FiiO M23 DAP Review - Roots, Bloody Roots!

[@neilsnyder7915]

Bought AK SP3000. Returned it and bought the Fiio M23. $3000 vs. $699. The SP3000 had so many issues. The M23 has the same AKM dual chipset, runs Roon AND Roon Arc (which SP3000 doesn't support). Plus the M23 has up to 1W @32 ohms so it runs my iems and E3/utopia 22 very well. The M23 sounds amazingly good. So, I saved $2300 and got a better DAP.

[@Cestmoi50]

But was it better sounding, don’t look at pricing, which of the two were honestly the best sounding, regardless price I mean. Why I am asking, because I thought I saved money in the past by buying a cheaper device, in the end selling that one, loosing money and bought the more expensive one anyway… so in the end it cost me even more 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@portwill]

It is not yet officially Roon Ready, it identifies as M11 for Roon to see it and it is reported everywhere that it looses connection to Roon core constantly, not to mention it has serious issues with Tidal. So do you actually use it with Roon on a daily basis and this is YOUR personal experience?

[@sudipchatterjee]

Superb review! Your reviews are really sharp and hit home almost every time! Thanks, my man! 🙌🤟

[@Soundnews]

Thank you, mate!😉

[@9-7-]

Back at it again with another banger! I just love your reviews so much, especially of DAPs! I've been on the fence of buying one for so long, but waiting to find the perfect one that I can also afford.. and I also keep waiting for your next DAP review to see if something better comes along :P This seems perfect, but I'm still confused whether this also supports usb input as an amp for other devices, as I really want that function :) Thank you for the top quality insights and entertainment!

[@Soundnews]

Thank you, please come back again this Friday for another DAP review...I do not want to spill (all) the beans. M23 and the M5 Ultra support USB input (transforming them into DAC/Amp combos) controlling the music from a smartphone for example.

[@9-7-]

@@Soundnews Perfect! I never miss a DAP review :)

[@merinoboyo]

My unit arrived yesterday and I can confirm that I hear it almost the exact same way: smooth and exceptionally detailed midrange. Less punchy than the KA17 dongle, but more resolving. I've only paired the M23 with the OG Campfire Audio Solaris and I can detect a faint noise floor, but this thing sounds so good that I don't really care. I also agree that the ergonomics are problematic, and that's my biggest complaint about the player. The included silicon case is on the cheesy side; I'd spring for FiiO's leather case. Oh, and of the many DAPs I've tried as a Roon endpoint, this one works the best by far.

[@jamesbarr1773]

I bought the M17 which was an upgrade from my M11 which I was able to trade in for a reasonable price. The M17 is very good sound wise and feels good in your hands, the only problem is it's weight, classical music sounds as if you were in a concert hall listening live. I started with the X3 and gradually moved up the players until I got the M17, your reviews are very informative.

[@tamparockout17]

Sweet, I've had my eye on the m23 since it's announcement. Almost got an M11 Plus, but decided to wait for the new line, especially with the Android 12 upgrade

[@tuccobuibui]

Great review ❤! I have a m11pro and was wondering about getting a new dap… do you think there is a true increase in clarity and richness etc ? Thanks !!

[@MohammedMbarak-w6t]

@Soundnews great review like always 🎉. Whats better this m23 or m5 ultra? And you also liked hiby r6 pro ii What's the better one of this 3 daps?

[@Soundnews]

All three units will be compared in my next video, stay tuned for that! ;)

[@teamkaskas]

​@@SoundnewsWhere is the video? We are all waiting 😊

[@birumutiara2169]

this fiio m23 vs hiby R6pro gen 2, which one you like it more? btw 100% agree "music is about emotion not noise floor, sound stage, etc". i hope fiio watching this 👍

[@teamkaskas]

how are u liking the m23 compared to ibasso dx 260?

[@YoutubeMas09-202]

M23

[@dragonsbreath8653]

I listened to different devices with ESS and AKM DACs, and I perfectly understood why the author at 06:09 talks about the balance between technical and musical sound, and the FiiO M17 and FiiO K19 need more soul and richness. It's all about the DAC. ESS sounds accurate, clear, detailed, neutral, while AKM sounds soft, warm and less detailed, doesn't have the same edge as ESS. The FiiO K19 and FiiO M17 have an ESS DAC, so these two devices sound more accurate, more detailed, and sharper. If you think that the DAC does not affect the color of the sound and that it simply converts the digital signal into an analog signal, and only the operational amplifier is responsible for the color of the sound, then you are mistaken. There is a difference in sound between AKM and ESS, and it is very noticeable, which is what the author talks about, although he does not talk about the DAC openly, but he compares the FiiO M23 with the FiiO K19 and FiiO M17. FiiO M23 has AKM, while FiiO K19 and FiiO M17 have ESS. ESS is ideal for games that require high precision in sounds and positioning, in electronic music, and AKM is ideal for classical music, jazz, something calm, for films, but AKM is not at all suitable for games. It's boring to play. There is no great detail, and you may not hear details as loudly and clearly as the ESS does. I love computer games, I love the sound of ESS, and I don't like the soft sound of AKM. My choices are FiiO K9 PRO ESS and FiiO K19. ESS, on the contrary, does not bore me with sound, but keeps me on my toes, I can clearly distinguish sounds in games, and most importantly, how these sounds sound.

