World's biggest & most powerful Portable Music Player - the $1799 FiiO M17 DAP

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FiiO's M17 is not only their new flagship DAP, and likely one of the best hi-fi music (mp3/flac) players in 2022, but also a fully-fledged desktop DAC/amp. I put it through its paces and compare it to the Cayin N8ii, FiiO M11 Plus and Chord Hugo 2.
You can buy the FiiO M17 via these links, and support my videos at the same time:
www.hear.audio/go/FiiOM17 (APOS - Authorised reseller)
amzn.to/3avKL0d (Amazon)
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00:00 Start
01:54 The Case
04:09 Input & Output
07:08 Main Functions
10:53 Software & Apps
17:07 Sound Impressions
19:43 Over-Ear Headphone (DC) Mode
24:28 Cayin N8ii comparison
25:54 FiiO M11 Plus comparison
28:13 Chord Hugo 2 comparison
29:34 The Cooling Stand
33:11 Conclusion
35:28 Thanks

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Опубликовано:

24 июл 2024

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Комментарии : 132

@darylwayne611 Год назад

Thank you for this in depth review.. I enjoyed this video.. All the best!

@bigudukaz 2 года назад

Had a chance to play with it at the distributors shop. I was told that customers buying it (they had 5 pre-orders just before release) are the folks who have this kind of money and have to move arround with no dedicated space for listening. its not "portable", but its the same as buying 17 inch thick gaming laptop - you just need easy option to put it in different places and not for "use on the go".

@BaldyBaeby 2 года назад

I did bought it to power up my UM Mest when I'm out of town. After work I'm at the hotel so i enjoy my iem. At home i use it as desktop dac amp for the hd800s/um mest. It fits me better like that, this unit is so versatile. Used to have topping d90se + a90 at home and L&P W2 on the go. Sold everything for this m17. Much better now, for me.

@igadiz 2 года назад

For those folk of a certain age, who back in the 80’s used to walk about with a “portable” Boom Box powered by 8 size D cells, this M17 is most definitely portable.

@gellbell8866 11 месяцев назад

@@igadiz Well said! I have the M 17 in my backpack, in the same place as my phone, for me the M 17 is still a portable device.🙃

@JagadguruSvamiVegananda 2 месяца назад

It is definitely portable but it's not very MOBILE. I am planning to move house a lot, so....

@DaraGaming42 2 года назад

its as buky as a 1980s Walkman and i like that, and the idea of have pause play on the side is cool. all this would need is a case with a belt clip and if it was not £2000 lol , it would have been a great way to have a bulky 1980s walk man on your belt (but for MP3s) u call ur playlists MixTapes for immersion

@ajs-qv5fe 2 года назад

Excellent review, very professional, thx, amos

@Puroplatino Год назад

Hey Currawong. Thanks for always answering questions from the chat. What do you think of the Shanling M30? It’s probably twice as big and also twice as expensive. I have an opportunity to buy it for 1/2 off. Will you get around to reviewing it? Cheers from Italy 🇮🇹

@artyboy1377 2 года назад

This is an attractive proposition for an all-in-one headfi setup since its AC mode would double up as a dedicated (built-in) high power-output amplifier, negating the need to get an external amp/DAC-amp. I got the far cheaper M11 Plus ESS and a high-power output iFi iDSD Signature DAC-amp to complement and the cost of these two units is still $300 cheaper with the added bonus of the DAC-amp being portable running off its internal battery rather than needing AC power.

@DJ_BROBOT 2 года назад

So you got a high end transport with the Fiio?

@artyboy1377 2 года назад

@@DJ_BROBOT Well said, yes only a transport. The iFi iDSD Signature only has digital inputs so it renders any DAP connected to it only as a transport! Even the darn EQ on my M11 Plus is useless too. But at least both my DAP & DAC-amp are portable (can be used outdoors) especially when driving my planar magnetic Audeze cans in Turbo (4,100 mw) mode.

@ThiefJack 2 года назад

Not being pedantic. Honest question: do you mean DC mode?

