The Fiio M17 emerged as a game-changer for audiophiles. This device is not only a technological triumph but also a tribute to the legendary devices of the past. Designed for music enthusiasts who fondly remember the Colorfly C4 era, it caters to those seeking high-quality sound and performing headphone rituals. The M17 combines modern technology with a nostalgic touch, targeting experienced and refined users, particularly those over 40. This device is ideal for those looking to elevate their music listening experience to a new level.
Fiio M17 Unboxing
When you open the Fiio M17’s box, you are greeted with a premium experience. The elegant packaging, dominated by black and gold tones, immediately conveys the device’s quality. Inside, the device’s sleek metal chassis and elegant lines captivate at first glance. Let’s take a look at the box contents:
1. Fiio M17 Device: The robust and stylish metal chassis stands out. The design, crafted from high-quality materials, feels premium in your hand.
2. Quality Carrying Case: Designed to transport the device safely, the sturdy and elegant carrying case protects it from scratches and damage.
3. Adapters and Cables: Various adapters and cables are included to meet different connection needs, making the device compatible with various headphones and speaker systems.
4. User Manual and Documents: A comprehensive user manual details all the device’s features and usage. The warranty card and other important documents are also included.
5. Charger and Cable: A fast-charging adapter and cable set enable quick charging, allowing you to continue enjoying your music without interruptions.
Fiio M17 Sound and Unique Technological Features
Every detail reflects the uniqueness of this device. The Fiio M17 is offering an opportunity to feel and live the music. Even at first glance, it’s clear that this device sets a new standard in the audio world. (Did it?)
The Fiio M17 is a digital audio player packed with high technology and many advanced features. It uses dual ES9038PRO 32-bit DACs, delivering high-resolution sound. Additionally, the THX AAA-788+ amplifier module provides detailed, dynamic, and powerful sound. A liquid-cooled thermal balancing board keeps the device cool even during intensive use. The 5.99-inch capacitive touchscreen with 1080 x 2160 resolution improves user experience with wide viewing angles and accurate color reproduction. Dual USB-C ports offer fast data transfer and charging while providing flexibility to connect an external DAC or HDD.
The 9200 mAh battery supports fast charging and provides approximately 10 hours of continuous playback. Various input and output ports, including 6.35mm, 4.4mm, 3.5mm, and 2.5mm headphone outputs, offer extensive connectivity options. Bluetooth 5.0 and AirPlay support enable wireless music streaming. The FiiO Music app enhances the experience with its user-friendly interface, offering features like music playback, file transfer, and EQ settings. In DC power mode, an extra gain mode allows even the most challenging headphones to operate at full capacity. These features make the Fiio M17 a high-performance and versatile digital audio player.
The sound characteristics of the Fiio M17 are truly remarkable. This device delivers a powerful and dynamic sound profile, featuring deep, punchy bass, transparent mids, and sparkling highs. When I listen to music on the M17, the soundstage feels expansive and detailed, allowing me to pick up on subtle nuances in each track. The dual ES9038PRO DACs contribute to the high-resolution sound, making every note clear and distinct.
One of the standout features is the bass response, which is both solid and textured. Tracks with heavy bass sound fluid and powerful, with the bass notes drilling through with impressive clarity. The mids are equally impressive, providing a rich, full-bodied sound that makes vocals and midrange instruments stand out without becoming overwhelming.
The highs on the M17 are calm and rounded, offering superb extension and airiness without the harshness that can sometimes plague other high-end devices. This balance ensures that even at high volumes, the treble remains smooth and pleasant to the ears. The M17’s multiple amplification modes, including a high gain setting that pushes 3 watts per channel, ensure that it can drive even the most demanding headphones with less difficulties. Whether I’m listening to symphonic metal or smooth jazz, the M17 consistently delivers a full, rich sound that enhances my listening experience especially with iems.
Flagship Comparison: Fiio M17 vs. Cayin N8ii
Disclaimer; I know they aren’t equal, but I couldn’t let myself use the Cayin just because it’s a flag ship.