[@rogerjosefsen1360]

Which to choose? FiiO M23 or Hiby R8ii

[@kazmeisterkometh122]

Was casually browsing for DAPa but checked in here cause of.... Roots Bloody Roots \m/

[@laurentwiedemann283]

Hey man, I send you infinite gratitude for that in depth review. I just jumped into the hi-res world and ordered the M23. What headphones and cables would you suggest, in a budget of 500-600$, which would honor this wonderful DAP?

[@Flavius7]

Fiio went back to the musical feeling my own favourite M15 represents? Excellent, that's the way to go. Keep some DAPs analytical and neutral, but not the entire line of products. Less THX, more music, please. Thank you!👍

[@ronenbuium7699]

Hi, I will be happy to know if the iBasso D16 TAIPAN DAC/AMP worth buying! (Compered to a much cheeper products). Thanks

[@ronenbuium7699]

Hi, Compered to quality DAC/AMP COMBO (like the "Burson Audio Playmate 2"), which one is better? And why? Thank you 🙏

[@killervampir]

How would you compare this to the M15S?

[@Laleeee100]

Hi, do you recommend the fiio m23 for a basshead like me ? I don't like when the source not have good note weight, speedy bass and kill the bass impact of my IEMs .

[@Soundnews]

Hi, for a basshead, you might want to wait two days, until my next review drops. That unit SLAPS!

[@Laleeee100]

@@Soundnews how do you mean slaps ??

[@Soundnews]

@@Laleeee100 I meant to say that it hits Hard in the bass.

[@Laleeee100]

@@Soundnews the m23 hits hard in the bass ?

[@Laleeee100]

@@Soundnews please answer, because unfortunately today i ordered the m23, but if you said it weak in the bass region, i try to delete the order !

[@mrphebeme]

I am struggling with making an under $1k decision - I am leaning towards a Fiio or Hiby. So many models to choose from. I have easy to drive headphones and IEMs. I have a Hiby M300 for walks in the neighborhood, I am looking for a higher quality DAP I can take from room to room in the house, hang out on the porch or backyard. I use apple music, streaming and downloaded. would also like DAP to be a music source for my Topping A70/D70 & Geshelli J2/USB Archel 3 Pro stack. I am worn out trying to decide - is this now the best under $1K?

[@Soundnews]

You should wait for my next video where I will compare the best sub $1K DAPs.

[@HammadIqbalPhoto]

How does it compare to the M11 Plus in terms of sound? I have been hoping to see the desktop mode in a portable DAP in a smaller unit unlike the M17, and now M23 realizes that.

[@Koopagamelouda]

Sandu, have you used the Hifi boost feature in the new firmware? Does it make the fiio as punchy as the Hiby?

[@HiFiMaan]

@Soundnews Sandu, which one have more body, fullness M23 or R6 Pro II ?

[@topandrun126]

If you don’t care about portability how would you compare this m23 and the XD05 Pro in terms of sound quality?

[@ismaellopez7761]

Hi @Soundnews I'd appreciate if you could elaborate more on DAPS new implementation on M23 supposedly bypassing Android resample system and offering Bit perfect on third party apps and if you could try outputting video from USB C data port to a monitor using a hub, thanks and great review!!

[@MWeston2]

Had to watch it for the Sepultura reference. :)

[@Soundnews]

A man of culture! 😅

[@Askaret]

In memory of HotS ;) . I'm really tempted to drop my A&K SR25 for the Fiio now :)

[@9-7-]

No need to drop it, I can take it off your hands :)

[@Soundnews]

Haha, a connoisseur! Just found this shirt after ~3 years looking for it, gave it one last chance :)

[@laurentwiedemann283]

THE LOST VIKINGS!!!!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@dawiddabrowski3279]

I have a question, in this moment i have Fiio BTR7, hiby r6 gen 3 will have better sound quality, worth change

[@emrepolat2658]

I have a btr 5 and a sennheiser ie600 and hifiman arya. Does fiio m23 provide a good match with these headphone models?

[@The128enlasangre]

Tengo un m23 recien comprado y tidal me va muyyyy mal!!! Version 1.36 última

[@oviandre]

can u do a video comparation between tis dap and hiby r4 ?🙂

[@forsakenedzero]

overall for iems would you say its a better option than the shanling m5ultra?

[@JagadguruSvamiVegananda]

What is your budget?

[@forsakenedzero]

@@JagadguruSvamiVegananda 500 to 700 $

[@nivaldosiqueira5178]

The M5 ultra has high output impedance. I wouldn't say this is a good thing to use with IEMs. I had my eye on the M5U, but when I saw the high output impedance and my use of DAPs is only with IEMs, I gave up on the M5U.

