FiiO M15 DAP Review - A Trend Setter
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- čas přidán 7. 09. 2024
- My written review can be found here: bit.ly/2YiBlMW
Get it from here: bit.ly/2SoRMDn
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Desktop headphones I’m using:
🎧 Audeze LCD-4: bit.ly/35LFYAK
🎧 Quad ERA-1: bit.ly/3fE50pV
🎧 Hifiman Arya: amzn.to/3eQEsS6
🎧 Erzetich Phobos: amzn.to/2SbbMcQ
Portable headphones I’m using:
🎧 Meze 99 Classics: bit.ly/3bjTqwX
🎧 Sennheiser Momentum 3: amzn.to/2SrzzWf
🎧 Sony WH1000XM3: amzn.to/35b9pfa
IEMs I’m using:
👂 Meze Rai Penta: bit.ly/3j2EhVa
👂 FiiO FA9: bit.ly/3nh9pDf
👂 FiiO FH7: bit.ly/3iwZeqm
Loudspeakers I’m using:
🔊 KEF LS50W: amzn.to/2y3IPIP
🔊 Buchardt S400: bit.ly/2xTOCkt
Integrated/Power Amps I’m using:
💪 Hegel H190: bit.ly/2yQboK8
💪 KECES S125: bit.ly/2W5mMJZ
Best DACs I have tried:
🥇 Matrix Audio Element X: bit.ly/2xU6hbC
🥇 Gustard A22: bit.ly/2WExwPK
🥇 Topping D90 MQA: bit.ly/2zHWSo2
🥇 Audio-GD R7 (2020 Version): bit.ly/3fpNUfl
🥇 Denafrips Venus: amzn.to/35kgHh7
Best Mid-Fi DACs:
🥈 Topping DX7 PRO: bit.ly/2Lh5S67
🥈 SMSL M500: bit.ly/2WlPbwC
🥈 Mytek Brooklyn DAC+: amzn.to/3aHGuAw
🥈 Benchmark DAC3B: amzn.to/2KC5saf
🥈 Chord Hugo2: amzn.to/2Y88T05
Best Entry-Level DACs:
🥉 Topping E30: bit.ly/35OWW1p
🥉 SMSL Sanskrit 10th MKII: amzn.to/3cSe1tC
🥉 Loxjie D20: amzn.to/3cSaqM1
Best DAC + Headphone Amp combos:
🎶 Flux Lab Acoustics FCN-10: bit.ly/2Y74daK
🎶 Burson Audio Conductor 3: amzn.to/2xcfSKx
🎶 Audio-GD D.28 Full: bit.ly/359E6S5
Best Headphone amps:
💣Benchmark HPA4: bit.ly/2xb6hn5
💣Sparkos Labs Aries: bit.ly/2xcOps1
💣Kinki Studio THR-1: bit.ly/2y2fVZL
Best DAPs:
🎵 FiiO M15: bit.ly/3lcFA4N
🎵 FiiO M11 PRO: bit.ly/36vuwvF
🎵 Shanling M6: amzn.to/3eXG8Jq
My Video/Photo Gear:
📷 / 🎥 amzn.to/2VHeNnf
🔍 amzn.to/3eTCsZp
🔍 amzn.to/2yPR6A5
🔭 amzn.to/2zAuGn1
💡 amzn.to/2VEDC3l
☂️ amzn.to/2VETyT6
🎤 amzn.to/3aLjYXv
These are my honest opinions in different categories. Some of them are affiliated links that help me manage this CZcams channel at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
#FiiO #M15 #Review
Yeah Yeah by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license
Artist: audionautix.com/
Time Stamps:
0:25 - Unboxing
4:22 - Design & Build Quality
6:06 - Display
6:35 - Battery
7:24 - Under the hood (Tech Specs)
9:36 - Sound Performance with IEMs
11:28 - Sound Performance with portable over-ear headphones
13:22 - Sound Performance with desktop headphones
15:46 - Soundstage & Depth
16:40 - Transient Response
17:39 - Detail Retrieval
18:44 - Frequency Response
20:04 - Comparison with FiiO M11 PRO
21:57 - Comparison with Sony NW-WM1Z
24:02 - Conclusions
Will this device work with the new Sony XM4 Blutooth earbuds ?
