FiiO M11s

The FiiO M11s is an audiophile music player that combines a reference-grade electronic architecture with the versatility of Android 10, bridging the world of portable high-fidelity and the modern digital ecosystem. With its five distinct operating modes and extensive compatibility, the M11s is aimed at discerning music lovers who refuse to compromise.

Electronic Architecture and Sound Signature

At its core, the M11s features a sophisticated architecture orchestrated by two ESS ES9038Q2M converters, renowned for their exceptional linearity and low harmonic distortion. These chips work in tandem with OPA926 amplifiers, chosen for their transparency and ability to drive a wide range of transducers.

Innovation lies in the integration of NDK femtosecond oscillators, which drastically reduce jitter—a subtle but audible phenomenon that can affect rhythmic precision and spatialization. The 4th-generation FPGA circuit completes this chain by managing sample rate conversions with surgical precision.

This architecture allows the M11s to natively decode DSD files up to DSD512 and PCM formats up to 768 kHz at 32 bits, far surpassing the capabilities of most current digital sources. The “All to DSD” mode even offers the option to convert all formats to DSD, an approach favored by some audiophiles for its unique musicality.

Versatility and Operating Modes

The M11s transcends the traditional definition of a music player by offering five distinct modes. In standard Android mode, it becomes a full-fledged music tablet, capable of running Spotify, TIDAL, Qobuz, or Apple Music with the same fluidity as a premium smartphone. The octa-core Snapdragon 660 processor ensures consistent responsiveness, even when handling large high-resolution files.

Pure Music mode streamlines the experience by disabling non-essential Android services, freeing up system resources to optimize music playback. This minimalist approach appeals to purists who prioritize pure audio performance.

In USB converter mode, the M11s transforms into an external DAC for computers, supporting resolutions up to 384 kHz/32 bits and DSD128. This function is particularly useful for improving the sound quality of a desktop setup without investing in a dedicated converter.

The Bluetooth and AirPlay receiver modes complete this versatility by enabling wireless audio streaming, turning the M11s into a central audio hub for various sources.

Redesigned Interface and Ergonomics

The 5-inch IPS touchscreen uses Incell technology for a borderless display, offering a generous interaction surface in a compact format. The 1280 × 720 pixel resolution ensures perfect readability of album covers and playback information, even outdoors.

The interface benefits from the refinements of Android 10, with a dark mode that preserves battery life and reduces eye strain during extended listening sessions. Navigation can be performed via gestures or virtual buttons, adapting to each user’s preferences.

The FiiO multifunction key is a notable ergonomic innovation. Customizable, it allows quick access to the most frequently used functions: shuffle play, favorites management, or track deletion with a single click. This physical approach smartly complements the touchscreen interface, especially appreciated during on-the-go use.

Comprehensive Connectivity and Compatibility

The M11s excels in its ability to integrate into any audio ecosystem. The bidirectional Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity supports the most advanced codecs: LDAC and LHDC for high-resolution transmission, aptX HD for minimal latency, as well as the standard SBC and AAC for universal compatibility.

Dual-band WiFi (2.4 and 5 GHz) provides access to streaming services and advanced network protocols. Support for DLNA, NAS, and UPNP allows direct access to music libraries stored on home servers, while Roon Ready certification ensures seamless integration with high-end music management systems.

On the wired side, the bidirectional USB-C 3.0 port ensures fast transfers and efficient charging. In USB audio mode, it can even receive signals up to 768 kHz/32 bits and DSD512, turning the M11s into a professional audio interface.

Audio Outputs and Adaptability

The M11s offers three distinct outputs to suit all transducers. The versatile 3.5 mm unbalanced output can function as a headphone, line, or digital coaxial output. The 2.5 mm and 4.4 mm balanced outputs provide superior dynamics and optimized channel separation, particularly beneficial with high-impedance headphones.

This configuration allows for efficient powering of demanding transducers while preserving the nuances of the most subtle recordings. The 10-band parametric equalizer allows for fine adjustments, with presets tailored to the main sound signatures on the market.

Battery Life and Practicality

With over 14 hours of battery life when playing MP3s (screen off), the M11s ensures comfortable use on the go. This remarkable endurance for an Android device is due to software optimization and intelligent power management.

Fast charging via QC4.0/PD2.0 enables a full recharge in about 3 hours, while deep sleep mode preserves the battery for over 1000 hours of inactivity. The car mode, with automatic power on and off, demonstrates attention to practical details.

