FiiO M3K review

New, ultraportable and affordable DAP by FiiO
Official site: fiio.com/m3k
1:06 - package and accessories set
2:35 - design, controls and build quality
6:17 - firmware
10:28 - sound
15:53 - comparison
Music by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

[@nikola9753]

Have been wainting for this review! Thank you for yet another great video! Fiio M3k looks like a budget master lol

[@PortaFi]

well, at least one of the best offers in terms of sound

[@l____m____9212]

Thank you for showing what it is like to use the menu and choose your songs, and for showing the multifunction button. No other M3K review has shown me how the menu actually works.

[@PortaFi]

I'm glad to help

[@philansellcardozo7536]

i love the aspect of the music examples given as explained by @Port_Fi , will be looking into more of this work.

[@guitarguy4372]

I really like your good manners. Thank you for your attention.

[@PortaFi]

Thank you too!

[@astrumis9279]

Do you have an opinion on what you would consider good Iem's for gaming? I use AKG K702's with memory foam pads that would arguably be similar to K712's. I like neutral with wide soundstage and good imaging. That's why I have the cans that I currently have. However, I am going from a quiet environment to a loud one, and am curious if you have an input on this. After watching your review of the Fiio F5, this seems a solid choice for what i need. Before I buy them perhaps do you have any other recommendations?

[@PortaFi]

I'm really sorry, but I can't suggest anything here, as I'm really far from gaming. I think Head-Fi can bring much better answers here than I do.

[@astrumis9279]

@@PortaFi no problem. Thank you for your reply

[@ErianVillarreal]

Hello! I'm fairly new in the world of Hi-Fi music, I'm looking to buy a music player to begin with, since I only own 16 bits FLAC files and mid-end headphones (ath m50x), would the m3k be the right choice to start or should I just save money for a M7?

[@PortaFi]

you know, M50X aren't power hungry headphones, but anyway it's 99 dB and 38Ω of impedance, so they'll benefit from additional power, so I'd consider for them something like xDuoo X3-II or other DAP with at least 90-100 mW @ 32Ω while both M7 and M3k created mainly for IEMs. they can be OK with M50x, but I didn't test this pairing

[@ErianVillarreal]

@@PortaFi Hey, thank you so much!

[@sechebe]

I've shortlisted a few DAPs based on my budget. I believe in you, so kindly rate these in your order of preference based on Sound Quality (over features). My preference is most faithful sound reproduction, as intended by the artist/recordist. Zishan DSD AK4479EQ Fiio X3 iii Iriver Astell & Kern AK Jr Hiby R3 Xduoo X20 Hidizs AP80

[@PortaFi]

I didn't test Zishan and AK Jr So, if you want more neutral sound, then go for AP80, if you want more bassy sound, R3 will be better choice

[@sechebe]

@@PortaFi Thanks a lot. Also, please let me know how would AP80 compare to Xduoo X20, considering detailed and clean sound reproduction.

[@PortaFi]

@@sechebe AP80 is more neutral and has a better treble, but with less power. So, on IEMs, AP80 will give you more detailed and natural sound

[@LorD-kb2xl]

so given the fact that it offers no custom eq, is that a deal breaker? i saw a couple of Behemoth songs, i assume you enjoy death metal too. is it good enough even without the custom eq yet? i don't know if it matters but i usually listen to Immolation, Gorefest, Deicide and the likes of these bands.. i'm quite puzzled here.

[@PortaFi]

I don't use the EQ, so it's not a deal breaker for me, but actually, in recent firmware FiiO added custom EQ. I don't have M3K with me, so I can't test the quality of implementation, but at least it's available as for genres like death/black/etc., I'd said they require more detalisation from DAP, as brutal metal is overloaded with details, but at the same time, earphones should be too microdetailed

[@thomaspalmer7192]

hey, first and foremost, i really like your videos, really well done and you know your stuff. Thats also why i would like your opinion on a fiio m3k/Tin Audio T2 Combo. This would be a very good budget combo on paper, for those who like natural sound. Since you have both, how do you like them together?

