@@MrLelouchyuki better but not $1700 better than my lg v60. I bought it it's awesome but the biggest gains imho comes from iem or headphones when it comes to quality improvement. $3000 iem or headphone will sound leaps and bounds better than a $200 iem. Not the same with daps.
Thank you for this review man, I’ve been waiting for this in English for over a month now and no one posted anything until now. Very informative & because of this review I’m keeping my M17, i almost returned it as it was hard for me to justify the price over my M15 except for the power ( crazy amount ) but I’m gonna take a hard dive and keep it probably the last DAP i will ever need for the next 10 years i hope…😂. Thx again👍
And finally placed an order a few days ago! Incoming today, but will set it up after work. This is basically a digital desktop player, and is essentially my new headphone desktop system- streamer, DAC, and amplifier- via a single device. Will be using with both my T+A Solitaire T in balanced mode, and Meze Audio 99 Classics! Really can't wait to listen to it 🎧👂🏽😃
Very great review thank you. I'm waiting for my new M17 after M15, can't wait. I'm glad to see that it is a real upgrade because i wonder before your excellent review 😉
Do you think youre gonna need external amp with M17? For example like Cayin C9? Im using M11 Plus ltd at the moment and i wonder what benefit could i get if i add C9 or maybe upgrade to M17. Any opinion?
Just curious about the output power specs compared to the M15... The Fiio website states the power output for the M17's balanced over-ear mode (not plugged in to outlet) as 3W for 32 Ohm impedance vs the M15's balanced as 800 mW. That's over 3x the power. Wow! BUT the confusing part for me is @ 300 ohm impedance, M17 outputs only 250mW vs the M15 at 280mW. Basically the same, but slightly more. This is confusing. So would the LCD-4 (I think at 200 Ohms) be slightly underpowered by the m17 compared to the m15? Is there a way to simply calculate an estimate of how much power an amp can output with a given pair of headphones? Usually websites only state @16, 32, and 300 ohms...
M17 is a DAP, GT is only an amp...two strokes for different folks. If you're asking only about power and about its quality, then GT is still way better.
Hi 👋,Taking the power advantages out of the way, so the battery mode only with iems. What do you recommed more the m8 or the m17? 🙂. I have the shanling m8 but i can still return it and buy the m17. I really like that efforthless yet dynamic sound of the m8 but also that sense of emotion and connection to the music... Would be the m17 even better choice for me? ☺. As an iem i use the kinera nanna 2.0 pro...
Great review. Will give The M17 an audition on the end of the month. Was a little affraid the ESS +THX combo, most Saber implementations are not to my taste. This one looks really nice :)
I appreciate your detailed review of DAPS. What DAP would you recommend for use with only IEMs? I do need to be able to stream music services as well. Thanks!
Thanks for the excellent review! I've never owned something like this before and was considering an M11 plus LTD on sale but it sounds like I wouldn't be very happy with it compared to this newer one. It's quite a LOT more money but obviously blows away their older models.
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?
is it good enough for the susvara's to replace a desktop dac like the gustards R26 or A26, or would i be missing out too much ? if i get the Gustard what amp of a similar price should i get ? (1500 or so max) my total budget for the dac amp is 3200, i don't need a streamer
For those using DAPs this size, wondering if you actually use them on the go? Or are these more of a transportable all-in-one desktop system? I find anything larger than half a phone size impractical for on the go use. Both the DAP and my phone has to fit in my jeans pocket. I don't carry a bag.
Imo I see people use the M17 at the local shop, it just looks really overboard for portable use and very big like a brick. I test it along with Shanling M9, M11 Pro ltd. For portable use i honestly believe the biggest you should go is Shanling M9 size, the M17 is like 30% bigger than M9 which is quite ridiculous for portable daily use. M17 should just stay home or if you carry a messenger bag for it. I recommend M11 plus Ltd for similar sound of M17 for daily portable use.
