In modern society, with its established tradition of over-consumption, it is impossible to produce one product for a long time and feel confident (unless, of course, you are a "Hoegaarden Brewery"). The market of personal audio is no exception, the principle "run forward or die" here also works in full. Therefore FiiO did not tighten and updated its flagship X7.
As often happens, nothing supernova in the company did not become, the main load of innovation this year fell on the third generation X5, not without reason gathered a lot of prestigious design awards. Looking at this achievement X5-3, Fii decided that the new X7 also needs a side panel. Mark 2 received it. About the change of design, I'll tell you in the corresponding section, but for now let's talk about stuffing. The player is still working 4-core RK3188, the processor, of course, not the newest, but for portable players more than enough. To help him cope with the hardships and adversities, FiiO added a RAM device, increasing the total to 2 GB. To make the audiophile pleasant, the DAC was updated to the Pro version of the ESS Saber 9028, also a third master oscillator was added, now the DSD, multiples of 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz are clocked independently. Slightly increased battery capacity (to level out the gluttony of a more modern DAC) and added support for Quick Charge. For owners of huge collections have made support for the second memory slot, which in combination with 64 GB "on board" gives a very impressive amount of storage. Recycled and internal layout with shielding, improving protection against interference during the operation of wireless modules.
They also took into account the complaints about AM1 and, in the spirit of the fashionable trend "no day without balance", equipped the X7 Mk2 "out of the box" with a special version of the AM3A balanced amplifier with reduced power (which benefited both power consumption and noise).
The price did not increase, the player in the US is still sold for the same 650 dollars, but how much it will cost from our distributors, I do not know (the only thing I can say for sure is that it will be more expensive for official sellers ).
Specifications
- Processor: 4-core RK3188 @ 1.4 GHz
- RAM: 2 GB
- DAC: ESS9028 PRO
- OU: 2 × OPA1612 + 2 × OPA926
- OS: Android 5.5.1
- WiFi: 802.11 b / g / n (with support for 5 GHz)
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth V4.1, APT-X
- Screen: 3.97 ", IPS TFT, 480 × 800, 16.8M colors
- Built-in memory: 64 GB (available to the user ~ 55 GB)
- External Memory: 2 × MicroSD up to 256 GB
- Input: MicroUSB (support for QuickCharge, USB DAC, dock)
- Outputs: linear, optical and coaxial S / PDIF
- Outputs of the complete amplifier: 3.5 mm and 2.5 mm balanced
- Battery: 3800 mAh
- Charging time: Up to 2.5 hours with a standard adapter, less than 100 minutes with a QC
- Operating time (approximate): about 8 hours from the usual AM3A output, about 7 seconds from the balanced
- Support for lossless formats: APE, ALAC, AIFF, FLAC, WMA
- Support lossy formats: MP3, AAC, WMA, OGG
- DSD support: DSD64 / 128 (ISO, DSF, DFF), DXD: 352.8 kHz
- Dimensions: 128.7 mm × 67.2 mm × 15.5 mm
- Weight: 212g
Linear output
- Frequency range: 5 Hz ~ 70 kHz (-3 dB)
- Total harmonic distortion + noise: <0.0008% @ 1 kHz
- Channel separation: ≥103 @ 1 kHz
- Signal to noise ratio: ≥119 dB
- Dynamic range: > 114 dB
- Voltage: > 1.8 Vrms
3.5 mm output
- Frequency range: 6 Hz ~ 60 kHz (-3 dB)
- Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise: <0.003% @ 1 kHz
- Channel separation: ≥73 @ 1 kHz
- Signal to noise ratio: ≥ 116 dB
- Output Impedance: <1.2Ω
- Voltage: > 6 Vp-p
- Power: ≥150 mW @ 32Ω, ≥17 mW @ 300Ω
Balance output
- Frequency range: 6 Hz ~ 60 kHz (-3 dB)
- Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise: <0.003% @ 1 kHz
- Channel separation: ≥97 @ 1 kHz
- Signal to noise ratio: ≥119 dB
- Output Impedance: <1,7Ω
- Voltage: > 10 Vp-p
- Power: ≥400 mW @ 32Ω, ≥63 mW @ 300Ω
Packing and delivery kit
Boxes FiiO learned to do more 5 years ago. Of course, there are no wooden pallets or dermantinom covered with plywood. Traditional black cardboard of the main box and black "dust jacket" with minimalistic polygraphy. Inside, immediately under the lid is the player itself, on the layer below - complete accessories. The kit includes:
- Screwdriver for changing amplifiers
- Spare Cogs
- Alternative side strip for amplifiers
- Adapter for coaxial output
- MicroUSB-wire
- Silicone case, immediately put on the player
- Black with red threads leatherette cover
Also immediately in the factory on the screen of the player glued a protective glass (for which the manufacturer thanks, I always glue it unevenly and with bubbles).
