Speaking of the "National Brick", you may have the impression that it is large, old-fashioned in appearance, less functional and other keywords, but today's experience of this machine is different. It is FiiO Latest products X5Ⅲ It is a smart player of Android system with dual DAC, balanced port and dual TF card and supports fast charging.
Parameters and broken ideas
We can't avoid the custom. First, we will introduce the product parameters:
Model: X5 Ⅲ
CPU： Ruixin Micro RK3188 1.4GHz
RAM：1GB
ROM: 32GB (support dual tf card expansion, up to 256G * 2)
Screen: 3.97 inch 480 * 800 IPS
DAC：AK4490*2
LPF：OPA1642*2
Operational amplifier: OPA426*2
Headphone output: 3.5mm socket, 2.5mm quadrupole balanced socket
Analog audio output (Line Out): 3.5mm socket
Digital audio output (coaxial): 3.5mm socket (shared with Line Out)
Battery: 3400mAh
Weight: 186g
Size: 114.2 mm × 66.2 mm × 14.8 mm
USB：microUSB 2.0， Support QC2.0 and PE fast charging
Wireless network: 2.4GHz WIFI, Bluetooth 4.0 (supporting aptX)
Operating system: Android 5.1.1
Price: 2498 yuan
After reading the parameters, you may think that we have met for the first time. Except for the lack of GSM module and camera, this is almost the configuration of an Android smartphone. Compared with the general "national brick" with Android system, X5 Ⅲ also has obvious differences. It is the first one to support Qualcomm at the same time QC 2.0 and MTK PE The fast charging model also supports the aptX Bluetooth standard, so you can still enjoy high-quality music even in the wireless state. It can be said that fast charging is a new demand. 15W or even 24W fast charging is very common in mobile phones, while the power of ordinary national bricks is still 10W or less. The charging speed is really a bit urgent, and X5 III solves this problem well.
From the perspective of audio hardware, the X5 Ⅲ is not very cruel, but it has all the necessary features. There are two DAC, LPF and operational amplifier chips, and DAC uses Dual AK4490 This reminds us of the AK320 and AK380. Common output interfaces are also available, including 3.5mm headphone interface, 2.5mm balanced headphone interface, and the common 3.5mm coaxial+LO interface. This configuration is believed to be sufficient to meet the needs of ordinary Singers.
Unpacking and drawing appreciation
The packaging style of X5 III is a little fresher than that of the X7 Diablo. The front is still the rendering of the player and the foreign model we are familiar with.
There are some main selling points of the machine behind the package.
The inner package is designed with black paper box, with gold stamping brand logo on it.
When the inner layer is opened, the player body can be seen. It has been pre installed in the water jacket, and the buffer inner layer is attached, which can protect the body well. The front panel is a whole screen, and there is already a film in the factory. The protection is really excellent.
Take out the body and clean the back of the water jacket. In addition to providing necessary protection for the body, the clean water jacket also provides dust prevention treatment for the three interfaces at the bottom, which is worth praising in detail.
A leather case can be seen on the second layer of the package, and the official will launch a red leather case full of coquettishness later.
In terms of accessories, it is really a conscience. The water jacket, leather jacket, microUSB data cable, a 3.5mm coaxial line, a clip and related instructions.
Take out X5 Ⅲ. There is a large black front panel on the front, a brand logo on the bottom, and a Hi Res AUDIO "small gold label" on the lower left corner. I feel awkward and can tear it off.
It can be seen from the front that the structure on the left side of the fuselage is relatively complex, with some irregular lines. PS： It was learned before the deadline that X5 Ⅲ won the iF Design Award in 2017. Compared with other similar products, it can be regarded as a good face.
The back is also a whole glass panel. The front and back design is very simple. There is also a film on the back.
There are three buttons on the side, namely play/pause button, integrated song change button, and a volume wheel. Some people may ask, how can I take a screenshot when the "volume key" of traditional Android has become a scroll wheel? The answer is to use the power key+the two keys of the previous song to cooperate with the screenshot.
Look at the volume wheel on the side. It has a non slip design, and the texture is pretty good. The scroll wheel feels good. It has a certain sense of paragraph when rotating.
There is a power key and two TF card slots on the right. The way to remove the card holder from many metal integrated mobile phones is the same, requiring a card holder. The way of using the card holder is better than the traditional exposed card slot of the national brick in terms of dust prevention, and also avoids the durability problem of some products using the dust cover. The only disadvantage is that it is relatively cumbersome.
After taking out the card holder, we can see that it supports two TF card extensions, up to 32G+256G+256G in total 544G "Massive" storage space. However, I have to complain that the TF card is actually reverse dressed, and you should pay attention to it when you use it for the first time.
The volume knob is equipped with a blue led light with red circles around it.
There are four interfaces in the fuselage. I believe this configuration can meet the needs of most users. But obsessive-compulsive disorder may complain about how the interface is not in a straight line
Finally, it fits with the leather cover. The fit is good, and the black leather cover is slightly low-key.