Guys, I need a little advice. I have Sony NW-WM1A and I am thinking about changing it to Fiio M 17. Is it worth it, if we are talking about *sound quality only*? In both cases I'll use Sony MDR-Z1R headphones.
Я использую м17 уже почти третий месяц, его фишка в динамики и енергичности подачи звука, ну сам звук иногда островатий и резкий. Для металла отлично, ну нету некокои мягкости в звуке или бархатности. Например "Adele, Norah Jones" звучит слишком резко и агрессивно, недаёт расслабиться, как то напригает всё время слух :) хотелось бы чуть по мягчк и ро объемнее. Буду ждать вашего обзора на iBasso DX320 :)
Hi Jura, a Hiby RS6 review is in the making, it sounds considerably more organic and life-like compared to the M17. There is more meat on the bone and the air is thicker on RS6, exactly how good sounding R-2R ladder DACs are doing.
Phenomenal review!!! It was unthinkable to power an HE/Susvara grade headphone SUITABLY with only a DAP and $300 Power Supply until now.. Hooray for Fiio!!!
Nice looking review with a lot's of words about SQ. Fiio do great job with no compromise this time. I love that!. The competition have 2x higher price tag and Fiio know we don't like this ;).
Comprehensive, informative & enthusiastic! Been deciding between this & A&K SP2000T. M17 hasn’t properly arrived in UK yet but think I’ll wait for it. Thanks
@@bopper2984 I'm waiting for the Cayin N8ii. I think about February. I sold my DX300 as it wasn't much better than my fiio m11 pro and Sony WM1A. I was thinking Shanling M9 but it seems a bit too expensive for what it is. I think the M17 seems great value but a bit big for me and I don't need all the power as I am an IEM guy. Although want something a bit more powerful than what I have to power my IER-Z1Rs.. What I liked about NPAUDIO is the aftersales on the Npaudio forums. It's like a community and gives piece of mind. Best wishes Dan
@@bendzy169 that’s good I have the sp2000 and I was wondering, I already have the m11pro ltd it probably matches the sound quality of the m17 but with less power.
Great review! I wonder, if it would make a sense, for those who has sensitive, low impedance over ears (e.g. 32 Ohms and over 100 dB/mw), to upgrade from Fiio M15 or Shanling M8 to M17. The power was already enough. Is it worth buying M17 for those not owning demanding desktop headphones?
Believe me you don’t need an M17 for IEM if you already drive them with the M15 and or Shanling M8. I own all 3 players and for IEM i found myself leaning towards the M15 mostly and even then the head room on high gain is ridiculous. Buy the M17 only if you have a lot of planar magnetic hard to drive headphones and you want to take them camping all the time then the M17 will blow your mind. One last thing the M17 has going on in his advantage that the two other don’t is android 10… that will give you some extra years of support from the OS compare to the other two. Bottom line if you can spare an extra 2 Grand you won’t regret it….
@@nellatl The M17 is a mad house of power, it works great with IEM for sure. For better experience with sensitive Iem’s stay away the [ headphones Mode and Enhanced headphones Mode ] which are the two highest gain settings… and honestly you don’t even need that much power to drive any IEM. Now if you only use IEM’s and no headphones at all then the M17 is an overkill and not the best option for you at this price. The Ibasso DX 240 at $1000 less than the M17 will make you very happy and if you’re chasing that THX amplification then go with the newly released ESS version of the M11 Plus. Hope that helps…
@@nellatl Sound is subjective, what sounds good to you might not for me. What I’m trying to say is, you don’t need 3 watts of power for IEM’s (M17). With the 690mw ( balanced output) of the New M11 Plus you will have the same sound signature as the M17 at almost 1/3 of the coast and enough power to drive all your IEM’s. Now if you don’t have a dedicated desktop DAC/AMP setup and you want to get into full size headphones hard to drive (300 ohms+), planar magnetic and such & also have the ability to move your music devices around then you will more than enjoy the M17.Bottom line if you have disposable income & you love your toys like me, then get you an M17 and you will love it. I think it’s gonna age well and remain an Icon for a while, at least for me… time will tell.