The Fiio M17 and Cayin N8ii are established flagship devices in the audio world. In terms of sound quality, the Fiio M17 offers a more dynamic and expansive soundstage, while the Cayin N8ii has a warmer and more organic sound profile. The Fiio M17 provides a clear sound that highlights details, whereas the Cayin N8ii offers a more satisfying and natural tone in terms of musicality.
In design and build quality, the Fiio M17 stands out with its robust metal chassis and elegant lines. The Cayin N8ii, on the other hand, offers a nostalgic feel with its retro and classic design, featuring a golden analog volume knob and a combination of metal materials. The user-friendly interface and wide connectivity options of the Fiio M17 meet modern needs, while the Cayin N8ii offers flexibility with its ability to switch between analog and digital modes, providing different sound characteristics.
When evaluated in terms of price-performance, the Fiio M17 justifies its high price with the features and performance it offers, making it an ideal choice for detail-oriented and analytical listeners. Although slightly more expensive, the Cayin N8ii offers a unique alternative for those seeking musicality and nostalgic design.
Cayin N8ii offers a warm and organic sound, emphasizing musicality and naturalness in tube mode, while providing a sharper and more balanced sound in solid-state mode. This versatile device appeals to high-end listeners with its detailed, dynamic, and rich sound characteristics. The Fiio M17, on the other hand,The Fiio M17 provides powerful and dynamic sound with deep bass, transparent mids, and sparkling highs. It offers a detailed and expansive soundstage, delivering both portable and desktop-class performance, preferring desktop at the end.
When using 600-ohm headphones, the Fiio M17 only produces sufficient power when the over-ear headphone mode is activated. This mode exceeds the high gain setting, and I achieve full playback at 90/120 volume with Alboran Trio. Similarly, with symphonic metal played back at 80/120 volume, which corresponds to just below ultra-high gain, I achieve slightly above average results. It’s not just about the volume, but also about how comprehensively the drivers can produce sound at that resistance. For metal music, the situation doesn’t change much when it softens to rock. The tonal shift in the bass guitar and the nasal vocals muddy the sound when the track becomes more aggressive, which is disappointing.
On the other hand, the Cayin N8ii, using high gain, Class AB, and normal P settings, provides full playback at 50/100 volume with 600-ohm headphones, delivering monitor-like performance that the M17 cannot match. While it excels in smooth jazz, let’s consider other genres for fairness. Starting with symphonic metal, the N8ii envelops all genres with musicality. Its monitoring capability in smooth jazz does not extend to other genres, but the power test results I’ve experienced so far speak volumes about its capabilities.
Overall, the Fiio M17 is an impressive device with advanced technological features, but when it comes to power and versatility across various genres, the Cayin N8ii offers a compelling alternative, especially for those seeking a blend of musicality and detailed performance.
Pros and Cons__
Pros:
• Powerful and dynamic sound with deep bass, transparent mids, and sparkling highs
• Detailed and expansive soundstage
• Robust metal chassis with elegant design
• Dual ES9038PRO 32-bit DACs for high-resolution sound
• THX AAA-788+ amplifier module for detailed and dynamic sound
• Liquid-cooled thermal balancing board for heat management
• Extensive connectivity options with dual USB-C ports and various headphone outputs
• Bluetooth 5.0 and AirPlay support for wireless streaming
• User-friendly FiiO Music app with features like music playback, file transfer, and EQ settings
Cons:
• Large and heavy, making it less portable
• High price point
• Complexity in use due to multiple settings and modes
• Requires external power supply for optimal performance in some modes
• Limited onboard storage capacity, requiring additional microSD cards or external storage for large music libraries
Fiio M17 Review Conclusions
The Fiio M17 stands out as a premier digital audio player, combining advanced technology with a touch of nostalgia to deliver an exceptional listening experience. Its dynamic and powerful sound profile, detailed and expansive soundstage, and robust build quality make it a top choice for audiophiles seeking both portable and desktop-class performance. My eyes see M15S as a trial for this one.
While the Cayin N8ii offers a compelling alternative with its warm and organic sound, the Fiio M17’s versatility and high-resolution capabilities solidify its position as a leader in the high-end audio market. Whether you are a detail-oriented listener or a fan of powerful, dynamic sound, the Fiio M17 is a worthy investment that promises to elevate your music listening experience