In general, the package is more than good, but do not forget about accessories: dock, console, K5 amplifier and everything else - it's a nice plus player. In the kit, by the way, put a booklet advertising all this good, for some reason also mentioning the headphones F1 and F3, although they clearly are not a pair of X7-2.
Design
The main design change can be seen from the photos, on the left panel there appeared the same face as the X5-3, with the rocker of the navigation on the tracks, the wheel of the volume control and the play / pause button. Also noticeable is the "moving" of the power button on the top edge and the addition of a branded red ring around it (FiiO decided to reflect on its own identity). In fact, the design changes are a bit deeper, they give the X7 the second generation a more "adult" look. Left ledges on the front and back panels, distinguished the first generation, the screen is now almost level with the body. From the front panel, the logo disappeared (a step that not all "big players" dare), memory card slots are made with trays, and it looks much more solid. If you add to this quality build (including a good click of the buttons, not a dangling wheel with a quality encoder) and fit, now FiiO can be compared to top-tier players. Let's see how the model will behave in a few months of operation, but, for example, my A & K AK320's volume wheel works a little worse than this player.
Of the controls that I did not mention above, there is also a universal socket on the top panel (to the linear and coaxial outputs was added optical) and connectors on the amplifier module (normal and balanced). There is also a microUSB connector from the bottom. Of course, in this age of rapid development of USB-C, I would like to see it, but this standard does not allow you to get everything you need for branded docking stations, so you have to use an 11-pin MicroUSB that is compatible with the standard one.
Perhaps, it is the X7 of the second generation that is the largest pocket device for me. If he were even a little more, it would be unreal to carry him in the pocket of his jeans, and so the player with a little difficulty, but still goes there. The new asymmetric design adds an ergonomic device (the first generation of the player was sometimes forgotten, for which the buttons on each side respond). Immediately, the device itself occupies a comfortable position in the hand, and the fingers immediately fall on the control buttons.
Of course, the second revision retained compatibility with the amplification modules of the first model. To link them visually with the new side panel, the developers have made part of the projection, which falls on the amplifier, is removable. This solution allowed to kill both hares at once - both designer and backwards compatible. If you plan to use the X7-2 with the K5, at your service is a thin version of the attachment, included in the kit, with it the player will easily get into the dock.
If you compare the novelty with X5-3, you can note that the "younger brother" looks more flashy - absolutely right angles, an interesting texture of the front and back panels, black color - all this makes it more "wow-effective." Steel "titanium" color X7-2 gives the device a more restrained, as well as a suit often emphasizes the social status of a person.
I can not help but notice the presence of the QuickCharge function. In my measurements with MEEAudio Pinnacle P1 in the role of load the player worked 8 hours 10 minutes from the usual output and 7 hours 5 minutes from the balanced. The result is not a record, but this is the price of using a "full" 9028 in a non-mobile version. Thus, the ability to charge the player for an hour and a half to 100% becomes a very useful addition to the functionality.
Firmware
Of course, the main work on management falls on the touch screen (it was slightly improved, the resolution remained the same, but the contrast, the margin of brightness and the viewing angles were growing). Under the screen is still a smoothly blinking indicator strip, which can also still be disabled in the menu.
In the role of the operating system, as before, Android is working, but since the release of the first generation X7, its version has grown to 5.1.1 (the story was long and difficult). FiiO develops firmware for all three of their Android models on a common code base, so they are functionally close, and errors are fixed right away for everyone.
Of course, Android is not an ideal operating system in terms of battery saving and stability, but today it is the only way without any problems to implement support for streaming and functions like USB-OTG. Therefore, I'm 99% sure that the future of portable audio is just behind this OS (except for the most inexpensive solutions).
In X7 Mark II, like its predecessors, there are two modes - Android and Pure Music, but the difference between them is only that in the latter the player's application replaces the OS launcher, thus removing from the user's eyes (but not from the memory of the device ) superfluous applications.
Of course, the application player, called simply FiiO Music, is the central element of the firmware, and the company understands this. For X5-3 is already tested the possibility of automatic updating of the player without upgrading the entire firmware, soon this function will receive the other models, which will allow updating the program more often.
FiiO Music for X7-2 received a new light theme, which gave the firmware a sense of freshness, but in general the functionality is already familiar to those who used the players of the company with the Android OS.
Immediately after the launch (the player's download accelerated slightly and takes 44 seconds), the user is greeted by a familiar screen. Above is the cover of the current album, tap on it opens the playback screen. Below are three buttons: playlists, media library and DLNA. Traditionally, the media library allows you to view the tracks in a full list, by albums, artists, genres or folders. Svayp by track / folder allows you to do with them various operations such as deletion. There is also a convenient search (here it is, plus touch input).