@@rickwells9929 Hi Rick...M15 is out of production due to the fire erupted at the AKM factory. M15 is discontinued right now, but to answer your question: Yes, M15 has LDAC and works excellent with Sony wireless headphones and earbuds.
Thanks for all the reviews. Keep it up. You will start to get a lot of followers. Audio is booming right now.
Thanks mate. I'm just getting warmed up :)
As an M11 owner, this one leaves me cold. I can understand the price, given the contents and what the competition -- A&K-- charges. I own more expensive components than the M15 (although not mobile ones). But I cannot understand the continuing reliance on the Exynos 7872 and the limitations to Android 7 and no Play Store. Nor can I understand why two Micro SD cards could not have been accommodated in this large device. Right now I have nearly 800 GB on two Micro SD cards. In order to transfer my library to the M15 I would need to buy a 1TB card, which as I add hi-res tracks to my library, would fill up. This is another $300 investment I would have to make and with card failure always a possibility, an investment I would like to avoid. Why a useless box and no leather case? For me, FiiO jumped the shark with this one. If it shows up at a US dealer, I'll take a listen but this is not my cup of tea.
I'd like to see a FiiO player with dual AK 4497s, 2 Micro SD slots, and Android 8 or 9 with the Play Store. I would gladly pay $800--1,000 for such a device depending on other features.
My thought exactly...i had already a hard deciding between M11 & M11 pro because of the double microsd slot vs THX amp...I got the M11 pro but i miss the possibility to add a 2nd microsd...Finally at this price not having android 8 or 9, only 64Gb and a real playstore at this price range is sad...Finally the nail in the coffin, M11 & M11 pro comes with their screen protector already installed, regular M11 even have their leather case.M15 big ugly wooden box instead of a case
jazzandcocktails7 The lack of 2 card slots has to do with users having reading issues on the M11 with one of the slots.
@@TheDealer1228 I am aware of the issue. But I have an early M11 with a 400 GB Sandisk in slot one and a 512 GB Samsung in slot two. Cool running.It seems to me FiiO should have fixed the issue or identified compatible cards.
jazzandcocktails7 u shouldn't HAVE ....to pay $800-1,000 more for those features! The larger physical case can easily accommodate a second card slot, if the M11 can fit dual DACs so can the M15.....the elephant in the room with FiiO...is why....FiiO can't they provide full Android and Play store in ANY.....M1? devices!!! No more excuses FiiO....it is your achilles heel in DAPs....fix it, and find a fix for existing M1? Customers!
@@MrWkendwarrior Thanks for yours. I hope FiiO sees this exchange and moves to a more current Android. Till then, I'll stick with my dual card slot mid-fi baby.
Brilliant review... thanks for mentioning the 'burn-in' advice, I wonder how many reviewers will do that, very few......
Thanks for the Review! Yes, its really hard to see how far tech has come, and Fiio always seems to lead us so nicely into that journey. Just Android 7 is almost a No-go for me if I could buy it. Great Review
Many Thanks for taking the time in putting together the most technically articulated and the most comprehensively detailed review and comparison of Fiio M15 with M11 Pro so far effectively ticking all the boxes, as new owner of the M15 as I had the buyers remorse that maybe I jumped the gun and was missing out on the THX amp on M11 Pro spending less but thanks to your detailed technical comparison I am now convinced that I had made the right choice. The best 25 minutes time I’ve spent well worth it.
Respect ✊ Subbed 👍
If this is not a detailed review then I don't know what it is! Awesome comparisons, straight to the point, professional and no bullshit! Yeah, you know, I REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR WORK! In therms of design M11 Pro with the sharp edges is more suitable for my taste. For the rest I believe the greatest part of your review is the easy conclusion everyone can get to. If you want JUST A PORTABLE DEVICE...save the money and get M11 Pro. If you want BOTH PORTABLE AND DESKTOP ALL IN ONE...M15, ladies and gentlemen! If you're just A SILLY BRAND FANBOY...well...Apple doesn't make DAP's anymore so get the Sony. Everyone will know you spent a lot of money 😉 The comparison was outstanding and very interesting. If I see or hear anyone disliking this review...I will personally track them down and eliminate them (there's already one)...I'LL BE BACK!😈👍 GREAT ONE, MAN, RESPECT!