@@InternetUser-d7s Fair point. I have nothing against the M17! I think it's a fantastic bit of kit! I'm just going to wait and see how it measures up is all.
@@dinis758 how much better resolution would you say the ak sp2000 compares to the fiio m17. I am trying to get a dap for my stellia that matches the performance of the hugo 2. Alot of people say the sp2000 is even better than the hugo 2 but Idk how the m17 holds up
@@moonabhinav I have the K9 pro, I also bought a dedicated Loxjie D50 Dac to compare, at the end, I returned the Loxjie Dac (same price as K9 pro), K9 pro Dac alone sounds much more bigger soundstage more depthj, and more bass , more lively than Loxjie D50. K9 pro also have built in excellent amp, I bought ifi pro iCan signature after, but honestly, the amp inside K9 pro and ifi pro ican sounds very similiar, I am prerfectly happy with just the K9 pro amp running my Arya Stealth, Hd800s and Stellia, as well as 64 audio U18t. For the price of K9 pro and its features and build quality, I think it should be 3x the current selling price. At the current price, it like the bargain of audiophile world.
@@Fenom60 I was expecting a huge change I guess, my k9 pro sounded just like chord mojo if not more dynamic and balanced. I had tr amp as well which sounds bit v shape compared to k9 pro. Any ways its only 2 days of my experience with k9 pro, may be I start to hear differences.
Best DAP on the market hands down. Absolutely love my M17.
I wholeheartedly agree!
i never regret buying it, now to save money to buy a high-end desktop headphone XD
@@Soundnews how does it compare to sp2000 or wm1z?
@@MrLelouchyuki better but not $1700 better than my lg v60. I bought it it's awesome but the biggest gains imho comes from iem or headphones when it comes to quality improvement. $3000 iem or headphone will sound leaps and bounds better than a $200 iem. Not the same with daps.
lmao lg sounds worse then any decent dongle let alone high end daps. V/g series LG phones sound decent at best, nothing extra ordinary.
Thank you for this review man, I’ve been waiting for this in English for over a month now and no one posted anything until now. Very informative & because of this review I’m keeping my M17, i almost returned it as it was hard for me to justify the price over my M15 except for the power ( crazy amount ) but I’m gonna take a hard dive and keep it probably the last DAP i will ever need for the next 10 years i hope…😂. Thx again👍
And finally placed an order a few days ago!
Incoming today, but will set it up after work.
This is basically a digital desktop player, and is essentially my new headphone desktop system- streamer, DAC, and amplifier- via a single device.
Will be using with both my T+A Solitaire T in balanced mode, and Meze Audio 99 Classics!
Really can't wait to listen to it 🎧👂🏽😃
Very great review thank you.
I'm waiting for my new M17 after M15, can't wait.
I'm glad to see that it is a real upgrade because i wonder before your excellent review 😉
Solid review; I agree, Rognir sound 100% on the M17 (ditto many other TOTL headphones including HD800s).
That bass impact, that depth and open wide soundstage...Rognir sounds just a little smaller to a HD800. How they put that off is still a mystery to me
@@Soundnews Will we have the pleasure of seeing a Rognir review soon?
Hi! Thanks for the review. Just want to ask what type of iFi Power Elite do you use, 5v, 12v, 24v? TIA
My budget is for a 11 plus. I’m still trying to understand what I don’t get by not getting the m17 other than the weight :)
Do you think youre gonna need external amp with M17? For example like Cayin C9? Im using M11 Plus ltd at the moment and i wonder what benefit could i get if i add C9 or maybe upgrade to M17. Any opinion?
Great review! A question! does it has android resampling issue of limited sample size 48khz??
Just curious about the output power specs compared to the M15... The Fiio website states the power output for the M17's balanced over-ear mode (not plugged in to outlet) as 3W for 32 Ohm impedance vs the M15's balanced as 800 mW. That's over 3x the power. Wow! BUT the confusing part for me is @ 300 ohm impedance, M17 outputs only 250mW vs the M15 at 280mW. Basically the same, but slightly more. This is confusing. So would the LCD-4 (I think at 200 Ohms) be slightly underpowered by the m17 compared to the m15? Is there a way to simply calculate an estimate of how much power an amp can output with a given pair of headphones? Usually websites only state @16, 32, and 300 ohms...
