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FiiO M6 Portable High-Resolution Audio Player (with AirPlay, LDAC +All Bluetooth codec) $191.96 Delivered @ Addictedtoaudio eBay

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I’ve been looking at this deal but not committing. And since no one else has posted it. Here it is.
It was either this or the up-coming iPod Touch 7th Gen, which I expect will be similar RRP.

In my opinion this will be a more powerful option to the Sony DAP’s in the same price range.
Cannot speak for longevity of Fiio products, my experience with Sony’s past models is they almost last forever.
This is smaller than iPod Touch 6th Gen while weighing the same.
I have heard great things regarding Audio Apps on Android OS.
Fiio may have the edge in terms of outright driving power and sound quality. But I find AirPlay & the headphone jack on the iPod Touch 6 to be good enough for my needs.

UPDATE: This DAP can transmit Bluetooth LDAC codec to LDAC compatible devices.
Bluetooth receiving function available only after firmware update. Can receive in SBC & LDAC only.
(Yes this will make any wired headphones LDAC compatible, although LDAC is still a lossy codec it is the best codec Bluetooth has to offer [990 kbps] with Sony claiming CD quality) (and yes it seems a bit silly using this as a LDAC receiver when you could have lossless files playing on the device itself)

Although controlled by touch-screen FiiO M6 still has 3 buttons on the side to control play/pause, volume and next/previous track (Long press or double press and hold).

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FIIO M6 PORTABLE HIGH-RESOLUTION AUDIO PLAYER

Fiio’s final product of 2018
Supports Apple Airplay via WiFi, bi-directional communication via Bluetooth 4.2 and supports all the Bluetooth codecs available in the industry today, these include AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX LL, HWA, LDAC, and SBC.
Battery life: 13 hours / 15 hours Bluetooth (Standby [Deep-sleep-time] 26 days)
Charging time: <2.5 hours
Storage:Built-in storage(2GB)+ micro-SD card(up to 2TB supported)
WiFi:2.4GHz
Bluetooth:Version 4.2,supports LDAC,HWA,aptX HD,aptX,SBC
USB:Symmetrical Type C connector, USB2.0
Enough power to drive Sennheiser hd58x with headroom to spare. (according to Amazon reviewer)
Weighing in at just 83g, the DAP measures 53.3mm (W) x 92.5mm (L) x 11.5mm (H), a size similar to that of a name card and sports a 3.5mm single-ended headphone jack. DAC wise, the FiiO M6 will feature a single ES9018Q2C from ESS with improved circuitry which translated into a 50% increase in output power over a similar implementation in the M7. Similar to the FiiO M9, the M6 has an internal storage of 2GB with a single microSD slot supporting microSDXC for storage expansion.

Review: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EbByskNl4nk
If you are interested in knowing all the quirks and nuances.

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closed Comments

  • +12

    FOR ALL YALL AUDIOPHILES

  • +2

    Well my Sony cans and Android phone receive and transmit LDAC, as far as audio quality any Android Bluetooth device that supports LDAC has the same audio quality as this device

    I like having dedicated devices but unless your using 3.5mm might not be worth it for most people

    • +1

      3.5mm are better than Bluetooth, right?

      • +7

        Yes.

        • +1

          Wow. You deserved better than -21.
          In all fairness you did say ‘if’.
          I redeem you from harshness.

          • @thebadmachine: I think I'd still be at the same number if I didn't make a spelling mistake.

            Thank you for redeeming me.

            I guess a lot of people like when their ears get pulled when the cable gets caught on something.

            • @spaceflight: Yeah that’s happened to me plenty times with EarPods.
              Still reluctant to go Bluetooth for anything. Considered trying LDAC (still in early days, limited options).
              Still I’m too fussy and will stick to wired headphones (I listen while sitting still or lying down).

              • @thebadmachine: I use both types regularly, it depends what I'm doing or where I am.

                Why are you reluctant to use Bluetooth?

                • @spaceflight: The bitrate, and the inconsistencies with standards.
                  Different devices can produce different results even with the same codec.
                  I appreciate the headroom and dynamic range provided by lossless.
                  People will say what they will, but I like to stick to concrete solutions.
                  Knowing what you get is what you get, if you will.
                  When the standard is reliable and up to par, like AirPlay (16bit 48khz native lossless) with low latency and at a reasonable price.
                  Then I will ‘consider’ going wireless.

