{"id":139625,"date":"2022-01-17T14:24:35","date_gmt":"2022-01-17T14:24:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.techweekmag.com\/?p=139625"},"modified":"2023-10-18T07:02:28","modified_gmt":"2023-10-18T06:02:28","slug":"fiio-m17-review-one-of-the-best-audio-players","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hifiratings.com\/tech\/hi-fi\/fiio-m17-review-one-of-the-best-audio-players\/","title":{"rendered":"FiiO M17 : One of the best audio players"},"content":{"rendered":"

I really love it when the winter festive atmosphere is complemented by acquaintances with various audiophile flagships. It’s about time for some warm home music listening sessions, right guys? And this time, a truly charismatic, amazing audio player came to me, which left a lot of strong impressions.<\/p>\n

So, I’m glad to present:\u00a0FiiO M17\u00a0portable desktop player .\u00a0These two definitions, of course, look strange side by side, but you can\u2019t say otherwise.\u00a0If you want, I can still call the model a portable hospital.\u00a0The trend towards creating such devices is now extremely relevant, recently I myself wrote a review about\u00a0\u00a0Shanling M30\u00a0, about\u00a0\u00a0Astell & Kern Kann Alpha\u00a0, and the limited iBasso DX300 MAX absolutely won my heart, but the well-known and experienced\u00a0\u00a0brand FiiO\u00a0also had to make his move.\u00a0The company’s engineers have been developing the M17 for almost 2 years, the new flagship offers not only high power, modern functionality and a huge variety of connection methods, but even control variability.<\/p>\n

It’s just a monster in terms of versatility and choice of usage scenarios, the owner will get much more freedom than with the usual small\u00a0Hi-Res players\u00a0.\u00a0But, most importantly, how well prepared is the sound here?\u00a0And is the price tag, which is about $2,150, justified?\u00a0Let’s figure it out.\u00a0To business.<\/p>\n

Visual impressions<\/h2>\n

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Well, in front of me is an elegant and heavy, but rather small cardboard box.\u00a0On the cover there is an outline image of the player itself, as well as a brief listing of the main characteristics.\u00a0To be honest, this time it was especially sweet to print the film, it\u2019s not for nothing that we are in the midst of the time for gifts.
\nThe set of accessories for the FiiO M17 is quite generous: a leatherette case with a metal insert on the back designed for cooling, a USB Type-C cable, a power supply, a protective glass on the screen and a paper clip.\u00a0The latter briefly bleaked me out, anticipating a microSD card slot with a tray.\u00a0I don’t like them, but oh well.<\/p>\n

Design<\/h2>\n

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What can I say… It’s audiophile heavy artillery.\u00a0Heavy in every way, yes.\u00a0The player weighs 610 g, has a solid aluminum body of a large size, in a case it becomes even more voluminous.\u00a0Such brutality, complex chopped edges and chevron-shaped slits on the sides give the impression of a military style in the design.\u00a0We will assume that the M17 will become an audiophile military commander.\u00a0Although the appearance of the model is also not without elegance – the glass on the back has a holographic iridescent pattern, the ventilation holes have received customizable RGB lighting, and the connectors are covered with metal plugs.\u00a0But, I repeat, this is a heavy brick that can kill, next to it my Ultima SP2000 seems like a baby.\u00a0However, I think if you decide to buy a new product, you are ready for it.<\/p>\n

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Firstly, we have a bright and juicy 5.99-inch IPS display with a resolution of 2160×1080.\u00a0Its sensor is extremely sensitive to touch, which pleased me.\u00a0From the unusual – there is a gyroscope that automatically rotates the screen if you decide to look at the player in a horizontal orientation.\u00a0Everything is like a smartphone that has only grown to Hi-End sizes.<\/p>\n

Secondly, we are offered 2 volume control modes at once – either with the help of an analog wheel, which reminded me of similar controls for\u00a0Lotoo player models\u00a0, or with buttons.\u00a0And if this variety is not enough for you, there are as many as 2 charging ports here – a regular USB-C and a connector for a complete power adapter.<\/p>\n

