FiiO has been a frontrunner in the portable audio market, consistently delivering devices that cater to audiophiles’ needs. Their Spring Launch Event in March 2019 was no exception, showcasing a range of groundbreaking products. Among the stars of the show was the FiiO M11, a digital audio player (DAP) that quickly became the talk of the audio community. Not only did it boast an impressive design, but it also packed cutting-edge technology and features that set a new benchmark in the industry. With a price tag of $449, the M11 offers an unparalleled combination of performance and value. Let’s dive into what makes the FiiO M11 the fastest and coolest DAP in the market.
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The Tech Basic Verdict
The FiiO M11 is a high-performance portable music player that stands out for its exceptional audio quality, versatile connectivity options, and smooth performance. Its dual DACs and various headphone outputs make it a great choice for audiophiles seeking top-tier sound. However, the lack of Google Play Store and limited internal storage might be drawbacks for some users. While it’s priced on the higher side, the M11 justifies its cost with features that cater to serious music enthusiasts. Overall, it’s a solid investment for those who prioritize audio fidelity and flexibility in their listening experience.
Pros:
- High-Resolution Audio Quality: The dual AK4493EQ DACs and high output power ensure excellent audio fidelity, especially with balanced outputs.
- Versatile Connectivity: Offers multiple headphone outputs (3.5mm, 2.5mm, 4.4mm), along with Bluetooth support for high-quality wireless audio (aptX, aptX-HD, LDAC).
- Expandable Storage: Dual microSD card slots provide ample space for a large music library, up to 4TB.
- Smooth Performance: The Exynos 7872 processor and 3GB of RAM deliver a responsive user experience, even when handling large music files or running apps.
- Good Battery Life: The 3800mAh battery offers up to 13 hours of continuous playback, making it suitable for long listening sessions.
- Custom Android Interface: Provides a familiar Android experience with support for third-party apps, enhancing versatility.
Cons:
- No Google Play Store: While it runs on Android, the absence of Google Play Store requires sideloading apps, which might be inconvenient for some users.
- Price: At $449, it’s a premium device that might be considered expensive for those seeking a more budget-friendly option.
- Weight and Dimensions Not Specified: The review does not mention the device’s weight or dimensions, which could be important for portability concerns.
- Limited Internal Storage: The 32GB internal storage may be insufficient for high-resolution audio files without the use of microSD cards.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
| Display | 5.15-inch IPS multi-touch, 1440 x 720 pixels, 18:9 aspect ratio |
| Processor | 6-core Exynos 7872 CPU, 2 GHz (2 cores), 1.6 GHz (4 cores) |
| RAM | 3GB |
| Internal Storage | 32GB |
| Expandable Storage | Dual microSD slots (up to 2TB per slot) |
| DAC | Dual AK4493EQ DAC chips |
| Op-amps | Two OPA1642 (low-pass filter), two OPA926 (amplification stage) |
| Output Power | 3.5mm: 195mW @ 32Ω, Balanced 2.5mm/4.4mm: 550mW @ 32Ω |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5mm single-ended, 2.5mm balanced, 4.4mm balanced |
| Line Out | 3.5mm (1.95V output) |
| Coaxial Output | 3.5mm combined with Line Out |
| Battery | 3800mAh Li-Po, up to 13 hours playback |
| Charging | USB Type-C, Quick Charge 2.0, MediaTek Pump Express |
| Wireless | Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz), Bluetooth (SBC, aptX, aptX-HD, LDAC) |
| Operating System | Custom Android (no Google Play Store pre-installed) |
| Dimensions | Not specified |
| Weight | Not specified |
| Price | $449 |
Unboxing and Packaging
The FiiO M11 comes in a compact, high-quality box that immediately gives you a sense of the premium product inside. Upon opening, you’re greeted with the M11 itself, adorned with a bold FiiO Smart Hi-Res Music Player sticker on the screen. FiiO has taken cues from its competitors, incorporating familiar elements that enhance the unboxing experience.
The M11 is pre-dressed in a clear TPU protective case, with a glass screen protector already applied. Inside the box, you’ll also find a small pin for the microSD card slot, a USB type-C cable, a coaxial to 3.5mm adapter, a user manual, and a quick start guide. While it would have been nice to see a faux-leather case included, FiiO’s decision to forgo it leaves room for future upgrades, perhaps in the next iteration.