    • +1

      Thanks for your level headed and accurate comment.
      Although I would like to point out a few things, only Android updated to a certain OS version get the LDAC codec feature.
      The other benefits would be your music listening be un-interrupted music listening by phone calls/messages/notifications.

      I think a dedicated DAP has slightly more benefits then simply just a 3.5mm connection (although this is the main appealing feature as the FiiO M6 now has a decent amount of driving power), as Apt-X codec would probably suffice for wireless audio, with the Hi-Res and LDAC features being a possible upgrade for the future.

      From my part, I would say lossless files sound better through Bluetooth transmission than lossy files. A lossy file coded and decoded seems to lose more than with a lossless file coded and decoded.
      So I would compare lossless file transmitted through Bluetooth (Apt-X, Apt-X HD) to be similar to 320kbps listened through 3.5mm.
      And in a blind test most people are unable to hear the difference between 320kbps (18khz peaks) and lossless (22khz peaks) visible on a spectrum analyser.

      https://www.soundguys.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-bluetooth-ap…

    • +2

      If you're using Bluetooth, you don't need this.

      It's good for audiophile grade 3.5mm headphones but if the amazon reviewer says the best it can handle is HD58x, then I'm a bit disappointed coming from a brand like FiiO. But for this price, it's a bit hard to expect an amp with a good PAD built in. The amp itself will go for around this price.

  • +1

    Ok everyone while watching Zeospantera’s video of the Fiio M6, had another look at the specs on Fiio’s website.
    On the official website instead of ‘standby’ it says ‘Deep sleep time 26 days’. Seems like you have to shut down the device to get 26 days. You will get nowhere that amount of time with the device on standby.

    2350mah is pretty decent for a DAP, but it seems these Android based systems chew through energy.
    (I know Google sends a lot of data to itself with its devices even if you opt-out, but considering this is a DAP I thought it would be much better in this regard.
    [you may be able to improve battery life by keeping wi-fi off])
    Even Sony DAP’s have the option to power off, with a delayed start-up when turning on, but it seems this device is even a bit more sluggish in start-up.

  • +2

    To all the Audiophiles Hello. As a total newb with basically no knowledge of audio. What are the best entry level players for ultimate sound quality. Are devices that play FLAC files the best quality? What would someone recommend as a good entry starting point for a portable player, amplifier (if that's required) and headphones? (Yes I could study this topic but just wanted to hear from some people on here who have experience). Thanks for assisting a newb :).

    • +2

      I am just a person who is serious about their audio.
      Your question is a bit difficult to answer.
      The term ‘Hi-Res’ refers to audio quality beyond the CD standard (16bit 44.1khz sample rate), which is usually 24bit 96khz sample rate.
      Most people would attest to the fact Hi-Res audio sounds too similar to CD quality, and therefore the format is not that popular.
      FLAC (lossless compression) or WAV (true lossless) files can come in both 16bit 44.khz and 24bit 96khz depending on how it was made or distributed.
      I would say most DAP’s should be able to play lossless files, but you should confirm this in the specs, and the price is usually reflected in the features (touch screen, supported wireless audio [WiFi/Bluetooth codecs], expandable storage) and 3.5mm output power (to drive inefficient headphones/IEM’s).

        • Hi thanks for your reply, your comment deserved better than being downvoted and hidden.
          I agree with you that ‘some’ can hear a difference, but apparently that is a very small percentage of the population who have ‘golden’ ears.
          (worth noting you will need audio equipment capable of re-producing the 48khz peak of 24bit 96khz sample)
          Given the recently slightly increased catalogue of ‘Hi-Res’ content (not including DVD-audio and Super Audio CD) downloadable straight from the Artist. This may appeal to some, but still majority of content is 16bit 44.1khz sample, so in my opinion Hi-Res still lacks being appealing.

      • Thanks for your reply. It is greatly appreciated. Do you think the Fiio device you've shown would be a good step into the world of High-res audio? Thanks margejsimpson.

        • +1

          I would consider it an entry level device if you are specifically using it for Hi-Res audio. It is totally capable, but I would think the high-end Headphones/IEM’s which are capable of truly re-producing Hi-Res (0hz-48khz range) are expensive and hard-to-drive (inefficient).

