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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
- 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)
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)
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.
Related Reading
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
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.