Fiio M5 And Shanling M0 - Which One Should You Buy?

Here is my comparison video of the Shanling M0 and the Fiio M5.
They are both great portable digital audio players (DAP) but they both have strengths and weaknesses.
Fiio M5 review - • FiiO M5 REVIEW - Great...
Shanling M0 review - • SHANLING M0 REVIEW - F...

[@hmm2928]

Thanks for the video mate! Guess i will keep my btr5, been loving it! The sound is awesome. With my blon bl-03 and tin t4 it sounds awesome. I was on the edge of returning this and get the M5. But the functionality of m5 with a watch strap and tws is awesome too. 🤔 Also great, that you used the i button 🙌😄

[@VortexReviews1]

Thanks for the comment. I am hoping to get the watch strap and it should be great for TWS. The BTR5 is different as it is only a receiver so serves a different purpose but I am glad you like it.

[@hmm2928]

@@VortexReviews1 🙌😄 you should try the btr5, very good sound!

[@VortexReviews1]

@@hmm2928 I might try one if I can in the future.

[@ianfryer8386]

Thanks for the review. One thing it would be useful to confirm is if there is a database limit on either unit. On cheaper players I've found that no matter what size sd card I put in, they will only detect 4000 tracks due to limitations of the software it's running on. Do you know if this is the case here?

[@VortexReviews1]

I don't know to be honest and I would recommend contact the customer service and see if they know.

[@ianfryer8386]

@@VortexReviews1 From reaching out to other owners of the Shanling it has a limit of 20,000 tracks which should be enough for anyone.

[@VortexReviews1]

@@ianfryer8386 I agree that 20k is more than enough.

[@necrokittie2291]

are these any good for audiobooks? i'm interested in doing some multi-day hiking and recharging an mp3 player off of a battery bank. i'll have my phone with me but i wanted a separate deceive for listening to audio books and maybe a folder for music as well... to have a good audiobook player it needs to play all the mp3 in a folder in order and if it is paused or stopped, it needs to remember where it left off. and if someone falls asleep while listening, they need to be able to skip around to find where they might of left off.

[@VortexReviews1]

They should be fine for that but these are older models now and some of the newer ones have a better battery life.

[@hermanessences]

Do you know whether the M0 is compatible with Sennheiser CX 400BT earbuds? On their page, it says that it's Bluetooth 5.1 compliant (class 1), whatever that means. As far as I understand, bluetooth compatibility issues are common.

[@VortexReviews1]

I don't have the 400BT unfortunately.

[@JogieGlenMait16]

the better looking is the M0 but with a closer price with its bigger brother, the Shanling Q1, I'd go with the Q1 just because of the bigger battery. both devices are cute though.

[@VortexReviews1]

I probably would go for the Q1 but never tried one.

[@bluedose15k27]

Great comparison, very helpful..i wonder if you got a hold of the shanling Q1? I heard it got lots of feature. I wonder what's your take on it.

[@VortexReviews1]

Thanks and I never got hold of the Q1. The Q1 looks good but I won't be buying one soon due to funds.

[@awilson1989]

Hi Thanks for the comparison. I have a question. Fiio M5 has a 2nd certificate called "HiRes Wireless" but apparently Shanling does not. Can you confirm that? I'm going to buy Shangling but I want to make sure about wireless audio quality first. Thanks again.

[@VortexReviews1]

I think they mean it can do it over wireless as the M5 supports LDAC.

[@awilson1989]

@@VortexReviews1 great thanks.

[@VortexReviews1]

@@awilson1989 No problem.

[@PaulSuquet]

Could you add the Shanling Q1 to the comparisson? Great video btw!

[@VortexReviews1]

I don't own that one. I requested it but I could not get one.

[@VortexReviews1]

It is expensive for me just to buy it. The Q1 has twice the battery life of the M0 and shares the same dac/amp ES9218p. The user interface is a little easier to use as the player is larger. It's a nice player.

