Amped Up Sound! : Fiio M5 Digital Audio Player REVIEW

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Could this tiny device be the answer to getting you more out of your music? The Fiio M5 is a digital audio player that seems to play nice with almost every device I own that I listen to music through.
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#FiioM5 #AmpedUp #HiResAudio

[@Danny...]

Glad you mention LG phones built in DAC. It's so under rated and not talked about. I've actually seen people say it's a gimmick. So many people are clueless to just how good it is.

[@OfficialGamesky]

Definitely not a gimmick, I love that LG does this. It completely goes under the radar but is such a great feature

[@pedecia]

I have very expensive audio gear into my home and been addicted of good audio for as long as I can remember. I have over 25 headphones of all types and prices but for my portable music I only use an LG V20 with changeable battery and headphones that has above 50 ohm impedance to trigger high impedance mode on the LG. It sound phenomenal compared to many, more expensive, portable devices I listened to. The removable battery gives extended portability like not others in the market.

[@VK92KL]

I have lg v10 and I keep it just for listening to music, it is night and day when you compare it to a regular snapdragon

[@hellobooom]

I love the dac, but the auto impedance switching is total bull shit, I have low sensitivity headphones that are low impedance and they sound like 50% volume, maxed out. the resistor cable mod thing is a PITA and the sound keeps going quiet on the phone. I can't root my NA version either, very frustrating.

[@pedecia]

@@hellobooom I buy now only headphones with impedance above 50 ohms. The closed Sennheiser HD280 pro and HD25 sound both like a boss with the LG V20 as both 60 ohms, so does the closed Sony Z7 with its 80 ohms and the open HD 58X with its 150 ohms. These headphones are absolutely fantastic for the LG V20.

[@OfficialGamesky]

****They retail for $99.**** For those of you that have asked what the earbuds are in the thumbnail they are Monster's new Clarity 101 true wireless earbuds. Review coming next week!

[@x_xdeademojix_x1962]

Has anyone told you that you look like jimmy from Chaos's channel?

[@MrThmiraj]

Can you compare it to Tempotec V1-A? While ordering this I came upon the Tempotec V1 and went for that. I would love to know your words on this as Tempotec has a reputation for good audio equipment.

[@pippo-1073]

Worth mentioning FIIO are constantly improving the firmware.

[@gagiga18]

Any change in the interface?

[@InDueTime25]

Great review my guy. I think I need this thingymajig.

[@markferguson6027]

Looks like another one to add to my list!

[@shawnwilliams7021]

I see you’re a big fan of Tool as well, love that band. $99 isn’t a bad price for the M5. I’m interested to test this out, it’s amazing how it can push Bluetooth music received from your phone to those levels, that’s pretty slick.

[@Thesnakerox]

I've had my eyes on this thing for a while, especially because it gives off a "6th gen iPod Nano" vibe. After some frustration with it being out of stock on Amazon, I finally ordered one yesterday and this review is one of the many that pushed me to do it!

[@cybergod77]

hope to see you reviewing more DAPs and comparisons...

[@alokdash35]

Very nice review of a very good product.

[@hollidayszn6942]

Great vid, i just purchased the soundcore liberty 2 an the bass on those are crazy good

[@OfficialGamesky]

Thanks, I've heard those are really nice. I definitely want to check them out

[@hnabhijith]

Great video.. would the Samsung buds work with this?

[@shrekwazowskie1715]

Nice vid, but btw theres a new set of anker tws earbuds, a review comparing them or a week of reviewing each one of them for one week would be nice. Anyway appreciate the help, helping me find the perfect tws earbuds

[@Excel-Tips]

You are Awesome..!!

[@marjuniellat2250]

Just bought Yesterday because of Your Review🤗🤗🤗

[@hilmyakatsuki1665]

How was your experience ?

[@hmm2928]

how is it ?

[@asteria1065]

How's it?

