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The X1 tops out at 128GB and doesn’t support the exFAT filesystem on SDXC cards, so cards need to be formatted to FAT32 to work reliably — and a Class 6 or higher speed rating is the real minimum to avoid stalling on high-bitrate lossless files. SanDisk and Kingston are the brands tested most thoroughly by X1 owners.
| # | Product | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SanDisk Ultra microSDXC 128GB | $14–$20 | Amazon · eBay |
| 2 | SanDisk Extreme microSDXC | $18–$28 | Amazon · eBay |
| 3 | Kingston Canvas Select Plus microSD | $10–$16 | Amazon · eBay |
| 4 | Samsung EVO Select microSDXC | $12–$20 | Amazon · eBay |
The picks, in detail
SanDisk Ultra microSDXC 128GB
The maximum supported capacity in a well-tested, reliable card — the go-to choice for X1 owners who want to fill it with lossless files.
- 128GB capacity (X1’s max supported size)
- Class 10 rating
- Requires FAT32 formatting for X1 compatibility
- Maxes out the X1’s supported capacity
- Well-proven reliability specifically noted by X1 owners
- Plenty of speed headroom for high-bitrate lossless files
- Must be manually formatted to FAT32 — the X1 doesn’t support exFAT
- 128GB may need periodic reformatting if you buy it pre-formatted as exFAT
SanDisk Extreme microSDXC
A faster-rated card than the Ultra line, offering extra headroom for the largest DSD and high-bitrate APE files.
- UHS-I, Class 10/U3
- Available up to 128GB
- Higher sustained write speed than the Ultra line
- Extra speed margin for demanding DSD/high-bitrate files
- Same trusted SanDisk reliability as the Ultra line
- Good if you also use the card in other devices needing faster speeds
- The X1’s own interface won’t fully utilize the U3 rating
- Costs more than the Ultra for a benefit mostly realized in other devices
Kingston Canvas Select Plus microSD
A budget-friendly card that meets the X1’s real minimum requirement (Class 6+) without paying for unused speed.
- Class 10 rating
- Available in multiple capacities up to 128GB
- Kingston reliability
- Meets the X1’s actual requirements at a lower price than SanDisk
- Good reliability track record
- Simple, no-frills option
- Requires the same manual FAT32 formatting step as any SDXC card on the X1
- Slightly less brand recognition among audiophile forums than SanDisk
Samsung EVO Select microSDXC
A reliable, widely available alternative with good sustained read/write speeds for lossless audio playback.
- Class 10, U1/U3 options
- Waterproof and temperature resistant
- Up to 128GB capacity
- Strong reliability reputation
- Durable for portable use (water/temperature resistance)
- Competitive pricing versus SanDisk
- Not as specifically tested/discussed in X1 owner communities as SanDisk or Kingston
- Still requires FAT32 formatting for X1 compatibility
Buying tips
- Format any SDXC card to FAT32 before use — the X1 doesn’t support exFAT, and most large cards ship pre-formatted as exFAT out of the box.
- 128GB is the maximum size the X1 has been tested to reliably support — don’t buy a larger card expecting it to work.
- Stick with SanDisk or Kingston if you want the most owner-tested reliability specifically on this player — both brands have the strongest track record in X1 owner discussions.
As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.