Click to view our Accessibility Statement or contact us with accessibility-related questions
Showing 1 of 28 conversations about:
springbay
108
Aug 12, 2019
bookmark_border
Just a heads up. FiiO regularly sell the X7ii for less or even bundled with accessories for less at their official Ali Express store. I picked up my X7ii in a bundle with the K3 and their BT remote control for $510 during some sales event in March 2018.
Ok, I know that was a very good price, and the reason why I could not resit buying it. I've seen the X7ii for sale in the AE store many more times after that, so the Drop price is not that much of deal if you don't take into regard what kind of import taxes you'll have to pay in your country.
I like the DAP. It's chunky, takes an eternity to start and all that. The newer FiiO Android DAPs seem much snappier and are probably much more capable when it comes to BT and WiFi connectivity.
Though, I bought the AM3D (THX-AAA) amp-module when FiiO sneak released it in their AE store a couple of months ago and the X7ii with the AM3D is just a perfect DAP for me. I have not tried the combo with all my head gear. But works great with sensitive IEMs like Andromeda S, and a perfect match for my MDR-Z1R, and also brought life to my Verum1 that I think sounded kind of dull before.
I also have the AM2A and the AM5 amp-module but I have previously almost never used them, since the AM3A that comes with the X7ii works fine with just about anything, and I'm to lazy to change the module just because I change headphones. So after I switched to the AM3D module, it will not be coming of.
ridhuankim
669
Aug 12, 2019
bookmark_border
springbaycan you share the sonic differences between am3a and am3d?
I dont see anyone reviewing it after the March reviews for release.
Evshrug
3772
Community
Aug 13, 2019
bookmark_border
springbayI saw the THX amp AM3D module on AliExpress too, but I thought it was released in general and would stay in stock XD
Wish I had bought it!
FiiO X7 mkII is currently listed as “Mid-Summer sale special” on Ali Express for $670 USD. I don’t know if there’s a deal-watch app like how Amazon has camelcamelcamel to track price history, but I have a feeling the “summer Black Friday” sales are over and this Drop will be one of the better prices until Black Friday in November.
(Edited)
springbay
108
Aug 13, 2019
bookmark_border
EvshrugThe AM3D was back again, some weeks ago. I believe they have limited stock of it. I heard some reviewers didn't get the AM3D since FiiO had no to spare.
There is usually an event in September at AE, so FiiO will probably do something then as well. But other than that, the best deals are on Singles Day (November 11) every year on AE. Even though they are also doing black Friday nowadays.
FiiO never do special sales on their "new" gear during the AE events, but are known to do sales and bundles on their older gear quite often. It would surprise me if they don't do a first gen Q5 sale during the autumn. They have already done some X5iii sales at very low prices.
The way I was able to pick up the AM3D, was because I checked their AE store every day from the beginning of May. And it was only available for a couple of days
springbay
108
Aug 13, 2019
bookmark_border
ridhuankimI think it's kind of dangerous to do a comparison between the two. In my opinion good amps should not affect the sound, but amplify the source without interfering. And they are both good balanced amps.
I almost exclusively used the 2,5 bal output on the AM3A and now the 4,4 Pentaconn output on the AM3D, so naturally I use different cables that might affect the sound.
Right now I'm listening to my Andromeda S with a 8 cores, 5N OCC copper, silver plated conductor cable though the Pentaconn jack.
I can only describe what the AM3D module achieves, meaning I can listen at a low volume due to the low noise floor, that let me experience all the details without any loss of information, while still experiencing the punch of all instruments without any registry bleeding over another. I don't remember that I could do the same on the AM3A, where I had to raise the volume on some tracks to hear all the information. But this might all come down to pairing the right headgear with the right amp.
One thing for sure though. In comparison the AMA2 module made all my gear sound kind of dry and almost dead when I tried it out a long time ago, while the AM5 module had an overly lush effect, more like a running river twirling and making things sound energetic.
So I recommend the AM3D module to all X7ii and Q5 owners that have already jumped on the Pentaconn train and like to listen to music on a low volume.
ridhuankim
669
Aug 13, 2019
bookmark_border
springbayThanks for your insight.
I am absolutely happy with my stock am3a module and obviously on the fence whether I should buy the am3d.
I dont use pentaconn connectors so I would prolly need to buy am adapter to 2.5mm tssr.
I saw am3d was available on AE so I was thinking.... Should I?
springbay
108
Aug 13, 2019
bookmark_border
ridhuankimNo, if you are absolutely happy with the AM3A, as you should, I see no reason at all why you should pick up the AM3D.
It would be another situation if you already were fully invested in the Pentaconn train and had some gear that you felt not worked that good with the AM3A.
We already know that there will be a new "must have thing" every next year. And at one point or another we just need to say, enough, and just enjoy the music.