[@NoBodysGamer]

@Rishabh Mishra Hi, Shanling Q1 is in different category, i know its same price, but as far as quality it beats both of these in every aspect, take any feature and it does it better. BUT, the main issue here is that these two device M0 and M5 are sold as "smart watch replacement" i mean size-wise and M5 has even 2 types of watch straps, both M0 and M5 come with belt clips for sports, M5 for free, M0 paid, both have leather on belt case. all of these makese these devices as go-out, sports, portable products, on the otehr hand the Q1 is twice bigger and there are no portability accesories for it, no belt clip, no watch strap and no leather case, nothing. Im a buyer myself and was considering the Q1, yeah it larger but if it had Belt clip ill be happy, but it doesn't, not even as add-on. Quality-wive direct competitor of Q1 is the Fiio M6

[@RetroworksMusic]

The Q1 it's a different animal, too big for sports

[@raphaeldiaz1769]

Thanks for the review I know you already stated both sound good but aside from the shanling being slightly bland I'm still genuinely curious about the DAC's like what sound sig does the other have over the other or what does the shanling or fiio improve bass or treble etc etc Or is the sabre 9218 and ak4377 literally sound the same?

[@VortexReviews1]

Both sound good but have some differences. The M0 is more powerful and is the better choice for harder to power stuff. I found the M5 was a touch brighter and slightly more low end but has no high or low gain. BT 4.2 in the M5 compared to 4.1 in the MO. The AK4377 is the lowest in the range from what I could see in the AK line up.

[@NoBodysGamer]

@@VortexReviews1 You wondered whats the point for 2 mics on the M5, well its for mobile phone use, it goes like this: Phone > Bluetooth > M5, clip it on shirt and use cable headphones, when you get a call you can answer and talk, using the M5 mics an your headphones. Also it can be Phone > USB-C > M5 >Wired Headphones, same setup you can answer calls and talk to people while wearing good headphones In both cased you can either playback your music from the phone or from the M5, but you keep the phone in your pocket and tehre is no need for bluetooth headset, it solves the issue of walking out with both phone and M5, when you get a call you dont need to pause the audio, remove the headphones and answer the phone

[@VortexReviews1]

@@NoBodysGamer Thanks very much for that explanation and it makes perfect sense.

[@brunoceragioli3517]

Vortex, is the lz z05a a good option to buy?

[@VortexReviews1]

I would say so but it depends on the current price.

[@diyanslavov5767]

Is there any issue with the connectivity with different earbuds? For example with Jabra? Thanks!

[@VortexReviews1]

With all the bluetooth buds I have tried it with they are fine but the M0 sometimes is weird with connecting to TWS buds but the second attempt works fine.

[@diyanslavov5767]

@@VortexReviews1 Thanks man! That is very important to me as I am planning to order the m0. Where do you recommend to order it from?

[@VortexReviews1]

The cheapest / most reputable for you. My M0 was from Aliexpress but the M5 was from Amazon UK. There is a Shanling Q1 but I don't have it.

[@NoBodysGamer]

Hell OP, which would you recommend for BT only usage to play HE-AAC files and Speech only? I collect Audiobooks, they come in MP3 large size so i compress them with HE-ACC to mono speech optimized profile. My phone is way too big, rog 2 and my Samsung galaxy 2 LTE watch that i got to be my music player and compactmobile phone, this trash uses 1% battery for each 1.3 minutes of BT audio, without BT audio it can take 2 whole days.

[@VortexReviews1]

The Tempotec V1-A is around the same price as these and has better bluetooth battery life.

[@NoBodysGamer]

@@VortexReviews1 Thanks for the tip, but Variations V1 is huge, even Q1 is rather big, but if Q1 had proper Belt Clip i would buy it without thinking twice, but it has none, not even as add-on, not from 3rd parties, it doesn't even have leather case for strapping around the jeans belt. So based on size and BT its M0 or M5 [I also considered that square one P80 or something like that, but it had no AAC support and its rather old] Eventually I just got on sale the M5, it has belt clip its tiny and wont fall from my shorts when i run, and they sell 2 types of watch straps for it, if I ever want one.

[@VortexReviews1]

@@NoBodysGamer The M5 is slightly better than the M0 on bluetooth battery life.

[@victormedrano2316]

Hi, so lets say that you can you transmit Bluetooth LDAC from a smartphone to the device plugged to a headphones? Like the Fiio BTR3

[@VortexReviews1]

This can receive and transmit LDAC.

[@victormedrano2316]

@@VortexReviews1 Excellent, thanks!

[@VortexReviews1]

@@victormedrano2316 I have only tried it with LDAC transmitting to the Sony XM4 TWS.

[@NoBodysGamer]

Hey on aliexpress it says that M0 has DUAL Bluetooth mode, so it can BOTH receive and Transmit at the same time? If it does, its amazing feature, connect phone to M0, Bluetooth headphones to Mo and if you get a call you can answer using the headphones that connected to M0

[@VortexReviews1]

In theory yes and the Fiio M5 has in built microphones for the same scenario.