I watched your Burson Soloist GT review and it inspired me to purchase the amp. How does this compare?
M17 is a DAP, GT is only an amp...two strokes for different folks. If you're asking only about power and about its quality, then GT is still way better.
Hi 👋,Taking the power advantages out of the way, so the battery mode only with iems. What do you recommed more the m8 or the m17? 🙂. I have the shanling m8 but i can still return it and buy the m17. I really like that efforthless yet dynamic sound of the m8 but also that sense of emotion and connection to the music... Would be the m17 even better choice for me? ☺. As an iem i use the kinera nanna 2.0 pro...
I’m in the same boat, I do like my M8. The M9 is just priced too high at $2700. Im considering this for updated android
Great review. Will give The M17 an audition on the end of the month. Was a little affraid the ESS +THX combo, most Saber implementations are not to my taste. This one looks really nice :)
Finally someone who gets DACs - and I say that as someone who prefers ESS but at least you know what you're talking about lmao
I appreciate your detailed review of DAPS. What DAP would you recommend for use with only IEMs? I do need to be able to stream music services as well. Thanks!
Hi I'm new...i need to know for sp2000 compare m17 ....which better sound?
Amazing detailed review 👍🏻
Thanks for the excellent review! I've never owned something like this before and was considering an M11 plus LTD on sale but it sounds like I wouldn't be very happy with it compared to this newer one. It's quite a LOT more money but obviously blows away their older models.
M17 khác biệt với các dap fiio
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?
is it good enough for the susvara's to replace a desktop dac like the gustards R26 or A26, or would i be missing out too much ? if i get the Gustard what amp of a similar price should i get ? (1500 or so max) my total budget for the dac amp is 3200, i don't need a streamer
For those using DAPs this size, wondering if you actually use them on the go? Or are these more of a transportable all-in-one desktop system?
I find anything larger than half a phone size impractical for on the go use. Both the DAP and my phone has to fit in my jeans pocket. I don't carry a bag.
Imo I see people use the M17 at the local shop, it just looks really overboard for portable use and very big like a brick. I test it along with Shanling M9, M11 Pro ltd. For portable use i honestly believe the biggest you should go is Shanling M9 size, the M17 is like 30% bigger than M9 which is quite ridiculous for portable daily use. M17 should just stay home or if you carry a messenger bag for it. I recommend M11 plus Ltd for similar sound of M17 for daily portable use.
Guys, I need a little advice. I have Sony NW-WM1A and I am thinking about changing it to Fiio M 17. Is it worth it, if we are talking about *sound quality only*? In both cases I'll use Sony MDR-Z1R headphones.
Love your reviews. One small favor, can you boost your volume level a bit....
Я использую м17 уже почти третий месяц, его фишка в динамики и енергичности подачи звука, ну сам звук иногда островатий и резкий. Для металла отлично, ну нету некокои мягкости в звуке или бархатности. Например "Adele, Norah Jones" звучит слишком резко и агрессивно, недаёт расслабиться, как то напригает всё время слух :) хотелось бы чуть по мягчк и ро объемнее. Буду ждать вашего обзора на iBasso DX320 :)
Hi Jura, a Hiby RS6 review is in the making, it sounds considerably more organic and life-like compared to the M17. There is more meat on the bone and the air is thicker on RS6, exactly how good sounding R-2R ladder DACs are doing.
Would it be worth me getting the ifi elite for use with my m17 and my hifi man Arya stealth?
Is the Android OS bit perfect like Shanling or Hiby Daps? Where tidal masters and apple hifi can pass through to the internal dac un-resampled?
Great review. For iems ( even planar) M11 plus is enough ( M11 plus 9068as announced).
