FiiO M11SFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 22 mentions across 11 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment52%
PROS 52%
CONS 48%

Rank based on 22 mentions across 11 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a sub-$500 DAP with Roon Ready bit-perfect streaming
  • You need enough power to drive demanding headphones and IEMs
  • You value a programmable button for quick USB DAC mode or track management

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need a coaxial digital output for external DACs
  • You want fast, frequent firmware updates and responsive customer service
  • You need seamless Mac file transfer and folder syncing

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 M11S
Strong sound quality and powerGood value replacing older M11Lag fixable via software tweaksFile transfer and connectivity limitationsFast battery drain and swelling concernsPoor customer service and slow firmware updates
FiiO M11S
Strong sound quality and power
Good value replacing older M11
Lag fixable via software tweaks
File transfer and connectivity limitations
Fast battery drain and swelling concerns
Poor customer service and slow firmware updates

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Sound quality and streaming power win over most owners. Multiple users say the M11S easily drives high-end headphones and IEMs and sounds great with Tidal and Apple Music. One highlighted that the latest firmware enables Roon Ready bit-perfect streaming, comparing it favorably to pricier Astell&Kern players at a much lower cost. Another called it the best streaming DAP under $500, challenging anyone to name a better alternative at the price.

Software quirks and lag frustrate some users, though fixes exist. Several commenters describe laggy performance, with one blaming the stock Fiio player app even on a fast Samsung phone, and another suggesting the default launcher lacks an app drawer. However, others found installing Nova Launcher or enabling developer mode animation tweaks resolved the sluggishness entirely, suggesting it's software-related rather than a hardware limitation.

Battery life and hardware support raise concerns for long-term owners. One user reported losing 20% battery in 45 minutes of setup, while another described the screen cracking from heat with no support response from Fiio. A third commenter noted seeing battery swelling issues across the Fiio lineup with difficulty getting repairs, and firmware updates were called infrequent, raising doubts about long-term ownership support.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?