FiiO M11S Digital Audio Player Hands-on Review: Entry Level Price, Flagship Sound

These days, you'd have to be very serious about your music to know what a digital audio player (DAP) is, not to mention feel the need to own one.

What was once the most lusted-for gadget for music lovers, especially after the explosive proliferation of iPod in the beginning of the 2000's quickly saw its end when Apple's own iPhone was released including the function as a powerful digital audio player. However, in 2023, DAPs are still around, still relevant - alas not to the massive market as it had before, but to a niche audiophile crowd.

The FiiO M11S is one of the latest creations from the Guangzhou hi-fi company, a model that will represent the most affordable DAP that FiiO plans on releasing for the next two years (According to its official statements). In an era where DAPs represent the audiophile's highest demand for sound quality, is there a place for an affordable music player? Let's dive in to find out.

Compacted M11 Series Design

The young sibling of FiiO's DAP lineup has an obvious resemblance to its older siblings. From an engineer's perspective it makes perfect sense for FiiO to make the most of its simple yet recognizable design. The design of the M11S follows the design that has been present across FiiO's products: from the flagship DAP M17, to the flagship desktop DAC/Amp K9 Pro - I've come to coin the design an 'aggressive chamfer' look.

The M11S simply put is a physically 'shorter' version of the M11 Plus, which results in the display also being slightly smaller, a reduction from 5.5-inch to 5-inch - still plenty for a DAP. There are other minor differences from the M11 Plus like not having lights on its power button, not having a 'Hold' slide switch, and having the output ports positions mirrored. Other than these distinctions, these two devices are more or less identical to each other.

Another notable difference in the M11S is the removal of the volume control touch slider. Instead, the affordable DAP has a volume rocker that has the identical carbon fiber patterned aesthetics. I've heard of people on both sides of the argument when it comes to the touch slider, with some loving it, and others disabling it from the get-go, so I think whether this is a deal breaker will be up to each person's preference.

The M11S can be seen as a leaner version of the M11 Plus, carrying less bells and whistles, while keeping all the characteristics that makes a M11 player.

Price Drop Without Cheapening the Sound

Since the M11S has such obvious similarities with the M11 Plus ESS, which is one of the best sounding DAPs from FiiO especially when matched with a good pair of IEM that can rival some of the best headphone set ups. I will describe the M11S's sound in comparison to the M11 Plus ESS.

When comparing the two devices' internals, there are some notable differences: while the M11 Plus ESS uses a pair of ES9068AS with 8 channels each, the M11S uses a pair of ES9038Q2M that have 2 channels each. What's more, the M11 Plus uses two of the more well-known THX AAA-78 amplifiers, while the M11S uses two all-purpose amplifiers OPA926 from Texas Instruments.

After extended listening sessions and comparisons, just like its aesthetics, the M11S sounds extremely close to the M11 Plus ESS in color and even in power. Setting both DAPs to 45% volume at High gain, I can hardly spot the difference between the two, testing with FiiO's own FH7S, the Sennheiser IE900 and the L'Acoustic Contour X.

If I was to nitpick, I would say that the M11 Plus has a slightly more controlled sound, while the M11S sound is more 'fun' and aggressive. But again, audibly the two sounded so similar, I can only detect the difference in sound with my gut feeling.

Even in terms of numbers, the two devices are very similar. The M11S actually boasts of more power when used with headphones: reaching up to 670mW with 32Ω headphones, while the M11 Plus tops out at 660mW.

Smaller Battery, but Same Battery Life

A recurring practice in FiiO is that they will not necessarily release cheaper products at a lower spec, but instead, newer products are often found more efficient, improving in performance from the older products - even if they are at a higher price range. The battery efficiency of the M11S exemplifies such innovative spirit.

Though the M11 Plus has a 6000mAh Li-ion battery, the M11S's 5300mAh achieves the same 14 hour playback time, and 41 day standby time. These official numbers do seem legitimate in actual use, as with casual 1-2 hours play time from time to time, I find myself only recharging the M11S once every few weeks.

Final Verdict

While mobile phones these days are capable music players, for those who are serious about their music, and especially for those who need to maximize the performance of their high-end earphones or IEMs, pairing it with a DAP is still the way to go.

The FiiO M11S provides top-tier sound quality, while providing a more affordable option from the M11 Plus ESS. If you're after a relatively compact digital audio player as your portable audiophile setup while on-the-go, the M11S compromises very little in terms of functionality while offering a sound that will satisfy even demanding audiophiles. We're awarding the FiiO M11S with the IBTimes Recommended Badge as a hi-fi portable digital player.

David is a tech enthusiast/writer who is often on the move and is on a mission to explore ways to make his overhaul flights more enjoyable. This is a contribution to an ongoing IBTimes review series on gadgets for Business Travelers.