I was in my Zen State....for this review ⛩....great review! My takeways were if u listen to only IEMs, like many do.....M15 is not necessary, in fact i would go as far to say neither is the M11 PRO, anyone have the M11 performance and cost will be fine, no need to spend more....the value is not cost effective. I just cant see spending $1400 for the M15 vs the M11, more than TRIPLE the cost, unless u have expendable income, mortgage the house or win the lotto...
The other takeaway is burning in the CAPS....first time i ever heard about burnin for a DAP, amp, DAC....but it makes sense. Burnin does seem to help so e dynamic driver or hybrid IEMS imo, but not BA drivers.
Kinda wanted u to touch on the fact about FiiO churning out way too many DAPS too often, or undermining existing buyers w a newer and better DAP waiting always in the wings....or how FiiO seems to have gone,from great affordable, latest affordable tech w great value, to being an Astell & Kern wannabee with higher prices.....spin FiiO into another brand, keep FiiO for us audiophiles on a budget!
Fiio has released many devices lately, but there are reasons for that. Fiio has replaced its outdated "X" line of devices with new "M" devices. All the new "M" devices that Fiio have released are replacements for the "X" line. I wouldn't say Fiio makes many devices, Fiio has released just enough devices to compete with other manufacturers in all price segments, such as budget devices, mid-budget devices and the company's flagship. As for the rise in the price of DAP, everything is obvious here, higher-quality components of the device are more expensive, so it is not surprising that the flagship Fiio M15 comes out at a cost of $ 1300
About the bundle of the flagship from Fiio, I agree with the author of the message, it was necessary to equip the device with a leather case. As for the wooden case, you need to understand that the M15 is a premium product and it would be rash to sell it in a cardboard box.
Hello, Fiio m11 pro or Hiby r6 pro is better in terms of sound ?
@@furkangurcu3748 honestly I have not listened to either DAP. IF I CAN ADVISE U....u need to consider your budget ...the M11 Pro has some better features if u just look at the specs...than my M11, imo it just was not worth the price diff between the Pro and std M11 as far as value. I paired my M11 w the Oreolus BA300s tube amp, with a battery life that is mehhhh...but I get 2-3 days, 3-4 hrs a day... out of it....just charge it overnight .
Daps are so cool looking. My only thing is that a phone does a great job with a portable amp. I currently use the Dragonfly Red. But for those who want something more simple, I can see this dap being a great choice.
Dragonfly Red is trash compared to the M15. What are you smoking? 😅😂😂🤣🤣
@@TStephens21274 Compared to it, maybe. On its own, it's pretty good at its job, especially for the price.
Another excellent review. Very detailed and informative. I owned the wm1a for a handful of years but because of your review I'm seriously thinking about picking up the m15. I just wish instead of a wooden box, fiio could have supplied a silicone case, haha! Take care!!
Agree, even a 2 cent TPU case would be something, otherwise I am not feeling comfortable handling this expensive DAP, let alone leaving my place with it in the pocket.
when i saw the m15 advertisement next to the review, i thought yeah, here we go. at least a disclaimer about fiio being a site sponsor would have been nice.
Infected Mushroom ? "Ah, I see you are a man of culture as well".
hey hey, just found your channel & subbed . Just ordered another M11. Love FIIO so much! and thanks for the review!!!!
Dear Sandu, as always, I love your reviews and this one didn't disappoint a bit. Great work and passion for music. Could you please do a review about the limited Android OS version that these Fiio DAPs use, and the negative, if any, issues you might have experienced, going all back to the M9, M11s and this beautiful M15. Thanks a lot!!
I just bought it. Will test it thoroughly! I know it needs burn in. I had the m11 pro and that sounded a lot better after 60 hours.
Soo, what are your impressions? Did "burn in" work?
Hi I just got the M15 sound is very good, the only thing I don't like is that it gets very warm with only regular use, how warm does the M11 pro get?
