As the successor to the bestselling FiiO M11 Plus II, the FiiO M23 DAP is redefining perfection with its new 32-bit/768kHz, DSD512 and MQA compatible AKM AK4191EQ DAC. The THX amplification is more powerful and promises to provide the very best performance with any hi-fi headphones or in-ear monitors. With the adoption of the Android 12 operating system, music streaming and playback is even easier. Is this enough to make the FiiO M23 the new must-have reference?
Introducing the FiiO M23
Design
The FiiO M23 follows in the aesthetic footsteps of its predecessors, with a chassis that is mainly made of stainless steel and makes the device seem robust and durable. The rear panel has abandoned the M11 Plus II’s carbon fiber pattern in favor of a gorgeous iridescent blue glass plate that changes color ever so slightly depending on the light. For easier portability, the relatively compact format of its predecessors has been retained, with a width of 7.5cm, a height of 13cm and a weight of 299g. This makes it easy to slip into a pocket, although it is twice as thick (1.8cm) as an iPhone 15.
The FiiO M23’s controls are perfectly integrated and are positioned ergonomically on both sides of the device. On the right are the playback controls, which allow you to play and pause the music and skip tracks. This side also features a Hold switch to lock the screen and control the device using only the buttons. In addition, a dedicated control lets you activate the desktop mode to power the device via the mains.
The left side of the DAP is equipped with the power button and a multifunction control that can be assigned to numerous functions, such as shuffle, filter adjustment, equalization, or switching to USB or Bluetooth DAC mode. This side also features a haptic volume slider, that offers smooth and intuitive control. However, this slider is very sensitive, which can lead to it being accidentally operated quite frequently. It is therefore advisable to deactivate it when the player’s screen is locked.
The FiiO M23 is now equipped with two USB-C ports, one dedicated to charging and the other to data transfer. These ports are conveniently located underneath the device, for easy access when installed on a desktop dock. What’s more, the 3.5mm mini-jack and 4.4mm jack headphone outputs have been reorganized on top, simplifying connectivity when the player is in a pocket.
On the front, the FiiO M23 retains the 5.5″ touchscreen of the M11 Plus II. It boasts rich colors and excellent contrast. With a high pixel density of 312 ppi, it enables fine detail reproduction, making it possible to watch YouTube or Netflix videos, whose apps can be installed from the Play Store. Although the screen can be prone to reflections outdoors, its high brightness guarantees comfortable legibility, even in direct sunlight. Finally, the Snapdragon 660 processor inherited from the FiiO M17, combined with 4GB RAM, ensures responsiveness comparable to that of the latest generation of smartphones. Whether you’re browsing the music library or using streaming apps, the M23 responds efficiently to all demands.
AKM DAC
The FiiO M23 DAP features some of the most advanced components on the market, including the latest AKM AK4499EX and AK4191EQ DAC chips. This duo is renowned for its ability to deliver accurate digital-to-analog conversion with very low levels of distortion. The AK4499EX handles analog processing, while the AK4191EQ handles digital conversion. This separation of tasks minimizes interference and maximizes sound quality. What’s more, the AK4499EX chip takes advantage of Velvet Sound architecture to enhance audio fluidity and richness of, while reducing background noise. Combined with the AK4191EQ and an FPGA circuit to reduce jitter, this architecture enables the M23 to process the majority of audio formats up to a very high resolution of 32-bit/768kHz, as well as DSD512 and MQA.
THX amplification
The FiiO M23’s amplification is based on two new THX AAA 78+ modules mounted in a fully symmetrical architecture. THX AAA (Achromatic Audio Amplifier) technology is renowned for its ability to deliver powerful amplification with extremely low distortion. It delivers sound quality comparable to the best class A amplifiers, without consuming more power than conventional class D amps. These modules guarantee an exceptionally precise, noise-free sound reproduction, with a signal-to-noise ratio of 125 dB, distortion of less than 0.00038% and frequency response up to 80kHz.
Desktop mode
The FiiO M23 is unique in that it can be powered by battery or USB. For portable use, its 5,500 mAh battery promises up to 10h30 of autonomy with the unbalanced output, and 9h with the balanced output. Data that proved accurate in this test, with even a slight increase in autonomy for unbalanced listening sessions at reasonable volume. Compatibility with 30W USB PD (Power Delivery) fast charging now enables up to 80% battery life to be recovered in just one hour, with a full charge achieved in around two hours.
For the first time on a FiiO player, the M23 features a physical control for switching to desktop mode. When the latter is activated and the Type-C power port is connected to a fast charge, the DAP bypasses the internal battery to avoid charge/discharge cycles and optimize its lifespan. This mode also activates the Super High Gain mode to boost output power to over 1,000mW per channel into 32 ohms (balanced). This makes it a very attractive desktop headphone amplifier for powering demanding headphones.