Evshrug
3772
Community
Aug 15, 2019
bookmark_border
springbayWell, my module is fairly old, and I have two Pentaconn cables (my HD 660 S came with one, and I bought a real nice HD 800 one from Wireworld), so you could say I’m on the Pentaconn train :) I’m thinking of selling my Sony ZX300A and just putting the funds towards the THX AAA module once it becomes available. I don’t have anything terminated in 2.5mm, saw too many broken 3.5mm plugs when I worked at Apple, and I generally feel Pentaconn is more convenient (and lighter!) than XLR-4.
I know you were replying to @ridhuankim, but I appreciate the comparison to the AM2A module, which is what I have now. Interesting you find that module dry, because I find the Sony ZX300A even drier!
(Edited)
Offramp
76
Aug 15, 2019
bookmark_border
springbayGeez,
you guys make it tough. I’m ready to pull the trigger on this drop but, then you guys mention the M11pro. I need more information on that DAP, like sd storage, optical out, etc.
Then you bring up the THX amp module... So I’m torn here on jumping or waiting for Ali Express to give a better price. That may never happen...So I also need the AK 2000 yeah that one, that will be the last DAP I ever buy. I also need a source to feed my main system and two headphone amps. So I need optical outs to run through the source just for more options. I don’t really roll with IEM’s even tho I bought the AR-E10’s. When I fly it’s not like they gonna let me drop in a 1500 watt sound system either...The one at home exceeds that. Soooo I need info on that M11 anybody got solid info?
Evshrug
3772
Community
Aug 15, 2019
bookmark_border
OfframpLOL!
Sorry. If it makes you feel any better, I’m so happy with my X7 that I feel safe recommending the Mark II version, and it’s giving me the satisfaction to where I don’t feel the need to upgrade to the M11 Pro.
I’m sure the new DAP will be great, and so will the next big thing that’s just around the corner... but I heard the X7 (and the Mark II) and I know it’s a very high quality sound producer. I’ve even just used my X7 with line-out to a desktop amp when I didn’t feel like dedicating some screen real estate on my computer to another open program for music, and it did a swell job, definitely “flagship” worthy performance. The amp it comes with now is very highly reviewed and includes a 2.5mm balanced option if you need the power. If you get upgraditis later, the THX amp module is only $150 if you need it, but in all likelihood you’ll be happy with the stock module.
The M11 Pro release date would be announced already if it was ready to ship really soon, whereas this X7 mk II is on sale now at what I see as a very good price (much lower than the present Amazon or AliExpress price). The current non-Pro model version, just “M11,” is described as very good but maybe a bit harsh in the highs, which sounds like a small downgrade from the X7 I have... so maybe the M11 Pro will be worthy of taking the X7’s crown, but we’d have to wait even longer for enough people to write reviews to come to a consensus.
But, if you’re in no hurry or have no immediate use for it, you could always wait for the M11 Pro or the next big thing :)
Offramp
76
Aug 15, 2019
bookmark_border
OfframpWell found out the M11pro wins in the storage category, wins in the dac category but no word on optical out.
A Sabre dac is rather easy to find in a source. If I can get a cheaper price I’m all for it.
So I’ll prolly go M7II and AKsp2000 to round out the DAP’s. Thanks anyways
Evshrug
3772
Community
Aug 18, 2019
bookmark_border
OfframpThe M11Pro will not have an optical out, just coax. I don’t figure in a player’s internal storage so much... I care more that the M7ll has two microSD slots.
I agree with you about the Sabre DACs... I have a lower end Sabre chip in my PS Audio Sprout, and it’s a bit harder/less pleasant in the highs with a picky headphone like my HD 800 (though it could have something to do with the class-D amp inside too. Sounds good with my speakers, and HD 650). The ES9018S (the S is important, a higher end desktop chip with 8 channels, rather than the ES9018c2m or k2m usually found in portables) is in a few other components I have enjoyed, and I’ve found it capable of being near indistinguishable from the well-regraded Chord Mojo (on the FiiO M7 I have, it’s basically the same in performance and slightly different in flavor, almost indistinguishable with the line-out). The M7mkll is supposed to have a DAC/line-out performance that is even better (sounded good to me at informal demos at CanJam shows). The M11Pro’s Chip is not something I’ve been able to hear yet in any gear, but it’s supposed to be really good too, though the M11 was brighter and maybe a bit more edgy than the M7mkII.
Offramp, if you ended up joining the Drop, I think you’re going to be pleased 😃
Related Products
Drop Refurbished
Like-new products you can trustDrop Rewards
Get $5 for every 500 points you earn! Learn more
Drop Keyboard Club
Become a member and expand your keycap collectionCollaborate With Us
For Brands & DesignersFollow Drop