Fiio M23: The Audiophile’s Delight or Just Another Digital Doodad?
Well, well, well, if it isn’t the latest in handheld audio confusion! The Fiio M23 promises to catapult your music listening experience to dizzying new heights. But let’s not get too carried away; the last time I felt that way, I ended up at a karaoke bar, belting out ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ in front of an audience that looked like they were keen to total my eclipse! Fortunately, this DAP (that’s Digital Audio Player for the uninitiated) aims to enhance your tunes without the cringe-inducing theatrics.
Now, before you go rushing to invest your life savings in the M23, let’s chew on a few details. For about 700 euros, you could almost buy a decent second-hand car, but instead, you’ll be flaunting a swanky little gadget accompanied by a pair of headphone flagships that cost half as much as a luxury watch. Talk about setting the bar (and your wallet) high!
Matching Headphones Must Be Included
If you’re thinking of just using any old wired headphones lying about, think again! The Fiio M23 isn’t interested in your run-of-the-mill earbuds; it needs the proper tools to shine. Add a couple of grand to your shopping list for a high-res experience, and, oh, by the way, good luck with that drop test they claim it failed while providing “very good sound” – is that a compliment or just pity?
It has a touchscreen that rivals your smartphone, but let’s be honest, it weighs more than your average cat. You might get a shoulder workout just carrying it around! And the stainless steel version? You’ll feel like you’re lugging around a mini safe—just in case you need to protect your pristine music collection while running to catch the bus.
Lots of Buttons and Ports
Now, take a deep breath because the button bonanza is about to begin! You’ve got headphone jacks (not one but two, for those who just can’t make a decision), two USB-C ports, and a microSD card slot, all right at your fingertips. It’s like they threw in every connection imaginable just to see if you can handle it. If only they included a button for “Stop, you’re overthinking it!”
But wait! You might find yourself unintentionally adjusting the volume while holding it. Nothing says ‘audiophile’ like blasting your eardrums at an impromptu dinner party because you forgot to activate the lock button. And good luck figuring that out from the quick guide—which, might I add, is about as helpful as a chocolate teapot because it’s mostly in Chinese!
Old Chip, Top Audio Technology
Let’s talk tech for a sec. Sure, the processor’s a little past its prime, but don’t let that fool you. The audio technology is tried and true, featuring two high-end DACs—think of them as the sassy power couple of the audio world. The sound? Spoiler: it’s as ‘clean and neutral’ as my diet aspirations!
Stream Whatever You Like
And hey, if all this high-res stuff is just too much for you, fear not! You can still kick back and use it like a smartphone, streaming away. It’s got Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and even Apple’s Airplay—fancy, right? Just be prepared for the inevitable existential crisis when you realize your playlist is full of ’90s hits.
Great Sound with Lots of Possibilities
Let’s cut to the chase: when you finally decode the intricate mystery of the Fiio M23, you’re in for a treat! The sound it delivers out of the box is nothing short of delightful, promising an auditory experience that puts even the most extravagant sound systems to shame. It supports nearly every format under the sun; if the sun had a jam session, the M23 would be front row!
Conclusion
So, what’s the takeaway? The Fiio M23 is like that unsung hero in a rom-com—confusing at first, but once you get to know it, you realize it’s the faithful companion you never knew you needed. So, if you’re prepared to embrace the confusion and the learning curve, this little beast might just become your new best friend. Or, at least, a glorified way to listen to your guilty pleasure playlists without shame!
Grab your stiffest drink, plonk down 700 euros, and immerse yourself in a world of high-resolution sound. Just remember, the journey to audiophile nirvana starts with accidentally blasting your music at a crowded café. Good luck!
The Fiio M23 offers an unparalleled music experience, elevating audio enjoyment to remarkable heights. This cutting-edge portable player not only boasts top-tier technology but also provides a wealth of features at a competitive price point. However, its extensive array of functionalities may pose a challenge for those who are new to high-fidelity audio.
While most users currently lean towards streaming music through smartphones paired with Bluetooth headphones, discerning audiophiles continue to seek the superior sound quality achievable with dedicated portable digital audio players (DAPs). The Fiio M23 stands out as a premier choice, equipped with advanced audio technology and designed for versatility to satisfy even the most discerning listeners.
Matching headphones must be included
ntv.de put the Hi-Res player, priced around 700 euros, to the test. To fully appreciate high-resolution music, users need suitable wired, open headphones; thus, the manufacturer provided its flagship over-ear model, the FT5, valued just under 500 euros, as a complimentary accessory. Despite failing the drop test at Stiftung Warentest, the FT5 still showcased commendable sound quality with a rating of 1.3.
The Fiio M23 features a 5.5-inch touch display running on the Android 10 operating system, providing a smartphone-like experience. However, its substantial thickness of nearly two centimeters and weight exceeding 300 grams (and close to 400 grams for the stainless steel version) might take some getting used to.
