Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

DAPs

FiiO’s M15S Portable Digital Audio Player Feels Like A Sony Walkman Killer

The latest DAP from FiiO packs in ESS DACs, 384kHz/DSD256 Hi-Res audio support, MQA, Roon, aptX HD, LDAC, LHDC, and more…

FiiO M15S DAP Lifestyle

FiiO is a well-known maker of digital audio devices such as DACs, headphone amps, in-ear monitors, and digital audio players (DAPs). Building on its recently released M17 and M11S DAPs, FiiO has added the M15S to its lineup. Let’s check out what it offers.

Tip: Read our reviews of the M17 and M11S DAPs.

FiiO M15S DAP Side Back Front Views

Features

The M15S is designed to play audio from a variety of wired and wireless sources and is compatible with several standard and hi-res audio file formats. To accomplish this task the M15S has the following core features: 

Qualcomm 660 Snapdragon Processor

Processor: The M15S is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 processor, runs on the Android 10 operating system, and features an SRC bypass. This means that music streaming apps such as TIDAL, Qobuz, Apple Music, and Deezer can be installed to allow full lossless quality listening.

ESS ES9038PRO Chip
ESS ES9038PRO Chip

DAC (Digtial-to-Analog Converter): For optimum listening quality, the M15S incorporates “desktop-grade” ES9038PRO DAC chips in a dual configuration, one for both the left and right channel, with each using four D/A converters to ensure high-quality decoding. The M15S can play back standard and hi-res digital audio files including 384kHz/DSD256 as well as MQA files from TIDAL or your music library.

FiiO M15S DAP Connections

Physical Connectivity: Physical connections include 3.5mm single-ended and 2.5mm/4.4mm balanced headphone outputs, as well as single-ended and balanced line-outs.

Wireless Connectivity: The M15S can transmit and receive Hi-Res audio (Bluetooth aptX HD, LDAC, LHDC). This means you can use the M15S with wireless headphones or receive audio from a smartphone, PC, or another device. In addition to Bluetooth the M15S also has onboard 2.4GHz/5GHz Wi-Fi which supports Apple AirPlay and DLNA streaming.

Tip: To manage and connect to all your content the M15S is Roon Ready.

Desktop Mode: In desktop mode, the M15S operates without using the internal battery and is able to output 21% more power. The M15S uses the same dual power supply found on FiiO’s flagship M17 DAP.

FiiO M15S DAP on Tilted Stand in Desktop Mode

Portable Mode: The M15S offers a 10.5-hour battery life as well as including 64GB of built-in storage. A micro SD card slot with support for up to 2TB cards is also included. 

Operating Modes

FiiO M15S DAP Operating Modes

In addition to the Desktop and Portable use modes, to make using the rest of the M15S’s features easier, there are also 6 music access operating modes.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

  • Android Mode: Use this mode when streaming from third-party apps (streaming services)
  • Pure Music Mode: A FiiO exclusive – use this mode when listening to immersive music. 
  • Airplay: Use this mode when streaming iOS devices. 
  • USB DAC Mode: Turns the M15S into a DAC when connected to a PC or phone to optimize sound quality. 
  • Bluetooth Receiving Mode: Use this mode when playing digital audio files from smartphones or another compatible device.
  • Roon Ready Mode: Provides direct access to all Roon features for accessing and managing music content. 

Specifications

Here are some of the more detailed specifications for the M15S.

  • Screen: 5.5-inches, 1440 x 720 pixel resolution, 18:9 Aspect Ratio
  • Bluetooth Version: 5.0
  • Bluetooth Codecs (Receive): SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX LL, aptX Adaptive, LDAC
  • Bluetooth Codecs (Transmit): SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, LHDC
  • USB: 1 x Type C USB3.0 (Charging/Data Transmission)
  • MQA Support: Yes (8 x Unfold)
  • Roon Ready: Yes
  • Battery: 6200mAh Capacity, Up to 10.5Hrs Usage Time, >1000Hrs Standby Time
  • Dimensions (HWD): 140 x 80 x 18.9mm (5.5 x 3.2 x .74 inches)
  • Weight: 345g (12 oz)
Bluetooth 5.0 chip

Format Support (Lossless)

  • DSD: DSD64/128/256 (.iso, .dsf, .dff ), DST ISO
  • DXD: 352.8K/24bit
  • WAV: Up to 384kHz/32bit
  • AIFF: Up to 384kHz/32bit
  • FLAC: Up to 384kHz/32bit
  • Apple Lossless (ALAC): Up to 384kHz/32bit
  • DTS: Up to 192kHz/24bit
  • APE (Fast/High/Normal): Up to 384kHz/24bit
  • APE (Extra High): Up to 192kHz/24bit
  • APE (Insane): Up to 96kHz/24bit
  • WMA Lossless: Up to 96kHz/24bit

Format Support (Lossy)

  • MP3
  • AAC 
  • Ogg
  • WMA

Headphone Output Connections

  • 3.5mm (Single-ended)
  • 2.5mm (Balanced)
  • 4.4mm (Balanced)

Line Out Connections

  • 3.5mm (Single-ended)
  • 2.5mm (Balanced)
  • 4.4mm (Balanced)

Recommended Headphone Impedance

  • 8 ~ 150Ω (single-ended output)
  • 8 ~ 350Ω (balanced output)
FiiO M15S DAP Face up

Accessories

  • DK3S Desktop Stand
  • Leather Case
  • USB Type C Cable
  • USB Type C (Female) to USB Type B (Male) Adaptor
  • Quick Start Guide

Availability & Pricing

The FiiO M15S is available for $999 at apos.audio and is expected to start shipping in April 2023.

