, A5 is the company's new flagship.
And it fully confirms its status using a very cool combination of MUSESO2 + LME49600 .
This solution results in amazingly low distortion levels. But there is no DAC in the amplifier circuitry - only an analog audio source can be connected to it.
FiiO A5 can connect headphones up to 300 Ohm. When such monsters are connected, the output is more than 150 mW, and the distortion is slightly less than 1%. Most of us use simpler headphones, which deliver peak power of an incredible 800 mW for portable audio (at 32 ohms).
The channel separation shows an impressive 75 dB, and the SNR is just like that of desktop models - ≥ 115 dB.
All this sonic magnificence is enclosed in a familiar all-metal body with an extremely laconic design. The battery is built-in - no removable covers disturb the harmony. Its capacity is 880 mAh, which is enough for 13 hours of listening to music.
On the left side of the FiiO A5 there is a microUSB port and a special Bass Boost , which enhances low frequencies by +6 dB. The left side is absolutely clean.
All other elements are concentrated on the top of the device: volume potentiometer, gain mode switch and both 3.5 mm jacks (input and output). The regulator is partially recessed into the body, but it can be turned even with gloves. True, there is a chance of random activations in your pocket - but you have to try.
Detailed characteristics of the amplifier can be found here.
FiiO X1 II sound test
The changes affected not only the appearance. ULTRASONE EDITION M on-ear monitor headphones confirmed this.
The midrange of the low frequencies has a pleasant depth. Envelops, tightens. The blind sounds especially pleasant on the double bass - it gives the impression that the musician is playing live.
The bass sounds smooth, without splashes. This allows you to listen to any genre, using an equalizer if necessary. But it’s better this way - low frequencies adapt to themselves very conveniently.
The middle is accurate, clean, without blockages. Vocals are not lost among any instruments, from winds to guitars. Even complex compositions of symphonic metal-jazz-neoclassical band Diablo Swing Orchestra do not turn into mush - what can we say about classical compositions?
The issue with high frequencies has been resolved in an interesting way. The player is equipped with a high-pass filter that cuts off unnecessary squeals and squeaks. Because of this, music lovers with perfect pitch may feel that the highs are pinched. But most music lovers, even if they notice an effect, will be more likely to be happy with the filtering.
FiiO A5 sound test
The amplifier was tested in two stages. The headphones remained unchanged. The source used was FiiO X1 II and everyone's favorite iPhone 6s Plus.
In the first case, there is nothing to tell - you need to hear it with your own ears. Excellent detail and the correct bass of the player is not distorted or lost. Everything remains in place, but becomes much louder. Enabling Bass Boost solves the issue of a smooth frequency response and perfectly colors low frequencies.
It’s a pleasure to listen to hip-hop and alternative metal on such a combination. Goosebumps, hair standing on end. You know how it goes. At maximum volume, the headphones can be used as portable speakers.
Unfortunately, the used headphones are not able to reveal the connection between two FiiO devices. In this case, you need to use something even more serious.
Connecting the amplifier to the iPhone did not disappoint. Compared to the combination of player + amplifier, the stage is a little compressed, the detailing of the upper range is worse. Yes, and extremely low frequencies cannot be heard. But in order to sort out these shortcomings, you need to have remarkable training and an ideal ear for music.
Perhaps, for most users it is worth recommending just such a combination: a smartphone with good sound and a FiiO A5 . This is enough for any music, any headphones. Crystal clear and extremely powerful sound.
Sound
The following headphones were used to listen to the device: Meze 99 Classics, Lear LHF-AE1d, Ambient Acoustics AM10, Audio Zenith PMx2, Noble Kaiser K10AU, Campfire Audio Jupiter, Dita Audio Brass and others.
When reviewing the first version of the X1, I noted that it sounded very good for its price. The main flaw in the sound was that the bass lacked a little weight and a little more composure. For some reason, this was later interpreted as “the X1 has few low frequencies,” although quantitatively everything is quite normal there, the problem was precisely in the elaboration. The modified X1-II audio path generally corrects this problem. Of course, the new X1 does not become a basshead player, so those who are interested in getting “more bass” should look at other models. The presentation of the Fiio X1 is close to neutral, with a slight bias towards darkness; the player does not strive for excessive detail and detached sound.
As always, when talking about the sound of a fairly budget device, it is worth distinguishing between relative and absolute assessments. In relative terms, the second generation Fiio X1 sounds great for its price, probably the best sound I've heard in this price range so far. The presentation is musical, quite consistent, without pronounced problems.
When compared with more expensive devices, of course, it becomes clear that the X1 is a budget solution, and you have to pay for better sound.
Bass is moderately fast, with good depth and composure for the price category. The textures are worked out very nicely, although, of course, there is no ideal separation of low-frequency instruments here. The player processes attacks normally, but you can find fault with the decays a little; sometimes they are slower than required, which, in fact, is what causes imperfect separation. However, players that do not have such problems start in the segment three times more expensive.
Mids are moderately detailed. There is no micro-contrast and resolution of the older models of the X line, but the player does not graze the rear ones in this regard either. Taking into account the fact that this model is clearly not positioned for extremely complex technical styles of music, the player does not need razor sharpness. The other side of the coin is the player’s tolerance to the quality of recordings and the pleasant consistency of presentation. The vocals are brought forward a little, which adds a little depth to the imaginary scene, however, the depth still remains average. The width is also approximately average. The detailing of the instruments is not bad, but without minor nuances; the size of the instruments is slightly smaller than average.
High frequencies, as expected for this price category, are presented in a simplified manner, without rich after-sounds. However, compared to the X1 of the past, the high frequencies have taken a step forward in naturalness and elaboration. Quantitatively, they are well balanced and confidently contribute to the music.
Naturally, one cannot help but write a few words of comparison.
Fiio X3-2. As expected, the middle model sounds better, although the gap is smaller than between the old X1 and X3-2. The difference is best heard on the HF, as well as in the construction of an imaginary scene.
xDuoo X3. A rougher and more colored version of the sound, X3 adds more aggressiveness and drive to the midrange, but this does not always benefit the material. X1-II as a result sounds more neutral and balanced.
iHiFi 800. An unusual player for connoisseurs of detailed and bright presentation. X1-II offers the listener tighter and more collected low frequencies, but at the same time worse resolution and development of high frequencies.
Hidizs AP100. At the moment, in terms of price and quality ratio, this is one of the best players. In terms of presentation, it is darker than X1-II, offers better development of the midrange, but its high-frequency range sounds dirtier. In addition, but noticeably larger in size.
Whatever one may say, it’s better not to find
The devices reviewed today have a similar price category, but very different purposes.
The FiiO X1 II player is still a budget device for audiophiles, so you shouldn’t expect anything supernatural from it. On the other hand, no smartphone has such sound quality. Most players with a price tag of up to 30,000 rubles sound much worse. The presence of Bluetooth makes the X1 II a universal device, without which you can’t go to the gym or go to work.
If its capabilities are not enough, you should pay attention to the amplifier. The X1 II + A5 pairing sounds incredible and will fit with any headphones on the market. In this case, they will determine the character of the sound, leaving the quality unchanged. However, you can get by with one amplifier. This is the best iPhone companion. And it will work just as well with other smartphones.
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