          Usually these high-end headphones/IEM’s will require a balanced output, and/or an additional amplifier (or an expensive high-end DAP with balanced) to truly appreciate. The FiiO M6 does not have a balanced output & may be lacking in amplification, and with inefficient headphones/IEM’s you will probably be running it at max volume all the time which will result in distortion and other negative characteristics of running components at their limit.

    • I was in Japan 3 months ago, and I settled for Pioneer https://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Home/Digital+Audio+P…. I thought my iPad was a great MP3 player, but it is nothing compare to my Pioneer XDP-02. I can connect to my pioneer via Bluetooth but I always use wired connection instead. With Pioneer I can now hear sounds I don’t normally hear if I use my iPad. Make sure you use 2.5mm to 3.5mm audio cable to connect this MP3 player to your headphone.

      • Isn't the 2.5mm connection for balanced headphones only?

        • +1

          Maybe, but I used 2.5mm to 3.5mm cable and connect to my H8. I have two options, balanced or ACG settings. I always use ACG.

          Here is the explanation from the manual:

          Balanced Output Select
          Use when balanced headphones are to be connected.
          "Balanced (default value)": Compared to the normal single-ended operation, you can get a
          larger output and the high voltage is not grounded together with the small signal, so you can
          anticipate a superior effect in the quality of the music. Because you get a larger output, you
          can drive headphones with a higher impedance.
          "ACG": The basic operating method is the same as Balanced (mode), but uses technology
          to even more forcefully fix grounding standards, so you can enjoy a sound quality with
          improved clarity and stability than Balanced (mode).

          • @awangsap007: Pioneer / Onkyo company have a great reputation for certain products.
            I think it’s good you have the option of going balanced, namely it is a must have for those hard to drive Headphones/IEM’s, in the case you go for that upgrade one day.

            If I remember correctly Onkyo recently released a full on Top-end DAP with phone functionality (a niche product), it’s only available in Japan but for those wishing for one, they got their wish.

      • In either of the Pioneer DAP's there seems to be no search function, which seems pretty importamt.
        Also some problem with acceptance of recommended microSD cards.
        According to reviews on the B&H site. Otherwise great sound.

        • That’s a pity. I personally rarely use the search function. I try to limit & cycle the music on the DAP. So as to listen and re-discover music in rotation, and putting albums in a different combination on the limited storage each-time depending on changing preferences.

    • +1

      I purchased a Fiio X3 as a starting device several years ago, then read some reviews about earphones and found some decent ones in my price range.

      I'd recommend Fiio devices, the M6 would be a great start, you can generally connect these to your computer and use them as an audio output device.

    • I am a beginer as well. So I bought a FiiO BTR3 which can support AAC/SBC/aptX/aptX LL/ aptX HD/LDAC/LHDC formats over bluetooth and can be used as a usb DAC. In blutooth mode I use it with Echobox Finder X1 and as a USB DAC with Logitech G633 and Razer Sorround. I love it in USB mode.

    • +2

      To all the Audiophiles Hello. As a total newb with basically no knowledge of audio. What are the best entry level players for ultimate sound quality.

      CD quality is already amazing - over 90dB SNR with frequency response above 20kHz. Anyone who claims they can "hear the difference" between CD quality and Hi-Res is absolutely delusional, because blind-testing has never found such a person.

      However many phones are nowhere near CD quality. The DAC they use are cheap and awful. Headphones are often terrible as well even expensive headphones.

      So if you want high quality audio, look at players that advertise the quality of their DACs. And look at headphones that get decent reviews from hi-fi magazines.

      FLAC can be any quality - from radio quality to CD quality to Hi-Res - but importantly doesn't tell you anything about the recording process. Too many studio albums were recorded in potato and mixed using rusting plastic before being "digitally remastered".

      In my experience, don't worry about chasing "audiophile quality". Just listen to what you like. If it doesn't sound good enough, upgrade, but likely you will never need to. Even vinyl can sound decent enough with the right kind of music and a mid-range player.

      For my money my phone (despite its awful DAC) + some AKG headphones is just fine. And my library is 256kbps AAC taken from CD-rips.

      • Yes I agree ‘audiophile quality’ must be some kind of evangelical term, as all that really matters is that you are happy with the sound. You may even be ‘impressed’ one day by moving onto higher bitrate’s, if your ears are sensitive to higher frequencies.
        Personally I think I can hear a slight difference between 320kbps MP3 (equivalent to 256kbps AAC) and FLAC in certain areas and recordings. It may be all placebo though who knows.