An elegant matte metal frame adds to the device’s premium feel, complemented by impeccable build quality and an eye-catching angular design. Fiio thoughtfully includes a silicone protective cover for the M23, which is especially important given the vulnerability of its glass back, as well as a high-quality protective film for the LCD display.
Lots of buttons and ports
The M23’s wide frame is equipped with an array of buttons and ports. At the top, users will find dual headphone jacks accommodating both 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm balanced connectors. The bottom edge features two USB-C ports—one for data transfer (USB 3.0) and one designated for charging. Additionally, a microSD card slot allows for expansion of the device’s somewhat limited 64 gigabytes (GB) of flash memory.
The right side of the player with hold and desktop mode buttons.
On the left side, just beneath the power switch, users will discover a touch panel for intuitive volume adjustments alongside a customizable multifunction button. The right side hosts three dedicated playback buttons, an essential hold button to disable all other controls, and a switch to activate desktop mode, which offers more advanced utilizations of the device.
While the touch panel responds well, users might inadvertently activate it when gripping the M23. Fortunately, an automatic lock feature can be enabled in the settings—though finding this option may require some exploration.
Little German information
The brief provided guide lacks comprehensive information; users can only access Chinese resources online after scanning a QR code or navigating the German FAQ section on the website. Although some questions about the device are addressed in English, for a product priced at 700 euros, consumers rightfully expect a more supportive experience.
This reflects the primary criticism of the Fiio M23: while it offers numerous features to explore, many of them require a self-guided journey. Beginners unfamiliar with specific terminology may find it frustrating at first, but those who persevere will soon discover that navigation becomes second nature.
Old chip, top audio technology
Although the player operates smoothly thanks to its older processor and 4 GB RAM, the true highlight lies in its state-of-the-art audio components. Central to its performance are two top-quality digital-to-analog converters (DACs) from renowned Japanese manufacturer Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM), specifically the AK4191EQ and AK4499EX. This high standard extends throughout the amplifiers and supplementary components.
Switching to desktop mode provides extra functionality; when activated while connected to a power source, the device routes power directly from the charger, safeguarding the battery. While the battery life is adequate for casual listening, users shouldn’t rely on it for all-day use without a recharge opportunity.
It doesn’t have to be high resolution
The Fiio M23 offers a range of capabilities, allowing users to forgo the highest quality in favor of a more smartphone-like experience, including using popular streaming apps. The player supports Wi-Fi, enabling Bluetooth connections to headphones, as well as low-loss audio codecs ranging from LDAC to aptX-HD. Additionally, it can stream from home media servers or to Wi-Fi speakers and supports Apple’s Airplay.
For audiophiles, stepping beyond Android mode to enjoy high-resolution music at CD quality through premium wired headphones transforms the listening experience. With multi-format support, users can download high-quality audio files or transfer them to the device via USB-C. Impressively, the M23 can also be linked to a computer to play high-res tracks stored digitally.
Great sound with lots of possibilities
Out of the box, the audio quality from the Fiio M23 is remarkably impressive, providing a wonderfully neutral sound with exceptional clarity. Given its competitive pricing at 700 euros, the level of quality achieved is truly commendable for an audio player.
For those who wish to delve deeper, the Fiio M23 is loaded with features that will excite audio enthusiasts. One standout feature is the ability to activate high-gain mode while using a fast charger; this enhances output power, allowing high-impedance headphones to shine and noticeably improving performance, as observed with the Fiio FT5 during testing.
The device also includes a comprehensive equalizer to fine-tune audio settings. Within the settings menu, users can adjust numerous parameters, with an extensive selection of digital filters available for sound customization. Although detailed audio settings are addressed in the FAQ, this information is currently only provided in English.
Conclusion
With some initial exploration and an understanding of the numerous settings, the Fiio M23 emerges as a worthy audio player capable of meeting high standards. Typically, higher pricing accompanies such capabilities in the audio market. Despite being somewhat overwhelming for novices at first, the device offers an impressive array of features that any music lover will eventually find enjoyable.
Igh-resolution music files directly, making it a versatile addition to any audiophile’s setup.
Final Thoughts
The Fiio M23 is not just a digital audio player; it’s an invitation into the world of high-res audio. Sure, it may overwhelm beginners with its multitude of features and limited English resources, but for those willing to dive in, the rewards are plentiful. Between its elegant design, exceptional sound quality, and robust connectivity options, it caters beautifully to both casual listeners and serious audiophiles. If you’re ready to invest both time and money, the Fiio M23 may very well transform your musical experience from ordinary to extraordinary.
So, grab your favorite headphones, explore the intricacies of the M23, and let the music take you to new heights. And don’t worry—embracing your blissful ignorance of high-res audio is just the first step in your journey toward audiophile enlightenment.
