FiiO M27 Reference-Class Compact Desktop Smart HiFi Player

The FiiO M27 continues the “portable desktop unit” idea of FiiO’s M17: four years in the making, it is a reference-grade portable smart player with desktop-grade architecture, connections and power, and a balanced yet authoritative sound. Two ESS ES9039SPRO DACs and a six-stage fully differential circuit deliver up to 5,000mW per channel, a Qualcomm QCS6490 runs Android 13 with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage plus two microSD slots, and a 6.35mm socket, coaxial in and out and an optical output join the 3.5mm and 4.4mm outputs. Its 9,200mAh battery is user-replaceable, and you can choose a titanium or aluminium chassis.

Two ES9039SPRO flagship DACs

Two eight-channel ESS ES9039SPRO DACs give extremely high dynamic range and ultra-low distortion for accurate, rich and clear detail. Two dual-channel, ultra-low-noise ES9312 regulators provide four independent supplies, one for each differential module, for more dynamic range and less noise.

Desktop-class architecture and parts

The six-stage fully differential audio circuit is built to full-size desktop standards, for strong dynamics, low crosstalk and a stable, intact signal. It uses two NJU72315 electronic volume chips, two TI OPA2211 op-amps chosen for musicality, dual relays for lossless switching, 8 ELNA audio capacitors, 20 Rubycon film capacitors and more than 50 low-noise, low-drift film resistors. The digital and analogue sections have separate power supplies to minimise crosstalk.

Five gains, up to 5,000mW

Five hardware gain levels raise the power and voltage at every setting, so the M27 suits any IEM or over-ear headphone. Balanced into 32Ω it gives 285mW (low), 730mW (medium), 1,850mW (high) and 2,250mW (super high); plug a fast charger into the dedicated power port and Ultra High Gain unlocks 5,000mW + 5,000mW (and a 44V peak-to-peak swing into 300Ω) for the most demanding passages. FiiO’s HYPER DRIVE amplifier circuit, with large power reserves, ultra-low-impedance paths, copper-block cooling and low-loss relays, makes it possible.

DAPS: FPGA and RIVER femtosecond clocks

The sixth generation of FiiO’s Digital Audio Purification System pairs a new high-capacity FPGA with two RIVER femtosecond crystal oscillators, for very precise, ultra-low-jitter digital transmission and an exceptionally pure, clear sound. Local playback runs to 768kHz/32-bit and DSD512.

A 31-band PEQ and AutoEQ

The M27 is the first music player to offer a 31-band high-precision PEQ, so you can shape the sound or simulate and correct a headphone’s response. AutoEQ does it for you from your headphones’ data and a target curve, and presets include Pop, Jazz and a “FX17 Relaxed Sound” EQ made for FiiO’s FX17 earphones.

Portable and desktop connections

As well as 3.5mm and 4.4mm, the M27 has a 6.35mm headphone socket (all three double as line outs), a coaxial input and output and an optical output, so it fits into desktop systems as a source, transport or DAC. Bluetooth 5.4 on Qualcomm’s QCC5181 receives aptX Lossless and LDAC, and a 16-core XMOS XU316 handles USB.

A fast, roomy platform

The Qualcomm Dragonwing QCS6490 shares the Snapdragon 778G architecture, with an A78 performance core at up to 2.7GHz on a 6nm process, so Android 13 runs smoothly and handles popular audio and video services and multitasking with ease. 8GB of RAM and 256GB of fast storage (about 920MB/s read) are standard, and two microSD slots (up to 2TB each) are back for big libraries.

A big, replaceable battery and serious cooling

The 9,200mAh high-voltage, high-temperature-resistant battery gives about 9 hours single-ended or 8 hours balanced, charges at up to 35W (QC3.0/4.0, PD2.0 and PD3.0 PPS) and can be replaced by the user. Desktop mode runs the M27 from external power to protect it. Inside, a graphite vapour chamber and graphene thermal pads in a seamless metal chassis spread heat quickly for consistent performance.

Titanium or aluminium

The titanium version uses TC4 titanium alloy, about four times harder than aluminium, CNC-machined for 13 hours and polished for another hour for wear and corrosion resistance and a luxurious feel; the aluminium version is lighter. Side ambient lights, a volume knob that is also the power and lock button, playback buttons, a multi-function key and a hold switch complete the design.

Accessories for pocket and desk

The leather case has a built-in cooling gel film and a stainless-steel cut-out design to help dissipate heat. The included DK1 PLUS stand has a cooling fan and extra ports with USB audio support, so you can use the M27 on your desk while it charges.

Good to know

• Ultra High Gain needs a fast charger connected to the dedicated power port.
• Pair it with FiiO’s FX17 earphones and its tuned EQ preset.
• In the box: M27, leather case (fitted), tempered glass screen protector (fitted), storage case, USB-C cable, USB-A adapter, DK1 PLUS stand and fan cable, ejector pin, cleaning cloth, quick start guide and warranty card.