@artyboy1377 2 года назад

@@ThiefJack Sorry maybe I got the AC/DC thingey mixed up but I understand the M17's high power output mode requires that it be plugged to a wall power socket? (plse correct me if I'm wrong). I would think it's close to 10,000mAh built-in battery would be able to cope without needing external power.

@Creaper08 5 месяцев назад

Does the colour changing function for quality also work with e.g. tidal or just in the internal fiio music app? Because mine stays blue, eventuell in tidal mqa titles?

@reallyoldcob 2 года назад

can you recommend a power supply to try out with the 789!?

@squirtmph Год назад

What application do you happen to use, to get even better sound by using . FLAC file's nor highest codec. I read Winamp Player it's great attachment. Mainly on the go setup.

@allansh828 2 года назад

I auditioned it a while back. It sounded very harsh. I am not sure if it needs break in.

@meka9776 Год назад

@Currawong 22:41 Please give a link to these Japanese filters (power supplies?) How can they be connected to the M17?

@JagadguruSvamiVegananda 2 месяца назад

The iFi iPower Elite should power this device. I will try it when I get the M17.

@d120152625 Год назад

非常詳細的介紹感謝你的分享

@bobhuynh1974 Год назад

Hello @Currawong, do you have a link to that power supply filter and extra capacitance that you found in Japan? Thanks.

@Currawong Год назад

www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/gp/product/B0848W4JZF/ www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/gp/product/B08F9YMG8V/

@bobhuynh1974 Год назад

@@Currawong thank you!!

@carsdankandchicks 2 года назад

What cable are you using on your DCAs, and how are the cable microphonics? The DCA fabric covered cables (including the Vivo) are very microphonic, looking for a solid alternative. Thanks!

@Currawong 2 года назад

At the moment, because I already had it, the Moon Audio Silver Dragon. I also have a Norne Audio cable I like with them.

@carsdankandchicks 2 года назад

@@Currawong Thanks, do you find them to be non-microphonic? The stock and most aftermarket DCA cables are fabric covered (like Hart Audio), and super microphonic.

@asan1050 2 года назад

THANKS!

@shanegooseman1060 Год назад

Hi, in the intro you did use the Cayin C9 as external amp with the Fiio M17… may I ask what your setting for that was, driving which headphone and whats your take on the sq, does a C9 add something you don’t have in DC mode, with its tubes? Thank you and cheers

@Currawong Год назад

No, there's no point. If you want a slightly warmer sound than what the M17 offers, the Q7 has that.

@shanegooseman1060 Год назад

@@Currawong okey thanks! I got a C9 and am having a hard time letting it go because of its versatility and future proof battery design, but, with a M17 coming in, I will have probably no use for it while I have the M17… the credo „C9 makes every DAP better“ is for a DAP with a strong amp section less significant, I guess, considering you lose some of the ease of use of having a solitary solution

@andrewstewartjacobs9678 2 года назад

@Currwong and everybody else - I need some advise. Right guys, my on the go set up is a Fiio M11 and a pair of FA7 iem's. I use these on a daily basis during my walk and is normally tucked in my jean or jacket pocket for anything up to 2 to 3 hours at a time. At home I have an old duet (which I may replace soon with a Fiio K9 pro) and a pair of Adams 7 monitors for my set up. So as you can see I am serious about my music. That said, can anyone tell me if the M17 is portable and can it used and housed as previously mentioned, Will it perhaps overheat over such length of time and usage? Basicly will be as practical as the M11 and should I also replace the FA7's with anything else (I do not want anything that is over the ear)? I don't mind even buying lets say a seperate belt pouche.. I hope you all get the idea and I look forward to any suggestions, because it looks a like a great unit but is it practical? Perhaps you can let me know of your experince!

@Currawong 2 года назад

You wouldn't want to carry the M17. Imagine 4 iPhone 12/13 Pro Max phones strapped together....and you get the idea. It only gets seriously hot in desktop mode though.

@andrewstewartjacobs9678 2 года назад

@@Currawong Thanks for the reply.

@joegarcia6276 2 года назад

If someone has an audioquest dragonfly red DAC hooked up all ready is it s big change or not to much ?

@harackmw 2 года назад

good question...