Thanks 😊.
I hope you will mention the heating issue after about an hour of use which I have encountered several times. Maybe a future firmware update would correct this.
Hi I just got the M15 sound is very good, it gets very warm with only regular use, I was hoping that I got a bad unit, unfortunately other people are reporting the same issue with the heat 😢, I don't know I way return it, and maybe get the 11pro.
My friend has it. I tried it and the sound is not that better than iRulu F20. iRulu F20 is very smooth and clean, like you are floating. iRulu equalizer classic, pop and dance hears very very good. Also including if you have a good headset.
Very good insight into it, thanks for that. I am a complete noob into this arena of HiFi portable devices. This one looks fantastic but I think maybe its an overkill for a noob that wont squeeze all the juice this can do. Maybe as a starter Sony Walkman NW-Z500 would be better for anyone starting on this space? Since its basically half of the price of the m15, what do you think?
Nice review but not quite convince this one is better sounding than my M11 Pro. Some have already said the opposit actually, possibly because of the THX of M11 Pro. Ok it has bigger battery and more power, but none of that was an issue for me on the M11 Pro. The loss of volume numbering and top mounted volume nob is also not an improvement. So lots of hype here but so far at least it mostly illustrates how much of a killer deal the M11 Pro really is...
Jean-Pierre Deslandes Trust me M15 is better! I had the m11 pro.
Quick question : is the m15 able to fully drive the Aryas as well?
Yeah this need to be answered lol
Excellent review. Thank you for this video uploader. 🤗
Hi I just got the M15 sound is very good, the only thing I don't like is that it gets very warm with only regular use, how warm does the M11 pro get?
Thanks 😊.
Hi Sandu, thanks to your review I bought the M15 and am very happy with it. Specially with IEMs I love it. I've read your written review as well in regards to the M15 and Arya's. I'm looking for a desktop solution for the Arya's. What would be a step up DAC and AMP wise? Preferably all in one, but I'm also open to use the line-out from the M15. That would maybe be most cost efficient.
Looks like a really good dap. I used daps at dx100, hm801, c4, ak120 times. Dx100 was a really good dap with a really good soundstage. But hm901 was my last job because of I thought daps are an old things in our new era. Because of my job I’m always in front of my computer and I’m always travelling because of that I love dac/amps. I thought q5s was a good dac/amp but we need competitor of m15 as dac/amps with a price like that for who wants listening the best when they working on hotel room with hd660s or any full size headphone.
Thanks for the review, can you compare to the Kann Cube? I'm glad manufacturers are starting to produce powerhouse DAPs that have no compromises and can replace desktop setups at a somewhat "reasonable" price.
The sony Dap cannot be reviewed if not in tandem with the z1rs... it´s just how it is, the sony DAP is a sound statement, only when combined, shows its true potential.
I have the hifiman he6se v2 does anyone know if the fiio m15 could drive them well..
God bless you amen
Coolest reviewer EVER! I just had to write that.
Great review detail from you! I like the AKM wallpaper. May i know here can i get it? Cheers!
I searched for it using ES file explorer but I can't find anywhere, any ideas where I might look? (searched for "pictures", "wallpapers" but can't find anything, browsing manually didn't help me either)
Hi, what pair of headphones should I pair with the M15? my budget is $400 US
Terrific review!!!!
Is there a heating issue with M15? How is the WiFi range?
Yes, it is warm, but not really hot. Almost as good as a modern smartphone when it comes to Wi-Fi, in a 4-room flat it picks the signal in every room.
The 11/11Pro and 15 should have a possibility to send a mono signal . What I want to say: Both stereo channels will go to the left and right ear. It is important to me, as I an def on one ear. Did you find where to activate it. Thanks
As of right now, it doesn't have this feature, sorry.
Yes,Guitarfelixwill....It is fairly easy...look in the Accessibility menu to find audio mono settings.
It is on every android 7.x version and above
@@JoeGillian0 I am confused: Soundnews says no, Joe Gillan says yes.
@@Guitarfelixwill Don't be ...both L & R channels are mixed in mono mode and sent both to Left and right ear...It works on my M11 Pro...