Let's return to the main screen. Under the buttons of the library on the main screen there are lists of the most popular, recently added and recently lost tracks. In the upper left corner there is a button with a gear, pressing it opens the panel of the player's basic settings (scanning the library, selecting a theme, the lock screen and a number of other options). Here you can change the subject if you are bored and decided to see what the very first firmware of the past X7 looked like. At the bottom of the list are effects from VIPER. As before, some of them are free, some of it costs as much as 50 cents per piece, but for fans of "tweaking the sound" it is still an interesting option. By the way, the lock screen with full-size album cover is very good. Another cool "chip" player - automatic download of covers and lyrics on Wi-Fi.
Some of the settings are expected to be rendered in the "shutter", which is opened by the svaypom from the top edge of the screen. There are switches Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, restart modes (Android / Pure Music) and a number of other options.
Naturally, not without the third place with settings, familiar to almost all the settings panel Android offers both standard options such as clock and input language, and unusual: the choice of one of the 7 filters supported by 9028, channel balance and performance mode. By the way, the latter is an innovation. You can choose between a balance mode that provides better battery life and faster, designed to play the largest DSD files and other not very useful formats.
The playback screen is quite minimal, all the advanced options are hidden behind the button in the lower right corner that opens the menu. Here you can delete the track, add it to the playlist, twist the equalizer (traditionally it is better not necessary) or see information about it. Tap on the screen allows you to switch the display modes: album cover, track summary, lyrics or a pretty VU-meter. A little-known counter - the svayp from the left edge opens the panel with the tracks included in the current playlist.
In general, the firmware in recent years has been heavily dyed in the direction of speed and stability, I did not notice any major bugs or lags. Of course, some bugs in it will definitely be, especially when working with third-party software, but this is a fee for "full Android" on board, an alternative to it can only be hard-coded functionally firmware a-la A & K and theBit.
In the mode of Android, I almost never switch, but from the positive changes it is worth noting the integration of Google Play and the necessary for most programs Google Services.
In general, I can write the functions of the software for a long time, but I do not set myself the goal of writing a textbook "FiiO X7 Mark II for Dummies" - the firmware is quite simple, so you can deal with it in a couple of hours, and I already already wrote more than 11 000 signs, but did not get to the main one. It's time to move on.
Sound
To listen to the device used the following headphones: iBasso IT03, Meze 99 Classics, Audio Zenith PMx2, Noble Kaiser Encore, Campfire Audio Andromeda, 64 Audio U12, HUM Pristine and others.
The main "claims" that were put forward to the first generation of FiiO X7 on sound, were due to the regular amplification module AM1. The company took this into account and staffed the player with a balanced AM3A. The "original" AM3 differs markedly gluttony and noise with sensitive headphones, so FiiO reduced its power, successfully reducing the impact of both problems. At the user's service is still the entire range of company amplifiers (including my favorite AM2), but here we will talk about the stock configuration. The total supply of X7 is still neutral, but it is free from excessive dryness.
The bass of this player is neutral, without attempting to accent. It is fed without the favorite of many pumping, creating the effect of "mass", so that fans of increased pressure in the bottom (sounds like a euphemism) neutral AM3A does not fit, and in general it's better to look at other players at once. The X7 Mark II is authenticity, control and texture, however, when necessary, the player copes with the delivery of the necessary amounts of bass without any visible problems, it is not necessary to talk about lightness (except by the standards of hopelessly ruining your ears and the taste of a basshead). Of course, deep low frequencies are also present and played out without problems, this part of the range is a noticeable improvement over the first generation X7.
The mid-range is also ottyuningovann in the direction of impartiality, the player tries to play everything as is, without smoothing or adding emotions. On the other hand, the novelty is avoided and rolled into a dry monitor, balancing somewhere between these faces. Of course, the total impartiality of the DX200 is not a question, but the X7 Mark II also places high demands on the material, since you will hear exactly what is written down, and like any truth, this knowledge is not always pleasing. However, to buy an expensive player and listen to bad recordings on it - the whole idea is so-so, but in this case there is a kind and humane module AM2A for "those who want strange" ... I got distracted. X7 Mark II is good at constructing an imaginary scene, it is not huge, but obviously does not suffer from clamping, both in depth and width. On some tracks, the vocalist advances slightly forward, which adds a flow of spectacularity. If to say "in general", then the transfer of the character of the instruments is reliable, as is the emotionality of the quality tracks, so on good recordings the player sounds very engaging.