[@PortaFi]

yep, it'll be a good neutral combo if you like neutral sound, but, actually, it's a point where small investments can give so much benefits :) e.g. upgrading to Hidizs AP60-2 or getting A&D IEMs or MEEAudio M6Pro 2ng gen… but of course, in tight budget M3K + T2 will be good. Subjectively, I prefer a bit warmer representation, but it's a matter of tastes first of all

[@thomaspalmer7192]

@@PortaFi Thanks a lot! and of course, you can always spend more, but the ap60 costs double the asking price of the m3k on amazon and i´ve gotten the t2 for thirty bucks on black friday sale...hard to beat that

[@fauzanilzaki]

Looks great !. one question though, do the usb dac works on linux / android phone ?

[@PortaFi]

I didn't test with Linux/Android, so I can't 100% guarantee that, but most probably it should, USB Audio is pretty much standard now

[@fauzanilzaki]

thanks !

[@asdfgks]

Gracias!

[@landlash]

Hi, thank you for the review. Is this DAP sound quality big upgrade over sound quality of budget phone like Moto G5s Plus. Im running Takstar pro82's and Koss Porta Pro on my phone with PowerAmp music player and It's sounds ok. I was thinkig about buying this DAP to upgrade sound quality, but will sound quality will be much better or diffrance will be small so it's better to save money and buy more expensive DAP. Just got in audio game and not planning ( for now ) to buy better headphones.

[@PortaFi]

I didn't test that Moto, but compared with iPhone 6 Plus (I think it's about the same as any other normal smartphone without DAC), it's not a big improvement. it's better, but it won't be a big boost so, if you want to have noticeable improvement, you need to save more, or get a DAC/amp if you're OK with using a "sandwich" :)

[@landlash]

@@PortaFi I think I will wait and get more expensive DAP then, looking for something portable but lightweight so "sandwich" is not the way to go for me. Thank you for your response.

[@PortaFi]

yes, in this case saving for better DAP will be a good option

[@AyushRaj]

Hey, I just ordered this from Amazon. How would this pair with KZ ZSN Pro X and does it sound significantly better than listening to MP3 off of an iPhone? I'll mainly be storing FLAC files on it.

[@PortaFi]

Well, it's better than iPhone of course, but difference won't be huge. Anyway, I hope you'll like it :)

[@SprayJuice]

I use the kz zsn pro x with the m3k and I use it to keep my large library of music which contains .dsf files and it's very good

[@luismedina5437]

Some user reviews indicate that they can not see all the music they transfer to the micro sd. For example one of 512gb with 10,000 songs and only 2,500 songs can be seen. Is it a limit that the player has?

[@PortaFi]

sorry, I don't have big SD cards, so I can't tell for sure. my 64 Gb with about 2K songs works OK, and bigger cards are not convenient for me, navigation with 10K songs without sensor screen looks like a huge pain in the … for me (it's my subjective opinion) anyway, there definitely can be some limit, but it's a question to be addressed to FiiO's support

[@Drajaythakurlahaul]

Nice review. Will I notice the difference in sound quality while playing mp3 files too??

[@PortaFi]

I don't know will you notice the difference, as it depends on your ears, on your headphones, on music you're listening, etc.

[@Drajaythakurlahaul]

@@PortaFi Anyways thanx for your quick response 👍

[@PortaFi]

actually, in ~70% of cases MP3 320 KBps are almost indistinguishable from FLACs, so if you'll be able to spot the difference, you'll notice it on any material :)

[@abdullahbozkurt2662]

Is it 3.5 mm or 4.4mm?

[@trellusg]

I still have my original M3, what I really like about it is a lanyard hole that allows me to use an attachment to hang it around my neck. Unfortunately, it seems this new model lacks that.

[@PortaFi]

yep, M3K is bigger, so it won't look nice on neck unfortunately

[@L-in-oleum]

Does this sound better compared to the Shanling M0? Thanks.

[@PortaFi]

Linoleum yes, at least for me. More natural and with less artificial coloration

[@steelgtr]

Sound quality compared to M7? I will be using with a very nice home stereo setup, no headphones.

[@PortaFi]

> Sound quality compared to M7? of course no > I will be using with a very nice home stereo setup, no headphones in this case I think you need something more expensive and with line out

[@steelgtr]

Waiting for M9 :)

[@pritambagchi894]

What earphone are you using in this video??

