FiiO M17From real comments

Verdict distilled from 39 mentions across 12 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment61%
PROS 61%
CONS 39%

Rank based on 39 mentions across 12 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a desktop-class DAC/amp/streamer combo in one device
  • You own hard-to-drive headphones or IEMs needing serious power
  • You value modular, repairable hardware over thinness

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need a truly pocketable, lightweight portable player
  • You're on a budget, since it costs around $1800
  • You need dual microSD slots or worry about heat during long sessions

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
You are here
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

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

The M17 is enormous, and users compare it to hard drives, bricks, and vintage Walkmans. Commenters repeatedly call it a 'chungus,' 'monstrosity,' and note it looks like a portable hard drive from the side. Several say it's about the size of a battery bank or 1980s Walkman/boombox, framing this bulk as acceptable given the era's massive portable audio gear. Some see it as barely portable, more suited to moving between listening spaces than true on-the-go use, while others successfully carry it daily in a jacket pocket.

Power and sound quality stand out as the M17's core strength. Users highlight the balanced dual DAC/amp architecture, Enhanced Over Ear Mode reaching 3W at 32 ohms, and DC mode bypassing the battery entirely for even higher output. Listeners compare it favorably to the Chord Hugo 2, citing better balance across bass, mids, and treble, and find it drives extremely demanding headphones like the Sony MDR-Z1R and ZMF Bokeh with ease, describing the sound as neutral, technical, and high-resolution.

Heat management and a few design omissions are recurring complaints. Multiple users note the device runs hot, especially in DC mode or Enhanced Over Ear Mode, with one mentioning it can overheat quickly and another using the included cooling fan/stand. Critics also point out only one microSD slot despite the chunky size, no replaceable battery despite the premium price, and occasional Android lag on apps, tempering enthusiasm for an otherwise powerful flagship.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?