        Disclaimer: ‘Evangelical’ term used within the following definition: zealous in advocating or supporting a particular cause.
        "she was evangelical about organic farming"
        .

        • Do an ABX test, it is significantly (statistically proven likely) that you are indeed suffering placebo.

          What most people fail to really appreciate is that sound quality can often be subjective as well. Different sources and players can have a different sound signature.
          Often when a buyer has spend 'x' on a new player they suffer from 'new toy syndrome' and declare it's better than his previous player, just because it's 'different' and they spent money on it.
          I actually rotate some of my players, not particularly because I believe one is better than the other, they just sound different and after awhile I like my ears to hear some songs being played back with a slightly different twist. One player may make a certain artist's work sound 'better' compared to the other player, and vice versa.
          Your ears can adjust to a new sound signature as well, this is most definitely what most people refer to as 'burn in' (which is highly unlikely to really take place with digital audio players), it's more likely that your ears are now appreciating the new sound signature that was at first quite different (and possibly something they didn't gravitate towards well) and now they have acclimatised to it and it sounds 'normal'. heh

          • @dunker56:

            I actually rotate some of my players, not particularly because I believe one is better than the other, they just sound different and after awhile I like my ears to hear some songs being played back with a slightly different twist.

            Yes I actually think most would associate sounding ‘different’ as sounding ‘better’ or ‘worse’.

            Actually going through a similar experience now, where I changed the positioning of speakers and was slightly put-off by the difference, but knowing this is expected, I am allowing myself listen to them for awhile in this new position, instead of instantly/impulsively concluding it was a mistake and putting them back how they were.

            Regarding the AB tests of 320kbps MP3 vs 16bit FLAC, the difference I notice are in the resolution of dynamics (toward the quiet end of a Piano Solo) and definition in the detail with tracks with more going on. Although this could be just a train of thought that says higher bit-rate = more data = more detail.
            And on the flip side, I have some un-released tracks that are only available to be found in 256kbps - 320kbps MP3 and I am perfectly happy with them, maybe notice a slight drop in peaks of the 256kbps, but the tracks are great so that trumps any slight difference in resolution.

      • Thanks for your information. Greatly appreciated :)

      • +1

        Completely agree.

        I used to review mp3 players and DAPs. Hi Res has been around for a long time, it's mainly a response to the threat that smartphones made to the mp3/DAP market, it really is a case of 'The Emperors New Clothes'. I have done my ABX testing as well (blind testing) and cannot perceive a difference between 320kbps MP3 files vs anything higher.
        I was however under the impression a study was done a fairly decent population size that showed some could tell the difference. But it was a small group, critical listeners, trained people even and such a small difference that even if you can tell a difference there are way more important things to concern yourself with before getting down to the source and file type. Amp, speakers (headphones), EQ ability and quality etc, all these things matter WAY more than source and file type.

        • You are a bit vague when you wrote “all these things matter WAY more than source or file type”.
          In terms of file-type, I have a piano piece which I only have in High-Res, which I have down-sampled and dithered to 16bit 44.1khz. I am unable to perceive the difference of the two files.

          Now the nature of the piano’s sound means on a spectrum analyser the 16bit lossless file does not have any peaks higher than around 4khz.
          And it is a track with wide dynamics and gets quite quiet a times.
          So converting this down to MP3 you would expect minimal losses, but in fact due to having to amplify the signal quite a bit more, I think artefacts from compression have a greater chance of being noticeable, especially in the quieter parts of the Piano.

          Now I think in certain circumstances file type can matter, depending on how the recording was mastered and released. I am aware of the negative results of compression within the 128-192kbps range on an MP3 file. And even at 320kbps I do worry that, although barely-noticeable, in extreme cases these negative results can still exist.

          Edit: Also given the gap of the file size difference between 320kbps MP3 and 16bit FLAC is quite small I am happy with having an entire library in FLAC files.

          • @thebadmachine: Edit: down-sampled and dithered to 16bit 48khz.
            This is the native and highest frequency possible by AirPlay and it is better to down-sample square (96khz to 48khz) so I went with 48khz sample rate in this case.