The packaging is efficiently designed, with every square inch utilized to fit the accessories snugly. This compact design not only minimizes shelf space but also adds to the overall appeal of the product.
Design and Build Quality
The FiiO M11 is a beautifully crafted device that exudes quality from every angle. It feels solid and weighty in hand, giving the impression of a premium product. The machined aluminum body is accentuated by sharp edges, while the back is covered with a carbon fiber-look glass panel that mirrors the front’s bezel-less screen.
Attention to detail is evident throughout the M11’s design. The power button, for instance, features a soft press surrounded by a cool blue light, adding a touch of sophistication. The back of the device showcases laser-engraved Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certifications, a step up from the paper stickers seen on older models.
Even the smallest elements, such as the lettering on the buttons and the gold-colored volume wheel, are meticulously designed. The volume wheel offers excellent tactile feedback, with a satisfying click that reminds one of high-end analog stepped volume attenuators. Overall, the M11’s minimalist, industrial design makes a lasting impression, turning heads even in public.
Buttons and Layout
The FiiO M11 keeps things simple with just four physical buttons: Power On/Off, volume up and down, and a play/pause button. The gold-colored volume wheel not only looks great but also feels good in hand, with a design that prevents slipping.
A standout feature is the dual microSD card slots, which theoretically support up to 2TB per card, giving you a massive 4TB of storage space. This is a godsend for DSD enthusiasts who require vast amounts of storage for high-resolution files.
At the bottom of the device, you’ll find three headphone outputs to cover all your needs: a balanced 4.4mm, a balanced 2.5mm, and a single-ended 3.5mm. The 3.5mm output doubles as a clean 1.95V line-out or a coaxial output, allowing the M11 to function as a powerful digital transport to another audio source.
Charging is handled via a USB type-C port, with support for Quick Charge 2.0 and MediaTek’s Pump Express. This allows the M11 to charge from empty to full in about 2.5 hours, a convenient feature for on-the-go users.
Display
The FiiO M11 features a stunning 5.15-inch IPS multi-touch display that is a joy to interact with. It is the most colorful and vibrant display FiiO has ever put in a DAP, offering excellent contrast with deep blacks and bright whites. The 1440 x 720-pixel resolution ensures a clear and crisp image, with an aspect ratio of 18:9, making it ideal for watching videos or playing games.
The screen is also incredibly bright, making it easy to use even in direct sunlight. FiiO has done away with the large bezels seen on previous models, opting for a nearly bezel-less design that enhances the overall aesthetic and user experience.
Battery Life
The M11 is equipped with a 3800mAh Li-Po battery, capable of delivering up to 13 hours of continuous music playback. Even when driving more demanding headphones like the Sennheiser HD660S via the balanced 4.4mm connection, the M11 manages around 9 hours and 30 minutes at a moderate volume level. With more efficient in-ear monitors like the FiiO FH7 and FA7, you can expect around 11 hours of playback on the balanced 2.5mm port.
Using wireless features like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth will reduce battery life, but even with these enabled, the M11 performs admirably. The device also supports a deep-sleep mode, allowing it to remain on standby for up to 50 days, a significant improvement over previous models like the M9, which offered 45 days of standby time.
Hardware and Performance
The FiiO M11 is powered by a 6-core Exynos 7872 CPU, a first in the DAP market. This chip, running at 2 GHz on the first two cores and 1.6 GHz on the remaining four, ensures lightning-fast performance, even when multitasking. Coupled with 3GB of RAM, the M11 can handle just about any app you throw at it, though it doesn’t come with Google Play Store pre-installed. Instead, you can manually download APK files or use the APKPure app.
One of the standout features of the M11 is its dual AK4493EQ DAC chips, part of Asahi Kasei’s premium line. These DACs offer lower distortion, higher signal-to-noise ratio, and dynamic range, resulting in superior sound quality. The M11 also features two OPA1642 op-amps in the low-pass filter stage and two custom OPA926 op-amps in the final amplification stage, ensuring a true balanced signal via the 2.5mm or 4.4mm headphone outputs.