@garygriffiths7353 2 года назад

Hi, great review. I own the m17 and have the n8ii on it way. Dap addict I’m afraid! What was the album you mentioned with the Low bass?

@Currawong 2 года назад

Hostiles (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

@Vince96711 Год назад

Well? How do they compare? Which one do you prefer?

@EazyRed 2 года назад

just a tip on the micro sd cards, i use one for my Hiby R2, works perfectly, I use the 120$ish SanDisk one no issues and nonstop playing lol

@JagadguruSvamiVegananda 2 месяца назад

It's usually cheaper to buy TWO 512Gb cards, as I have done.

@ruip72 Год назад

Hope they send you the new Fioo R7 , not portable but looks super cool

@Puroplatino Год назад

Hey Currawong, Love your videos. I saw the video of the new Cayin N8ii. How does it compare to this one? Thanks for answering.

@Currawong Год назад

The Cayin is warmer-sounding and doesn't drive full-sized headphones as well.

@kyron42 2 года назад

How does it compare to the Mojo 2?. How's the soundstage depth and width?

@CarAudioHorizons 2 года назад

It’s better than the Chord Mojo 2 I tested them both in my SUV.

@topandrun126 3 месяца назад

I'm looking to buy the m23 also. The last music player I had was the Zune player. I understand these fiio dap have better dac chip now. My question is how those Dap compared to a smartphone in terms of music quality? I mainly want to use it in my vehicle which already have a decent sounds system. Honestly I'm not sure if this would be a worthy investment.

@JagadguruSvamiVegananda 2 месяца назад

There is ABSOLUTELY no comparison. Every DAP is superior to any smartphone's digital to analogue converter.

@mrmethane10 Год назад

Great video. Having purchased the Fiio M17 last August, I learnt something from your video I would never have otherwise. Playing it through my mobile phone (Moto G8). Yesterday evening I successfully linked them and listened to a couple of songs through my phone. This morning, nothing. I re-connected the link and the songs were coming up and playing. Except, I couldn't hear them. I made sure my headphones were switched off and even did a restart of my mobile and the Fiio but to no avail. Please could you help? Update: All songs are showing and playing - without sound. I have made sure no headphones are connected - either plugged in or wirelessly. I have restarted my phone as well as my Fiio M17.

@Currawong Год назад

Better to ask on Head-Fi. I don't have any experience with Android phones.

@mrmethane10 Год назад

Another issue which has just appeared. Up until a couple of days ago, when the player reached the end of the last song in a folder, it would start to play from the next folder which is what I want. It no longer does that and I can't remember how to set it up to do that.

@holzwurm_hd7029 Год назад

Id probably use ot with a Makita to 12v adapter to use its full potential on the go.

@QIBODE 6 месяцев назад

im deciding between this one and the Ibasso dx320max which is better? maybe a stupid question!

@JagadguruSvamiVegananda 2 месяца назад

Any decision yet?

@mrmrgaming Год назад

The long-time issue with mains and bat together has been that using mains kills the battery faster over a year or two. Just wonder if they have done something to negate this?

@Currawong Год назад

Yes. You can limit how much it charges the battery. If you set it to 80% it should stay good.

@mrmrgaming Год назад

@@Currawong Oh, that's a cool feature and yeah that will help. Just stuck between this and the Kann Max.

@MW-ii5nb 2 года назад

I have heard both m17 and the Hugo 2 back to back multiple times, the hugo has a bright top end and very little in the way of bass. People who listen to music where most of the sound is in the top end, it may be good for them. But someone who listens to a wide range of music the m17 does what many players cant not, its great with everything. Balance is very very hard to achieve, where the whole frequency range is represented well. Chord just doesn't do lower mids and base well and because it is recessed they don't have the problem of the bass and lower mids clouding the upper frequencies which makes violins etc sound clearer, but bass guitar, drums etc lacking. oh and the m17 is fully balanced from the dac to the amp! less crossfeed and better clarity over the chord.

@allansh828 2 года назад

Really? I had the same comparison and found the polar opposite. M17 was so harsh that it was not listenable. The Hugo 2 does present harsh high frequency with poor digital transport but it’s very clean and smooth with 2Go player. It’s resolution is quite a step up from A&K SP2000, let alone M17 and M15.

