The Fiio X3's Wolfson DAC is highlighted for its superior sound quality, a detail appreciated by long-term users.

The X3 offers a 300mA output, which is reportedly higher than newer FiiO models, contributing to its distinctive sound.

The Fiio X3 Mark II is appreciated for supporting a wide range of file formats like MP3, ALAC, and FLAC, ideal for diverse music collections and high-resolution audio.

A sleep timer is a must-have feature for some users, indicating that similar functionality should be considered when looking for replacements.

Users report the Fiio X3's UI lacks an 'All Songs' option, complicating navigation through artist and album categories.

The Fiio X3 can become overwhelmed with multi-level folder structures, limiting its usability for users with extensive music libraries.

Users compare the X3's Wolfson DAC favorably to early iPod models, noting a decline in similar quality in newer chips from Cirrus Logic.

The iBasso DX160, despite old Android OS and sluggish CPU, is liked for sound quality but suffers from known hardware issues like faulty power buttons and 3.5 mm jacks.

Owners express a strong emotional connection to the X3, often due to its sound quality and reliability over the years.

An owner mentions the X3's micro USB port as a drawback, especially compared to newer models with USB-C, highlighting the inconvenience of older connectivity standards.

Activating the hold switch does not immediately turn off the backlight, potentially impacting battery life.

Firmware update 1.31 addressed some minor annoyances, but significant UI organization issues remain unresolved.

Users prefer the X3 for its neutral sound profile, making it suitable for genres like metal and classical music, paired with headphones like KZ ZSN Pro and AKG K-701.

A 200GB SD card slot is crucial for Fiio X3 users, allowing extensive library storage, an important feature for those using large music collections.

The device struggles with 64GB SD cards, often requiring users to organize music into a single folder to function properly.

The Fiio X3's track sorting uses ID3 tag information, leading to non-intuitive alphanumeric ordering, which frustrates users seeking organized playback.