[@PortaFi]

Dunu's DN-2000, old classics ;)

[@craigmatthews4102]

What sounds better fiio m3k or Activo c10? And more driving power

[@PortaFi]

Activo, it would be super silly, if it sounded worse with price few times more as for power, Activo has 36 mW per channel at 16Ω, m3k's power is stated 42 mW at the same load

[@tghanasyam]

Does i feel any difference because iam very much used to listening music in my phone. Reply would be appreciated

[@PortaFi]

difference wouldn't be big, M3K is an entry-level DAP, it's the main focus if for those who'd like dedicated DAP. for sound, noticeably better then smartphone, you need to consider higher price range

[@PortaFi]

@malcolm gregor I can't tell, will you be able to tell the difference, it depends on your perception :) I can tell difference between my iPhone and Hidizs AP80 without problems, but I've got lots of experience testing different gear. And I'd said the difference is noticeable, but I can't guarantee that for you As for Shanling M0, it sounds somewhere on par with modern smartphones, not better

[@omarkarim4770]

Fiio M3K or X1 II? the diference of sound is high?

[@PortaFi]

they have different output power first of all, X1-2 is more powerful. so for power-hungry headphones it will be better on normal headphones and IEMs it depends on your preferences, M3K will be better if you'd like neutral sound, X1-2 - is a bit warmer and bassy

[@seematomar3466]

Still waiting for the day when you start reviewing budget daps like ruizu a50 or nintaus x10, because every other review is in some other language that I don't understand.. :(

[@PortaFi]

I'd like to review them, but I don't have an opportunity to get them for a review

[@kristianhandoko4043]

whether the sound quality is better than ipod 4 or samsung galaxy high end series?

[@PortaFi]

it's better then iPod (but, actually, not "night and day"). as for Samsung I don't have one for test

[@khaledkibria2434]

How does it compared to LG V20/30?

[@PortaFi]

I don't have LG for comparison, sorry

[@mattgiunt]

How is the M3K sound quality as compared to the Fiio M6. Going to buy the best sounding between the two

[@PortaFi]

M6 is better

[@mattgiunt]

Okay,i just bought the M6 from amazon

[@PortaFi]

@@mattgiunt congratulations! enjoy your new DAP! :)

[@jaxx443]

which one should i buy x1II or m3k or should i go for x5 but that one is bit expensive,help.

[@PortaFi]

it's totally up to yours decision, what sound do you want, and how much do you want to pay for that. there is no single "best" solution here, and unfortunately I can't decide for you here

[@swapnilmule3922]

Trust me x1ii is better in terms of sound quality than m3k...

[@PortaFi]

​@@swapnilmule3922 or trust me, it isn't

[@sazib8333]

Shangling m0 vs m3k? Which one do u suggest?

[@PortaFi]

M0 is better, but it this price range there a FiiO's M5, which is even better

[@shameer2876]

@Porta_Fi do you mind suggesting me some of the best DAPs under 100 dollars?

[@PortaFi]

Shameer AT sorry, I can’t name “best”. There is no single best option, otherwise others simply wouldn’t exist. Best here is subjective, so you have to choice based on your requirements and preferences. For me the best one was Hidizs AP80, it costed $115 during Kickstarter, but preorders there finished

[@shameer2876]

I have been looking at Cayin N3, Shanling M0, etc. I mean, are they a really good or worthy upgrade from a smartphone like iPhone? Plus is it better to buy a dedicated DAC/Amp instead od getting a DAP in terms of sound?

[@maxisenberg9093]

how does this compare to the x1 series?

[@PortaFi]

Max Isenberg but less bassy and more neutral

[@gilgamesh_the_god9403]

Inspired by Sony so heavily in this product

[@PortaFi]

luckily this one has nothing in common with Sony, both in design and sound

[@ZanderLexx]

I hear all over the place that this looks like a Sony player. But it's not . This is the new design line of Fiio, it looks like my Fiio Q1 MKII AMP/DAC. Also it looks like the newer M9 (yet to be released pretty soon in fact). Also looks like the old by now Fiio A1, but newer than my Fiio Fujiyama. Also, as a remark for the people who say that the design was copied from Sony devices- if it has rounded sides it does not mean that they copied some other product. Rounded sides are better for holding in the hands, that's it. I hope you'll get the M9 for review pretty soon. I'm really curious if that one has wifi/streaming capability.

