Momentum is everything and FiiO entered 2024 with a lot of it based on a very strong 12 months of successful new product introductions in 2023 across multiple categories in the personal audio and desktop audio world. Their DAP lineup which includes the M11S, M11 Plus, M17, and M15S is expanding with the addition of the M23.
FiiO M23
The FiiO M23 digital audio player (DAP) incorporates a Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 processor that runs on a customized Android operating system with a global SRC (Sample Rate Conversion) bypass. This means that music streaming apps such as TIDAL, Qobuz, Apple Music, Deezer and more can be installed to allow hi-res lossless audio listening.
For added support, the M23 features the flagship AKM AK4191EQ + AKM AK4499EX DAC combination, which supports playback of audio files up to, and including, 24-bit/384kHz PCM, DSD256, and support for MQA.
The M23 provides physical 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced headphone outputs and single-ended/balanced line-outs. It can transmit and receive hi-res audio using aptX HD Bluetooth and LDAC wireless connectivity.
The M23 DAP works with wireless headphones and can also receive audio from a smartphone, PC, or other device and be used as a Bluetooth DAC/Amplifier.
With the external USB power option, the M23 features a ‘Desktop Mode’, allowing it to work as both a portable and desktop device. In desktop mode, the additional ‘Super-High’ gain level is available, allowing the M23 to deliver an impressive 1000mW per channel into 32 ohms.
The M23 is available in either Blue Titanium or Stainless Steel and offers a 10.5-hour battery life, a 5.5″ multi-touch HD display, and onboard storage of 64GB.
Tip: The M23 also features a microSD card slot with support for up to 2TB cards.
M23 Specifications
- DAC: AKM AK4191EQ + AKM AK4499EX
- SoC (System on Chip): Qualcomm 660
- Amplifier: THX AAA-78+ (x 2)
- Display: 5.5″ 720 x 1440 (18:9 Ratio)
- Power Output: 1000mW @32Ω, 236mW @300Ω
- Gain Modes: Low / Medium / High / Super-High
- Headphone Outputs: 3.5mm (Single-ended) / 4.4mm (Balanced)
- Line Outputs: Yes (3.5mm (Single-ended) / 4.4mm (Balanced)
- Coaxial Output: Yes (3.5mm)
- Bluetooth (Receive): SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX LL, aptX Adaptive, LDAC
- Bluetooth (Transmit): SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC
- MicroSD Slot: Yes (Up to 2TB)
- Desktop Mode: Yes
- RAM/ROM: 4GB/64GB
- Battery Capacity: 5500mAh
- Battery Life: 10.5 Hours (Full Charge)
- Audio Support: PCM up to 384kHz/24-Bit, Native DSD256
- MQA Support: Yes
- Dimensions: 136.5 x 75.7 x 18.1 (5.37 x 2.98 x 0.71 inches)
- Weight: 299g (11 oz)
- Color Variants: Blue Titanium/Stainless Steel
Availability and Pricing
The FiiO M23 DAP is available in stainless steel or blue titanium finishes. It’s priced at $700 USD (£649 / €700) and is expected to start shipping in April 2024.
Tip: The FiiO M23 Digital Audio Player be on display at CanJam New York on Saturday & Sunday, March 9-10th 2024.
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ORT
March 8, 2024 at 6:28 am
I still own and use 2 Echobox Explorers. I have a MicroSD in both of them with thousands of songs. I also have my Pandora, SiriusXM and Amazon Music Unlimited accounts on them for when I have access to WiFi.
They look cooler than this FiiO M23 does but the FiiO is still quite stylish. MQA? Why would FiiO do this to themselves and to me? The M23 has a Coaxial output while the Echobox has Optical.
If the iFi (’60s ALERT!) Hippy-Hippy-Dac had an optical input and left off the MQA, I would have one for use with my Echobox Explorers. It doesn’t so I don’t. Dammit. It looks similar to the Explorer and style is never out of style.
FiiO makes good stuff and I still have (somewhere) a FiiO X2 or some number like that DAP of theirs. It worked fine last time I used it too. Both my Explorers can play for well over 8+ hours nonstop on a single charge of the battery. It helps when you don’t play your music LOUD over headphones.
Yes the Explorer can be “too heavy” for what passes for a “man” these days but not for me. It ain’t heavy, those people are just wimpy. Even I am strong enough to carry a DAP around. 😉
Actually I have a Warlock Doberman that accompanies me and carries my portable audio equipment for me…Ummmmmm…No. Not really. I just carry it around the house with hard-wired ‘phones so as not to upset my spousal unit. She doesn’t like music. Strictly a Talk Radio Woman. Go figure.
The FiiO M23 looks nice and outside of Master Quisling A-Hol_(care to buy a vowel? LOL!), it is feature rich and if I didn’t have my two Explorers I might well save up for one. Really. I might.
Again, FiiO makes excellent stuff! Thank you!
ORT