I made a test with a L & R speaker youtube video and switched to mono and it works...
Subbed. Great content. Great review. Keep them coming .Thank you ..
well, I never consider a DAP before because I never see the reason for one, but I may actually get this. It is about the only way to output 512 DSD music, still can't understand why there is no software to do that on pc, even payed one failed to deliver, but here we are.
On one of your reviews on Headfi, you said you didn't get a chance to test out the Arya with it.
If you have now, would you say the Arya was driven to its fullest potential on the balanced out?
Help PLEASE ! How do I change language? My Fiio M9 is in Japanese ,so I can't understand instructions. Please if you know..
.
www.fiio.com/newsinfo/131226.html
@@Soundnews Thank You very Much
Great review sir! Would you do a comparison video with AK Kann Cube?
I would like to, but nobody is loaning me one.
Hi Sir, i need a bit of help, i,m considering in baying Topping D90 dac and Fiio M15 as a source to play music in my home audio system,. The question Is , will the dac improve the sound of the DAP, or Is better to use the player alone, connected direct to my amplifier? Thank you very much.
Great review as always bro!
I noticed that it has a rather high output impedance (1.4 ohms SE, 3 ohms balanced). I have a couple of 8 ohms IEMs that I really love, wondering if M15 wouldn't do them justice? (Because of 1:8 impedance rule)
8 Ohm IEMs, ouch, that is painful for lots of sources. Considering their super-high sensitivity, I don't really think the lower damping factor would be affecting those. M15 is sounding punchy by itself, nothing to worry about
Hi :) does it make sense to engage overear mode also with the iems? For instance some harder to drive like the kinera nanna 2.0?
I wouldn't do that, as it increased the noise levels drastically. Use its gain instead
@@Soundnews thanks :). The Kinera nanna 2.0 is 60ohm and also is not that sensitive. It is almost dead silent even from the xduoo TA10 or xd05plus (high gain) :D. What does the overear mode actually do? Is it boosting mw or current or voltage? So that 800mwatts/balanced is only through the overear mode or is the power on the high gain vs the overear mode the same? :)
I’ve heard that the m15 can drive LCD-4 fairly well. Have you tried this (bal or unbalanced)?
can you review the small and affordable fiio m3 pro?
Yep. This week most probably this will happen
@@Soundnews nice! looking forward to it!
@@goodnightmoon This one is for you: czcams.com/video/4TPPaULvnY4/video.html
I heard the battery life sucks, and the new models were tested and only got 2 hours.
Great review
In your opinion what’s the best dap for Bluetooth! Given a budget of 2000 usd
As a sender, any modern Android smartphone will sound the same as with any high-end DAP, because the final audio processing is done only by the receiver. As a receiver, M15 is outstanding and for the moment I don't know anything better
Thanks
Dump Bluetooth and get the m11 pro, its only 650 and you can upgrade later if needed. If you cant dump Bluetooth get the m11 pro. If you want to spend more check out the AK 1500 dollar option.
I wish they had provided a carry case, body cover and lightening / usb c interconnects rather than wasting so much wood and paper on over-packaging.
Hello, Fiio m11 pro or Hiby r6 pro is better in terms of sound ?
Great Review, well detailed 💥🔥👍🔥💥
Great review, BUT, for the shake of people getting audio seriously, we need CZcams channels, at least those who identify as Audiophile or even as tech channels, please please please, check the audio levels on your transmitter and on you're preamp or camera input, and monitor while editing on a good pair of monitors or headphones. Also better mics and preamps should be in consideration, when the gear you review is multiple times more expensive. Come on guys, you can do it better!
In the U.S. it call mp3 player
hi,a very extensive and detailed review. Is it possible for you to review the new sony nw-zx507?
I asked for one, but it is not sold locally so I cannot borrow one :(
@@Soundnews i see, thanks anyway.
@@Soundnews i see,thanks anyway
Is thx missed on the m15? Did you notice an significant difference?
Nice review as always. Does anybody knows if you can use Micro SDXC cards on this Fiio?
Yes.
I wonder: should I replace my FiiO X7 II (with AM3d THX AAA-78 module) on FiiO M15. Will it be much better in terms of sound quality ?
