Review: Fiio X5 Second Generation Part 1

The Play Settings menu includes settings for:

  • Play mode (normal, shuffle, repeat track, repeat all). These can also be accessed in play mode with the upper left button.
  • Resume mode (off, same song, and same position in song)
  • Gapless play back
  • Setting maximum, default, and fixed volume
  • Gain switch (3.6 or 9.1dB)
  • Equalizer – 10 band, with 9 presets which can all be edited.
  • L/R balance setting (now 10 dB each side)
  • Play through folders setting

The equalizer is the same as the one found in the original X5 and newer X3ii. The option to actually change the presets to your own liking is incredibly handy – and if you’re comfortable with editing the firmware, you can actually customize the names as well.

Engaging the equalizer automatically drops the output by 6dB (actually 5.9 dB according to my SPL meter) to reduce the chance of clipping. This time the equalizer can be used with both digital (coax) and line-out, but is not engaged when playing hi-res tracks (DSD, or anything over 88.2 sample rate).

The other settings all work really well, and what I really appreciate is the option to use set volumes (I default to around 30/120) on start-up, so there are no “accidents” with a sensitive IEM and using the last setting for full cans when you last switched the X5ii off. I do notice that utilization of this feature is not really necessary for me any more though, as I typically never turn the unit off now that it has the deep sleep mode (more on that later).

Folder Mode

Folder mode is once again brilliant and I still pretty much use it as my default on all Fiio devices. The addition of being able to play through folders (automatically advance from one to the next) is also a killer feature, and one I use all of the time.

For those with large libraries, I definitely recommend multi-level folder management to make browsing quicker. I split my library into alphabetical groups of 3 (A-C, D-F, G-I etc), then list artists under those folders, and albums under the artists. I’ve also seen others do similar with genre, and even year – it just depends on how well you want your library managed. I have over 450 albums now, and I can usually get to the exact album/song I want (using folder browsing) within a relatively few wheel turns and button clicks.

A warning for those used to touch screens, or Apple type GUIs though – if you don’t want to spend the time setting things up properly, you will be disappointed. There is no accelerated scrolling – so if you have a large library and a single major hierarchy with a lot of folders – chances are you’re going to get sick of the wheel pretty quickly.

Like the other Fiio DAPs, the X5ii sorts alphanumerically, then alphabetically. So for my album files – I use “01 name”, “02 name” etc. If I have a 2 disk album, I’ll use “1.01 name”, “1.02 name” etc then “2.01 name”, “2.02 name”. Again, a little forethought with library management works wonders.

Category (or tagged) mode

In category mode (or tagged mode) you can play by song, artist, album, or genre, and there are also options for favourites and playlists. Choosing artist brings a natural hierarchy of album then track (works well). Album brings in track underneath the album chosen. Selecting by genre collects all the tagged genres together, but then lists everything in one massive selection by number first, then alpha – so for me, all my “01 filename” tags get bunched together, then “02 filename” etc. Unless you plan on putting things in shuffle mode, it makes the genre selection useless. It needs to be sorted by artist and album first. Likewise, choosing by song just lumps everything (in the wrong order) into one directory. Good if you simply want to shuffle every track in your library – useless otherwise. This is why I primarily use folder mode.

Fiio has now had two years with all of its DAPs using the same format with tagged browsing – so realistically I don’t think it is going to be changed any time soon. This is actually a great pity as it is genuinely holding all of their DAPs back (IMO) from achieving “legendary” status. Because of the limitations, the only time I use tagged mode is to play by genre, or to shuffle every track ion the library.

I haven’t used favourites or internal playlists much as they still have to be manually added track by track. I found this laborious right from day one, so I simply use an external database and editor to create external playlists. This takes some getting used to, but ultimately works very well. I save the playlists to my root directory – or you could put them in a single folder – then access them by folder mode. One thing that does irritate me with playlists is why (after scanning the database) my external playlists don’t appear in the “Playlists” category. It’s not hard to navigate to them in folder mode – but this is something that could be improved.

Buttons

The upper left button brings up a context menu (that is dependent on the menu you are in). When you’re in play mode, this is a quick way to access track playing modes (including repeat, shuffle, add to favourites, and delete). From the main menu it brings up the play settings options.

The upper right button is a back button which puts you back to your last menu choice until you reach the main menu screen. Pushing it again from there will take you to the now playing track window. Pushing and holding will immediately take you to the main menu.

The bottom two buttons are forward, back / up, down / fast forward, rewind / next menu item / previous menu item – depending on your application.

The middle button is simply to select (i.e. action button). If you want to change volume – hold this button in (when screen is active) and the wheel volume control is activated.

Overall the UI is reasonably responsive – but can sometimes have some small lags between button press and actual action (this includes the wheel). One way to make this better is to have no art in the tags, and just have a single album art picture in each directory.

Overall – if the Apple (think latest Touch or iPhone) UI is a 10 (and that’s what I’d give it) – this initial fw release would come in about a solid 7-8 for me. It’s very usable, and has plenty of features. I do think it could be (and should be) improved though – especially with the Song and Genre tagged selections.

