Digital audio gamers (DAPs) have advanced into a vital part of any critical audiophile’s moveable setup. These versatile gadgets consolidate storage, digital-to-analog converters (DACs), and headphone amplifiers right into a single, high-performance unit. Whereas manufacturers like Astell & Kern usually dominate discussions on this class, FiiO has quietly constructed a fame for producing feature-rich DAPs with outstanding worth. One such standout is the FiiO M23 SS, the stainless-steel variant of their newest digital audio participant, priced at $899.99. This assessment provides a complete evaluation of the M23’s aesthetics, performance, technical specs, and real-world efficiency.
What Comes In The Field
The FiiO M23 arrives with a thoughtfully curated set of equipment, making certain customers can start their listening journey instantly:
- M23 Digital Audio Participant
- Pre-installed Display screen Protecting Movie
- Protecting Case (Darkish Blue Aluminum Model)
- Leather-based Case (Silver Stainless Metal Model)
- USB-A Male to Kind-C Feminine Adapter
- Tray Eject Pin
- GPL V2 Handbook
- Guarantee Card
- Kind-C to Kind-C Information/Charging Cable
- Fast Begin Information
Aesthetics and Construct High quality
The M23 SS exudes sophistication with its polished stainless-steel chassis, making a visually putting and sturdy machine. The reflective rear panel provides an virtually clear phantasm, showcasing FiiO’s dedication to aesthetic finesse. Whereas stainless-steel tends to draw fingerprints, the included leather-based case mitigates this problem whereas preserving the participant’s elegant look with a grille-back design. The unit’s substantial 392.3g weight conveys sturdiness and suggests the highly effective parts housed inside.
Ergonomically, the M23 options well-positioned tactile buttons that provide satisfying suggestions. The quantity management, particularly, is a spotlight—combining a capacitive touch-sensitive slider with a bodily button press, enabling exact changes. The machine’s 5.5-inch 720×1440 show is vibrant, providing crisp visuals and responsive contact performance.
Software program Interface and Person Expertise
Operating on Android 10 and powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 processor, the M23 provides a smartphone-like person expertise. Navigation is fluid and intuitive, particularly for these conversant in Android gadgets. First-time customers are greeted with a guided setup tutorial, facilitating a seamless introduction to the DAP’s options.
App compatibility is intensive, because of Google Play Retailer integration. Pre-installed functions equivalent to Tidal and the FiiO Music app provide rapid entry to high-fidelity streaming and native file playback. Multitasking between apps stays clean, with 4GB of RAM offering adequate headroom for numerous duties.
Connectivity and Versatility
The M23 excels in connectivity, supporting each wired and wi-fi configurations:
Wired Utilization:
Twin USB-C Ports: One for information, the opposite for impartial energy enter. This separation minimizes electrical noise and allows simultaneous charging and playback.
Headphone Outputs: Single-ended 3.5mm (PO/LO/SPDIF) and balanced 4.4mm (PO/LO) ports accommodate numerous headphone varieties.
Wi-fi Utilization:
Bluetooth 5.0: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LHDC, and LDAC codecs guarantee high-resolution wi-fi transmission.
Bluetooth DAC/Amp Mode: The M23 can act as a receiver, streaming audio from exterior sources and amplifying it for wired headphones.
AirPlay Help: Seamless integration with Apple gadgets expands its wi-fi capabilities.
Efficiency and Energy Output
FiiO outfitted the M23 with an AK4191EQ+AK4499EX DAC configuration, famend for its correct, low-distortion sign processing. The participant’s output energy is tailor-made to accommodate a variety of headphones:
- Balanced 4.4mm Excessive Acquire: 475mW+475mW @ 32Ω
- Single-Ended 3.5mm Excessive Acquire: 125mW+125mW @ 32Ω
- Over-Ear Headphone Mode (Balanced): As much as 1000mW per channel
With an SNR of 125dB and a THD+N score of 0.00038%, the M23 ensures pristine audio replica throughout all quantity ranges. The low noise ground (<1.9μV PO, <3.1μV BAL) eliminates undesirable hiss, even with delicate in-ear screens (IEMs).
Battery Efficiency
The M23 homes a 5500mAh battery, providing:
- 10.5 hours (Single-Ended Output)
- 9 hours (Balanced Output)
The impartial energy enter port permits bypassing the interior battery throughout stationary use, preserving battery longevity and sustaining constant energy supply.
Listening Impressions
The M23 delivers a impartial but partaking sonic profile, making certain minimal coloration whereas enhancing element retrieval and spatial imaging. The DAP drives each low-impedance IEMs and power-hungry planar magnetic headphones with authority.
Check Pairings
Audio-Technica ATH-R70xa: Famend for studio precision, the M23 revealed delicate textural nuances and transient particulars, enhancing the headphone’s reference tuning.
HIFIMAN HE1000: The M23 exhibited outstanding synergy with this planar magnetic flagship, emphasizing dynamic vary and offering ample headroom for complicated musical passages.
Storage and Media Dealing with
With 64GB of onboard storage (roughly 46GB out there), the M23 helps microSD playing cards for expanded capability. Customers with intensive high-resolution libraries might expertise preliminary indexing delays; nonetheless, efficiency stabilizes as soon as recordsdata are built-in.
Closing Verdict
The FiiO M23 SS is a formidable DAP that rivals costlier opponents whereas sustaining an accessible worth level. Its premium construct, versatile connectivity, and highly effective audio efficiency make it an excellent companion for each informal and demanding listeners. Whether or not streaming wirelessly or leveraging its high-powered balanced output, the M23 excels as a complete moveable audio answer.
Retailing at $899.99, the FiiO M23 stands as a testomony to the model’s dedication to innovation and high quality. Audiophiles looking for a strong DAP with cutting-edge options will discover the M23 an indispensable addition to their assortment.
The FiiO M23 SS is out there right this moment at Audio46.