[@adrianmorrish8494]

@gamesky , this is an old vid so not sure u will see but a question for you please. I want to use my iPhone/iPad to drive a pair of Drop Pandas via LDAC. Can you use 3.5 in using the Apple lightning to Jack adapter or the camera adapter and USBC and then Bluetooth tx out using it’s LDAC codec support. I want to get the best from the Pandas with high res files or Amazon music HD which I have?

[@12miguellopez]

I really think you should review the Treblab xFit wireless earphones. So far they have been the some of the only wireless buds that do look huge when I am wearing them.

[@freaky2xd]

After watching your review I've decided to purchase one myself. I've been using a cheap 25 dollar BT reciever for watching movies on my TV and it was alright for my Audio Technica M50Xs and Shure SE215s, but I could definetly tell that my Beyerdynamics Studio Custom were underperforming, not to mention that DRM protected content on Netflix was limited as soon as I connected the cheap transmitter which to my knowledge supports only very few codecs which means I was limited to HD non-HDR stereo instead of the usual 4K HDR Dolby content. I'm hoping that this little device will change that. Also upcoming consoles are supposedly going to support DACs meaining people who use decent headphones with their Xbox or Playstation will also benefit from this.

[@enzobishop7764]

Hey I was wondering your opinion of which earbuds to buy. My mane use is for high movement training and dancing (I mean like really high mouvement) and also I'd like the best sound quality possible and battery life is always nice. So I'm hesitant between the SoundPEATS True Wireless, The 1More Stylish or the MIFO O5. Thoughts?

[@andreglenn2137]

How well is the Bluetooth Amplified sound in car audio, which my radio would be bluetooth?

[@shalahmadi]

What about a video showing True Wireless earbuds rated according to the best call quality and Mic. Thank you for your great work.

[@mcgreat]

This may be a very dumb question but..what happens if you connect this to your PC, and then listen to it via bluetooth earphones? Does this method still make the audio better than if you're just directly connecting the earphones to the PC?

[@MrSouthvalley]

I think the custom eq is possible on the m5. UPDATE fiio replied back to my message and they did mention the custom eq to the engineers and they will probably add it in a future firmware.

[@karthikkarunakaranmenon6785]

Is this also a bluetooth transmitter which i can pair to a set of bluetooth headphones??? Because my phone does not support aptxhd over phone's bluetooth.....

[@SimpLeeBeth]

That IS weird that you can't custom adjust, but it does seem pretty cool, otherwise! Thanks for another thorough review! xo

[@OfficialGamesky]

Thank you

[@amasha88]

5:54 "You're able to enjoy audio in a way that you normally just can't with your phone or laptop". Why what's wrong with my latest Android phone with Aux port and with my Macbook Pro 2018 ? Isn't the audio chips for converting lossless audio there good enough ? Appreciate your answer 🙏

[@deathrager2404]

yea but look at how small the m5 is. and it probly has better sound than all your stuff combined. or at least will rivalise it.

[@cristianlee9895]

hi, if i conect the m5 to pc/usb , the m5 can pair to bluetooth headphone/earbud?

[@regen2787]

Hello! When you connect it to a pc, is it a type c cable?

[@adriansaninja]

can you connect wireless earbuds to this? or only for wired headphones?

[@greedyama6120]

What is the name of the true wireless earbuds in thumbnail?

[@OfficialGamesky]

Those are Monster's new Clarity 101

[@whitetigercub3873]

I already have LG V50, will I still benefit from this if I buy this product?

[@r-akash-g4027]

How is the sound output via headphone jack vs the fiio m3k??

[@sarojisandamali3877]

Can we connect this to smart phone via wire as usb dac?

[@BrianCheng24]

Just curious Gamesky. Are the sound improvements worth it to bring with you to the gym everyday with wireless earbuds? I don't like carrying too many things with me, but I also like good sound quality. I bought the Tevi's and they sound excellent. Do these amplifiers make the listening experience that much better?

[@BrianCheng24]

By the way, I only do streaming from my phone. I don't want to put files on a SD card to listen to music, thank you.

[@japhet55222]

is it good to use this for gaming headphone? will the microphone will work when connecting this amp into laptop via bluetooth? Good review.

[@Marcalitus]

Get a Ear studio 100 the mic quality is superb and the app is overkill.