Can you try the M15 first? I strongly recommend you do that first. It's a completely different sound. (fuller, denser and wider)
It definitely needs to be compared with Astell SP1000M
I just want m15 wallpaper :) can you share it with me?
Hi mate, let me check if I can find it and save it on my PC. Any ideas how I can share it with you guys?
@@Soundnews Could you upload it to Google drive and post a link here ?
@@andrewbrahialis2850 good idea
@@andrewbrahialis2850 I searched for it using ES file explorer but I can't find anywhere, any ideas where I might look?
@@Soundnews Fiio might kick you for that 😅
Can anyone share the stock default wallpaper in this m15? It looks subtly simple yet elegant. Hope to have it on my m11.
I searched for it with ES file explorer but just can't find it :(( Any ideas (it isn't in pictures, downloads, wallpapers)
@@Soundnews Many thanks for the info. I thought as well it wouldn't be in the stock wallpapers of the unit. It's very nice and if one changes the wallpaper, that may be gone for good and it would be such a big waste (not unless one resets the unit maybe?). Thanks for the review!
Would you buy M15 or wait for M15 Pro?
M15 PRO will never happen, confirmed by FiiO. For now, M15 is their flagship
Стоит брать? Сейчас dx227. Спасибо.
Здравствуйте.
Does the M15 offer the 4.4mm balanced line out?
Nope, line-out works only on the 3.5mm
@@Soundnews thank you so much for your answer. sad to hear that since the dacs are exceptional
Maybe some day when something this costly comes with at least 512GB or more of internal storage, then I may give it a try... after all, I can get a mint or new NoTe9 with that much storage for $400 or less.
Hopefully, that would be the M123... how long will the wait be? Decades??
Yeah, I'm not really an auDioPHiLe, just a MuSiCPHiLe =D
Please review the Questyle QPM.
I would love to own one of those but man that price ! If you break down a rolex and see the real money that it takes to make it, it will turn your stomack just saying !
Good job bro!!!
Thanks!!
is "double-tap to wake" function working?
Yes, it's working. Just tried it now
thanks 🙂
Hey Sandu, would you consider the M15 sound like warm or anlalytical?
Waiting for M15 pro so I can get M11 pro on big discount. Just saying
1300 $ price tag and no case...
I have a weird question about bluetooth on these fiio devices : Is there a lot of delay when used as a bluetooth receiver, and could it be used for video watching ? Great review btw, it has convinced me !
On the m11 pro there is a delay and makes it uncortable to wstch videos, i suppose it is the same performance with the m15
@@JoeGillian0 That is disappointing, thanks for your answer !
@@b.lemaitre8343 well i do not want to give false hope so i just made another check.
If you watch videos from your pc locally you can adjust the delay but with streaming apps...it is bearable...but you hear people slightly after they move their lips...i suppose you cabnget use to it....
Wired as usb dac no problem...
Maybe the owner of this channel can answer you for M11 and M15 video delay
Also for television i think FIIO BTR5 has no delay
@@JoeGillian0 thanks again ! I know there is the btr5 but it has much less power, good to know about the dac mode tho !
is this your review in writing? I want to read it in another language
Here is my written review: soundnews.net/sources/daps/fiio-m15-dap-review-a-trend-setter/ Feel free to use google translate
а где русский вариант видео?
So is this better than Sony WM1Z?
For me, it was better. I've returned the Sony
Auditioned M15 but bought Astell & Kern SA700, watch and learn FiiO.
it looks like a powerbank
It is because it has one inside it :) 7490 mAh is a lot!
good and expensive
The price is ok, Sony, astell kern are overpriced
This is probably this is probably, eso mismo han dicho de todos los demás, FIO cree que uno comprara cada semana un aparato de esos.
can i make a phone call with it ?
Ye$, but only CoLLeCT!!
Not bad, but have ordered iBasso DX220 ;)
Why?
Accent difficult sometimes 😕
Sony is sony
Так смешно слушать его русский акцент))
It's not Russian accent, I'm already tired explaining..
@@Soundnews I apologize man)
Very nice and professional review anyway!👍🏻