@Currawong 2 года назад

If you're used to bass bloom, then I can see how the Chord gear can sound like it has less bass. I find the THX amps to be a lot like that, except that adding a better power supply to them boosts the bass, because they have other issues with the design -- mainly poor power supplies.

@MW-ii5nb 2 года назад

@@Currawong no not bass bloom. They actually have less bass and less bass resolution. This is using my topping d90se + A90 as a reference point or my fully eq'ed and corrected trinnov altitude with 3d mic (what many recording studios use). It was the same issue when I tried the chord tt2 with upsampler.

@MW-ii5nb 2 года назад

@@allansh828 what headphones where you using?

@arrakian 2 года назад

@@allansh828 it’s also very clean from my ‘21 iPad Pro streaming Qobuz. I get plenty of non-hyped bass from my Denon 9200 & HEKse. I can even get a bass boost with it’s crossfeed engaged.

@zsoltsandor3814 2 года назад

One feature I've been asking folks on FiiO boards, nevermind that I would never be able to afford this beast, is that whether it has video out on USB-C, to be used with a USB-C to HDMI cable. That could make this a very interesting home cinema player, with some epic decoding on supported streaming platforms, or offline video players.

@Currawong 2 года назад

Can you do it with Android by default? I've never tried.

@zsoltsandor3814 2 года назад

@@Currawong I have only used Android flavors that have a custom desktop experience (Huawei EMUI Desktop, and now Samsung DeX), but technically desktop mode has been available for a while, and most flavors should have it after enabling developer mode, but it needs USB 3, won't work over USB 2 (except if used with DisplayLink, but that's an extra layer of complexity). Hook it on a USB hub and you can have an external display on HDMI, peripherals like music keyboard, USB mixers, etc. Wondering if apps like FL Studio, Cubasis, Roland Zenbeats, Soundtrap, etc could also benefit from the internals of the M17 and the UX of a larger external touch screen.

@CarAudioHorizons 2 года назад

This sounds amazing in my SUV!!!

@abrahamgoodman536 Год назад

Please upload a detailed video on installation. 3.5 mm jack is my only car input. Terrible experience.

@MrWARRIORMONKS 2 года назад

This makes me wonder out of all these options what I should upgrade my FiiO X7 mark ii to... Hard to guage the improvements in sound quality. Leaning towards an M11 Pro at this point. M17 fan is just silly... maybe M15 is a better choice.

@axelfoley1768 2 года назад

X7 mkii has a very nice sound. These latest sabre chips don't do it for me. The M11 pro sound-signature is very ordinary imo

@MS7.7 2 года назад

I have the m11 for 2 years now. I just love it. It has excellent sound and quality. The only problem is it's android 7 and you can't have Apple music. Otherwise it's almost perfect.

@kaemelezzine1827 2 года назад

I cannot bring myself to switch from the fiio m11. I simply cannot live without 2 memory card slots. I'm already maxing both of my 1tb cards with how big high res albums are. Going to 1tb in newer models seems like paying up for a downgrade. Also no issue whatsoever running 2 memory cards at 2tb on my fiio m11.

@Currawong 2 года назад

Pro tip: You don't need albums to be more than 24/96. 24/192 is just storing large amounts of high-frequency noise from the ADC. If you have DSD, convert it all to 24/96. :)

@dixieflatline1189 2 года назад

Star ratings are weird. Some data science folk say that only 1 and 5 stars are relevant on social media. From another perspective, if you discount 5 every time because something isn’t perfect, then your range is actually 1 to 4.x, with X being variable. It may be better to star rate based on a use case for consistency. Anyways, i went the Shanling M8 route a while ago and love it, except the heat issues that look similar to the M17. I dont understand why companies develop a transportable device and then make it uncomfortable to use after 30 mins of play. For my use case that takes 0.5 off the total, giving the M8 a 4.5 :)

@Currawong 2 года назад

Power Battery life Convenience Pick two. :)

@MatusHaw 2 года назад

could someone post a link to that custom power supply he mentioned in 22:37 , please?