    • +1

      Fiio X1 is reasonably priced if you want a dedicated device. Headphones are strongly personal preference, and depending on your choice there you might need an amp. I have some mid-range Sennheiser ones that go fine straight off any standard audio player.

      If you like using your phone for music, you've got a new phone with no 3.5mm socket, grab a DAC that connects via USB-C (Android) or Lightning (Apple). That should achieve the same quality as a dedicated device.

  • +2

    Have been using a Fiio portable amp/DAC for about 6 years straight, great reliable device

  • I was looking this yesterday. Could not decide whether it was worth the upgrade over my S8 or spend the money on better earphones.

    • I assume you mean galaxy S8 phone. I'd just get decent earphones and save the rest of the money for something else. I don't think you'd really notice the bump in quality when you are on a train or bus but that's just my opinion.

  • Does this make Neil Young and Crazy Horse sound better!? .. or was that a Pon y player?

    Edit: That project was discontinued it seems

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pono_(digital_music_service)

  • +3

    Still on a FiiO X3 gen2 here. Great DAP; sounds very good for the price. I pretty much use it every single day (for playing music in the car and when I do public transport). The player has been dropped a few times and been left in the car in sweltering heat and still have not skipped a beat so can definitely vouch for reliability.

    I wish FiiO would make a higher end player with physical buttons though, reason I am still on my X3 is for the fact that I can change tracks without looking at the screen which is great for when I am driving.

    • http://www.thephonograph.net/fiio-m6-review/

      Has three buttons on the side that control volume and play functions. Would be stupid to make a player and need to use the screen to perform those operations.

      • +1

        Does it have any way to quickly scroll through tracks like the way X3 can with the scroll wheel? That's what I love about the X3, couple clicks to get to folders and use the scroll wheel to quickly move between selections.

        • +1

          I think you can just scroll on the touch screen like on a smart device.
          Depending on the Android OS player you use, you probably get a vertical alphabet on the right edge of the screen to quickly jump to a letter (not sure if FiiO’s default music player app has this).

          • @thebadmachine: I also got the same X3 Gen 2.
            Dropped it a few times too and now my screen disapears here and there, so nothing is visible. Had it for maybe two years

            • @aerona: I have a Sony NWZ-S545 which is 10 years old still going strong. Still amazing battery life, the flash memory started to bug out a bit (occasional freezing of music for half a second, rarely happens) but I made sure I did not add or delete (edit) anything since it started happening and all is fine.
              It’s pretty scuffed up and has music (all MP3) I listened to from years ago, but I still use it with $10 earphones when working out or going for a walk/jog.
              Sony don’t make them like they used to I hear.

      • Yes the player having buttons was probably worth mentioning in the post.
        When using it out-and-about it’s always helpful to be able to control it whilst it is in your pocket.

        Also worth noting that from what I remember you hold/or double press and hold -the volume up or down to change track with buttons.

  • Not an audiophile. Anything that this can do but not the phone?

    • +1

      Not much gets u to point A to B like a crappy Lada or a Merc. Question is the ride along the way important. If not phone is sufficient.

    • +8

      Expanding on what soyea said, the better the player the potentially better sound quality. I said potentially because you'd then need better quality earbuds/headphones and be playing higher quality (eg lossless) files to hear the difference. Music on your setup will only sound as good as your weakest link.

      In saying that you don't need to be an "audiophile" to hear the difference between good and bad quality music. With a decent setup you're going to hear details you never thought existed in songs as well as things like positioning and staging of instruments etc; songs you think you knew will become something else.

      • if you own the original CDs and rip yourself maybe ……if you just download rips from the internet probably not …..

        no pint having all these great days and head phones if your source music has already been deteriorated from the original.

      • I agree with basketballfreak26, I am clearly noticing the positioning of instruments and reverbaration after buying Echobox Finder X1. I think Echobox X1 are the best Hi-Res headphones you can buy under AUD65 delivered from Massdrop. If any other good headphones in this price range please let me know.

    • +1

      Yes but since you aren't an audiophile it likely won't matter to you anyway.

  • This or Astell & Kern AK Jr?

    Similar price too, lowest ever… already have an AK Jr & pretty happy with it. I don't mind another… tempting.

    Though AK Jr uses its own OS (non android) but it does not support aptx HD. :(

    • I have not heard or read much about the company you mention.
      Running it’s own OS is a good thing (like Sony DAP’s) I guess FiiO either wanted to save costs (in development) or wanted to appeal to people who find Android OS familiar and be flexible enough to support optional App’s.