[@Max-mh5yo]

custom EQ is available now, as much as i know

[@zifengchong3277]

if I used it as a USB DAC, did it support LDAC?

[@2Pac.Thadon]

Does this work with Bluetooth headphones?

[@diegoviveros556]

The Fiio M5 or the Fiio UBTr 3?

[@qazifaisal5]

how is the battery life with Bluetooth on?

[@Razz511]

Fiio M5 vs shanling Q1 vs sony NW A55..... Which has best sound quality ? Plz reply

[@samandoye]

Hows this sound compared to LG phone DAC ?

[@93SupaFly]

Does the headphone jack supports 4pole mic?

[@SvipOmerta]

Gamesky do a giveaway with this m5 beauty 😜

[@jetfoltman95]

can you review the House of Marley Liberate Air next

[@camerong4944]

A fellow Tool fan. Hello.

[@bazadam6635]

is it just more volume or better sound quality as well?

[@user-qw8nx1by7w]

Both

[@gordianparadigm9275]

Hi quick question that might be dumb.... I got a pair of the Wf-1000xm3 for my birthday and I have a s10+ using Amazon music hd. Would this device improve the sound quality or is it lost due to listening on buds. Thanks in advance

[@iluvj00]

This device does not stream music. You could bridge from your phone to this then to the buds.

[@jovyrivera7055]

I'm no audiophile and I got the xm3s, little did I knowof how much of the headphones is wasted if you don't have a good music player, most phones are not hi fi. I'm planning to get sony walkmans but this will save me a lot of cash and it looks great too

[@seanpuello]

I hear the Sony walkman series is good. But fiios just seems to have so much better quality. I think I might go for their products honestly.

[@daitbharat]

Can i connect my samsung buds plus with this

[@jjulian3000]

Now, lets hope for more wireless in ears that support ldac in the future.

[@OfficialGamesky]

That would be nice

[@kelvinlee9735]

Can it work with my garmin watch ?

[@vincentcordero7213]

Can you review the tronsmart spunky pro sir... 😁

[@shakilmohammad9731]

I didn't get the concept yet. I mean music is stored in this device and you got to listen via wired or BT headphones/earphones. If this is so how the experience is going to be different because we can do the same with mobile and playing music through bt or wired earphones.

[@OfficialGamesky]

Its completely different. Yes, you can store music on the dice and listen that way or you can bluetooth your phone's audio (Spotify, Apple Music etc) and listen to it through a DAC that amplifies it and makes it sound louder and more detailed

[@shakilmohammad9731]

@@OfficialGamesky Thanks

[@iluvj00]

This is a very casual review. What he didn't mention, the point of this dap is it can run high res files. He is using mp3. You can run dsd. It has an AK chip. So it cannot compare to phones because you cannot run dsd on phones or flacs as smooth. This is an audiophile device. You upload your hi res library on a card. You plug in your hi fi iems or easy-to-run headphones and you have audiophile quality on the go. You can use Bluetooth but wired is the way to go.

[@dollardbuchanan8687]

Gamesky great Review - are you able to stream Bluetooth from your Iphone is and listen via wireless headphones?

[@shyamkumarkadiyam258]

please review backbay duet 50s.

[@lastxp]

Wish it came with earbuds that charge in it like an earbuds case.

[@tipsaybonez]

Does it support aiff files?

[@KenzoIMotee]

Hey! I found these on Aliepress, the sabbat e12 ultra are at $70, the edifier are $80 and the 1more at $94... Which are the most worth it? Given i like bass(hip hop) but also other songs like radiohead or two feet... If i pick the sabbat, will the other music sound bad ? Also for commuting, they must get loud enough right?

[@OfficialGamesky]

I personally would choose the Edifier

[@KenzoIMotee]

@@OfficialGamesky Hey thanks man... Do these get loud enough for commuting? Thanks

[@Chinese080808]

Where are fiiO's made?

[@randytinsman4803]

Someone likes tool!

