FiiO’s new M23 digital audio player proves that the dedicated music player isn’t dead, offering high-end audio quality and a wealth of features.
In an age dominated by smartphones with advanced audio capabilities like Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Sound platform, you might wonder if there’s still a need for dedicated music players. But for serious music lovers and audiophiles, the answer is a resounding yes. These individuals crave the best digital-to-analog converters (DACs), powerful amplifiers, and connections for high-end wired earphones and headphones – all features that the FiiO M23 delivers in spades.
This Android-based player boasts a top-notch DAC and superb THX AAA-78+ amplification. Like an Android phone, it features a touchscreen and utilizes the latest AK4191EQ and AK4499EX chipsets from AKM for decoding digital files into beautiful analog music.
The FiiO M23 separates its digital and analog circuitry for optimal sound quality. It can decode most digital audio files, from humble MP3s to 384kHz 32-bit PCM, with support for DSD256 and MQA files. The player can even handle higher resolution digital sources up to 768kHz-32bit and DSD512 when connected to an external device via USB.
To ensure pristine audio, the circuitry is shielded to minimize interference and heat buildup. The M23 is a testament to meticulous engineering, designed to satisfy the most discerning ears.
Twin AKM DACs decode digital audio files into analog waveforms, which are then amplified by two THX AAA-78 amplifiers, resulting in a powerful and nuanced sound. THX has made significant strides in portable amplification, and the amps used in this player are among the best available.
While portable, many users will likely enjoy the M23 at home or their desk, streaming hi-res music from services like Tidal or Qobuz. Recognizing this, FiiO has included a Desktop Mode that digitally disconnects the battery charging circuitry and boosts the power supply, allowing the player to drive even demanding headphones, such as those with planar-magnetic drivers. This mode also protects the battery from overcharging.
As an Android device, the M23 is powered by an 8-core Snapdragon 660 chipset backed by 4GB of RAM. Its 5.5-inch color touchscreen boasts a 1,440 x 720 resolution. Users can opt for exclusive music mode or utilize the player like a smartphone without phone capabilities.
The Android platform allows access to the Google Play Store for downloading favorite streaming apps. Music can also be played locally from a microSD card with up to 2TB capacity.
The M23’s build quality is exceptional. A clear plastic case protects its textured finish, while the controls are logically laid out, including a power switch, sliding volume control, a shortcut button, music control buttons, a Desktop Mode switch, and a Hold button to prevent accidental activation.
The player features a microSD card slot, a USB-C port for charging and power, a second USB-C port for digital output, a 4.4mm Pentaconn balanced earphone jack, a 3.5mm unbalanced earphone jack (which also doubles as a digital coax output), and a 5,500mAh rechargeable battery.
The M23 supports Wi-Fi across 2.4 and 5GHz bands and offers six operating modes: Android, Pure Music mode, AirPlay, USB DAC, Bluetooth Receiver, and Roon Ready.
The M23 delivers exceptional sound quality thanks to the high-quality AKM DACs and THX amplification. The sound is detailed, precise, and remarkably musical, lacking the metallic or stilted qualities often found in digital audio players.
The FiiO M23 is available now in Blue Titanium and Stainless Steel versions, priced at $700 / £649 / €700 and $899 / £799 / €849, respectively.
Technical Specifications:
- DAC: Flagship AKM AK4191EQ + AKM AK4499EX
- SoC: Qualcomm 660.
- Amplifier: THX AAA-78+ (x 2).
- Display: 5.5″ 720 x 1440 (18:9 Ratio).
- Power Output (Desktop Mode): L+R≥1000mW+1000mW (32Ω, THD+N＜1%), L+R≥730mW+730mW (16Ω, THD+N＜1%), L+R≥240mW+240mW (300Ω, THD+N＜1%)
- Power Output (Internal Battery): L+R≥630mW+630mW (16Ω, THD+N＜1%), L+R≥475mW+475mW (32Ω, THD+N＜1%).
- Power Output (Internal Battery with HiFi Boost Mode enabled): L+R≥760mW+760mW, (32Ω, THD+N＜1%).
- Gain Modes: Low / Medium / High / Super-High.
- Headphone outputs: 3.5mm (Single-ended) / 4.4mm (Balanced).
- Line outputs: Yes (3.5mm (Single-ended) / 4.4mm (Balanced)).
- Coaxial output Yes (3.5mm).
- Bluetooth (Receive): SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX LL, aptX Adaptive, LDAC
- Bluetooth (Transmit): SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, LHDC.
- Micro SD Slot: Up to 2TB.
- Desktop Mode: Yes.
- RAM / ROM: 4GB / 64GB.
- Battery capacity: 5,500mAh.
- Battery life: 10.5 Hours (full charge).
- Audio support: PCM up to 384kHz/24-bit, Native DSD256
- MQA support: Yes.
- Dimensions: 136.5 x 75.7 x 18.1mm.
- Weight: 299g.
- Colors: Blue Titanium / Stainless Steel.
More info: fiio.com