  • I had a fiio x5 gen 3. Sold it for this. This little m6 is amazing. 256gb card and my entire collection is on here. Great small size for your fitness routines. Can't recommend it more.

    • Thanks for sharing your experience, it’s worth noting the FiiO M6 also supports AirPlay, which not many non-Apple DAP’s have, and LDAC which just started being rolled out to devices recently.

    • Does airplay work when your not near wifi, it can’t direct connect can it?

      • I will let you know Apple TV 3 and the models after it have this ability to be able to AirPlay without internet WiFi connection.
        Tried it out (by forgetting WiFi network on both Apple TV 3 and iPod Touch 6th gen), it works fine BUT I noticed the iPod Touch getting very warm very quickly (almost hot to touch), a lot more than usual. And it used more battery power I imagine.

        I think there is something going on with the WiFi antennae when you AirPlay without WiFi network.
        I would avoid doing it, as it seems to be stressing out the components.

  • +2

    Thank you everyone for the up-votes.
    This product was un-popular last time I posted at a similar price, and all the up-votes were un-expected.

  • +2

    I'm sorry to all the young people but I miss my minidisc player.

    • +2

      Yes Mini-Disc was great when it was around, super-light and compact players with great battery life made sure I never carried a Disc-Man around ever again. Got rid of the portable players. Still have a Mini-Disc Deck that can play/record in all the formats, it’s really compact like the width of a CD case, normal height and about 2 CD case’s deep.

      I had thoughts of taking my time making Mini-Disc albums to pretend like I was in the Matrix everytime I change Mini-Disc’s. Still haven’t got around to it though.
      It lies in new condition in a box, with another box of a few brand-new blank Hi-MD Mini-Discs (at least I think they are Hi-MD, haven’t checked in awhile, but they are the premium discs all white ones).
      You can fit 94 minutes of PCM(1411.2kbps) on a 1 gigabyte Hi-MD disc
      (at 1x real-time recording).
      You can format a normal Mini-Disc to Hi-MD but it will only fit 28 mins of PCM.

      In Japan they even sold pre-recorded Mini-Disc’s at one point, just like CD’s.

      • In the.US they sold the pre-recorded mini discs too, at one point. I had the head unit in my car also. Sold the old beast with all the discs/player though.good times.

        • I’m guessing they made it past the trial stage, I wonder if they actually released them worldwide they would have stood a chance.
          Come to think of it, I think they didn’t even sell blank Mini-Disc’s in Australia back then.

  • +1

    I had my eye on the Shanling M0 which sells for around $150 until I recently got a LG V30+. The Shanling is a highly regarded DAP and is one of the best value for money DAPs you can buy under $200. Would be good to know how the FiiO M6 compares to the Shanling M0.

    • +1

      Not only that, the M0 is tiny and light. Perfect for gyms and runs where I don't want to carry a phone around. I can't even tell it's there when I'm using it.

  • No AirPlay II? Not sure what AirPlay II is.

    • AirPlay 2 is basically multi-room/multi speaker support.
      So you can AirPlay to all the AirPlay speakers in the house, or only some, and have the sound all in sync supposedly.

  • Any idea why it says this code can't be applied to your order?

    • Try signed out and use ‘checkout as guest’. I just tried it code worked.

  • Surprisingly no comments yet from old people saying 'BuT mY pHoNe PlAyS mUsIc FoR fReE!'.

    I'm just a bit confused. Do these work with bluetooth headphones? If so, would they even improve the quality?

    I'm using HD600's with a FiiO stack so can confirm audio equipment is worth it. But have a couple questions about this item.

    • Do these work with bluetooth headphones?

      Yes

      If so, would they even improve the quality?

      No, this fancy player or any other Bluetooth device (significant caveat: if it supports the same codecs) transmitting to the same pair of headphones will give the exact same result.

      • You are correct. In the wireless use case, if using the same codec the sound will be all digital data until it reaches the BT headphone’s DAC (where it converts from digital to analogue), which will determine the end quality of the sound.

  • I always liked FiiO products. I'd be all over this if I didn't have my much beloved A&K Jr already. Still tempted though. This would go great will my recently purchased B&O E8.

