A true reference in the world of DAPs, the Chinese manufacturer FiiO will launch the new FiiO M15S at the end of the month. Successor of the famous FiiO M15 of 2019, it features a new ES9038Pro DAC borrowed from the FiiO M17. It is combined with more powerful amplification, a next-generation processor and the Android 10 operating system with streaming services.
FiiO M15S: the legacy of the FiiO M17
To improve on the first FiiO M15, the FiiO M15S is equipped with a new ES9038Pro DAC directly inherited from the FiiO M17. This 32-bit chip operates over 8 channels to minimize distortion and noise. It is combined with an FPGA controller and two precision clocks (49.152 MHz and 45.158 MHz) to maximize conversion stability. As a result, the FiiO M15S player provides support for PCM streams up to 32-bit/768kHz, as well as DSD512 and MQA files.
FiiO M15S: more powerful
The Chinese manufacturer has also perfected the amplification of the FiiO M15S DAP. Without going into technical details, the brand says that the power has been boosted to offer an output of 1200mW. Enough to efficiently power most headphones and earphones. For this purpose, the FiiO M15S offers two balanced outputs (one 2.5mm and one 4.4mm) and one unbalanced 3.5mm mini-jack output. Like the first generation M15, a coaxial output is also available for the connection of an external audio DAC or DAC amplifier.
FiiO M15S: faster processor
At the heart of the FiiO M15S audiophile player, a new Snapdragon 660SoC processor spreads its wings. It infuses more power to ensure smooth and fast navigation through the new Android 10 operating system. Unlike the original M15, the new FiiO M15S now integrates the Google Play Store, making it easy to install applications from popular streaming services such as Qobuz, Tidal, Spotify and Deezer, to name a few. It now supports Hi-Res Lossless audio on Apple Music, which was previously not possible with the first version of the FiiO M15.
FiiO M15S: bi-directional Bluetooth
The FiiO M15S HD player is equipped with a new Qualcomm QCC5124 Bluetooth module. Certified Hi-Res Audio Wireless, it supports aptX, aptX HD and LDAC codecs, both in reception and in transmission. This bi-directional Bluetooth module allows you to receive music from a smartphone or tablet as well as stream the tracks to Bluetooth headphones or a connected speaker. According to FiiO, the Bluetooth connectivity of the FiiO M15S is more stable and accurate than on the previous M15.
FiiO M15S: some cosmetic changes
When it comes to style, the changes brought by the FiiO M15S are more discreet, with a very similar design to its illustrious predecessor. Only the controls have been slightly redesigned and are now located on both sides of the device to offer a more intuitive control. The touchscreen is increased slightly from 5.15 to 5.5 inches. It now offers a display resolution of 1440x720p for a ratio of 18:9. The whole thing is powered by a 6,300 mAh battery with an autonomy of 10.5 hours.
FiiO M15S: price & availability
The new FiiO M15S DAP is expected to be in stock by the end of March 2023. Available for €999, it will be bridge the gap between the FiiO M11 Plus II (€749) and the ultimate FiiO M17 (€1,799).
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