[@PortaFi]

first of all, this M3K looks like FiiO's X1-2, that was released befor Sony's ZX300 (the most similar looking DAP from Sony)

[@Sanjarih]

Does this player support Spotify and/or Tidal?

[@PortaFi]

of course no

[@Sanjarih]

@@PortaFi Thanks for such a fast reply, I was just asking on my sister's behalf as neither she nor me did any research on the product, however she ordered it anyway as it's super cheap in my country and the size is perfect for use during working out and stuff. I plan on getting the M9 as soon as it's in stock, so when do you plan to review it?

[@PortaFi]

@@Sanjarih FiiO's M3K is the simplest DAP, so no wireless interfaces and no streaming. Probably the smallest DAP with Tidal is Hiby's R3 and Activo CT10 (bit bigger). As for M9 - I suppose to review it, but I don't have it yet

[@oscarc332]

what does SQ mean? I have some audios without slogan and some with SQ legend? anyone knows?

[@PortaFi]

SQ mean sound quality. what is it in a nutshell, it's a really discussible question, but usually it means more natural, more detailed, more technical and realistic sound

[@oscarc332]

@@PortaFi I found the answer at fiio pague Is flac standar quality AND for hi res starts on 96kb(96000 bitrate) yo 384kb (384000 bit rate).

[@PortaFi]

@@oscarc332 oh, that SQ… sorry, I didn't got your question

[@oscarc332]

@@PortaFi dont worry

[@Onouphrius]

This or the Shanling M0 or the Hidizs Ap60 II??

[@PortaFi]

it depends on your sonic preferences and your need of features like bluetooth

[@Onouphrius]

@@PortaFi I don't need bluetooth as of now. In terms of sound i prefer sound on the warmer side. So what would be the best for me?

[@PortaFi]

sonically, Hidizs is better, but that's my opinion, there are people who prefer M0, but for me it sounds flat and artificial

[@Onouphrius]

@@PortaFi Thanks for your opinion! I have read that about m0 too on headfi, that its doesn't sounds that good but has loads of features. Guess i will be getting the hidizs thanks again

[@PortaFi]

@@Onouphrius good choice… actually, AP80 is a good option too, it's only $20 more

[@IronRecord666]

This or the hidizs ap60ii ?

[@PortaFi]

hidizs

[@noviandreynika1475]

how much better different sound quality from iphone 5s ?

[@PortaFi]

it's better, but difference isn't really big

[@noviandreynika1475]

@@PortaFi how about power ? big difference?

[@PortaFi]

@@noviandreynika1475 I'm sorry, I don't know output power of iPhone 5s

[@swapnilmule3922]

@@noviandreynika1475 no...i have used iphone 5s and m3k both...m3k is not that much great as a dap...if u want power then strictly go for zishan dsd 4497eq

[@francisnieto8943]

is the sound better than average smartphone output?

[@PortaFi]

yes, but difference isn't huge

[@heinsoe6488]

Should i buy it I'm new to this kinda device

[@PortaFi]

I don't know should you buy it or not, it depends on your requirements

[@heinsoe6488]

Thanks

[@davesaudio6327]

X3 III or M3k?

[@PortaFi]

if you need more power or want more detailed and a bit brighter signature, then X3-3, if you need more battery life time and more "balanced" sig - M3K

[@quanngo6373]

How does it compare to the benjie t6?

[@PortaFi]

sorry, I didn't test that Benje

[@quanngo6373]

Porta_Fi how does it compare to other budget daps in the same price range such as the hidizs ap60 2nd gen and the shanling m0

[@PortaFi]

better then M0 and about the same "level" with AP60-II, but a bit more neutral

[@quanngo6373]

Porta_Fi thank you for the quick replies!

[@quanngo6373]

Porta_Fi oh and also, this or the x1-ii (in terms of sound quality) ?

[@hippieshake2580]

I noticed on the player your guilty secret, Die antwoord. I played ugly boy yesterday with bass boost😁

[@PortaFi]

oh, that's not the only secret I have :)

[@rukielyte1216]

What's the best way to get lossless files for a player?

