FiiO M23 blue

Strategically positioned between the M11 Plus and M15 series, the FiiO M23 portable player embodies a refined technical approach that combines power, versatility, and sound quality. As the direct successor to the M11 Plus II, the M23 brings significant innovations both in its internal components and power architecture, while maintaining FiiO’s philosophy focused on musical fidelity.

Technical Innovation and Audio Architecture

At the heart of the M23 lies a particularly sophisticated AKM DAC combination, pairing the AK4191EQ and AK4499EX chips. This architecture intelligently separates the digital and analog aspects of the audio chain, enabling remarkably precise signal conversion. FiiO’s proprietary DWA (Direct Write Access) routing technology significantly improves the signal-to-noise ratio, contributing to a smooth and natural sound.

Amplification relies on THX AAA-78+ technology, deployed across four channels in a fully balanced configuration. This technical approach allows the M23 to deliver a maximum power of 1000mW per channel in desktop mode, sufficient to drive the most demanding headphones while maintaining an imperceptible level of distortion.

The power supply architecture is one of the M23’s most notable innovations. FiiO has specifically developed a 4-phase, 20-rail system that provides independent and isolated power to the digital and analog sections. This rigorous separation minimizes interference and optimizes the performance of each component.

DAPS Audio Purification System

The M23 features FiiO’s proprietary DAPS (Digital Audio Purification System), which combines a HiFi audio core that bypasses the Android system with a low-jitter femtosecond clock processor. This architecture ensures the preservation of the original sampling rate of audio streams, whether in PCM or DSD format, thus offering unified Hi-Res audio performance across all Android applications.

The M23 offers six distinct operating modes: Roon Ready, Android, Pure Music, Bluetooth, and AirPlay. This versatility allows users to tailor the player’s behavior to their listening preferences and music sources.

Versatile Use and Dual USB-C Connectivity

One of the M23’s most innovative features is its dual USB-C connectivity, a first for FiiO. The first port is dedicated exclusively to power (Power IN), enabling Desktop mode operation with an external power source. The second port handles data transfer, USB DAC functionality, and USB Audio.

This dual-USB configuration offers remarkable flexibility. In portable mode, the M23 functions as a traditional audiophile player. Connected to an external power supply via the Power IN port, it transforms into a high-performance desktop DAC, capable of delivering its maximum power without drawing on the battery.

The dedicated Desktop Mode switch allows you to activate this function with a single gesture, automatically switching to the high-power configuration.

Network Connectivity and Streaming

The M23 features dual-band 2.4/5 GHz WiFi connectivity, providing access to music streaming services and DLNA servers. Compatibility with Roon Ready, AirPlay, and UPnP/DLNA makes it easy to integrate into existing home audio ecosystems.

Bidirectional Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity supports a wide range of codecs for transmission (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, LHDC) and reception (SBC, AAC, LDAC). This versatility ensures optimal compatibility with high-end wireless headphones while preserving audio quality despite compression protocols.

Design and Ergonomics

The M23 features FiiO’s signature honeycomb hexagonal design, giving it a modern industrial aesthetic. While this stylistic choice may divide users—some preferring the more rounded approach of the M15S—it reflects the brand’s visual identity and underscores the product’s technical positioning.

The 5.5-inch IPS screen displays a resolution of 1440x720 pixels with 16 million colors, offering a smooth and readable touch interface. Its dimensions of 75.7 x 136.5 x 18.1 mm and weight of 299g place the M23 in the compact player category without sacrificing connectivity options.

Battery Life and Fast Charging

The 5500mAh lithium-polymer battery offers substantial battery life: 10.5 hours in unbalanced mode and 9 hours in balanced mode. The 30W fast-charging system allows you to reach 50% charge in 30 minutes, 80% in one hour, and a full charge in 2 hours, reducing charging time by 43% compared to the M11 Plus II.

This significant improvement in energy management results from the integration of a Super Charge Pump system activated via the Power IN port, capable of delivering a maximum charging current of 5.5A.

Evolution Compared to Previous Models

Compared to the M11 Plus II, the M23 brings substantial improvements in several key areas. The switch from the ES9068AS DAC to the AKM AK4191EQ+AK4499EX combination marks a notable qualitative leap. The THX 78+ amplifier delivers 54% more power at 32Ω and an impressive 162% improvement at 300Ω.

The addition of Desktop mode with a dedicated switch, dual USB-C connectivity, and a separate power interface are practical innovations that greatly expand usage possibilities. These developments position the M23 as a versatile audio platform capable of satisfying both portable and desktop use.

