The FiiO M11S review sample was kindly provided free of charge in exchange for an honest review.
I didn’t receive monetary or any other kind of compensation and I don’t use affiliate links.
The price of the M11S is $499 and you can buy it from FiiO.eu
FiiO M11S Review
FiiO has shifted its focus from the entry level DAP market to prioritize their flagship products, namely the M17 and the M11 Plus ESS. They have also shown little interest in mid-range DAPs, with the M9 being their last offering in that category. However, due to the growing demand and after thorough consideration, FiiO has now made the decision to revive the mid-range segment. This led to the creation of the M11S, a mid-tier DAP priced at $499, serving as the perfect entry point for individuals looking to explore the world of FiiO DAPs.
Technical highlights
The M11S, FiiO’s entry level DAP, utilizes the powerful Snapdragon 660 processor, the same one found in their flagship M17. Although the DDR memory is reduced to 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage, the specifications are still considered excellent for a mid-range DAP.
For decoding, the M11S employs dual ES9038Q2M DAC chips in a fully balanced configuration. The audio data is then processed through FiiO’s 4th-generation FPGA technology, which works in conjunction with two femtosecond crystal oscillators.
In terms of decoding capabilities, the player can handle PCM up to 384kHz, DSD256, and MQA 8x unfolding.
The M11S supports WiFi and bidirectional Bluetooth, offering LDAC, LHDC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, and SBC in transmission mode, and SBC, AAC, and LDAC in reception mode.
The M11S features separate power sources and isolation for its amplifier and op-amp sections, ensuring a plentiful supply of clean power. With its impressive 5300mAh battery, you can enjoy approximately 10-11 hours of uninterrupted playtime. Additionally, thanks to its fast charging capability, the battery can be fully recharged in just around 3 hours.
Further information can be found in the following link.
Design and appearance
The M11S shares a striking resemblance to the M11 Plus ESS, both showcasing the same 6th generation, FiiO honeycomb design language. However, the M11S sets itself apart by being slightly more compact and lightweight than its counterpart, measuring at 125.2x74x18.5mm and weighing a mere 271g. This makes it the most portable and user-friendly device in the FiiO DAP line, easily operable with just one hand.
Equipped with a 5″ 720p bezel-less display, the touch screen of the M11S is reinforced with gorilla glass on both the front and back sides. This ensures durability and protection against accidental damage. The screen offers excellent visibility, vibrant colors, and wide viewing angles, enhancing the overall visual experience. Additionally, the touch screen is highly responsive, allowing for effortless navigation through the device’s features and functions.
The unit is constructed from a single block of CNC machined aluminum, giving it a sleek matte black finish and exceptional build quality.
The design closely resembles that of the FiiO M11 Plus ESS. On the left side, you’ll find the power on/off button at the top, followed by an extended volume control area. Unlike the M11 Plus ESS, this volume control area is clickable rather than touch sensitive.
Moving on, there is a FiiO exclusive multifunction button that can be customized within the internal menu. This button allows you to assign various functions of your choice, such as one-click access to Bluetooth decoding mode or filter switching.
At the bottom of the unit, you’ll find three headphone/line outputs (2.5mm, 3.5mm, and 4.4mm) as well as a USB type C port.
On the right side, there is a micro SD card slot and the usual three playback buttons. The top of the unit remains clean and uncluttered.
Both balanced and single-ended outputs can be configured as line outputs with either fixed or variable levels. Additionally, the 3.5mm output can also be set as a S/PDIF digital output.
It’s worth noting that both the balanced and unbalanced line outputs bypass the headphone amplification stage, ensuring a true line signal.
User experience
The M11S comes equipped with the Android 10 operating system and pre-installed Google Play Store, allowing you to easily download your favorite applications, including third-party music players and popular streaming services. Additionally, the M11S features a full global SRC bypass, enabling you to enjoy bit-perfect full lossless quality audio.
Like all FiiO DAPs, you have the flexibility to switch between Android mode and Pure Music mode. In Pure Music mode, which utilizes the FiiO developed Music player application, all other tasks are terminated to provide a purer listening experience. While streaming services are not accessible in this mode, you can still access your NAS and utilize the M11S as a network player.
Furthermore, the M11S offers various operating modes such as Bluetooth receiving/transmitting, USB DAC mode, USB out as a digital transport, and AirPlay/DLNA mode.