Comparisons on the next page

4.3/5 - (167 votes)
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Paul is a Kiwi from Down Under (New Zealand) and spends his time selling Lamb by day, and playing round with audio gear by night. He's a self confessed music junkie, with wide musical tastes and a penchant for female vocalists. He is not a golden eared listener, prefers to review armed with an SPL meter and objective measurements, and does his best to balance objectivity and subjectivity. Mostly though, he can be found with headphones on his head, and a smile on his face - lost in the moment.

77 Comments

  • Reply June 15, 2015

    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 🙂

  • Reply June 15, 2015

    V2760 .

    Is gain and volume have zero effect when using line out?

  • Reply June 15, 2015

    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.

  • Reply June 15, 2015

    Jeff

    Surprised to see you here Brooko but great review 🙂

    • Reply June 15, 2015

      Headfonia_L.

      Hoping/planning on seeing him a lot more on here 🙂

  • Reply June 15, 2015

    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) 🙂

  • Reply June 15, 2015

    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.

    • Reply June 16, 2015

      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.

  • Reply June 15, 2015

    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.

    • Reply June 16, 2015

      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.

      • Reply June 16, 2015

        Dave Ulrich

        I love a good contrast

      • Reply June 17, 2015

        Anthony Kimball

        I certainly do (appreciate contrast)…I look forward to it!

  • Reply June 15, 2015

    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?

    • Reply June 15, 2015

      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 😀

    • Reply June 16, 2015

      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.

      • Reply June 16, 2015

        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.

        • Reply June 16, 2015

          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.

  • Reply June 15, 2015

    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

    • Reply June 16, 2015

      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.

  • Reply June 15, 2015

    Chris

    Well, at least now I think it looks much better

    • Reply June 16, 2015

      Brooko

      Definitely a sleeker and more modern look.

    • Reply June 19, 2015

      ohm image

      You finally made it here. Great to have you here.

  • Reply June 15, 2015

    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.

    • Reply June 16, 2015

      Brooko

      Thanks. Hopefully there will be more collaboration in the future if Headfonias readers enjoy the contrasts.

  • Reply June 16, 2015

    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!

    • Reply June 16, 2015

      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 🙂

  • Reply June 17, 2015

    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

    • Reply June 18, 2015

      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.

      • Reply August 18, 2015

        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.

        • Reply August 18, 2015

          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 🙂

          • Reply August 18, 2015

            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.

            • Reply August 18, 2015

              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.

              • Reply August 18, 2015

                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 🙂

  • Reply June 28, 2015

    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?

    • Reply June 30, 2015

      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?

      • Reply June 30, 2015

        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).

        • Reply June 30, 2015

          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.

          • Reply June 30, 2015

            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.

            • Reply June 30, 2015

              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 🙂

              • Reply July 1, 2015

                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.

                • Reply July 1, 2015

                  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.

                  • Reply August 18, 2015

                    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.

                    • August 18, 2015

                      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.

                    • August 19, 2015

                      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.

            • Reply July 1, 2015

              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.

              • Reply July 1, 2015

                Freckle

                I may have to tweak my EQ for the H6s. The Senn HD600s might have been a better choice for less bass emphasis.

                • Reply July 1, 2015

                  dalethorn

                  Not a huge difference on a lot of music, but for some genres it really stands out.

    • Reply June 30, 2015

      Headfonia_L.

      I’m not getting the Jr, Nathan is getting it though. But he doesn’t have the X5SG

      • Reply July 10, 2015

        snip3r77

        It would be great if the same reviewer has the X5SG and the AKJR.

        • Reply July 10, 2015

          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.

        • Reply July 10, 2015

          Headfonia_L.

          Well I already said he doesn’t… 😀

          • Reply July 10, 2015

            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

            • Reply July 10, 2015

              Headfonia_L.

              I have no idea what you mean

            • Reply August 18, 2015

              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.

  • Reply July 15, 2015

    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 ?

  • Reply July 16, 2015

    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

    • Reply August 18, 2015

      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.

  • Reply September 3, 2015

    Ajay Marrott

    How is the X5ii compared to the DX90?

  • Reply September 23, 2015

    Roscoe Trey Nicholson

    Reading on the train, so may have missed it but how does the sound compare to your Micro iDSD?

  • Reply November 3, 2015

    Rajesh Madan

    Rm ….Has any one experienced X5ii stuttering on Hirez files 24b 96k and above.

  • Reply January 16, 2016

    Sergey Green

    Does it need to burn in to sound better? What is your take on it?

  • Reply January 27, 2016

    Nick Woolley

    Is it known if you can do more than the 128GB for each slot?

    • Reply January 27, 2016

      Headfonia_L.

      I haven’t tested it myself but it should be ok. The guys on Headfi also know more about it

  • Reply February 18, 2016

    John Hogendoorn

    Would love to hear yr comment on the x7 compacter to the x5ii, and is there an x7 ii coming up too?

  • Reply March 19, 2016

    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

    • Reply November 15, 2016

      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.

  • Reply November 17, 2016

    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?

    • Reply November 18, 2016

      Lieven

      Of course there’s a huge difference. That’s logic.

  • Reply March 9, 2017

    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.

    • Reply March 9, 2017

      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.

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