FiiO M23From real comments

Verdict distilled from 27 mentions across 12 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment56%
PROS 56%
CONS 44%

Rank based on 27 mentions across 12 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a DAP that doubles as a battery-free desktop transport or high-power desktop rig
  • You value Roon/Roon Arc support and a universal PEQ across all playback modes
  • You want AKM's smooth, warm sound signature for long-term listening

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You're sensitive to buggy software like track skipping, Bluetooth volume glitches or app crashes
  • You want the most power/bass in portable mode without needing desktop mode
  • You're on a tight budget and cheaper DAPs like the JM21 or Hiby R4 satisfy your needs

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Premium
FiiO M15
Useful 'delete currently playing song' featurePowerful driving power for demanding headphonesPremium packaging and build detailsHigh price relative to value for many usersSingle MicroSD slot limits storage flexibilityDiminishing returns versus cheaper alternatives
FiiO M15
Useful 'delete currently playing song' feature
Powerful driving power for demanding headphones
Premium packaging and build details
High price relative to value for many users
Single MicroSD slot limits storage flexibility
Diminishing returns versus cheaper alternatives
Best value
2Mid
FiiO M21
Cassette case designMusical, warm sound signatureDesktop mode with battery bypassCrackling/popping between tracksButton/port layout debateWeak or fiddly EQ
FiiO M21
Cassette case design
Musical, warm sound signature
Desktop mode with battery bypass
Crackling/popping between tracks
Button/port layout debate
Weak or fiddly EQ
3Mid
Cambridge Audio CXN v2
Detailed, high-quality soundBroad connectivity and service supportPairs well with Cambridge Audio ecosystemTreble can sound bright or harshApp usability issuesBluetooth and Chromecast reliability problems
Cambridge Audio CXN v2
Detailed, high-quality sound
Broad connectivity and service support
Pairs well with Cambridge Audio ecosystem
Treble can sound bright or harsh
App usability issues
Bluetooth and Chromecast reliability problems
4Premium
FiiO R9
Dynamic, lifelike soundAttractive, understated designImprovement over the R7High priceMissing features some wantedBuggy app and Bluetooth
FiiO R9
Dynamic, lifelike sound
Attractive, understated design
Improvement over the R7
High price
Missing features some wanted
Buggy app and Bluetooth
5Mid
Marantz NA6006
Positive purchase confidence from reviewsAnalogue-like sound signatureWorks well as a preamp with separate ampsUnanswered compatibility questionsFiddly menus and login entryFile format playback errors
Marantz NA6006
Positive purchase confidence from reviews
Analogue-like sound signature
Works well as a preamp with separate amps
Unanswered compatibility questions
Fiddly menus and login entry
File format playback errors
6Premium
Cambridge Audio Azur 851N
Excellent sound qualityFlexible digital connectivityWorks well as preamp with external power ampsUnclear Roon and DSD supportNo HDMI ARC inputNo headphone output
Cambridge Audio Azur 851N
Excellent sound quality
Flexible digital connectivity
Works well as preamp with external power amps
Unclear Roon and DSD support
No HDMI ARC input
No headphone output
7Mid
Onkyo NS-6170
Strong Sound QualityHi-Res and MQA PlaybackBroad Storage Format SupportConfusing Streaming App SetupSlightly Muted Treble vs CDThinner Sound Compared to CD Player
Onkyo NS-6170
Strong Sound Quality
Hi-Res and MQA Playback
Broad Storage Format Support
Confusing Streaming App Setup
Slightly Muted Treble vs CD
Thinner Sound Compared to CD Player
8
Cambridge Audio Minx Xi
Flexible Subwoofer IntegrationVersatile Digital ConnectivityInternet Connectivity Failures
Cambridge Audio Minx Xi
Flexible Subwoofer Integration
Versatile Digital Connectivity
Internet Connectivity Failures
9Premium
Sony NW-A105
Excellent sound qualityPhysical buttons and dedicated music focusPremium build and designPoor battery lifeBluetooth and headphone driving limitationsHigh price for the value
Sony NW-A105
Excellent sound quality
Physical buttons and dedicated music focus
Premium build and design
Poor battery life
Bluetooth and headphone driving limitations
High price for the value
You are here
10Premium
FiiO M23
Exceptional sound qualityPowerful desktop mode & transport useBuild quality and design touchesBuggy, laggy softwareBattery life and battery quality concernsTrack playback glitches
FiiO M23
Exceptional sound quality
Powerful desktop mode & transport use
Build quality and design touches
Buggy, laggy software
Battery life and battery quality concerns
Track playback glitches

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Sound quality repeatedly impresses owners, even against much pricier flagships. Multiple users say the M23 beats or matches players costing multiple times more, like the AK SP3000 and Sony NW-WM1ZM2, thanks to its dual AKM chipset delivering smooth, detailed, musical sound. It pairs well with a wide range of headphones and IEMs, from HD650s to Utopia, and many describe returning to it after testing other gear as 'coming home.'

Desktop mode and transport use are a genuine differentiator. Several commenters specifically bought the M23 to use as a desktop DAC/transport powered via USB without battery wear, praising its S/PDIF output and high-gain desktop power for driving demanding planar headphones. This niche use case is described as worth the price alone, though one reviewer felt needing desktop mode to access full power defeats the point of a portable device.

Software reliability is the most common complaint. Numerous buyers report laggy UI, app crashes (including the FiiO Control app failing to connect), tracks stopping or skipping seconds in, Bluetooth volume inconsistencies, and SD card tray design problems. Several users say these issues led them to return the unit or switch to competitors like Hiby, Shanling, or iBasso instead.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?