3 Comments

3 Comments

  1. Dave

    April 15, 2023 at 5:20 am

    This player is amazing… I paired it with the new Moondrop Blessing IEMs and it’s fantastic… Thank you ecoustics for being my source for audiophile news!

    • András Rév

      April 21, 2023 at 7:52 am

      Mm

  2. Mark Williams, II

    April 25, 2023 at 11:18 pm

    I wanted to like the NA model Sony Walkman NW-ZX707 (it is a classy-looking digital audio player and very portable) but returned it because of the gain-lock. I am thoroughly pleased with the M15S and have mine paired with a new Audio-Technica MTH-MSR7b over-ear set.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement

Latest Products

Ortofon MC X10, X20, X30, X40 Phono Cartridges

New Products

Ortofon’s new MC X Series cartridges bring high-end quad-coil tech and precision tracking to challenge Hana, Dynavector, and Goldring at every price point.

OePhi Lounge Series 2 and 2.5 Loudspeakers in Oak OePhi Lounge Series 2 and 2.5 Loudspeakers in Oak

Bookshelf Speakers

OePhi Lounge Series Loudspeakers aim to prove high levels of musical performance don't have to cost a fortune.

GIK Acoustics Sound Block StackPack Promo Image GIK Acoustics Sound Block StackPack Promo Image

A/V Furniture & Accessories

GIK Acoustics’ Sound Block StackPack includes a trio of modular acoustic panels that can be free standing or wall mounted.

Hisense C2 Ultra Lifestyle Laser Projector Mounting Positions Hisense C2 Ultra Lifestyle Laser Projector Mounting Positions

New Products

At $2,499 the versatile Hisense C2 Ultra lifestyle 4K projector offers optical zoom, built-in JBL speakers, gaming features and more.

A.bsolument Vintage Bluetooth Radios Collage A.bsolument Vintage Bluetooth Radios Collage

New Products

A.bsolument turns your dusty old radio into a Bluetooth beauty with French savoir-faire—because even your granny’s relic deserves to sound magnifique, not like a...

Astell&Kern 64 Audio XIO IEMs Wired Lifestyle Astell&Kern 64 Audio XIO IEMs Wired Lifestyle

Earbuds & In-Ear Headphones

Astell&Kern and 64 Audio’s $3,000 XIO IEMs combine cutting-edge tech and luxury design for audiophiles seeking top-tier sound and craftsmanship.

Gift Ideas?

Amazon Prime Day is July 8-11, 2025

Daily Deals

Amazon Prime Day is a four-day shopping event from July 8-11, 2025 offering the biggest discounts of the year on consumer electronics.

You May Also Like

Dongle DACs

At $219, the flagship FiiO QX13 dongle DAC features carbon fiber design, ESS ES9027PRO DAC, 768kHz/32-bit, DSD512, PEQ, and balanced 4.4mm output.

DAPs

Discover the FiiO M21, an affordable Android music player with quad DAC, balanced output, and desktop mode—delivering high-res sound and versatile streaming for just...

DAPs

At $2,999, Astell&Kerns's A&Ultima SP3000T DAP offers a triple amp system with tubes that are easy to get used to.

Ask an Expert

Our primer on Hi-Res Audio for those who think Spotify and the Apple iPod raised the bar for music playback.

Headphone Amps

FiiO is slapping U.S. audiophiles with a brutal 40% price hike starting May 1st, thanks to new tariffs. Get ready for sticker shock on...

Articles

Discover the best affordable Hi-Fi brands of 2025 leading the stereo audio revival with premium sound at budget-friendly prices.

DAPs

With support for 32-bit PCM, DSD, Roon, LDAC, aptX HD, and a brand new docking cradle, the Astell&Kern PD10 DAP might replace your streamer.

Articles

March has been a busy month for new headphone introductions, including the Focal Bathys MG and Meze Audio POET.

Advertisement

ecoustics is a hi-fi and music magazine offering product reviews, podcasts, news and advice for aspiring audiophiles, home theater enthusiasts and headphone hipsters. Read more

Copyright © 1999-2024 ecoustics | Disclaimer: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.



SVS Bluesound PSB Speakers NAD Cambridge Audio Q Acoustics Denon Marantz Focal Naim Audio RSL Speakers