The FiiO M23 is equipped with two headphone outputs: 3.5mm mini-jack and balanced 4.4mm jack. Power at 32 ohms is respectively 1000mW and 440mW in desktop mode, or 475mW and 125mW during portable use. In addition, the 3.5mm mini-jack socket is a hybrid output that can also be used as a coaxial digital output for an external DAC.
Android and streaming
The FiiO M23 runs on Android 12, offering a familiar interface for Android smartphone users. Thanks to the Google Play Store, you can install any mobile app, including online music services such as Deezer, Spotify, Tidal and Qobuz. In addition to Android mode, the M23 offers the Pure Music mode. When using the latter, the FiiO Music interface takes over, providing access only to music stored locally, as well as to music shared over the local network. Other apps are no longer accessible. Finally, the player can be configured as a USB DAC, AirPlay receiver or Bluetooth receiver.
In Bluetooth mode, the FiiO M23 can receive music from a smartphone, tablet or computer via a Bluetooth 5.0 controller. It supports most Bluetooth codecs, including the classic SBC and AAC, as well as high-resolution codecs such as LDAC. Naturally, it is Hi-Res Audio Wireless certified, making it a serious option for wireless listening. What’s more, the M23’s Bluetooth controller is reversible, allowing it to be used with wireless headphones or earphones.
Configuration
Right out of the box, the FiiO M23 is ready to use with minimal configuration: just connect it to WiFi, select the language and link your favorite streaming services, and the magic begins. Afterwards, you can customize the sound reproduction to suit your preferences, thanks to the 10-band equalizer, oversampling filters and gain adjustment according to the associated headphones.
For this test, we paired the FiiO M23 DAP with the FiiO FT3, FiiO FT5, Meze 109 Pro and Focal Hadenys open-back headphones, as well as the Focal Azurys and Meze 99 Classics closed-back headphones. We listened to Hi Res FLAC and DSD audio files stored on the player’s 64 GB internal memory. We also installed the Qobuz app to enjoy the 24-bit/192kHz music available to stream on the platform.
Listening impressions
From the very first notes, the FiiO M23 impressed us with the precision of its sound reproduction, which surpasses certain much more expensive models. The new AKM DACs provided a more refined, softer signature while avoiding excessive coloration. This architecture demonstrated remarkable analytical capacity, reproducing each register with undeniable naturalness. The spectral balance was handled perfectly, creating a beautiful alchemy between the different tonal ranges. The high notes were fine, unfolding with agility while retaining precision, control and lightness. The midrange was opulent, textured and well-defined. Vocals were rendered with great precision, capturing every inflection and emotional nuance. The bass was energetic and dense, with airy, punchy attacks.
The soundstage delivered by the FiiO M23 is wide and well-defined. Each musical element was precisely positioned, creating a three-dimensional soundscape. Instrument separation was exemplary, allowing a detailed listening experience in which every note and harmony was clearly discernible. Even the most complex recordings were reproduced coherently and intelligibly. With Mahler’s Symphony no. 9, the M23 allowed us to perceive subtle details that are usually obscured, such as the delicate sound of a triangle or discreet nuances in the strings.
Although the dynamic range was slightly lower than that of the FiiO M17, it remained sufficiently pronounced to offer a lively, well-paced sound reproduction. The impulse response of the M23 was ultra-fast, releasing instrument attacks instantly. The transitions between calm passages and sonic explosions were remarkably precise, with no loss of detail. Activating the Desktop mode further enhanced dynamics, while boosting bass density and overall clarity thanks to an even greater breadth.
FiiO M23 vs Shanling M6 Ultra
Priced at €799, the Shanling M6 Ultra offers similar functions, with 32-bit/768kHz, DSD and MQA playback, as well as an Android operating system. Soundwise, it offers an even fuller, more spacious soundstage, but cannot match the clarity, transparency and dynamics of the FiiO M23.
Who is the FiiO M23 designed for?
Able to compete with much more expensive models, the FiiO M23 is ideal for enjoying Hi-Res music on headphones while staying within a reasonable budget. It’s just as well suited to outdoor use as it is to enjoying listening sessions at home, thanks to a desktop mode that multiplies its capabilities. It will appeal to fans of natural, well-balanced sound signatures.
Conclusion
With the FiiO M23, the Asian manufacturer delivers one of the best mid-range DAPs available. For less than €800, it brings music to life with the kind of control and skill usually found on much more expensive models. The performance is a true feast for the ears, with a transparent, spacious reproduction brimming with minute nuances, finesse and detail. Each tonality is rendered with rare naturalness and sophistication. A faultless performance from FiiO!
We liked:
- The full, transparent soundstage
- The natural tones
- The smoothness of the screen
- The desktop mode
We would have liked:
- For the volume control to have been less sensitive
- Even greater dynamics in portable mode
What would be better in todays date the FiiO M23 vs Shanling M6 Ultra