FiiO X Series

Swed noted that the X3 utilizes that same digital-to-analog converter that is found in much more expensive players, such as Astell & Kern models that are being sold for $699 and $1,299.

[11] Steve Guttenberg of CNET compared the FiiO X5 to the Apple iPod Classic and the not-yet-released PonoPlayer.

He found the "iPod sounded vague and blurry next to the pristine X5" when playing identical ALAC audio files.

The review also noted that the PonoPlayer plays fewer formats than the FiiO X series players, but costs more than the X3.

[12][13] A review of the X3 in Hi-Fi World reported that the sound and amplification are good, but added that the interface was "least intuitive" and "inelegant."