Technical Specifications

Converters and Amplification

• Digital-to-analog converters: 2 × ESS ES9038Q2M
• Amplifiers: 2 × OPA926
• Oscillators: 2 × NDK femtosecond
• 4th generation FPGA circuit with femtosecond clocks

Supported Audio Formats

• Lossless formats
  • DSD: DSD64 / 128 / 256 (.iso, .dsf, .dff)
  • DXD: 352.8 kHz / 24-bit
  • APE: up to 384 kHz / 24-bit
  • FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC: up to 384 kHz / 32-bit
  • Lossless WMA: 96 kHz / 24-bit
• Compressed formats: MP3, AAC, WMA, OGG

Equalization and Processing

• 10-band parametric equalizer ± 12 dB
• Presets: 8 + 1 customizable
• Support up to 192 kHz / 24-bit
• All to DSD mode
• MQA support with 8× unfolding
• Global SRC bypass

Processor and Performance

• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 660, 8 cores (4 × 2.2 GHz + 4 × 1.8 GHz)
• Operating system: Android 10 with global SRC bypass
• Third-party app support: Apple Music, TIDAL, Qobuz

Advanced Features

• FiiO multifunction key with customizable shortcuts
• Shuffle play, favorites, one-click deletion
• Custom playlist sorting
• Double tap to wake
• OTA update or via microSD card

Display and Interface

• 5.0-inch IPS Incell touchscreen
• Resolution: 1280 × 720 pixels
• Multipoint technology (10 fingers)
• Borderless display
• Dark mode and auto sleep
• 3-finger screenshot
• Gesture or button navigation (2 or 3 buttons)

System and Connectivity

Operating System

• Android 10
• Operating modes: Android, Pure Music, USB DAC, Bluetooth receiver, AirPlay
• Memory: 3 GB RAM, 32 GB storage (16 GB available)
• Expansion: microSD up to 2 TB

Wireless Connectivity

• Bidirectional Bluetooth 5.0
  • Transmission: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, LHDC
  • Reception: SBC, AAC, LDAC
• WiFi: 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz
• Protocols: DLNA, NAS, UPNP, AirPlay, Roon Ready
• FiiO Link and WiFi music transfer

Wired Connectivity

• Bidirectional USB-C 3.0: charging, data transfer, USB DAC, USB audio
• USB DAC mode: up to 384 kHz / 32-bit / DSD128
• USB audio mode: up to 768 kHz / 32-bit / DSD512 (DoP / D2P / native)

Audio Connectors

• Unbalanced output: 3.5 mm (headphone / line / coaxial)
• Balanced outputs: 2.5 mm + 4.4 mm (headphone / line)
• Dedicated balanced line out

Audio Performance and Outputs

Unbalanced Headphone Output (3.5 mm)

• Output power
  • ≥ 300 mW at 16 Ω
  • ≥ 200 mW at 32 Ω
  • ≥ 23 mW at 300 Ω
• Output impedance: ≤ 1.5 Ω
• Signal-to-noise ratio: ≥ 123 dB
• Total harmonic distortion + noise: ≤ 0.00066%
• Crosstalk: ≥ 79 dB
• Noise floor: ≤ 1.8 μV

Balanced Outputs (2.5 mm + 4.4 mm)

• Output power
  • ≥ 550 mW at 16 Ω
  • ≥ 670 mW at 32 Ω
  • ≥ 90 mW at 300 Ω
• Output impedance: ≤ 2.6 Ω
• Signal-to-noise ratio: ≥ 123 dB
• Total harmonic distortion + noise: ≤ 0.00043%
• Crosstalk: ≥ 112 dB
• Noise floor: < 3.1 μV

Line Out

• Total harmonic distortion + noise: < 0.00054% (unbalanced), < 0.00034% (balanced)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 121 dB / > 125 dB
• Frequency response
  • 20 Hz – 20 kHz (-0.5 dB)
  • 20 Hz – 50 kHz (-2 dB)
• Noise floor: < 2.2 μV
• Crosstalk (balanced): > 105 dB (1 kHz / 10 kΩ)

Power and Battery Life

• Battery life: > 14 hours (3.5 mm output at 32 Ω, MP3, screen off)
• Balanced battery life: > 14 hours (balanced output at 32 Ω, MP3, screen off)
• Fast charging: QC4.0 / PD2.0, about 3 hours
• Deep standby: > 1000 hours
• Car mode: automatic power on/off

Physical Specifications

• Dimensions: 125.2 × 74 × 18.5 mm
• Weight: approx. 271 g
• Color: black
• Design: FiiO 6th generation hexagonal structure
• Volume control: physical button

Box Contents

• M11S × 1
• Tempered glass screen protector (pre-installed) × 1
• Transparent case × 1
• USB-C cable × 1
• Quick start guide × 1
• Warranty card × 1
• Quick reminder card × 1