FiiO M11S Review: Mid-Range Music Player with Premium Hi-Res Sound

Explore the FiiO M11S, a mid-range music player offering premium Hi-Res audio with robust features and solid performance.

A Compact Powerhouse in Portable Audio

If you’ve ever hunted for a portable music player that balances affordability with high-end sound, the FiiO M11S might just be your new best friend. Compared to bulkier, pricier rivals like Astell & Kern, the M11S is relatively compact and easy on the wallet. Yet, it doesn't scrimp on features or build quality, making it feel like a steal in the realm of dedicated Hi-Res players.

The sound? Oh, it’s impressive. Rich and detailed without ever veering into harshness, it delivers an engaging audio experience. Whether you're feeding it low-quality MP3s or high-res files, the M11S adapts effortlessly. Plus, it plays nicely with various headphones, though naturally, better gear means better vibes.

FiiO M11S: Price and Release Date

The M11S dropped in January 2023, priced at $499. Now, that might sound steep for what looks like a slightly souped-up smartphone. But, trust me, dedicated Hi-Res players often command even heftier price tags.

When the original FiiO M11 hit the market in 2019, it cost around $459, so the price has held steady. Meanwhile, premium players like the Astell & Kern A&ultima SP2000T have soared to jaw-dropping prices close to $2,400. So, the M11S slots in nicely between budget and luxury, aligning closer with models like the Astell & Kern A&norma SR25 MKII, which retails around $749.

Sleek Design with Solid Build

Still feeling a bit gadget-hungry? The M11S measures 125 x 74 x 19 mm (about 4.9 x 2.9 x 0.7 inches) and weighs 271 grams (9.6 ounces). Compared to smartphones, it’s chunky, but among portable music players, it’s quite nimble.

The aluminium body feels sturdy and premium, with subtly crafted non-parallel edges that add a dash of character. The back panel is plastic—nothing fancy—but the front is dominated by a glass touchscreen, protected by factory-installed tempered glass. Every piece fits snugly without any unsightly screws poking out, adding to its refined feel.

• Design rating: 4/5

Robust Specifications for the Audiophile

Let’s dig under the hood. The M11S runs on Android 10, powered by a Snapdragon 660 chipset with eight Kyro cores—the same engine found in FiiO’s flagship M17 player. The result? A smooth, responsive 5-inch HD touchscreen (720 x 1280 resolution) that handles navigation without a hitch.

Inside, two ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chips work independently on left and right audio channels, processing files up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD256 with MQA decoding. The three-stage Texas Instruments op-amp amplification system, each stage powered separately, reduces noise to an ultra-low 1.8 µV—class-leading for this price bracket.

Storage-wise, you get 32 GB built-in, expandable via a microSD slot. Connectivity includes three headphone jacks: a standard 3.5mm, plus balanced 2.5mm and 4.4mm outputs. The 3.5mm also doubles as a digital coaxial output, supporting up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD128.

Charging and data travel through USB-C, offering 10 to 14 hours of playback depending on usage, and allowing the player to serve as a standalone DAC for your laptop — with support soaring to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512 in this mode.

Wireless fans get Bluetooth 5.0 with support for SBC, AAC, aptX-HD, and LDAC codecs. Plus, it can act as a Bluetooth receiver, streaming audio from another device, though aptX-HD is disabled in this mode. There’s also Wi-Fi connectivity.

Physical controls complement the touchscreen, with three buttons on the right for skipping and playback, and buttons on the left for power and customizable functions. A carbon-effect rocker toggles volume, a more traditional approach than the swipe controls on pricier siblings.

• Specs rating: 4.5/5

Sound Quality That Commands Attention

Sure, some smartphones sound decent, but even the best phone struggles to match a dedicated player like the M11S. This player doesn’t just play music—it breathes life into it.

I tested the M11S with wired Sennheiser IE900 earbuds (via the 4.4mm balanced output) and wireless Technics EAH-AZ60 headphones over Bluetooth. Whether feeding it low-res MP3s or high-res 24-bit/192kHz and DSD64 tracks, the M11S consistently delivered lively, detailed sound—sometimes even a tad enthusiastic.

The tonal balance is a “golden mean”: neutral, neither too warm nor too clinical. Bass has body and presence without muddiness, offering both weight and speed for tight rhythmic expression. Across the frequency spectrum, detail is sharp, with the midrange revealing subtle nuances and dynamic shifts in solo instruments effortlessly.

Power reserves are generous, allowing the M11S to handle dramatic volume swings and sculpt a wide, well-defined soundstage.

The only slight quibble is the treble. While the highs are as rich and detailed as the rest of the spectrum and transition smoothly from midrange, they can come across as a bit too eager. No matter how you fiddle with the equalizer, gain stages, or playback modes, high frequencies sometimes edge toward being overly bright—especially with certain recordings or headphone pairings.

In other words, if you favor a laid-back top end, the M11S might feel a little too vivid.

• Sound quality rating: 4.5/5

Value Proposition: Worth the Investment?

The M11S comfortably outscores its main competitor, the Astell & Kern A&norma SR25 Mk II, while costing less. You get a treasure trove of flexible features, exceptional sound, and high-quality components, making it easy to justify spending extra on a big microSD card rather than on a pricier player.

That said, this is still a premium product, so it commands a price beyond what your smartphone offers. It won’t shake up the portable player market overnight, but the value it delivers means the competition will need to up their game.

• Value rating: 4/5

Should You Buy the FiiO M11S?

It delivers an engaging audio experience, adaptable to various file qualities and headphones.
— FiiO M11S Review

FAQ

• What audio formats does the FiiO M11S support?
  The M11S supports high-resolution formats including 32-bit/384kHz files, DSD256, and MQA decoding.
• Can I use the FiiO M11S as a DAC for my computer?
  Yes, connecting it via USB-C enables use as a high-quality DAC supporting up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512.
• How long does the battery last on a single charge?
  Expect between 10 to 14 hours of playback depending on usage and audio settings.
• Does the M11S support wireless headphones?
  Absolutely. It connects via Bluetooth 5.0 supporting SBC, AAC, aptX-HD, and LDAC codecs.
• Is the FiiO M11S suitable for casual listeners or just audiophiles?
  It suits both. Casual listeners will enjoy its straightforward interface and great sound, while audiophiles will appreciate the detailed, neutral audio reproduction.

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