[General Accessories] vectron:
This is a review of FiiO X7 accessories. http://fiio.net/en/products/49, leatherette and leather cases available on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B2D1336/?tag=vectron00-20 and http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B2DHQIM/?tag=vectron00-20

Just like with smartphones, many people enjoy personalizing their DAPs and search for accessories to make their gadget stand out from the crowd. Some accessories are not just about the visual enhancement, but also the improvement of usability and safety. Here are a few essential ones released by FiiO for their latest X7 flagship.

FiiO X7 Stickers (ST-X7) – available from FiiO Aliexpress store http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Sticker-for-FiiO-X7/1473108_32563966868.html for $6.90

Here you will find 5 sticker kits, each one with 10 self-adhesive textured pieces that feel like a vinyl sticker to the touch. Each of these kits correspond to a specific theme with Carbon fiber, Light wood, Dark wood, Shield (resembling Captain America), and Spider (resembling Spider-man). With a material being textured, they actually enhance the grip, making X7 slick metal body not as slippery, and can also enhance the fitment into the case. I personally didn’t apply one yet and not sure if I will since I prefer using the case, but I can probably see myself using a set with carbon fiber finish. One thing to keep in mind, X7 amp modules are removable/replaceable and different modules will have different port opening at the bottom (between 3.5mm and additional balanced port). Thus, if you want to keep your X7 covered head-to-toe in stickers, take your time to decide which amp modules going to get it!

FiiO X7 Tempered glass screen protector (PF-X7) – Available from FiiO Aliexpress store http://www.aliexpress.com/store/pro...ass-screen-protector/1473108_32566963466.html for $10

While using a sticker is a matter of personal preference, I highly recommend the tempered glass as a must have accessory. X7 comes with a regular film screen protector which only protects display glass from scratches. If you drop your X7 face down or drop something on top of it – the glass can easily crack or chip. Tempered glass absorbs some of the impact and if/when it breaks – your display glass stays intact. This is Japanese brand Asahi glass with a typical 9H hardness rating and anti-scratch finish. I also have a feeling it has an oleophobic coating since it kept fingerprints off.

Application of this tempered glass screen protector was very easy, just have to remember to remove default film screen protector from X7 first, clean the glass with a provided alcohol wipe, remove the sticker off the glass, align and press it down squeezing all the bubbles from the center outwards. Right after application there was a few “wet” spots but they disappear within hours. Also, this screen protector works great with FiiO protective case. I did test sliding X7 in and out at least a dozen of times and glass stayed securely attached.

FiiO X7 leatherette (LC-X7A) and full leather (LC-X7B) cases. Both cases are available from FiiO Aliexpress store: http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/leatherette-case-for-FiiO-X7-LC-X7A/1473108_32584272247.html (leatherette for $14.99) and http://www.aliexpress.com/store/pro...e-for-FiiO-X7-LC-X7B/1473108_32584288008.html (real leather for $18.99). If you don’t have account on Aliexpress, you can try Penon (http://penonaudio.com/FiiO-X7-Slide-in-Case) or on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B2D1336/?tag=vectron00-20 and http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B2DHQIM/?tag=vectron00-20), though you will end up paying a slight premium.

I only received leatherette case which is a synthetic leather case (PU material), but found it to have a very convincing leather finish with a fake stitching and overall nice build quality. While having synthetic leather outside, inside it has a soft felt material protecting X7 shell from scratches and extra padding at the top to even out the battery hump. At the top of the case you have a generous cutout around LO port, and Left/Right sides have a symmetrical oval opening/cutout for the control buttons. For me personally that was the biggest advantage of using this case since now I was able to get a good grip around X7 without worrying of pushing buttons on the opposite side of X7 shell. As a matter of fact, the cutout made these buttons recessed, protecting from accidental pressing – perfect to carry in your pocket.

The bottom of the case was completely open to allow X7 slide in and out with ease. For a basic everyday use X7 stays securely in, but if I throw my arm down with some force – X7 did slide out by about an inch. It didn’t fly out, which is good, and was convenient for removing the DAP. The same with connected headphones, if I pull on the cable at the bottom – I was able to slide X7 out. I’m sure if I would have applied stickers, the fitment would be tighter. Overall it stays secure inside of the case, but it’s not 100% secure as if you would have with a fully enclosed case.

I also really liked the fact that now my display was recessed and I was able to place X7 face down on the surface. As I mentioned before, there was no interference with tempered glass screen protector. The only thing I wasn’t too happy about was the case covering the glowing blue light underneath of the display. Coincidentally, I read another impression where this wasn’t a problem and light was exposed. This suggests a marginal variation between builds. I know that some people don’t even care about this light and permanently turn it off. But for those who find it useful, just be aware that you might end up with a case covering it, unless if you can get a piece of sandpaper and expand the screen opening at the bottom.

Overall, in conjunction with a tempered glass this case does a great job protecting X7 DAP and enhancing its functionality. For under $30 (case and glass), this is a smart way to protect your $650 investment.