System and operation experience
X5 Ⅲ system is based on Android 5.1.1 Yes, and it is a native system, so friends who have used Android phones believe that it is very easy to get started. Feiao's system is a bit special. It has two working modes: "pure tone" and "Android". The former opens the machine and directly enters the player interface. At this time, its functions are not very different from other "bricks". We can switch back to Android mode through the drop-down bar, and you can regain the rich functions of Android system in one second. This mode switching can be understood as that Feiao's player application "took over" the launcher of the system itself, and the pure tone mode will shut down all third-party services, leaving only the system and FiiO Music services
The X5 Ⅲ system is relatively simple, which is much simpler than the mobile phone system. There are even eight shortcut switches in the drop-down bar. Feiao has also customized settings for audio related mode switching, line output, gain, filter, etc. The X5 Ⅲ system has a secondary menu. The system does not have any redundant applications, but it has Google services.
The music player interface has complete functions, including information and settings. It is worth mentioning that X5 Ⅲ is equipped with 120 level digital volume control You can use the scroll wheel to call up the menu of volume adjustment. At this time, you can use touch screen and scroll wheel to adjust, which is convenient to use.
The audio settings of X5 Ⅲ are not less than those of X7. The audio settings are completely consistent, including digital filter mode, output mode setting, gain adjustment, etc. However, when it comes to the display settings, we find that the options of X5 Ⅲ still have a certain reduction. For example, the brightness only supports manual adjustment, and the backlight of the power key cannot be turned off (X7 has a breathing light band, which can be turned off). Of course, these small problems are harmless.
Although the overall operating experience is similar to that of a mobile phone, the overall visual experience and fluency will be weaker than that of mainstream mobile phones due to the small screen and low resolution, as well as the relatively weak configuration. However, according to the standard of a player, this degree can completely meet the requirements. The internal available storage space is about 26G.
As an Android player, X5 Ⅲ can perfectly support Netease Cloud Music, QQ Music and other third-party players, and the resources of songs are not a problem at all. In addition, it also took the lead in supporting Viper sound effect For ordinary users, ViPER4Android on Android phones may hear a lot, and it is commonly found in some third-party ROMs (of course, this version is also free).
In addition, it is important to mention the charging experience of the X5 Ⅲ. Through the galvanometer, we found that it can support the highest approach 16W The charging voltage is close to 13V , which belongs to high voltage charging. Although this kind of charging is only the mainstream level for mobile phones, it is absolutely unprecedented for a player. The actual charging speed is also satisfactory. It can be fully charged in less than 2 hours. We don't have to be picky about charging. The next generation of products will be more perfect if they can add Type-C and USB3.0 support.
Sound performance
Audition earphones: NF6i (balance port TWAU upgrade cable), VE6X1 (Heracles upgrade cable), Black Oriole (balance port OCAU+upgrade cable), Bronze Sparrow Bass, etc
Since there is no player with the same price on hand, I feel sorry for X5 Ⅲ when comparing with mobile phones. The following listening sense is about the voice of X5 Ⅲ alone, not involving comparison.
Low frequency: This may be due to the product positioning. The X5 Ⅲ has a good sense of volume and diving in low frequency, and a strong sense of atmosphere. Users who like "moving times and playing times" will like this low frequency style. For ordinary users, strong low-frequency is relatively easy to perceive, and the low-frequency tuning style is also a taste they are more willing to accept. The low frequency style of X5 Ⅲ is obviously different from that of X7 (with AM3). Compared with X7, it is plain.
Intermediate frequency: X5 Ⅲ's voice is not close to the ear, and certainly does not appear "far away". Its analytical power and resolution are not outstanding (the balance mouth will be significantly improved). The intermediate frequency does not highlight details, but rather pursues a softer sense of hearing, which will not give people a sense of analytic music. Its hearing endurance is good. In general, the intermediate frequency performance is standard.
High frequency: X5 Ⅲ is relatively restrained and also soft. The extension and details of high frequency are not its strong points, so some people may feel that its high frequency has been "cut". Of course, there is also a matching problem. The use of some high frequency headphones will make up for the shortcomings of X5 Ⅲ.
Balance port and thrust: Most of the front ends we contact will see a large increase in thrust after being inserted into the balance port. The most direct impact is that the volume needs to be reduced. The design of X5 Ⅲ is different. Its single end and balance port outputs are almost the same (the official data is 250mW and 240mW under 32 Ω load), and even the balance port is slightly lower, which is very different from the balance port in our understanding. However, the resolution improvement brought by using the balance mode is also significant in X5 Ⅲ. However, the thrust level of X5 III is good in the same price as that of the national brick. There is no big problem in dealing with ordinary portable earphones and earplugs. If you feel that the thrust is a little tight, you can try to open the high gain mode. In addition, the earphones with high sensitivity under the balanced mouth will have bottom noise, but within an acceptable range.
To summarize the voice of X5 Ⅲ, the style is more moderate and low frequency, which does not belong to the quality stream, and the listening feeling is soft and smooth. In terms of collocation, we can consider neutral or mid high frequency earphones.
summary
In the past two years, China Brick has also gradually moved towards intelligence, and more and more products equipped with Android system have appeared. The X5 Ⅲ has achieved a new height in functionality and intelligence. In addition to its intelligent system, it also supports the apt-X Bluetooth protocol, high voltage fast charging and other functions. Audio is also full of sincerity. Dual DAC, balanced port, dual TF card and other configurations are popular with users. Although compared with similar products, X5 Ⅲ is not the most outstanding in sound quality, but it has the characteristics of listening sense, perfect functions and differentiation that are more suitable for common users. As far as the small editor is concerned, he may prefer the X7 II which is more quality oriented. I believe it will also continue the ease of use of X5 III and the sound quality and playability of X7.
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