FiiO M11 PlusFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 33 mentions across 14 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment58%
PROS 58%
CONS 42%

Rank based on 33 mentions across 14 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a dedicated DAP to power full-size headphones or IEMs via balanced 4.4mm output
  • You want offline hi-res listening plus WiFi streaming apps like Tidal/Qobuz/Spotify
  • You want a phone-free, distraction-free music device with long battery life

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need flawless gapless playback and a built-in global EQ out of the box
  • You rely heavily on low-latency USB DAC or Bluetooth receiver mode
  • You're worried about reported battery swelling or reliability issues

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Mid
Marantz ND8006
Excellent CD playback qualityAdjustable sound settings for tuningLong-term reliabilityNo SACD supportPerceived poor value by one userSlow streaming performance
Marantz ND8006
Excellent CD playback quality
Adjustable sound settings for tuning
Long-term reliability
No SACD support
Perceived poor value by one user
Slow streaming performance
2Premium
Sony NW-WM1A
Distraction-free listening experienceSuperior sound quality vs rivalsGood headphone/IEM pairing optionsEU volume/sound cap restrictionsNo wireless/Android limits convenienceHigh price point
Sony NW-WM1A
Distraction-free listening experience
Superior sound quality vs rivals
Good headphone/IEM pairing options
EU volume/sound cap restrictions
No wireless/Android limits convenience
High price point
3Mid
SMSL PL200
Reliable top-loading mechanism
SMSL PL200
Reliable top-loading mechanism
4
Akai GX-266II
Attractive DesignAuto-Reverse PlaybackBeautiful Sound QualityLeft Channel Warm-Up Delay
Akai GX-266II
Attractive Design
Auto-Reverse Playback
Beautiful Sound Quality
Left Channel Warm-Up Delay
5Mid
Pioneer RT-707
Extremely durable buildExcellent sound qualityEasy tape threadingCounter belt failure is commonAging capacitors and transistors cause noiseRear-mounted output controls
Pioneer RT-707
Extremely durable build
Excellent sound quality
Easy tape threading
Counter belt failure is common
Aging capacitors and transistors cause noise
Rear-mounted output controls
6Premium
Sony NW-WM1ZM2
Premium Build QualityStrong Predecessor Track RecordLong-Term DurabilitySkepticism Over Gold/Material Marketing ClaimsVery High PriceUncertain Volume Cap and Storage Features
Sony NW-WM1ZM2
Premium Build Quality
Strong Predecessor Track Record
Long-Term Durability
Skepticism Over Gold/Material Marketing Claims
Very High Price
Uncertain Volume Cap and Storage Features
7Premium
FiiO M17
Powerful amplificationBalanced, neutral sound qualityAcceptable size for the power deliveredVery large and heavyHeat during useHigh price
FiiO M17
Powerful amplification
Balanced, neutral sound quality
Acceptable size for the power delivered
Very large and heavy
Heat during use
High price
8Mid
Marantz CD6007
Clear, detailed soundESS DAC still sounds goodUSB FLAC/WAV playbackUndisclosed DAC chip swapCheaper build vs 40n seriesDesign not for everyone
Marantz CD6007
Clear, detailed sound
ESS DAC still sounds good
USB FLAC/WAV playback
Undisclosed DAC chip swap
Cheaper build vs 40n series
Design not for everyone
9Premium
Yamaha GT-5000
Rich, Balanced SoundAttractive DesignPremium Build QualityControversial Straight Tonearm GeometryHigh PriceFinish Not Metal
Yamaha GT-5000
Rich, Balanced Sound
Attractive Design
Premium Build Quality
Controversial Straight Tonearm Geometry
High Price
Finish Not Metal
Best value
10Mid
Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML
Strong value for moneyConvenient headshell-mounted optionExcellent tracking on older vinylBright red stylus color criticizedQuestionable review test conditions
Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML
Strong value for money
Convenient headshell-mounted option
Excellent tracking on older vinyl
Bright red stylus color criticized
Questionable review test conditions
You are here
31Mid
FiiO M11 Plus
Detailed, clean sound signatureGood value versus pricier competitorsStrong balanced output powerApp compatibility gapsReliability and battery concernsBuggy gapless playback and missing EQ
FiiO M11 Plus
Detailed, clean sound signature
Good value versus pricier competitors
Strong balanced output power
App compatibility gaps
Reliability and battery concerns
Buggy gapless playback and missing EQ

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Sound quality is a clear step up for many, though opinions vary on how it compares to pricier Walkmans. Owners consistently describe the M11 Plus as detailed and clean, capable of driving demanding headphones like the LCD-X, HD 800S and AKG K7XX well via balanced output. Some A/B testers found it clearly different from Sony DAPs, with FiiO sounding more 'typical recording' and Sony more 'real'. Others felt it beat older Walkmans like the ZX300 but fell short of the WM1Z. Several called the improvement over a phone modest but worthwhile.

The Android-based software is a recurring source of frustration despite good hardware. Multiple users report gapless playback failures, missing global EQ, USB DAC and Bluetooth latency, and the stock FiiO Music app being weak enough that some switch to Poweramp. App issues include Audible not working, YouTube audio sync problems, and past incompatibility with Apple Music and Tidal MQA. Setup for account security and file transfer from phones also confused some new owners.

Build and reliability experiences are mixed, from praised leather cases to battery failures. Several owners love the upgraded leather case and find it more aesthetically pleasing and cooler-running than the AKM LTD version. However, others report battery swelling that cracked the case, units dying and needing replacement, and FiiO being unhelpful with warranty support. Fast charging is well-received, cutting charge time by two-thirds despite one comment noting a 3-hour full charge feels slow.

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