[@AST4EVER]

Should've come in 2010 😍😍 my teenage would've been a lot different, though my Sony Walkman NWZ series was a lot better 👍👍 to the standards of that time.

[@BlueSpirit.]

Funny how everyone’s putting out a review on this on the same day.

[@pedecia]

Now my question is how this little gadget compares to a Majestic LG V20 with high impedance mode triggered? Anyone checked the differences in power output and quality of sound reproduction? I would love to find something so small that sound the same or better then my fantastic LG V20. How does this little Dac/Amp handles headphones like the Sennheiser HD58X at 150ohm impedance, HD6XX/HD650 with 300 ohm impedance and similar? Have you done some tests Gamesky? Thanks for this video.

[@whitetigercub3873]

Have you found answers? I have lg v50 and planning to get one

[@pedecia]

@@whitetigercub3873 I decided not to buy gadgets that can be used only for one purpose when I have the LG V20 that can do everything. I will need to bring also other useless gadgets with me as I always need to carry my phone anyway. Also the V20 does already a wonderful Job reproducing Audio into all my headphones and I have more the 20 so decided not only to keep my V20 but to buy even one more as back up as they are cheap now. I also use it as a wireless streamer for my home HIFI system. I use a Google MUSIC HD chromecast connected via optical to my Balanced DAC Topping DX7s connected via XLR To my fantastic headphone AMP THX 789. The LG in the end though is all you need really as it can be used also at home without spending for other gear. It is really that good even compared to my home set up. Holds its ground very well except with my Sennheiser 6XX, Fostex T50RP mk2 and my amazing and favorite AKG 712 Pro which do benefit from more power.

[@whitetigercub3873]

@@pedecia your comment pretty much made me not to buy the m5s, cheers bro! And I hope more people appreciate LG products

[@JohnDoe-bt8jz]

The real question is should l get a dap and nice wired iems or headphones for lossless files or should l get the lypertech tevi

[@OfficialGamesky]

As great as true wireless earbuds are getting they still can't top a great pair of IEM's. especially if you are plugging them into a DAP

[@JohnDoe-bt8jz]

@@OfficialGamesky thanks am probably going to get a dap then

[@bustercolin7507]

Would it be better sound quality than a oneplus 6T that has Bluetooth aptX support. Just bought some wireless senns, wondered your opinion.

[@OfficialGamesky]

Yes, because this will push them more. The OnePlus might be enough though

[@bustercolin7507]

@@OfficialGamesky okay. Cheers for the info. Appreciate that.

[@goodnightmoon]

review the cheap fiio m3 pro!

[@tommylim5027]

Gamesky, where and how do u download ur music to the sd card?

[@OfficialGamesky]

I use a site I can't really mention but then you can just plug the player into your computer to transfer files or just put the card in a card reader and transfer them that way

[@tommylim5027]

@@OfficialGamesky i dont know where to download official songs. I only know some unofficial websites that lets u download songs directly from youtube(behind the song name has 'official video' word on it)

[@SibaNL]

@@tommylim5027 You buy it from Bandcamp (lossless) , iTunes or Google Play (these don't really offer lossless as far as I know). You can rip a CD you own to get FLAC files. Or you can obtain it from certain other "less legitimate" websites.

[@area1188]

You can use it with wireless headphones and ditch your phone right?

[@OfficialGamesky]

onlyif you are using music that is stored on your device

[@Chris09978]

What’s the name of the earbuds that are in the thumbnail

[@OfficialGamesky]

Those are the new Monster Clarity 101

[@idkwhoiam3676]

Is the Sony 1000xm3 better then the last earbuds u were talking about

[@OfficialGamesky]

i personally like the Lypertek TEVI's more. The Sony has noise cancelling, ambient aware mode and you can control the sound with an app so alot of people prefer those features

[@idkwhoiam3676]

@@OfficialGamesky so is the sound better

[@idkwhoiam3676]

@@OfficialGamesky also would the tevi for a budget buy

[@BrianCheng24]

@@idkwhoiam3676 Lypertek is a way better value. The soundstage of the Tevi is better than the Sony, and it costs about $140 less.

