FiiO M27 black

The FiiO M27 positions itself as an audiophile music player capable of competing with desktop sources while remaining portable. Equipped with two ESS ES9039SPRO converters, a Qualcomm QCS6490 processor, and amplification delivering up to 5,000 mW per channel in balanced mode, it meets the expectations of music lovers seeking uncompromising high-fidelity reproduction. Available in aluminum and titanium alloy finishes, it combines robust construction with top-tier technical capabilities.

Construction and finish

The M27 comes in two versions. The aluminum version weighs approximately 556 grams and focuses on lightness for mobile use. The titanium alloy version — FiiO’s first foray into this material — weighs 630 grams and offers increased durability and a more neutral sound signature, particularly well suited to orchestral recordings.

The fiberglass back panel completes this construction, combining light weight and strength. Its dimensions of 157.4 × 85.1 × 28 mm make it a compact yet substantial device, clearly embracing its dual role as a portable and desktop unit. Thermal dissipation uses a graphite vapor chamber and graphene pads to effectively evacuate the heat generated by the high-power amplification.

Digital section and audio processing

Two ESS ES9039SPRO converters in differential configuration handle the stereo channels, offering a dynamic range up to 130 dB and extremely low distortion. This architecture ensures effective channel separation and detailed reproduction, whether in high-resolution PCM (up to 768 kHz / 32-bit) or native DSD (up to DSD512).

FiiO deploys its DAPS (Digital Audio Purification System), based on a high-capacity FPGA and two RIVER femtosecond oscillators. These components minimize jitter and provide clock precision comparable to desktop sources, resulting in a stable, faithful soundstage.

USB processing relies on a 16-core XMOS XU316 chip. The device performs full MQA decoding, converts PCM files to DSD via ALL TO DSD, and includes a 31-band parametric equalizer with system-wide Auto-EQ — a rare feature that allows you to adjust the response curve across all apps, not just FiiO Music.

Reference-grade amplification

The analog section is based on TI OPA2211 operational amplifiers and NJU72315 volume controllers, ensuring clean amplification and fine control of channel balance (in 0.5 dB steps from L20 to R20).

The M27 offers five gain levels (Ultra High, Super High, High, Medium, Low) to accommodate all types of headphones. In Ultra High Gain mode — accessible via the POWER IN port connected to a PD3.0 charger — it delivers 5,000 mW per channel from the 4.4 mm balanced output (10,000 mW total), rivaling desktop amplifiers. On the unbalanced 3.5/6.35 mm outputs, power reaches 2,650 mW at 16 ohms.

This power is supported by FiiO’s patented HYPER DRIVE circuit: large reserves, ultra-low-impedance circuits, rapid heat dissipation via copper blocks, and low-loss relays. The six differential stages reduce crosstalk and ensure signal stability.

Modern operating system

The Qualcomm QCS6490 processor (Snapdragon 770G architecture) integrates eight Kryo 670 cores, an Adreno 642L GPU, and supports LPDDR5 memory and UFS 3.1 storage. Paired with 8 GB of RAM, it provides smartphone-level fluidity, allowing smooth navigation under Android 13, efficient multitasking, and stability during high-resolution decoding.

There are two operating modes: Android (full access and third-party apps such as Tidal, Qobuz, Apple Music, Spotify) and Pure Music (direct full-screen launch of FiiO Music for a streamlined experience, with Android services still running in the background).

Generous storage

With 256 GB of internal storage (around 241 GB available) and two microSD slots each supporting up to 2 TB, the M27 offers a total capacity of 4.25 TB. This is enough to carry a full library of FLAC, DSD, or studio master files without relying on the cloud. Fast UFS 3.1 storage guarantees consistent read speeds even with very large files.

Comprehensive connectivity and Desktop mode

The M27 provides three headphone outputs (unbalanced 3.5 mm, unbalanced 6.35 mm — rare on a portable device — and balanced 4.4 mm), which can also be used as line outputs. On the digital side: USB-C 3.0 (data/charging), USB-C POWER IN (dedicated power), USB-C Host, optical output, and RCA coaxial serving as both input and output.

The patented Desktop mode optimizes power management when the device is connected to an external source. In this mode, the battery is neither used nor charged (unless it drops below 15%), extending its lifespan. This mode turns the M27 into a true desktop source while retaining its portability.

Next-generation wireless connectivity

The Qualcomm QCC5181 chip marks a significant step forward with support for the aptX Lossless codec, enabling lossless transmission with compatible headphones. In Bluetooth 5.4 receive mode: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Lossless, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, and LDAC. In Bluetooth 5.2 transmit mode: addition of the LHDC codec. Support for LE Audio and Auracast opens up new possibilities for sharing audio with multiple receivers simultaneously.

Dual-band Wi‑Fi (2.4 and 5 GHz) supports DLNA, AirPlay, and Wi‑Fi streaming, allowing easy integration into a home network.

Battery life and fast charging

The 9,200 mAh battery provides around 9 hours on the unbalanced output and 8 hours on the balanced output (measured with MP3 44.1 kHz / 16-bit, Super High gain, screen off, 32 ohms). Battery life varies depending on file format, gain level, and headphone impedance.

The M27 supports fast charging (QC3.0, QC4.0, PD2.0, PD3.0 PPS), allowing a full charge in about 3 hours with a compatible charger, accepting up to 5 A via the POWER IN port with a PD3.0 charger.