Also on the case there are mechanical buttons for switching tracks, pause, on \/ off, a multifunction key, toggle switches for blocking and choosing between battery or mains power.\u00a0I note that it is not very convenient to use the buttons in the stock case, it does not fit snugly enough to the side faces.\u00a0And the memory card tray, which can only be opened with a paper clip, I would also attribute to the minuses.\u00a0Otherwise, I have no complaints.<\/p>\n

Functionality<\/h2>\n

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Let’s start with the madness that is the M17 connection interface set.\u00a0These are headphone outputs 3.5, 4.4, 2.5 and 6.3, the first two are also linear, RCA coaxial input \/ output, USB-C 3.0 for data transfer and charging, USB-C 2.0 for connecting to an external DAC or hard drive.\u00a0Typical Hi-Res players are only now massively switching to a combination of three connectors at the same time, standard 3.5 and balanced 2.5 and 4.4, and FiiO has already cunningly raised the bar further.\u00a0Waiting for someone to add an XLR headphone.<\/p>\n

Key Features<\/h2>\n

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The novelty received two stationary 8-channel DACs ESS ES9038 Pro.\u00a0Supports signal resolution of 32bit\/768kHz and DSD512.\u00a0There is full 8X MQA decoding, which will be useful for users of streaming services.<\/p>\n

The operating system used is open Android 10 with the ability to install any third-party applications.\u00a0We have Wi-Fi 2.4 \/ 5 GHz, DLNA and AirPlay, updates over the air, an equalizer, 7 digital filters.\u00a0For Bluetooth version 5.0, the Qualcomm QCC5124 chip is used for receiving and sending, there are high-level AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, aptX LL, aptX HD and LDAC codecs.\u00a0XMOS XUF208 is installed for USB, the player can work as an external sound card.<\/p>\n

As a result, the characteristics of the model are top, the usage scenarios are very diverse – with conventional\u00a0Hi-Fi headphones\u00a0, with speakers, with a desktop DAC, with a computer, with a hard drive, with TWS or\u00a0wireless acoustics\u00a0, with a Bluetooth source, etc.\u00a0Given the serious cost, this is the right approach, I expected something like this, since we are talking about FiiO.\u00a0If they manage to make quite suitable devices for a penny, it would be logical for the flagship model to allocate as many chips as possible.<\/p>\n

All players in the M series offered fast and trouble-free firmware, and the older M17 was no exception.\u00a0Thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 processor and 4 GB of RAM, no crashes were observed during testing.\u00a0But if you do not need Android, you can switch to Pure Music mode, it is implemented adequately.<\/p>\n

By the way, there is only 64 GB of internal memory, but there is support for\u00a0microSD cards up\u00a0to 2 TB.\u00a0And the ability to connect an external drive, which I already wrote about.<\/p>\n

The electronic filling of our hero is well thought out and verified.\u00a0The digital and analog parts are powered separately, and they are also physically separated on different boards to reduce mutual interference.\u00a0Inside, 7 special high conductivity copper alloy screens are used.\u00a0Other components are also flagship: exclusive Dual THX AAA-788+ amplifiers jointly developed by FiiO and THX, OPA2211 operational amplifiers, 470 mF DMF supercapacitors, NDK femtosecond crystal oscillators, LT3045 LDO ultra-low noise linear voltage regulators.<\/p>\n

The power figures of the FiiO M17 are impressive; according to the balance, the player delivers 3 watts into 32 ohms.\u00a0There are 5 Gain modes: low, medium, high, on-ear and high gain.\u00a0The latter is available only when connected to the network through the power supply unit from the kit.\u00a0In practice, the potential here is good, but not outrageous, most full-size players will shake, but for tight planars, I still recommend choosing a stationary one.\u00a0But even with the most sensitive IEMs, there is no background noise.\u00a0But there is heating during operation, although special attention is paid to heat dissipation, for this, VC liquid cooling technology is used inside, and the aluminum case is designed accordingly so that heat is distributed correctly.<\/p>\n