[@Soundnews]

For IEMs specifically, I would get the HiBy R6 PRO II. M5 Ultra is more suitable for desktop cans and M23 is somewhere in the middle.

[@joegarcia6276]

I have the m11s which sounds awesome with tidal does the m23 sound the same or is the m23 blowing it away as far as sound goes

[@alexpopescu6492]

"blowing it away" I doubt even the most high end unit will be blowing away an already good product. But you watched the other reviews (check written ones too, especially headfonia), they say it's improved vs m11 plus in almost every regard

[@joegarcia6276]

@@alexpopescu6492 nah its not blowing the m11s away I went and heard one in person it was only a little different

[@HeadDress]

Might be time to upgrade my M7

[@dave91863]

I was going to buy the M23 but I ended up buying the shanling m5 ultra, no reviews anywhere on the net for that dap at the time of writing

[@teamkaskas]

How's the m5 ultra? I was going to buy it but it only has tidal and tidal cannot be used offline on the m5 ultra?

[@dave91863]

@@teamkaskas its sounds fantastic allthough i sold the M5 and M6 ultra as i bored to easily with daps after a month or two instead get the topping NX7 then add a dongle dac of your choice, the NX7 is completly neutral and does not alter the sound of your usb dac ie cayin RU6, the idea is i can change the sound as much as i like by simply buying a different dongle with a different chip and features rather than a different dap

[@Gadgetibles]

Wished you added ibasso dx240

[@JagadguruSvamiVegananda]

I was planning to order a FiiO Q15, but...

[@Soundnews]

The "Yes, BUT" moment 🙂

[@JagadguruSvamiVegananda]

@@Soundnews, but this does it all for "only" USD$555 (at least in my country).

[@Laleeee100]

​@@JagadguruSvamiVeganandawhere do you live ?

[@JagadguruSvamiVegananda]

@@Laleeee100 Manila.

[@JagadguruSvamiVegananda]

I ended-up getting an M17 (and a little Shanling).📱

[@turbomustang84]

I really want a new DAP but but I hate to spend over $500 for one because I'm not only cheap but on an income that would be great in some countries but here in the US it sucks lol

[@wana.me003]

You are spot on!

[@pinoylanggaming9449]

Hiby R4 is available to buy now, also the new Cayin N3 Ultra but no streaming or bluetooth,

[@7in1]

I got new hiby r6iii for $350 and it's amazing 😍

[@Soundnews]

The HiBy R4 seems like the answer to your needs. I will review it once I get home from Munich High End Show (it's still traveling across Europe).

[@dawiddabrowski3279]

​@@7in1where did you buy fir 350

[@CarAudioHorizons]

It’s funny how you missed the whole tracks stopping, tracks playing 2-10 seconds into the song. Volume level issues on Bluetooth where once you get past a certain point instead of getting louder it gets quieter. Laggy software that’s by far the worst yet. I wonder why you didn’t say anything on this 🤔 😅

[@Leo-yn5fx]

I just want a DAP with a smooth OS not sluggish, and musical experience for my IEMS that i can listen to from my couch. It’s been way too long. I don’t wanna pay over 1k for an mp3 either.

[@ROCKSTAR3291]

Get a premium dongle DAC to use with your phone, these DAPs will never be as smooth as your Android or Apple phones.

[@Leo-yn5fx]

@@ROCKSTAR3291 i got the hc 3 from a and k. Too bad its ess saber damn dacs. They got an akm i'm salivating over. Akm has more musicality than them all

[@Leo-yn5fx]

@@ROCKSTAR3291But the point is im not looking for a smartphone smoothness just something i can navigate easy through my songs. Nothing choppy and takes more than a 1 sec to respond.

[@ROCKSTAR3291]

@@Leo-yn5fx yeah but those DAPs are very expensive. Most DAPs under $1k won’t run as smooth as your phone, they feel kind of choppy to me. A premium dongle will sound as good as a $1k DAP for 1/3 the price, and you can use your phone. It’s not convenient to use outside, and drains your phone battery… but if you just listen on your couch, then it’s a great option

[@Leo-yn5fx]

@@ROCKSTAR3291 Thats another issue. The only hope for smartphones is to use stacked battery technology and more efficient chips and other hardware thats battery friendly while still being able to deliver performance. We're getting there though. Also i'm on my couch for a long time.

[@masterazlan6999]

Its sounded like best with planar iem.. Peace!

[@axelfoley1768]

This review is hard-to-understand. Too many words. Make sure you listen before you buy. Most reviews are personal opinion only & often lack accurate description, especially when describing audio traits.

[@Soundnews]

I'll take it as a compliment, thank you. For me the build and internal components matter - so I can better understand the unit and its sound.

[@axelfoley1768]

@@Soundnews compare to iBasso DX260 & Cayin N3 Ultra