Controls and interface

The 5.99-inch touchscreen (1080 × 2160 pixels) offers responsive navigation. Physical controls include a power wheel, an analog volume wheel, playback/navigation buttons, a programmable multifunction button, a HOLD lock, and a D.MODE switch (Audio / Android) for quick switching between modes. This combination allows intuitive operation, either via the screen or by feel without looking at the device.

Positioning in the range

The M27 extends the M17 concept of a “portable desktop unit,” a device that can compete with desktop sources while remaining transportable. It follows the M21, M23, and JM21, raising the bar in computing power (QCS6490), conversion (dual ES9039SPRO), output power, and wireless connectivity (aptX Lossless, Auracast).

It represents FiiO’s current flagship, aimed at listeners seeking a single source capable of driving both sensitive in-ear monitors and demanding planar headphones, with the flexibility to move seamlessly between home and on-the-go use.

Technical specifications

Architecture and platform

• Main processor: Qualcomm Dragonwing 6490
• Digital-to-analog converters (DAC): 2 × ESS ES9039SPRO
• USB DAC: XMOS XU316
• Clocks: 3 × FCXO-05E high-precision
• Bluetooth: QCC5181 (decoding), BT 5.4 receiver

Operating modes

• Android mode
• Pure Music mode
• AirPlay
• USB DAC
• Bluetooth reception
• Coaxial decoding

Connectivity

Headphone outputs

• Unbalanced 3.5 mm output
• Unbalanced 6.35 mm output
• Balanced 4.4 mm output

Line outputs

• Unbalanced 3.5 mm output (shared with headphone output)
• Unbalanced 6.35 mm output
• Balanced 4.4 mm output (shared with balanced headphone output)

Digital inputs / outputs

• USB-C 3.0 (data + charging)
• USB-C Power In (separate power supply)
• USB-C Host
• Optical
• Coaxial RCA (shared input / output)

User interface and controls

• Volume control: analog wheel
• System navigation: gestures, 2 buttons, 3 buttons
• Channel balance: L20 → R20 (0.5 dB steps)
• Gain levels: Ultra High Gain, Super High Gain, High, Medium, Low
• Controls:
  • Power knob
  • Volume knob
  • Play / pause, next / previous track
  • Multifunction button
  • HOLD lock
  • D.MODE (Audio / Android)

Wireless connectivity

Wi‑Fi

• Bands: 2.4 and 5 GHz
• Protocols: DLNA, AirPlay, Wi‑Fi streaming

Bluetooth 5.2 (transmit)

• Codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC, LHDC

Bluetooth 5.4 (receive)

• Codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Lossless, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC

Audio processing and compatibility

Processing features

• MQA: full decoding
• ALL TO DSD: PCM → DSD conversion
• Parametric equalizer: 31 bands + Auto‑EQ
• 2nd harmonic: adjustable (3 levels)

Supported formats and resolutions

• PCM formats: up to 768 kHz / 32-bit
• Native DSD: up to DSD512

Decoding capabilities

• Coaxial decoding: up to 384 kHz / 24-bit, DSD128 DoP
• Optical decoding: up to 192 kHz / 24-bit
• USB audio decoding: up to 768 kHz / 32-bit, native DSD512

Power and battery life

• Fast-charging compatibility: QC3.0, QC4.0, PD2.0, PD3.0 PPS
• Charging time: about 3 h (PPS)
• Battery life:
  • Unbalanced 3.5 / 6.35 mm outputs: about 9 h
  • Balanced 4.4 mm output: about 8 h
  • Test conditions: MP3 44.1 kHz / 16-bit, Super High gain, screen off, 32 Ω load

Audio performance

Unbalanced 3.5 / 6.35 mm headphone outputs (Ultra High Gain)

• Power:
  • 2 × 2650 mW into 16 Ω
  • 2 × 1800 mW into 32 Ω
  • 2 × 200 mW into 300 Ω
• THD+N: 0.00029%
• SNR: ≥ 126 dB
• Output impedance: < 0.5 Ω
• Frequency response:
  • 20–20 kHz: < 0.1 dB
  • 20–85 kHz: < 2 dB

Balanced 4.4 mm headphone output (Ultra High Gain)

• Power:
  • 2 × 3500 mW into 16 Ω
  • 2 × 5000 mW into 32 Ω
  • 2 × 805 mW into 300 Ω
• THD+N: 0.00031%
• SNR: ≥ 125 dB
• Output impedance: < 0.6 Ω
• Crosstalk: ≥ 114 dB
• Peak voltage: > 44 Vp‑p

Unbalanced 3.5 / 6.35 mm line outputs

• THD+N: 0.00035%
• Line level: 2.1 Vrms
• SNR: ≥ 124 dB
• Crosstalk: ≥ 108 dB

Balanced 4.4 mm line output

• THD+N: 0.00027%
• Line level: 4.2 Vrms
• SNR: ≥ 127 dB

Supported audio formats

Lossless formats

• DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512 (.iso, .dsf, .dff)
• DST ISO
• DXD 352.8 kHz
• APE (up to 384 kHz depending on mode)
• ALAC: up to 384 kHz / 32-bit
• AIFF, FLAC, WAV: up to 768 kHz / 32-bit
• WMA Lossless

Lossy formats

• MP3, OGG, WMA, AAC

General information

• Dimensions: 157.4 × 85.1 × 28 mm
• Weight: about 556 g (Black), about 630 g (Titanium)
• Screen: 5.99 inches — 1080 × 2160 px, slim bezels
• Internal storage: 256 GB (about 241 GB available)
• RAM: 8 GB
• Storage expansion: 2 × microSD — up to 4 TB (2 TB per card)