  • +1

    I want the m9

    • +1

      I have the m9 and I will say I really like it. The interface is a little laggy, but I am use to it. M11 coming out in a couple of months.

  • +1

    This or the LG V20?
    The LG has a better DAC?

    • +1

      Comment copied:
      I just looked it up the LG V20 is from 2016. Take what you will from that.

      “I use my v20 every day at work with HD 6XXs. It drives them well enough for what it is. Certainly not much headroom but, maxed out it is a very respectable volume output. It will not push my m1060s to anything resonable. It's about as good as phones get. It's comparable to entry level good DAPs I'd say. You could upgrade to a proper DAP or stick with the V20”

      “For a phone it definitely sounds better than some other ones out there. Compared to a dedicated DAP, it'll depend on whether you'll notice the difference. For the price you probably can't beat it when you consider that it comes with a phone. I've been using the V20 for about a year and a half now and while there are problems with it as a phone and as a dap, the biggest issue I have as a dap would be the volume control at time. It does sound better than some other phones out there. I know people who are sticking with their V20 or G6 for music even after they changed to a newer phone.

      I just went to try out the AR15 with my IEM (Westone 4r) yesterday and did hear a difference between them. Sound was more full and pleasant on the SR15 compared to the V20, but that's also a $700 vs $188 (current) price. (I believe I picked up my V20 after the price drops for ~$470) However, whether that difference will be very noticeable or not will depend on where I'm listening to it. I'm currently considering a dap mostly due to the trend of newer phones not having microSD, 3.5mm jack, and a want for a shiny new toy.

      For a more practical route at that price point, I think you can't really go wrong with the V20 as long as you remember it's a LG which means it'll depend on your luck how well their QC/QA is.”

      I think the answer to your question is you’ll never really know unless you try them both side by side. The outcome will be different for every person depending on hearing and equipment (IEM’s/Headphones).
      If your V20 is dying.. give something shiny and new in your price range a try or buy another V20.

      From reddit:
      https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/9a05v4/dedicate…

      • Thanks.

  • Some interesting info I came across on reddit.
    In terms of dynamic range:

    “Human hearing has a range of about 140dB.

    Vinyl has a dynamic range of 55dB-65dB.

    CD has a dynamic range of 96dB.

    SACD has a dynamic range of 120dB.

    Nothing wrong with correctly mastered vinyl, but CD is a step better and SACD/hi-rez (24/96 or better) is the best of all.”

    So it seems the main positive of Hi-Res is dynamic range. Although CD at ~96dB of dynamic range, is quite close to ~120dB of Hi-Res.

  • Anyone know if this can also be used as an external usb dac for a pc?

    • +1

      Yes it has that feature.
      https://www.fiio.com/newsinfo/139027.html
      Although it is a feature, if you plan on using it for that and only that permanently, maybe a proper USB DAC (Dragonfly etc) designed for long-term/permanent use would have better longevity.

  • How does it compare to Shanling M0:
    https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B07CBM8LFT
    $162

    • If it’s anything similar to the M1, here is a video including the M1, by the same person who’s video I linked in the post.

      I think the Shanling is quite a bit smaller than the FiiO M6, so more compact design with compromises would be my guess. Also FiiO seems to be quite popular as they have established themselves as a dependable Chinese audio brand.

  • Has anyone receive the package yet? Mine is late, really late. About to send em msg now.

    • If it’s bought from eBay you should have an update emailed to you when it is shipped.
      If you have an account you can login>purchase history and track package (sometimes just search ‘eBay track package’ on google and it will link you straight to the tracking page).

      If it hasn’t been shipped within a few days of buying you should always contact them to see what’s going on.

      • No tracking at all. There were no stock at all with em & gave excuses that the product is in manufacturing, due to popularity.

        Seller never bothers to updated me, I am the one who chases em for answers. First they'd promised me for a shipment this week, then now they said it would be next week.

        I'd purchase from their local site before with no prob. Their ebay shop service is total shiet however. I'm very close to neg em to oblivion.

        • You should understand this deal was unexpectedly popular when I posted it.
          So there may have been a wave of orders at one point.
          I don’t know your actual situation, but it the delivery is after the estimated date (you can check now it says 29-30 April, so 10 days) you are within your right to leave negative feedback.

          • @thebadmachine: My order is showing 3rd April, so its half a month late.

            This feels like PC byte. At beginning they are good then it went downhills…

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