[@idkwhoiam3676]

@@BrianCheng24 thanks man i was really bout to put pressure on my mind about this also do the tevi have wireless charging

[@gouthamphani836]

Guys which brand are those wireless earbuds shown in the video thumbnail

[@OfficialGamesky]

Monster's new earbuds

[@onetwo6039]

I would totally wear this as a smart watch. If it could track my health, I'm all in.

[@OfficialGamesky]

Agreed, they actually make a watch band for it

[@mikediezel0923]

0:55 I see you listen to Avril too

[@OfficialGamesky]

I listen to absolutely everything you can think of. she actually has great recorded vocals and it's a great way to test female vocals

[@leonardcarino8441]

I see Tool songs, I press like.

[@JoanSharpe]

Hi Gamesky! I really appreciate this review! DAPs sound so much better than phones. Does it play flac files too?

[@OfficialGamesky]

Thanks. Yes, it plays flac files as well

[@JoanSharpe]

Awesome!

[@SvipOmerta]

And if u clean more of ur inventory for buds try and put 2 for sale not 7

[@a.a1001]

You should review and shed some light on the ES-100 from EarStudio. It's 99USD just like this Fiio however the APP that it comes with is worth 110USD, seriously it does everything you need AND MORE!! It's a FREE app download it and see for yourself (just type EarStudio in the Google playstore) Z reviews does an awesome review about those I highly recommend you watch that if you're interested.

[@HCoRE8]

Reminds me of the iPod nano 6.

[@AltriusCodes]

Speaking of which, mine is still going, ok just after a replacement because I don't have an amazing battery life on it anymore :(

[@themehuify]

i see tool and palisades, enough for a like

[@GuilhermePrendes]

Man I've been looking for a device like this but with streaming apps like tidal and Spotify, do you know any device like this??

[@OfficialGamesky]

Definitely, check out the Fiio M9

[@sultanalshamsi7629]

a phone

[@ov3rkill]

Depends on your budget. There are Android based DAC. Or you can also use external DAC for your phone.

[@kkktkaten]

Fiio m6

[@brandondunnam4405]

How do the tevi sound with it

[@OfficialGamesky]

great

[@antiduckable]

Can't you use the Fiio Music app with this? There's a 10 band EQ in there and all sorts of other features. I use my Fiio BTR3 with my B&O H8i and they sound much better wires up to my BTR3. You should have a look at the Fiio uDAC too.

[@youranonymous931]

Hey, do you know which is better? The BTR3 or btr1k?

[@antiduckable]

@@youranonymous931 Depends what you'll be using as the source to be honest, the BTR3 supports aptX HD, LDAC and HWA codecs whereas the BTR1K doesn't. If you're just going to be using one as a USB DAC or using aptX, aptX LL, AAC or SBC though there probably isn't much difference.

[@AryanSingh2512.]

They should have offered crown button just like Apple Watch have. Scrolling becomes easy.

[@galuhfathurahman9545]

can i play spotify on this device?

[@XxEraserManxX]

no

[@chacmool2581]

I don't know, man. My phone--a $250 Xiaomi MiMax3--already has BT 5.0, AAC and aptX; very clean (measured on a bench) output from the headphone jack; a large 6.9" screen interface, the ability to install USB Audio Player app on Android 9; a HiRez built-in DAC as recognized by the afore-mentioned app; and USB C. Can't really see the benefit of dropping $99 for this, AND carrying a second device for listening to music. KISS.

[@OfficialGamesky]

Ok. It doesn't fit your needs, everyone doesn't have the same setup you do

[@ricardoramirez5967]

How much cost the Fiio M5?

[@seven7189]

Check the amazon link in the description

[@Chris09978]

99.99 or 100$ usd

[@OfficialGamesky]

$99

[@YL_SC]

Nothing new, it's basically a shanling m0. And the shanling m0's interface is getting better and better. The plastic clip is extra for 5$. So nothing extra bad. And the colours are waaaay better!

[@OfficialGamesky]

I saw those too, definitely want to check it out

[@maxmustermann3938]

You can buy a "Smartwatch" Case for this, too. Around 10 Bucks.