[@NoBodysGamer]

@@VortexReviews1 But with M5 you have to plug regular headphones and use its MIC, with dual Bluetooth you can use Bluetooth headphones/headset. I made a mistake of getting M5, its utter garbage, I need it for audiobooks and I listen to Russian books and this thing doesnt read Russian tags from M4a files, [Reads fine from mp3's] I contacted their support but its HORRIBLE, takes days to get a replay

[@VortexReviews1]

@@NoBodysGamer Sorry to hear about the M5 and are you on the latest firmware? If you have to can you sell it on?

[@NoBodysGamer]

@@VortexReviews1 Im on latest firmware, i might grab M0 or Q1 during 11.11 sale on ali, and sell my M5 on ebay. I would prefer the Q1, its not much bigger then M0, my main issue is the lack of any belt clips, otherwise its great device and considerably smaller then standard music players that look like mobile phones, has more powerful CPU and features. I dont get it why they didnt made any belt clips, even some larger models have at least a leather case.

[@VortexReviews1]

@@NoBodysGamer I agree about the lack of clips and I looked at the Q1 but I did not buy one as I wold have limited use as I am happy with the players I already have.

[@krustychannel6786]

In term of sound quality, is it better than phone like LG G7?

[@VortexReviews1]

Probably not as it uses the same dac as the Shanling M0.

[@yatharth7449]

Do these DAP’s support coaxial on their type C ports?

[@VortexReviews1]

I don't remember to be honest. Best check the companies information.

[@subhankardeysarkar1043]

Does it support Google assistant or voice search ?

[@VortexReviews1]

Good question but I am unable to check but the Fiio does have dual microphones.

[@DanRC69]

It's clear the touch screen UI is TERRIBLE on both of these, it's painful watching how slow and hit and miss its functioning is. Touch screens just aren't right for something so small.

[@VortexReviews1]

You are right but you get used to it. I guess the newer Shanling Q1 should be better to use as it has a bigger screen and I have the Tempotec V1-A on the way which has a bigger screen.

[@DanRC69]

@@VortexReviews1 Good to know, look forward to your review.

[@CesarEnglishTeacherCesar7Peru]

I just let the TempoTec V1-A variations go Because of the screen And went through other DAPs as Hiby r3pro saber FIIO m11 And I'm enjoying the m11

[@Dr23rippa]

No they actually could be but unfortunately they have not done a good job maybe by version 3 they will but the device will probably cost £200

[@gavranpero]

Shanling offered the app for Android and SyncLink capability. Can Fiio boast something similar?

[@VortexReviews1]

There is not as far as I am aware and the only similar one is hiby link I think. I may do a video on the Synclink.

[@gavranpero]

@@VortexReviews1 That would be great. Of course, how it works on the M0 player.

[@VortexReviews1]

@@gavranpero It works fine but I only tried it briefly.

[@gavranpero]

@@VortexReviews1 I bought the WH1000XM3, and noticed that when playing the DSF audio format, playback is interrupted (on the M0 player), which is probably caused by the high bitrate and the use of the LDAC connection. There are no problems when using wired headphones. Of course, there is no need for this type of audio format, but I wanted to try out the possibilities when using the highest quality format and BT connection. :)

[@VortexReviews1]

@@gavranpero Glad you like it and useful you found a flaw with it.

[@esvegateban]

Which one would you say is better for operating (play/pause, prev/next, volume) without looking at the screen? I'm in between these two for running/cycling. Also, my IEMs are 18Ω, so I guess the low power on the M5 won't be an issue? Thanks!

[@VortexReviews1]

They both have a similar UI which is good or bad depending on your thoughts. The Tempotec V1-A and Xduoo x2s are more used friendly as they have real buttons to perform those actions.

[@JD-jn14]

Great video for sure, but for some reason I still want the M5 even hearing that the M0 is better, is it even worth buying the M5?

[@VortexReviews1]

They are quite similar to each other but another option I have not tried is the Shanling Q1.

[@sammybelskus1534]

Are you able to queue songs?

[@VortexReviews1]

I sold the M0 a while ago so I can't check.

[@adrianmorrish8494]

On either can you do 3.5 in and then transmit bt out, I want to use connected to my iPhone using the Apple converter to 3.5, then tx bt out in LDAC?