It remains to talk about autonomy.\u00a0The M17 has a capacious 9200 mAh battery, claimed up to 10 hours of operation through single-ended outputs and up to 8 hours on balance.\u00a0There is support for QC3.0, QC4.0, PD2.0 and PD3.0, 2 charging ports and 2 working modes.\u00a0Since the player has several power supplies, rechargeable and for a stationary connection to the network, using the toggle switch you can choose which one you want to use.\u00a0When using power from an external DC source, the built-in battery is not involved in the work and, accordingly, does not wear out.<\/p>\n

Sound<\/h2>\n

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Handwriting FiiO M17 driving, natural, weighty and large-scale, I would even say – monumental.\u00a0It is distinguished by assertive energy, each composition receives additional confident expressiveness, the notes have strength and density.\u00a0Also pleased that FiiO got rid of the recognizable synthetic tint that has been common to many of their models for a long time.\u00a0The timbre palette of the new flagship is emphatically authentic, without unnecessary harmonics or artificial sonority.\u00a0She is pleasant and honest, not tiring, even, perhaps, cozy.\u00a0In addition, the stage here, despite its huge size, is excellently centered, the positioning of the instruments is close to the listener, but the separation of plans remains accurate and holographic due to the excellent dynamic range.<\/p>\n

In general, the presentation already reaches the level of resolution when you put on headphones and feel a real panorama with live performers in front of you.\u00a0There are no annoying accents, “digital” sharpness of contours, fractional harsh micro-detailing, deliberate sparkle and other classic Hi-Fi tricks that make the musical character of the device more engaging, but less natural.\u00a0The M17 plays spectacularly and atmospherically, but precisely at the expense of power and scope.\u00a0Otherwise, its sound is transparent, measured and clean, with detailed transfer of textures, volume and relief throughout the spectrum.\u00a0An adult, if the term is appropriate.\u00a0I was especially fascinated by the working out of any vocal parts, their fullness, flexibility, physicality, rich range of deep shades.<\/p>\n

But the model is able to pick up complex high-speed tracks without problems.\u00a0Truth,\u00a0the solidity that they get here is sometimes not entirely appropriate and can shackle them a little.\u00a0Although this is already a conversation about a taste choice, what is closer to you – a bit dry technicality or realistic weightiness.\u00a0M17 is clearly inclined towards the second path.\u00a0However, a good punch, the ability to keep up the pace and a dedicated unmistakable click do not allow the picture to become overly fused, lazy or viscous.<\/p>\n

As you understand, the whole artistic description boils down to the fact that we have before us practically a universal.\u00a0Does he play with his own money?\u00a0I think so.\u00a0I myself could live with pleasure with this player, if he came to me for good.\u00a0We didn\u2019t have any conflicts in mood, long audiophile sessions did not cause fatigue, the device coped with serious music with dignity.\u00a0Genre-wise, he is omnivorous, to the quality of the material, surprisingly, he is not picky, and he also knows how to harmoniously sing with a variety of headphones.<\/p>\n

By frequency<\/h2>\n

The bass is massive, articulate, three-dimensional, deep and booming.\u00a0Their impact and hardness are boosted, but not so much that they lose range control.\u00a0As a result, we get a large, full-bodied, dynamic rhythmic pattern with luxurious texture variability and good separation.\u00a0The contribution of power is especially felt, the nature of the low frequencies is closer to a hospital than to a portable one.<\/p>\n