[@tigertonk9552]

Where?

[@maxmustermann3938]

@@tigertonk9552 too long ago for me to remember, sorry! I bought both in the same shop.

[@coolzaamirroks]

Sony XB900N or Skullcandy Crusher Wireless ?

[@OfficialGamesky]

The regular Crusher Wireless or the new ANC version?

[@coolzaamirroks]

Gamesky Hey it’s The regular Crusher Wireless.The price difference doesn’t matter in this case. Which one would u pick between the two?

[@OfficialGamesky]

@@coolzaamirroks I would go XB900N. They have more clarity and you still can get head shaking bass out of them with using their app.

[@coolzaamirroks]

Gamesky Thank you so much for replying man. Love your videos! Keep up the good work !

[@ylrider-ds3kx]

Small but expensive hahah Im here in 2021

[@paulosilva8200]

Wait. Turning the ldac to Bluetooth your phone to the m5 converting the 24bit 300hz to 19bit by 89hz and then converting again from m5 to wireless buds. Well. Why not place all.music inside the m5 instead .better sound resolution. Or even better. Get a clip aping your neck or arm and get the 32 bit by 300hz hi rez and get some wired iem with sonic drivers and then you can get a sound that costs 4 times less and gives you 80% better sound quality.

[@victormoisa6935]

This vs hidiz ap80?

[@iluvj00]

Ap80 cannot compare to this. That's a more robust player. This one is for very lightweight activities like going to the gym.

[@PogGamerMan]

Es100 it’s a well known device similar to this one

[@BillBynum]

it's not like this - ES100 is a AMP / DAC - -- This is a DAP. ES100 can't store files and play them, this can.

[@PogGamerMan]

Bill Bynum ohhh thanks

[@PrantikMajumder]

as other's mentioned es100 is not a dap but its dope

[@heinzbecker691]

no eq id preatty dumb...i dont knoe any headphones that soubd correct out of box. they all need a little bit of a tune to them...also cheap headphones can be pushed way up higher on the sound class if you have a realy nice eq.

[@blooddogbloodwork2435]

This doesn't broadcast blueetooth... Be clear on that. It is a receiver only. I had to spend the money to find that out.. but no worries , it is being sent back for a refund .

[@OfficialGamesky]

If the files are on the device itself it does broadcast bluetooth to headphones

[@afistfulofpimples1745]

BloodDog you are wrong.

[@blooddogbloodwork2435]

I had a defective unit...

[@antyvirusuk8056]

Are you listening to music for 13hrs straight??? No? Then 13hrs is solid

[@garychowhm]

no power compared to shanling M0 .... used to own one but sold within a month.

[@pizzaghost1026]

Review the monja true wireless earbuds: Monja True Wireless Earbuds,3D Stereo Hi-Fi Sound Bluetooth 5.0 Earphones,IPX7 Waterproof in-Ear Headphones,80H Play Time with 3000mAh Battery Chargin www.amazon.ca/dp/B07K9YPLDF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_CIze57cgyNxw6

[@chukaone]

If this is as good as you say, I wonder why Sony and other companies still make those bulky portable music players

[@OfficialGamesky]

alot of those run some version of Android and has access to music streaming services all withing the device

[@2078smith]

More than likely, they was waiting on a company to make it & then try to make & improve on it. Look what happened when airpods came out. After airpods, there been so many other wireless earbuds & they made them better than airpods.

[@nonci2005]

I dont think a dap this small will have an amp that can drive a demanding iem or headphone...for that u wud need those bigger daps with much stronger amps

[@OfficialGamesky]

@@nonci2005 of course it doesn't have as much power as the larger ones but it recommends driving headphones up to 100ohms and I drove some with more and it handles them very well for an amp this size

[@iluvj00]

This dap is for lightweight activities. I use mine for the gym. Put music and do stuff. You don't spend too much time on it. That's the difference with bigger daps.

[@pemuda7075]

avril lavigne? you're old school

[@polaris911]

those glitchy transitions are really distracting