FiiO M27 Review: Get It Right and It Will Reward You Fully

Uncover the impressive sound and powerhouse features of the FiiO M27 digital audio player that truly shines with high-res music.

Two-Minute Overview

If FiiO M27 digital audio player missed any beat while crafting the M27 digital audio player, I sure didn’t catch it. This beast of a player is big and hefty, no doubt about it, but it packs enough power to drive even the most demanding headphones. Plus, it boasts an epic battery life and comes with a desktop stand featuring active cooling — talk about doing things right.

But all those bells and whistles wouldn’t mean much if the M27 didn’t nail the sound. Lucky for us, it does. When fed the right high-resolution music, this player dazzles with stunning detail, expansive soundstage, incredible dynamic range, and a unique character that turns every listening session into a special event. On the flip side, low-quality tracks? Let’s just say the M27 is brutally honest — it won’t sugarcoat a bad recording.

So, is it one of the best players on the market? Absolutely.

Price and Release Date

• Released: November 2025
• Price: $1799

The FiiO M27 hit stores in mid-November 2025. Sure, there are premium players that cost more, but don’t mistake this for “affordable.” It’s a high-end device, crafted for serious audiophiles.

Availability and Features Overview

In specialized audio equipment shops and major marketplaces, the FiiO M27 is generally available without hassle. Its recommended retail price parallels global pricing after accounting for taxes and logistics.

Using the M27 with Android 13

The M27 runs Android 13, giving users full freedom to install apps, including native streaming services via APKs or alternative app stores — a great workaround if Google Play’s payment options are limited. The interface is fully localized, and warranty support is handled through authorized service centers, a big plus over unofficial imports.

Technical Specs: Powerhouse Inside

• Dual ESS Sabre ES9039S PRO DACs
• Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless, LE Audio, Auracast
• 9200 mAh removable battery

FiiO never cuts corners on hardware, and the M27 is no exception.

At its core is Qualcomm’s QCS6490 chipset with Snapdragon 770G architecture. Eight Kryo 670 cores and Adreno 642L graphics ensure buttery-smooth multitasking and lightning-fast responsiveness.

Wireless connectivity is handled by the Qualcomm QCC5181 chip, supporting Bluetooth 5.4 with incoming aptX Lossless, LDAC, Auracast, and LE Audio codecs, and Bluetooth 5.2 for transmission with aptX Adaptive and LDAC.

But wait, there’s more — the Qualcomm Dragonwing AI platform enables a 31-band parametric equalizer, an “All to DSD” global function, and seamless sound processing.

Two ESS Sabre ES9039 PRO chips convert digital to analog, supporting up to 32-bit/768 kHz PCM and DSD512. The sixth-generation sound purification system includes an FPGA matrix and two femtosecond oscillators, promising crystal-clear output.

Battery-wise, the swappable 9200 mAh pack delivers 8-9 hours of playback and monstrous power output — a staggering 10,000 mW in “Ultra High Gain” mode when plugged in.

Inside, expect fully balanced circuits, premium components, isolated power supplies, and advanced cooling with copper radiators and vapor chambers. FiiO truly left no stone unturned.

Functionality score: 5/5

Sound Quality That Commands Attention

• Astoundingly rich and clear Hi-Res playback
• Impressive control and soundstage
• Merciless to low-res audio

If you’re shelling out this kind of cash, you’re probably playing quality music. And thank goodness, because the M27 works wonders with high-res audio but practically scorns anything below CD quality (16-bit/44.1 kHz).

A 24-bit/192 kHz track from David Bowie’s Low album sounds vivid and gripping. Play that same track as a 320 kbps MP3 from Spotify, and it’s like the player takes it as a personal insult.

High-quality files bloom into lush detail with a vast, deep stage. Instruments are distinct yet cohesive, even in minimalist recordings.

Sound tuning is possible, but the stock profile is neutral and natural. Textures and timbres come through with startling accuracy.

Bass is deep, powerful, and varied. Mids are straightforward and honest, faithfully conveying every vocal and instrumental nuance. Treble is bright and assertive without harshness.

Rhythm and dynamics? Flawless. The M27 delivers a near-limitless dynamic range, making it a top contender for “best value audiophile player.”

However, throw on simpler tunes, and the magic fades. It’s like putting Lewis Hamilton behind the wheel of a grocery run — he’ll manage, but it’s not his element. Spotify streaming brutally exposes compression artifacts and flattened dynamics. The M27 doesn’t rescue poor recordings; it reveals them naked.

Sound quality score: 4.5/5

Design: This Is No Pocket Player

• Titanium or aluminum body
• Dimensions: 157 x 85 x 28 mm
• 6-inch 1080p display

Until you pick it up, those specs and the hefty 630g weight feel abstract. The M27 isn’t exactly portable in the pocket sense — it’s more of a “transportable” desktop companion.

FiiO aimed for premium, not just big. The industrial design features sharp edges, top-tier materials like titanium or aluminum, and a Gorilla Glass screen that commands respect. The back panel mimics marble, and the package includes a natural leather case (vegans, heads up: no alternatives here).

Build quality is flawless. At this price, you expect top-tier craftsmanship, and the M27 delivers handsomely.

Design score: 5/5

Ease of Use and Customization

• Android 13 OS
• Six operating modes
• Fan-cooled desktop stand included

Navigating the M27 is a breeze, thanks to a fast, responsive touchscreen running Android 13.

Physical controls complement the touchscreen: a volume/power wheel on top, playback buttons on the left, and three headphone jacks (3.5mm, 4.4mm, and 6.3mm) up top. Down below are numerous ports: optical, coaxial, dual microSD slots (up to 4TB combined!), Hold and Desktop Mode switches, and three USB-C ports for power, data, and host functions.

The “Desktop Mode” disables the battery when plugged in, extending its lifespan. Other modes include Pure Music, USB DAC, AirPlay, Bluetooth Receiver, and Coaxial Decoding.

The included fan-cooled stand connects via a dedicated USB-C port, and even the leather case features a metal cooling plate.

Usability score: 5/5

Value for Money

The M27 doesn’t break new ground in functionality compared to cheaper players, but that’s not the point. It’s a luxurious accessory delivering stunning sound and desktop-grade capabilities.

For practical buyers, justifying the price might be tough. But if you value emotion and quality as much as specs, the FiiO M27 will grab your heart.

Value score: 5/5

Also Consider

Astell & Kern A&ultima SP3000T

Still an outstanding device that rivals the FiiO M27, though FiiO’s more attractive price makes the choice less clear-cut.

How I Tested the FiiO M27

I installed Qobuz and Tidal, loaded a 512GB card packed with high-res music, and used both wired (Sennheiser IE900 headphones) and wireless headphones. I even tried out its DAC mode. My playlists spanned genres and formats to truly stress-test the device.

3 лучших цифровых аудиоплеера: от доступного до люксового

FAQ

• What type of DAC chips does the FiiO M27 use?
  It features dual ESS Sabre ES9039S PRO DACs, providing high-fidelity digital-to-analog conversion.
• How long does the battery last on a full charge?
  The 9200 mAh removable battery delivers roughly 8-9 hours of playback time.
• Can I use my favorite streaming apps on the M27?
  Yes. Running Android 13, the M27 supports installing apps like Qobuz or Tidal, and local streaming services can be added via APK files.
• Does the M27 come with any cooling solutions?
  It does! A desktop stand with an active fan is included, and the leather case features a metal cooling plate.
• Is the M27 suitable for low-resolution audio files?
  The player is quite unforgiving to low-res audio and really shines only with high-resolution music.

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