The user experience of the FiiO M11S is exceptional. It operates with the speed and responsiveness of a top-tier smartphone, allowing for seamless multitasking and gesture navigation. Additionally, the device offers extensive customization options, allowing users to tailor it to their preferences. The global sound customization menu provides further control, enabling users to adjust the gain between three levels (low, mid, and high), choose from seven low-pass filters, and utilize the innovative All to DSD function.
Two wrongs don’t make a right
I have recently reviewed four FiiO DAPs, and unfortunately, FiiO has not yet addressed some basic issues that other manufacturers, such as iBasso, have already resolved. The top information bar still does not display the gain settings and filter selection. Moreover, adjusting the gain setting is not immediate; when you press the button on the screen, a pop-up menu appears. What’s even more frustrating is that you cannot select the digital filter from the drop-down menu; instead, you have to navigate through the main menu and then the sound customization menu. I am unsure about the reasons behind FiiO’s lack of improvement, but it is important to remember that repeating the same mistake twice is not a wise decision, as an old Greek saying suggests.
Accessories
The M11S comes bundled with a screen protector pre-installed at the factory, a transparent silicone protective case and a USB cable.
Associated gear
I have tested the M11S with different headphones within the same price range or slightly higher, which are commonly paired with it, such as the Sennheiser HD660S2, HIFIMAN Sundara, Meze 109 Pro, and the Focal Clear Mg. Additionally, I have also tried various earphones like the FiiO FD7, Meze ADVAR, and Drop + Etymotic ERX.
Power output
The M11S is very powerful given the size, with a rated power of 200mW/32Ω from the single ended output and 670mW/32Ω from the balanced, it drove all the headphones with ease and plenty of headroom while it was dead silent with the sensitive earphones.
Listening impressions
The FiiO M11S boasts a neutral tuning with a subtle warmth and a hint of fondness for treble, not due to any specific emphasis on frequencies, but rather as a deliberate approach to shaping its sound. It strikes the perfect balance between exceptional technical prowess, surpassing its category, and a healthy dose of musicality and enjoyable vibes.
Despite offering remarkable transparency, precision, and immense clarity, the M11S remains engaging and far from dull or clinical. To be honest, its performance is truly remarkable considering its price point, and you would have to invest significantly more to achieve any noticeable improvement.
The bass performance of the M11S is exceptional, showcasing deep extension, precise control, and layered richness. Its dynamics are striking, with a texture that is full-bodied and robust.
Whether you’re immersing yourself in thundering symphonic timpani or enjoying your favorite electronic bass tunes, the FiiO M11S consistently delivers uncompromising performance.
Moving on to the mids, they offer a smooth and organic sound that is both rich and lush. The harmonic contrast is abundant, and the timbre is incredibly realistic and believable. Whether it’s voices or various wind or stringed instruments, the M11S ensures the finest resolution, lifelike voicing, and effortless articulation.
As for the treble, it is crystal clear, sharp, and incredibly accurate. It possesses a fast and agile nature, with a luminous and sparkling quality. While the M11S leans towards a treble-forward presentation, it avoids being overly bright, harsh, or fatiguing. It demands high-quality recordings, as it exposes any flaws in poorly recorded material. Additionally, it can bring life and excitement to darker or slower headphones, making them dance to the music.
Although the treble is tonally correct, the discerning listener may detect some traces of digital artificiality in this particular frequency range. However, this is the only area where such nuances may be noticed.
The Sennheiser HD650 (weight modded) was one of my preferred combinations, and the M11S proved to be an exceptional companion for it. Despite its compact size, the M11S had no trouble driving the HD650 adequately. The experience of listening to baroque opera was truly delightful with this combo, as it provided a realistic timbre and tonality. Moreover, the M11S did an excellent job of expanding the soundstage of the HD650.
The M11S delivers an expansive and immersive audio experience, creating a vast and open soundstage that envelops your headphones. Its imaging is exceptionally precise and accurate, allowing you to pinpoint the placement of each instrument or sound. While it may not possess the same level of holography and grandeur as the FiiO M17 or the iBasso DX320, nor the diffuse effect of the iBasso DX170, it still offers a highly satisfying performance.
Compared to the FiiO M11 Plus ESS ($700)
The FiiO M11 Plus ESS, priced $200 higher, serves as the initial entry point into FiiO’s flagship line of DAPs. Despite sharing the same Snapdragon 660 processor, the M11 Plus ESS distinguishes itself by incorporating an additional 1GB of RAM and doubling the internal storage to 64GB. Consequently, both devices deliver an indistinguishable, top-tier performance that caters to real-life user experiences.
