FiiO M17 Review – Portable MP3/MP4 Player

FiiO, a Chinese audio brand focused on portable audio, has launched the FiiO M17, its newest Android-powered music player. Designed to be used as a desktop music player as well, it comes with a high-quality desktop-grade DAC and amplifier chipset. (meaning higher performance than general portable players)

The manufacturer boasts that the player will provide users an amazing experience with its leading-edge chipset.

The FiiO M17 is equipped with two flagship DACs ES9038Pro ESS Saber. 32-Bit/768kHz PCM and native DSD512

In addition, FiiO has partnered with THX to design the THX AAA-78+ power amplifier, which can also be used at the desktop level. It can be used with both very sensitive headphones as well as heavy-duty headphones that require high power. The maximum power of this player is 3W from the balanced output.

Fiio M17 also comes with a variety of output/input ports from 3.5mm (phone out+lineout), 4.4mm Bal (phone out+lineout), 2.5mm Bal (phone out), 6.35mm single-ended (phone out), SPDIF coaxial out/in, USB 2.0 for connecting external HDD/SSD

The FiiO M17 player is designed with a precision-machined, one-piece aluminum alloy frame. Serves to help cool down the internal circuit of the machine effectively. Works with liquid cooling technology that has been developed for the 3rd generation. In addition, the machine also comes with a stand with a cooling fan installed.

As for the power source, the FiiO M17 can use the included DC power adapter. Or it’s powered by a 9,500mAh battery, which can provide up to 10 hours of continuous listening with single-ended output and 8 hours with balanced output. by choosing both forms of power supply can be easily selected from the switch on the side of the machine

On other design fronts, the FiiO M17 has a built-in gyroscope sensor, dual-mode volume control, a 5.99-inch HD display, and audio-grade electronics.

Fiio M17 Review – Key Features

Desktop-league DAC ES9038PRO

The left and right audio channels each contain a desktop-class, 8-channel ES9038PRO flagship DAC. This means that each audio channel has 8 parallel outputs summed together for superior resolution and minimal distortion for extremely pure audio reproduction.

Desktop-class THX 788+ headphone amp

Desktop-class amplification also plays an important role in the M17 audio player. FiiO and THX jointly developed the exclusive THX AAA-788+, an upgraded version of the original op-amp. Compared to the original, output power is increased by 225% up to 3000mW per channel with a lower output impedance – allowing it more effortlessly power all kinds of headphones.

Desktop-level connectivity

• The M17 mp3 player features a 3.5mm output: headphone out/line out
• 6.3mm output: headphone out
• 2.5mm output: balanced headphones out
• 4.4mm output: balanced headphone out/balanced line out
• RCA coaxial port: coaxial input and output
• USB 3.0 port: supports USB Host and Device modes that can be used for high-speed data transfers and fast charging
• USB 2.0 port: supports USB Host mode, which is allowing external DACs or hard drive storage to be connected.

Desktop-tier heat dissipation

With exceptional audio quality comes with large power consumption, so effective heat dissipation was a large focus when designing the M17 music player. Not only are “H” type heat dissipation and VC liquid cooling technologies adopted, the Bluetooth mp3 player M17’s 151g unibody aluminum alloy frame also effectively transfers heat out of the device. Finally, the cooling fan stand also further makes sure heat is rapidly transported away.

Desktop-quality power supply

The M17 digital music player contains two power supplies – a battery power supply and a power supply powered by external DC power. The battery power supply allows you to use the M17 lossless mp3 player in situations where there is no access to a power outlet. Under a DC power supply, the voltage in the analog circuit is increased by 35% up to 11.5V compared to under a battery power supply; and the battery is kept healthy since it is not used in this mode.

Desktop-grade gain

Under battery power, there are 4 gain levels: low, medium, high, and headphone mode. When under DC mode, the enhanced over-ear headphone mode gain is unlocked, with a truly desktop level of amplification gain. In the balanced output, the gain can get as high as 16dB – allowing the M17 audio player to easily drive most headphones.

A true smartphone-like experience

Android 10 OS open to install 3rd party apps; Bluetooth 5.0 with support for aptX Adaptive, supports up to DSD512 and 32bit/768kHz, supports MQA 8x unfolding for master-level sound.

Immense 9200mAh battery

The massive 9200mAh battery allows for a battery life of up to 10 hours on the M17 music player. It can be charged either through USB or through DC-in from an external DC adapter. Battery capacity: 9200mAh; Charging time: 4.5 hours; Charging protocols: QC4.0+PD; Battery life: 10.6 hours (single-ended), 8.6 hours (balanced).

Radiant RGB ambient light

The M17 Bluetooth mp3 player features a seven-color RGB ambient light system with extensive customization options. Colors can be set to be either fixed, to follow the audio, or to follow a cycle. The brightness of the ambient light can be set to change depending on the current power, volume, or temperature. And finally, the top and side ambient lights can even be controlled separately, allowing you to dial in exactly how you want your dazzling lights to be.

Connection methods

With speakers: DC+LO+speakers; With computer: USB DAC+headphones; With desktop DAC: USB/coaxial output+DAC; With hard drive storage: DC+USB2.0+hard drive+headphones; With Bluetooth headphones: Bluetooth transmitter+Bluetooth headphones; Coaxial decoding.

Where to buy FiiO M17