I used versions of AQ Diamond X3's for several years and felt they bettered my Lapis in most areas. It has been a while since using them, but I do recall a distinct improvement in the several versions that were offered over the years. I believe two earlier versions I used had a "glossy" gunmetal grey jacket, whereas, the latest incarnation I used had a "flat" grey jacket which sounded quite a bit better than the early versions in my system...much more smooth and extended.