Phenomenal review!!! It was unthinkable to power an HE/Susvara grade headphone SUITABLY with only a DAP and $300 Power Supply until now.. Hooray for Fiio!!!
yeah agree all the details given in the review. M17 is absolutely the best mobile DAP/DAC/AMP with desktop capabilities!!!
Nice looking review with a lot's of words about SQ. Fiio do great job with no compromise this time. I love that!. The competition have 2x higher price tag and Fiio know we don't like this ;).
Comprehensive, informative & enthusiastic! Been deciding between this & A&K SP2000T. M17 hasn’t properly arrived in UK yet but think I’ll wait for it. Thanks
NPAUDIO have them in stock. I'm in no way affiliated with them but I bought my ibasso dx300 from them and they were excellent.
@@danthemaninfierno Thank you, they’ve had on pre-order but are in stock now!
@@bopper2984 I'm waiting for the Cayin N8ii. I think about February. I sold my DX300 as it wasn't much better than my fiio m11 pro and Sony WM1A. I was thinking Shanling M9 but it seems a bit too expensive for what it is. I think the M17 seems great value but a bit big for me and I don't need all the power as I am an IEM guy. Although want something a bit more powerful than what I have to power my IER-Z1Rs.. What I liked about NPAUDIO is the aftersales on the Npaudio forums. It's like a community and gives piece of mind. Best wishes Dan
@@danthemaninfierno Thanks Dan, good luck with N8ii, looks very promising. And thanks for steer on NPAudio.
Thank you so much for the review
How Does the M17 compares to the ibasso DX312?
I am going to wait for Fiio Q9. That will be portable dac/amp with all the same specs as M17 in price tag under 1000$.
If that is going to happen, then Q9 will be a audiophile bomb
You always make such great content, thank you!
Скажите пожалуйста как отличается звук по подачи и детальности от ibasso DX300? Интересует отличие без подключения m17 в розетку.
Oooooooh, okay, you've got me! Is it Fi -O or Fee-O ? Oh and you didn't mention the software and Apps.......
Fiio makes some great product sure do like their daps.
Great review! Does anyone know if it can act as Roon endpoint and whats the max sample rate in this mode? Is it limited by Android to 48kHz? Thanks!
Hi, how does the Fiio M17 integrate with the Kennerton Wodan?
Loved your review. Cool looking dap big but cool. You got a new sub my friend. #keepcreating #keepinspiring
Sound quality wise is it better sounding then the astell & kern sp2000?
Of couse not
@@bendzy169 that’s good I have the sp2000 and I was wondering, I already have the m11pro ltd it probably matches the sound quality of the m17 but with less power.
Then why should i consider m17? No matter how much function m17...sound is most important
Guys, I have about 20,000 tracks, about 1 tb, is there a limit for the amount of files that can used by the fiio?
Great review ❗️ 🔆 Thank you
Great review! I wonder, if it would make a sense, for those who has sensitive, low impedance over ears (e.g. 32 Ohms and over 100 dB/mw), to upgrade from Fiio M15 or Shanling M8 to M17. The power was already enough. Is it worth buying M17 for those not owning demanding desktop headphones?
Believe me you don’t need an M17 for IEM if you already drive them with the M15 and or Shanling M8. I own all 3 players and for IEM i found myself leaning towards the M15 mostly and even then the head room on high gain is ridiculous. Buy the M17 only if you have a lot of planar magnetic hard to drive headphones and you want to take them camping all the time then the M17 will blow your mind. One last thing the M17 has going on in his advantage that the two other don’t is android 10… that will give you some extra years of support from the OS compare to the other two. Bottom line if you can spare an extra 2 Grand you won’t regret it….
@@boukarabbamoussa5379 for iem will the m17 sound better?