In terms of power, the M11 is no slouch. The single-ended 3.5mm output delivers 195mW into 32Ω, while the balanced 2.5mm and 4.4mm outputs provide up to 550mW into 32Ω. This is more than enough power to drive even demanding planar magnetic headphones, with excellent control and headroom.
Wireless Capabilities
The FiiO M11 supports dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi, offering a stronger and more stable connection than previous models like the X5 MKIII. The M11 also features a powerful Bluetooth chip from Samsung, capable of sending and receiving audio in various codecs, including SBC, aptX, aptX-HD, and LDAC. This allows the M11 to function as both a Bluetooth sender and receiver, with excellent range and stability.
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
The FiiO M11 runs a custom Android interface that is both lightweight and fast, with a design similar to that of the M6, M7, and M9. The user interface is highly intuitive, with a variety of swipe gestures that make navigation a breeze. For instance, swiping down from the Now Playing screen reveals quick settings for brightness, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and audio gain, among other features.
The M11 also includes a “FiiO Market” app, which allows you to download and install popular music streaming apps like Tidal, Qobuz, Deezer, Spotify, and Roon directly onto the device. The 3GB of RAM ensures that these apps run smoothly, with no lag or stuttering.
Audio Performance
The FiiO M11 delivers an exceptional audio performance that rivals many desktop setups. After a brief burn-in period, the M11 reveals its true potential, offering a clean, layered sound with a wide soundstage. The dual AK4493EQ DACs provide a rich, detailed sound, with a slight warmth that adds to the overall musicality.
The bass is tight and controlled, with a slight emphasis in the mid-bass region that gives the M11 a pleasant, analog-like sound. The midrange is lush and full-bodied, with a natural decay that makes vocals and instruments sound lifelike. The treble is clear and well-defined, with just the right amount of sparkle to keep things engaging without becoming fatiguing.
One of the M11’s standout features is its “All to DSD” mode, which converts all PCM audio streams to DSD during playback. This mode adds a layer of smoothness and naturalness to the sound, making it a must-try for anyone who enjoys the DSD format. However, this feature consumes more power and generates more heat, so it’s best used when you can access a charger.
Driving Power
The FiiO M11 can drive a wide range of headphones, from sensitive IEMs to full-sized over-ear models. With the Sennheiser HD660S, the M11 performs admirably even on the single-ended 3.5mm output. Switching to the balanced 4.4mm output provides even more headroom and control, with a noticeable improvement in soundstage and imaging.
For more efficient IEMs like the FiiO FH7 and FA7, the M11 offers plenty of power, even on the low-gain setting. The balanced 2.5mm output provides a clean, detailed sound with excellent separation and clarity. The M11’s low output impedance ensures that even multi-BA IEMs sound their best, with no noticeable hiss or distortion.
Conclusion
The FiiO M11 is a strong contender in the portable music player market, particularly appealing to audiophiles who prioritize high-quality sound. With dual AK4493EQ DAC chips, it delivers rich, detailed audio, making every track sound crisp and immersive. The M11 supports a wide range of audio formats, including DSD and PCM, enhancing its appeal for lossless audio enthusiasts.
Its sleek design and solid build quality, combined with a bright, responsive touchscreen, make it easy and enjoyable to use. The M11 also offers versatile connectivity options, with multiple headphone outputs and Bluetooth 4.2 with aptX HD and LDAC support, allowing for high-quality wireless streaming. It can even function as a USB DAC for your computer, adding to its versatility.
However, the M11 has a few drawbacks. The absence of the Google Play Store limits app downloads, which might frustrate some users. The 32GB of internal storage may not be sufficient for those with large music libraries, requiring the use of external microSD cards. Additionally, while the battery life of up to 13 hours is decent, it might not be enough for extended use during travel or long listening sessions.
Despite these limitations, the FiiO M11 offers exceptional value for its price, delivering top-tier audio performance and versatility. While it’s positioned towards the higher end of the market, it’s a worthwhile investment for those who demand superior sound quality in a portable device. If you’re seeking a high-performance music player that handles a wide range of audio formats and offers flexible connectivity, the FiiO M11 is a solid choice.