[@PortaFi]

I'm buying them from HDTracks, Bandcamp and other stores

[@rukielyte1216]

@@PortaFi physical stores?

[@PortaFi]

@@rukielyte1216 no, of course online stores. But many music I'm buying on CD/SACD

[@rukielyte1216]

@@PortaFi nice! Thanks for confirmation. Will check them out. If they were physical, I would be doomed as I live in India 😅

[@PortaFi]

@@rukielyte1216 they aren't physical. BTW is music piracy popular in India? As exUSSR community downloads almost everything from torrents

[@goldpieceleo]

Man try to review Walnut V2s and Zishan Z1.

[@PortaFi]

Sorry, but that’s very unlikely

[@goldpieceleo]

@@PortaFi Okay, but I wonder why it's very unlikely. Maybe because they are a cheap Player and Amp. I saw people online modding them, that's why I got a litte curious. Hahaha!

[@PortaFi]

well… main reason is because I've tried Walnut V3 once, and it was below average, both in terms of SQ and overall usability and design. so, I'm simply afraid to test even cheaper models :) anyway, there are some good opinions about Zishan, so I should probably try one, if I'll manage to loan it

[@goldpieceleo]

@@PortaFi okay

[@yourengrj]

This or nano d3?

[@PortaFi]

this

[@yourengrj]

@@PortaFi thank you. May i know the reason? Is the sq better?

[@PortaFi]

yes, M3K is less powerful, but more natural

[@juancarlomedina5383]

Fiio M3k or Fiio M3 Pro ?

[@PortaFi]

pro of course

[@juancarlomedina5383]

Thank you so much 😉👍

[@palashshil]

At least its not slow as X1 2nd gen.

[@PortaFi]

yep, not the lightning fast, but faster :)

[@swapnilmule3922]

But soundwise X1 2nd gen is good

[@PortaFi]

@@swapnilmule3922 yes, it's good, but not better then M3K

[@ItsaDaPope-a]

Bummer there isn't a 2.5mm balanced connection.

[@PortaFi]

it's an affordable and low-priced DAP, no much sense to use it with balanced connector

[@SuperZedd]

Josh G I connect my M3k to the Q1 mk II which is balanced. More power and a slight wider soundstage.

[@ItsaDaPope-a]

@@SuperZedd Thank you!

[@ItsaDaPope-a]

@@PortaFi I think it would make a lot of sense. Just my opinion.

[@polaris911]

is there a single review of this player on youtube by someone without an accent?

[@PortaFi]

well, quick search showed few other reviews, but most of them are just unboxing, so unfortunately, I can't bring you better reviews, if you'll find one, please feel free to share

[@DevilDead13820]

@@PortaFi I understand you pretty well, even if english is not my first language. Although sometimes I would like to have an english subtitled version of the original because I think you can explain yourself better in your mother's tongue. Just a thought, I know subtitling things takes a long time (maybe longer than making an entire video in another language?)

[@PortaFi]

@@DevilDead13820 first of all, thank you for your suggestion. And I'm really sorry that I sometimes can't express my thoughts clearly, I'm working on improving my English skills, but it's not a fast work :) As for subtitles, unfortunately, it will take me too much time that I can't invest now, as reviews aren't my "main" job. Actually, it's not a job at all, more like money-consuming hobby :) If in future I'll get some free time, I'll implement that

[@twinturbo3461]

Is there an asshole on the internets by the name of polaris911 ??? These reviews are helpful for people that are considering purchasing one, the more reviews the merrier, even if they have accents. I'm sure if you went to a foreign nation they would find that you have an accent.

[@polaris911]

@@twinturbo3461 I don't get the point of a review where he's just taking it out of the box for the first time. It's not helpful. A reviewer should at least USE the product for a few days so they have something meaningful to say about it.

[@pritambagchi894]

Watch this video at 1.25x speed..

[@PortaFi]

and in reversed order to find a secret message from SATAN! MWA-HA-HA-HA!

[@pritambagchi894]

@@PortaFi 😂😂

[@VP-kp6rt]

русский что ли?

[@PortaFi]

нет