The middle is distinct, weighty and natural.\u00a0I would call it smooth and melodious if the length of the notes were a little stronger, but M17 is able to become not only emotional, but also restrained.\u00a0More attention is paid to macro, but small nuances are also distinguishable, they are softly and neatly woven into the main melody.\u00a0The stage is wide and open, the localization of sound sources in space is impeccable.\u00a0The timbres, as I already wrote, are neutral.\u00a0And the main advantage is the very naturalness of the handwriting, thanks to which the record comes to life.\u00a0This is very valuable.\u00a0Bravo.\u00a0I didn’t expect to ever say this about the FiiO player.\u00a0Well, from the minuses – I wanted more micro-details, and personally I didn\u2019t have enough brilliance and free grace on the upper middle ones for acoustic instruments, I prefer even more pronounced whipping and brightness on the high frequencies.<\/p>\n

High frequencies are clear, fast, transparent and cool.\u00a0Despite the presence of a slightly metallic tint, they do not cut the ear with causticity or sibilance.\u00a0Although warm overtones could be added to them, the upper treble layers are inferior to some of the more expensive models in the number of multi-faceted overtones and in exquisite saturation.\u00a0But they smoothly complement the overall style of the M17, being strictly in place, and have excellent definition, readability and crystal.<\/p>\n

Comparisons<\/h2>\n

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Let’s start with the\u00a0\u00a0FiiO M15\u00a0.\u00a0Once I did a review of this player, I also liked the sound of it.\u00a0Driving, high-speed, exciting handwriting with wonderful detail.\u00a0Compared to the M17, it has more dryness and aggression, timbres are louder and sweeter, the general disposition is closer to entertaining cheerfulness, although it is quite comfortable.\u00a0But the new flagship clearly surpasses its predecessor in terms of resolution, naturalness, dynamics, impact, stage scale and holographicity.\u00a0Of course, if you are ready to carry such a heavy piece of music with you.\u00a0If not, the M15 is still quite an interesting player in its portable weight category.<\/p>\n

And a few words about iBasso DX220 MAX, this is a direct rival of the hero of the review.\u00a0Large, powerful, stationary and portable.\u00a0Its ergonomics has a number of, to put it mildly, features that complicate the interaction – charging two separate batteries, the absence of physical buttons for switching tracks.\u00a0But the sound of the DX220 MAX is really good, it’s not for nothing that it became a hit among audiophile gourmets.\u00a0Well, now he has a dangerous competitor.\u00a0The iBasso limited edition differs from the FiiO flagship by enhanced brightness, a characteristically brightened timbre range, highlighting small nuances, warmth and a light V-shape of accents, involving, but not so comfortable.\u00a0The positioning of the instruments here has a longer distance, this allows you to stretch the scene more vertically and display the arrangement of shots more neutrally, while the M17 plays more voluminous,\u00a0but at the same time more intimate.\u00a0Drive, sweeping dynamics and a sense of power are present in both players.\u00a0But FiiO M17, in my opinion, is a little more versatile.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h3>\n

The FiiO M17 is one of the best audio players on the market for early 2022 and will continue to be the go-to choice for a very long time to come. Here they did not save on power, technologies and components, and the sound delivery was not overly tasteful.\u00a0If the issue of compactness is not fundamental for you, I definitely recommend the novelty for review.\u00a0Although I think it’s worth listening to anyway, it’s an interesting audiophile experience.\u00a0But, of course, you must take into account the large dimensions of the device case and its real weight, it is still a niche product, it is important to understand its features.\u00a0And for its tasks – a great thing.\u00a0I hope the review will be useful to you, and good luck guys.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

I really love it when the winter festive atmosphere is complemented by acquaintances with various audiophile flagships. It’s about time for some warm home music listening sessions, right guys? And this time, a truly charismatic, amazing audio player came to me, which left a lot of strong impressions. So, I’m glad to present:\u00a0FiiO M17\u00a0portable desktop […] More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10404,"featured_media":139634,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[642],"tags":[778],"class_list":["post-139625","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-hi-fi","tag-reviews"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hifiratings.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/139625","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hifiratings.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hifiratings.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hifiratings.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10404"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hifiratings.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=139625"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.hifiratings.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/139625\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hifiratings.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/139634"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hifiratings.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=139625"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hifiratings.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=139625"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hifiratings.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=139625"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}