DX100 First Impression:
Tested the DX100 through my UM3x (stock cable)
- Improved separation of details, the UM3x sound very upfront and close up previously. Unable to hear very well defined splitting up of details.
- Tested on one of my favorite track "David Garett - Smooth Criminal"—I was amazed at the first 15 seconds of the track. The way the ambience portrayed itself gives a very surreal feel to the music. Towards the later part at 2:28, where more instruments start to come in slowly one by one. I can still feel the clear articulation of more than one instrument, compared to the Cowon J3 with the same track which previously have the tendency to jumble everything together but still make it sound acceptable.
Going towards a more mainstream genre, I tested on Justin Bieber - Mistletoe. A very neutral response, throughout the track I could detect the bells gently ringing behind his vocals. A lot more realistic to listen to, they definitely stick to the linear frequency response chart.
Lastly, another song I always like to test iems/daps with: Frank Sinatra - Girl From Ipanema. A very relaxed presentation overall and tested with 3 different genres which still the DX100 fare very well and justify the premium price being paid for.
The Cowon J3 is a good player on its own, but tend to be colored with a brighter sound on neutral EQ and JetEffect settings off. I've been a long time user of Cowon but I have to say that DX100 is really the next stage to go to, the only drawback now will be the unstable system which I'm sure will improve over time.
Some cons noted on the DX100:
First few playbacks without music starting and earphones/headphones already plugged in, I keep getting the high pitch sound as if there is a endless loop from a speaker to a mic (feedback) in enclosed hall. Stopped encountering this after a while but the occasional hang still occurs.
Will update according after more burning-in and also when I get my hands on more CDs to rip and test out tracks with.