@@nellatl The M17 is a mad house of power, it works great with IEM for sure. For better experience with sensitive Iem’s stay away the [ headphones Mode and Enhanced headphones Mode ] which are the two highest gain settings… and honestly you don’t even need that much power to drive any IEM. Now if you only use IEM’s and no headphones at all then the M17 is an overkill and not the best option for you at this price. The Ibasso DX 240 at $1000 less than the M17 will make you very happy and if you’re chasing that THX amplification then go with the newly released ESS version of the M11 Plus. Hope that helps…
@@boukarabbamoussa5379 so are you saying iem will sound the same on dx240 and m17? Or will they sound better on m17 given the same amount of power??
@@nellatl Sound is subjective, what sounds good to you might not for me. What I’m trying to say is, you don’t need 3 watts of power for IEM’s (M17). With the 690mw ( balanced output) of the New M11 Plus you will have the same sound signature as the M17 at almost 1/3 of the coast and enough power to drive all your IEM’s. Now if you don’t have a dedicated desktop DAC/AMP setup and you want to get into full size headphones hard to drive (300 ohms+), planar magnetic and such & also have the ability to move your music devices around then you will more than enjoy the M17.Bottom line if you have disposable income & you love your toys like me, then get you an M17 and you will love it. I think it’s gonna age well and remain an Icon for a while, at least for me… time will tell.
Can you compare with the fiio m11 plus
how does it compare with sp1000
Would you please review ibasso Dx320 🙏
I would have named it Brick 17 but that's my thing🤣
Fiio be like: Home amp killer, the power of the sun in the palm of my hand.
I am happy with the m15 and Sony wa1a
Not a fan of the fact that it only has one micro SD card slot. I believe the M11 has two.
Waiting for the M17 plus or the M19!
Is there m19???
@@goldhill840 Not yet.
Rognir or woddan?
So it has no flaws?
Maybe its tonality that won't mate well with linear sounding headphones and of course its weight and size. Apart from that, it's flawless
I almost pulled the trigger on this DAP; until A&K announced the Acro CA1000. Now I'll wait.
Good luck with support when they abandon it 6 months after release (to say nothing of the bugs that A&K DAPs are known for).
@@InternetUser-d7s Fair point. I have nothing against the M17! I think it's a fantastic bit of kit!
I'm just going to wait and see how it measures up is all.
I have a sp2000 for 2 years, did not notice any bug so far
And the sound is awsome, much ahead the M15, but I agree the m17 is very appealing
@@dinis758 how much better resolution would you say the ak sp2000 compares to the fiio m17. I am trying to get a dap for my stellia that matches the performance of the hugo 2. Alot of people say the sp2000 is even better than the hugo 2 but Idk how the m17 holds up
have several issue and report them to FiiO support. several emails sent, No Answer.
If fiio m17 or future model better sounding than sp2000 i will very appreciate . Sp2000 too expensive.
When are you getting fiio k9 pro for review ?
Hey Kumar, I'll get the ESS version, but I'm not sure when
@@Soundnews i bought fiio k9 pro, now I think I should have waited for your review.
@@moonabhinav I'm sure it's an amazing sounding unit with or without a review. K9 Pro and M17 share a lot of things in common.
@@moonabhinav I have the K9 pro, I also bought a dedicated Loxjie D50 Dac to compare, at the end, I returned the Loxjie Dac (same price as K9 pro), K9 pro Dac alone sounds much more bigger soundstage more depthj, and more bass , more lively than Loxjie D50. K9 pro also have built in excellent amp, I bought ifi pro iCan signature after, but honestly, the amp inside K9 pro and ifi pro ican sounds very similiar, I am prerfectly happy with just the K9 pro amp running my Arya Stealth, Hd800s and Stellia, as well as 64 audio U18t. For the price of K9 pro and its features and build quality, I think it should be 3x the current selling price. At the current price, it like the bargain of audiophile world.
@@Fenom60 I was expecting a huge change I guess, my k9 pro sounded just like chord mojo if not more dynamic and balanced.
I had tr amp as well which sounds bit v shape compared to k9 pro.
Any ways its only 2 days of my experience with k9 pro, may be I start to hear differences.
This doesn't belong in a pocket it belongs in a studio.
India
🤤
Nice crimbo tree