@Currawong 2 года назад

You mean, can I post the links? I'm not sure if they can be shipped outside Japan. www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/gp/product/B08F9YMG8V/ www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/gp/product/B0848W4JZF/

@ThiefJack 2 года назад

@@Currawong know of anyone who'd be willing to ship these to me in America supposing no legal issues?

@EdgeDC 2 года назад

@@ThiefJack You can order them from the USA - you just need to log in to the Amazon Japan website. The Amazon USA website lets you switch to other international Amazon websites (check your account profile/settings for the option to change regions). You may have to log in again, but I think it should work with the same Amazon logon that you use on the USA website - it’s been a long time since I first did it, so memory is fuzzy. You also get the option to browse the Amazon Japan website in (mostly) English. Not all Amazon Japan vendors will ship outside Japan, but this one (linked by Currawong) does. I had the same thought as you, so I went to order these power modulation devices. Unfortunately, only the power noise cleaner/filter is in stock and for sale right now. The bulk capacitor one is not in stock. I literally ordered the power filter/cleaner (shipped to the USA) from Amazon Japan about 15 minutes ago. Afterwards, it said they had 19 left.

@EdgeDC 2 года назад

Minor follow-up - the power filter/cleaner arrived to me in the Eastern USA yesterday (Monday, June 13th), 21 days after I ordered. So it isn't fast, but it did show up. I have not had a chance to try it yet though, and I'm still keeping an eye out to see if the bulk capacitor one ever comes back in stock (it hasn't yet, since I first saw the links posted by Currawong 3 weeks ago).

@ferguswilliamscott354 2 года назад

How do you limit battery charge to 85%?

@Currawong 2 года назад

It's in the Android settings.

@koskorterskor 4 месяца назад

nice player

@kyron42 2 года назад

Does it have a parametric EQ or second-harmonic enhancement?

@Currawong 2 года назад

If you install software for it. It runs on regular Android.

@kyron42 2 года назад

@@Currawong thanks. Poweramp might do the trick with PEQ. So far I haven't found an app that adds warm sounding even harmonics. I'm sure there's something out there.

@sandyjust Месяц назад

New updates add these features. However I couldn’t see any differences in sound quality

@gwapster13 2 года назад

Wonder when will fiio have a system wide EQ. That would be nice. For now i stick with Sony coz they have it and it works perfect.

@harackmw 2 года назад

have you tried a Cowon device? I don't know if it is better but they were usually ok.

@H-4-D3423 3 дня назад

@Currawong - I hope you see this comment and can reply... please think back to your awesome review of the AK240!! :) here's my question... **How would you rate/describe the performance of M17 to that DAP. I appreciate they are vastly different in value, as the AK240 was an expensive flagship. If you could explain the music differences, and if you can - what % of the AK240 does the M17 offer. THANK U!!!!!!!!!!!!

@Currawong 2 дня назад

Newer DAPs are considerably better than older ones. Before it died, I had an AK380 here, and after a few years, newer, much cheaper models were clearly more resolving. So, while I don't have an AK240 here any more, I'm willing to bet the M17 is considerably better.

@H-4-D3423 2 дня назад

@@Currawong Thanks for your opinion as ever and take care

@ThiefJack 2 года назад

I have a few questions. Do you find your Fiio M17 gets insanely hot? I burnt my finger on mine. Also, I'm pairing these with a pair of Empire Ears Odin and Shure 846 IEMs. While they sound good, the battery life and the clunky OS is making me want to return it for the SP2000. Have you tried the A&K SP2000? Or is the Hugo 2 just the clear winner hands down?

@lewis7515 2 года назад

_Burn your finger?!...._ Are you actually really serious?.....

@rbivgq1734 2 года назад

If you don't like clunky OS' steer clear of AK their UI and software suck.

@harackmw 2 года назад

That sounds bad, potentially battery damage; my daps do this when I tried headphones that they can't properly drive. Does it do it with IEMS or other lesser headphones? It is strange though, you'd think they would have worked all that out for this device considering the price.

@verdeazul333 2 года назад

Apply aloe vera on your burnt finger. Seek the help of a certified dermatologist. I hope you won't need reconstructive surgery.