While the FiiO M11 Plus ESS may possess a slightly bulkier form, it remains highly portable, complemented by its larger 5.5″ display. The layout remains identical, with the exception of the touch-sensitive volume control panel exclusive to the M11 Plus ESS. With a battery capacity of 6000mAh, users can enjoy a few extra hours of playtime.
The M11 Plus ESS boasts dual ES9068AS DAC chips, enabling support for decoding up to DSD512 and PCM 768KHZ. In contrast, the M11S utilizes a simpler op-amp configuration. While both devices have the same power output rating, the FiiO M11 Plus ESS utilizes dual THX AAA-78 amplifier modules, providing a superior grip and enhanced dynamics. As a result, the M11 Plus ESS offers a more authoritative sound with a wider soundstage and a sharper imaging, creating a more holographic experience.
Furthermore, the FiiO M11 Plus ESS delivers a fuller sound with more realistic timbre, particularly in the treble range. The treble is smoother and less sharp compared to the M11S. Additionally, the M11 Plus ESS exhibits less digital glare, offering improved resolution and finer texture quality. It excels in conveying the recording ambience, enhancing the overall communication of the audio.
When it comes to audio equipment, it is well-known that there is a point where paying more may not yield significant returns. This is precisely the case here. While the M11 Plus ESS may require an additional $200 investment, it does not provide an astonishingly better audio experience. However, if you have the means and do not mind the extra bulk, the M11 Plus ESS undoubtedly belongs to a higher tier of audio players.
On the other hand, if the extra cost is a concern, there is no need to worry. The M11S is an excellent audio player that delivers exceptional performance, surpassing its category’s expectations.
Compared to the iBasso DX170 ($449)
The iBasso DX170, a newly released DAP in the mid-range category, stands out as a more affordable option compared to the FiiO M11S. It features a 4-core RK3566 SoC by Rockchip, which is slightly lower in grade, along with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of internal memory. However, its compact size and lightweight design make it exceptionally portable. On the other hand, the M11S boasts a larger internal battery, providing a few extra hours of playback time.
Unsurprisingly, the M11S outperforms the DX170 in terms of responsiveness and speed, delivering a smoother user experience despite running on an older version of the Android OS. Nevertheless, the DX170 compensates with its superior 5″ 1080p display, offering higher quality visuals with vibrant colors and enhanced visibility.
The DX170 boasts dual CS43131 DAC chips, creating a distinct soundscape with noticeable differences compared to the M11S. While the DX170 delivers a more powerful audio experience, the FiiO M11S offers a tighter and more controlled bass with superior layering and technicalities. However, the M11S may sound slightly leaner and less weighty than the DX170, despite its harder-hitting impact.
In terms of overall presentation, the M11S provides a cleaner, sharper, and more transparent sound compared to the DX170. The M11S also exhibits a refined and polished sound signature, contrasting with the rougher and more raw sound of the DX170. Both devices deliver natural and realistic timbre, but the M11S showcases drier mids while the DX170 offers a suave, organic, and seductive midrange.
As a result, the FiiO M11S achieves a more balanced tonality by avoiding the upper-mids emphasis found in the DX170. On the other hand, the M11S features a sharper and more forward treble, resulting in a comparatively brighter sound signature. The DX170 excels in creating a more holographic and grand soundstage, while the M11S provides a more focused, precise, and less diffused audio image.
Both players offer exceptional sound performance, each with its own unique perspective. Furthermore, they provide a great price-to-performance ratio, successfully reviving the long-awaited mid-range category that had been neglected in recent years.
In the end
The FiiO M11S stands out as the DAP with the most impressive price to performance ratio currently available in the market. With its exceptional overall performance and absence of any significant drawbacks, it surpasses all other competitors.
This compact device effortlessly combines superb sound quality with a seamless and responsive user interface, all packed into a conveniently pocket-sized body. Additionally, it boasts ample power, impressive battery life, and exceptional build quality.
Undoubtedly, the FiiO M11S occupies the ideal position in the DAP market, making it the ultimate choice for a wide range of users.
Copyright – Petros Laskis 2022.
+ Stellar sound performance + Great technicalities + Crystal clean and silent + Open soundstage with precise imaging + Fast and responsive UI + Good battery duration + Compact and lightweight + Excellent build quality + Value for money - Sharp treble - Pretty unforgiving - Not very powerful
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