The HF range is another area apart from deep low frequencies, where the influence of the new DAC (and possibly the master oscillators) is particularly noticeable. The player copes well with the development of attacks and with the resolution of the HF-range, the length has also improved. The attenuation is slightly blurred, and the overall "stratification" of the HF lags behind the top models, but this is not very noticeable without direct comparison with something from the category ≥1000 dollars. Those who do not like HF, the player, of course, does not fit, attempts to hide something or specifically to soften the player does not, which in general is in favor of its neutral filing.
Of course, this review will not do without comparisons. This time I will limit myself only to models on Android and only those that I have available, write similar sections "from memory" - a less-than-useful activity.
FiiO X7 of the first generation . Of course, this is the first and main comparison. I compared these players to the same amps, using AM2 and AM3A for this. Immediately I can say that the difference is not huge, but clearly audible. The second generation is better at working low frequencies, especially lower registers, Mark II has better speed and texture transfer. Also noticeably better sound HF - improved and attacks, and extent. In general, if you already own a player of the first generation, rush to upgrade it urgently - there is no sense, the update is evolutionary, not revolutionary. If you just look closely at FiiO's flagships, then I suggest still overpaying for Mk2, a total increase in sound and a lot of nice improvements in hardware are worth it.
FiiO X5-3 . As I wrote above, the junior model, perhaps, looks more effective, and a more pocket form factor speaks in its favor. If we compare the sound, there will be different approaches to the construction of sound. "Five" plays more closely, with a pleasant touch of darkness and smoothed, comfortable HF. "Seven", as befits a flagship, does not try to change anything in the pitch, but, on the contrary, seeks to play back more politely, as if removing itself from the final result.
iBasso DX200 . It was compared to AMP1. Естественно, DX200 играет лучше — более хлёсткий бас, более проработанные ВЧ, разница не огромна, но она есть. С другой стороны, стоит отметить, что DX200 ещё критичней к качеству записей, крупней по размерам (для меня X7 ещё входит в разряд карманных устройств, а DX200 уже нет), да и стоит дороже. Так что выбирать надо исходя из того, является ли для вас звучание главным, и насколько качественный материал вы слушаете.
Compatibility
Запаса мощности AM3A хватит для подавляющего большинства разумных применений. Но именно в этом и состоит достоинство модульной конструкции, чего бы вы ни пожелали — огромной мощности или, наоборот, чего-то слабого, но долгоиграющего — вы можете это получить. Поэтому плеер можно адаптировать под практически любую модель наушников.
Стилистически новая семёрка вполне универсальна, при условии, конечно, что владелец предпочитает именно нейтральную подачу. В целом с плеерами подобного уровня желаемую окрашенность звука лучше получать с помощью наушников. К качеству записи плеер достаточно критичен, где-то на 8 из 10.
Традиционные треки-примеры
Dolores O'Riordan — Human Spirit . Прекрасная певица со сложнопроизносимой фамилией знакома нам в первую очередь как исполнительница хита «Zombie». Сольная карьера Долорес раскрывает её более лиричную сторону, причём, как это часто бывает у экс-рок-исполнительниц, трек достаточно сдержан по форме, но по сути эта сдержанность скрывает тонкую эмоциональную игру, которую способен раскрыть только техничный источник типа X7-2.
Green Day — Wake Me Up When September Ends . Как и сказано в названии, сентябрь закончился, и пора проснуться. Проснуться и отдать должное легенде поп-панка. Пожалуй, со времён расцвета Билли Айдола не было коллектива, так убедительно смешивающего бунтарство панка с эффектностью поп-музыки. Green Day выверены в каждом шаге, начиная с пафосного слезогонного клипа и заканчивая безупречным качеством записи. Именно последний фактор и позволил мне взять этот трек в подборку, флагман от FiiO отыгрывает его энергично, заставляя просто-таки погрузиться в трек.
Diane Coffee — Poor Man Dan . Ну и, пожалуй, ещё один поп-трек, на этот раз — очень интересный вариант калифорнийского попа, полного психоделических эффектов, местами в нём даже звучит что-то от классической Abbey Road. За простоватой внешностью скрывается очень плотная и насыщенная мелодия, расслушать которую целиком и помогает герой сегодняшнего обзора.
conclusions
Очень часто в обзорах продукции FiiO напрашиваются параллели с Apple. Обе компании явно входят в число лидеров своего рыночного сегмента как по продажам, так и по уровню решений. Обе компании подвергаются активной, но зачастую неадекватной критике, что, впрочем, не мешает им ставить рекорд за рекордом. Обе компании стараются развивать свою линейку эволюционно, что им вполне удаётся. Возвращаясь конкретно к X7 Mark II — очередной раз мы имеем одного из самых сильных игроков своего сегмента, не лишённого недостатков, но с лихвой компенсирующего их достоинствами.
The article is based on materials .
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