[@VortexReviews1]

It will only work with usb from the source then the M5 can transmit to LDAC / bluetooth. The 3.5mm can't act as an input for the bluetooth as the 3.5mm is only a output.

[@adrianmorrish8494]

@@VortexReviews1 ok thx so if someone also wanted to for instance output Bluetooth from their TV this would not work for them then?

[@VortexReviews1]

@@adrianmorrish8494 No point as you want to bluetooth straight from the TV to the headphones. Less things in the signal chain the better.

[@adrianmorrish8494]

@@VortexReviews1 that’s what I meant Vortex, if it allowed 3.5 input you could use it as just that, as it dosent, yep no point as you say. The reason I asked is the bt on my tv sucks, super low gain, only SBC etc. So I was wondering if I could use this for that as well as a bt transmitter rather than buy another device. I use a pair of Sony XM4’s and they support AAC and LDAC only not APTX-low latency. What would you recommend for my tv, apart from a hammer 😁

[@VortexReviews1]

@@adrianmorrish8494 lol. All I could think is a separate bluetooth transmitter and they are quite affordable to feed from the 3.5mm on your TV then bluetooth to your Sony's.

[@dilip_1997]

are these enough for iems? or should I get a fiio m7 or shanling m6 ?

[@VortexReviews1]

I use them with iems with no problem. I have heard of those models but never used them.

[@dilip_1997]

@@VortexReviews1 Is there any noticeable difference using iems with these and higher end daps u tested ? ,thx for the reply

[@VortexReviews1]

@@dilip_1997 I have not tried any higher up models to be honest. I have tried Tempotec V1-A and the Xduoo x2s and I like them as well. Shanling Q1 looks a good option but I like the M0 and M5 as they are so small but the interface takes getting used to.

[@MZakar1a]

Is it ( m0):better than xduoo x2s??

[@VortexReviews1]

@@MZakar1a Yes but they are twice the price and the interface is very different.

[@carloarban6080]

Why if i use AirPods pro on Fiio M5 the volume is so low compared with cable headphones? I set the volume to limit max (60), but with the wireless headphones the volume is half that of the wired.

[@VortexReviews1]

From memory the 60 limit was through the 3.5mm jack. Update the M5 firmware if you have not already and does the AirPods Pro have their own volume control?

[@carloarban6080]

@@VortexReviews1 I have already update the last M5 firmware (1.4.7), but I don't think there is an AirPods pro volume control.

[@carloarban6080]

It's possible modify AirPods volume only when they are associated with Apple products: manually or with command "hey siri", but not if the AirPods pro are connected with any mp3.

[@VortexReviews1]

@@carloarban6080 Sounds like the AirPods are artificially limited and can you try some other TWS with your M5? I have tried a variety with my M5 with no issues but Aptx is the way to go as AAC is not supported from memory.

[@carloarban6080]

@@VortexReviews1 I have got only AirPods pro like TWS, and the songs inside M5 are in .mp3 format (not AAC). I don't know if maybe a future firmware/bluetooth update solves the problem. There's no way to turn up the volume with classics command like in iOS items (iPhone, iPad, mac...), but only pressing the volume the volume buttons on the M5. Anyway...good year!!

[@rafa.pl-12F32DD]

Is it possible to balance L/R channels?

[@VortexReviews1]

If I didn't show it then possibly not. Been a while since I used these and no longer own the M0

[@rafa.pl-12F32DD]

@@VortexReviews1 in another video, you showed that is possible.

[@VortexReviews1]

@@rafa.pl-12F32DD Thanks for checking.

[@omel18181]

will this work as a DAC for an iPad pro usb c to usb c?

[@VortexReviews1]

I don't know the answer to that as I don't own a iPad pro to test it with.

[@omel18181]

@@VortexReviews1 ok. now partial to M0. thanks

[@goodnightmoon]

add more to get the hidizs ap80 but i'd choose m5 over these two

[@VortexReviews1]

The AP80 has the same dac as the Mo which is the ESS 9218p so it should sound the same or very similar. I have never personally tried the AP80.

[@goodnightmoon]

@@VortexReviews1 really??? but m0 is so much cheaper

[@VortexReviews1]

@@goodnightmoon Indeed. Maybe the AP80 cost more to manufacture but they use the same DAC.

[@BrenttttttMCMXC]

ShanlingQ1 sir

[@VortexReviews1]

I will try to get one when they are publicly available as I missed the kickstarter.

[@Gsmiler]

Basically basically basically......repeat to fade....