Technical Specifications

System and Processor

• Operating system: Android
• User interface: Android mode / Pure mode
• Gesture control: yes
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 660
  • Number of cores: 8
  • Frequency: 2.2 GHz

Display and Interface

• Size: 14 cm
• Technology: IPS Hi-Res
• Resolution: 1440 x 720 pixels
• Density: 312 ppi
• Colors: 16 million
• Touch interface: multitouch
• Viewing angle: wide

Connectivity

• WiFi: dual-band 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz
• USB Type-C (USB 3.0)
• Bluetooth
  • Transmission: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, LHDC
  • Reception: SBC, LDAC
• AirPlay: yes
• DLNA / NAS UPnP: yes
• FiiO Link: yes
• Audio file transfer via WiFi: yes

Storage and Memory

• RAM: 4 GB
• Internal storage (ROM): 64 GB
• Available memory: approximately 46 GB for the user
• Expansion: microSD up to 2 TB

Controls and Connectors

• Physical controls
  • Power / standby button
  • Previous / next buttons
  • Desktop mode switch
  • Volume potentiometer
• Connectors
  • USB-C (USB 3.0): charging, transfer, USB DAC, USB Audio
  • 3.5 mm headphone output: unbalanced
  • 4.4 mm Pentaconn headphone output: balanced

Audio Outputs and Technical Specifications

3.5 mm Headphone Output – Unbalanced

• Super high gain
  • Power: 480 mW + 480 mW (16 Ω), 440 mW + 440 mW (32 Ω), 60 mW + 60 mW (300 Ω)
  • THD+N: ≤ 0.00038%
  • Crosstalk: ≥ 72 dB
  • Response: 20 Hz ~ 80 kHz
  • SNR: ≥ 125 dB
  • Impedance: < 1 Ω
  • Background noise: ≤ 1.9 μV
  • Max output: 12 Vp-p
• High gain
  • Power: 235 mW + 235 mW (16 Ω), 125 mW + 125 mW (32 Ω), 15 mW + 15 mW (300 Ω)
  • THD+N: ≤ 0.00046%
  • SNR: ≥ 120 dB
  • Max output: 6 Vp-p
• Line out
  • Level: 2 Vrms
  • THD+N: ≤ 0.00043%
  • SNR: ≥ 126 dB
  • Background noise: ≤ 1.1 μV

4.4 mm Headphone Output – Balanced

• Super high gain
  • Power: 730 mW + 730 mW (16 Ω), 1000 mW + 1000 mW (32 Ω), 240 mW + 240 mW (300 Ω)
  • THD+N: ≤ 0.00038%
  • Crosstalk: ≥ 117 dB
  • SNR: ≥ 125 dB
  • Impedance: < 2 Ω
  • Background noise: ≤ 3.1 μV
  • Max output: 23.5 Vp-p
• High gain
  • Power: 630 mW + 630 mW (16 Ω), 475 mW + 475 mW (32 Ω), 55 mW + 55 mW (300 Ω)
  • THD+N: ≤ 0.00039%
  • SNR: ≥ 122 dB
  • Max output: 11 Vp-p
• Line out
  • Level: 4 Vrms
  • THD+N: ≤ 0.00033%
  • SNR: ≥ 129 dB
  • Background noise: ≤ 1.4 μV

Audio Processing

• DAC: dual AKM AK4191EQ + AK4499EX
• Amplification technology: THX AAA-78+
• Compatibility: MQA, All to DSD

Supported Audio Formats

• DSD: DSD64/128/256/512 (ISO, DSF, DFF), DST ISO
• DXD: 352.8 kHz / 24-bit
• APE: up to 384 kHz / 24-bit (depending on profile)
• Apple Lossless (ALAC): up to 384 kHz / 32-bit
• AIFF / FLAC / WAV: up to 384 kHz / 32-bit
• WMA Lossless: up to 96 kHz / 24-bit

Power and Battery Life

• Battery: Li-polymer 3.8 V / 5500 mAh
• Fast charging: compatible with QC2.0, MTK PE, PD2.0, DC 12 V / 1.5 A
• Charging time: approximately 1 h 30 (DC 12 V / 1.5 A)
• Battery life
  • 3.5 mm output: > 10 h 30 min
  • 4.4 mm output: > 9 h

Dimensions and Weight

• Dimensions: 75.7 x 136.5 x 18.1 mm
• Weight: 299 g