@ThiefJack 2 года назад

@@verdeazul333 Finger stayed red for about four days then top layer peeled off. Ended up returning it because I assumed it was faulty.

@megavideopowermegavideopow8657 Год назад

Thought it was $179 😂 that last 9 was cutoff in the thumbnail 😢

@thecartooncynic 8 месяцев назад

Expensive little chungus, but I love it!

@ZacharyTech7 Год назад

This Dac is how thick I want the Z Fold 5 ultra phone to be cover screen as big as s22 ultra and unfolds to size of tab s8 + with huge 6000 to 7009 mah battery people want thin devices fml

@sinja2734 2 года назад

At a buffet, i personally sneak corn into the buffet so others can enjoy them. I hide 6 boiled corn ears in my jacket pockets. It is a joy for me to see other patrons of the establishment eat my corn thinking they were part of the buffet.

@verdeazul333 2 года назад

Your joke's a little corny.

@noelsetterington648 Год назад

Nothing personal but most dap and headphone revievers say the same. It is always I like it warm and coloured. Like for the m17 isn't good because it is not coloured enough the music or it is too neutral. Lots of people who like music stuff like it more neutral or bassy or warm that doesn't make a dap or headphone better. It is what suits you governor. God bless you and listen to the angels singing hahahaha hahahahaha hahahahaha xxxxxxxx

@DJ_BROBOT 2 года назад

Basically is the Astell Kern Kann Alpha-Chunkk

@lostalx Год назад

The best DAP is my LG phone. It has root and has a solid ESS9218P chip. 800 series Snapdragon chip, OLED panel. Only downside will be battery is limited, and no DC mode but you can do everything else.

@fa6151 Год назад

Which model ?

@milcoron 10 месяцев назад

Does the device translate in Hebrew? Please tell me it's important to me If you don't know the answer, then that's fine, please check with me only if you don't know and you can check with me, thank you very much

@Currawong 10 месяцев назад

There isn't a Hebrew language option in the system.

@milcoron 10 месяцев назад

@@Currawong Well, thanks for answering

@thieryfontaine 2 года назад

have several issue and report them to FiiO support. several emails sent, No Answer.

@MuhammadKharismawan 2 года назад

This and the Kann really are guilt to be double duty for portable and desktop use.

@bitterbuffalo8997 2 года назад

I just feel like one little thing breaks in that unit you're completely SOL and just have a heavy brick.

@Currawong 2 года назад

Same with a smart phone or anything else.

@bitterbuffalo8997 2 года назад

@@Currawong parts are easier to find on cell phones

@Currawong 2 года назад

Unlike a cell phone maker, FiiO can be contacted directly about repairs to their products outside the warranty. Even the CEO is on social media and responds to customers. So, the chance of ending up with a brick is pretty low.

@Just.May_May 2 года назад

WM1A For Life! This device is designed to distract from listening...

@DJ_BROBOT 2 года назад

Yeah, maybe going back to Sony and just AK.

@Another_Audiophile 2 года назад

Sony for me as well. The rest I’ve tried was just a distraction. After 6 DAPs I can comfortably say no way with android again.

@michaelfrost7055 2 года назад

Its a shame auido gear is so dear .

@Vamp898 2 года назад

Level matched, in a blind test, I can hear absolutely no difference between the M11 Plus and the M17. To me they sound identical. I can instantly hear the difference to the M11 Plus and the WM1Z or the TA-ZH1ES, but not too the M17. Maybe it's due to my Earphone/Headphone choice or the song choice, but to me, they are the same in terms of sound. Of course using receivers the M11 can drive without issues

@Xerxesro1 2 года назад

When you end up needing a noisy cooling stand for your "portable" monstrosity you should just get back to the drawing board. You've obviously got one or two things very wrong.

@Currawong 2 года назад

It only requires it in DC powered mode, due to having double the power output.

@harackmw 2 года назад

I keep wondering who uses these things. DJs? Audiophiles that live on the road or planes for business? It seems like overkill. For that price the desktop setup you could build...

@Currawong 2 года назад

People who want to use it with headphones around the house, from what I've seen on HF.

@harackmw 2 года назад

@Fisher Man lol