Features
- Desktop mode
- AKM AK4191EQ+AK4499EX combo
- 4-way fully balanced THX AAA 78+ amp
- 1000mW+1000mW high power
- 4-stage 20-rail power supply
- Dual-mode fast charging
- Dual Type-C ports
AKM flagship DAC combo AK4191EQ+AK4499EX
Like the Q15 and K9 AKM, the M23 utilizes the flagship AKM DAC combo —— the AK4191EQ+AK4499EX. It is a new design that totally separates the digital and analog portions and also features the “DWA ROUTING Technology” to further improve the signal-to-noise ratio. These technologies allow for a purer audio background and for higher resolution audio – resulting in a relaxed yet natural sound.
Patented desktop mode, activated with one click
For the first time on FIIO players, the M23 features a switch specifically to toggle desktop mode (D.MODE). When desktop mode is activated, the M23 is completely powered by an external power source. The built-in battery will neither be charged nor discharged, which ensures the M23 can be used as desktop equipment without fear of damaging the battery.
Independent Type-C power port, unlimited power
On the M23 are two USB Type-C ports, one of which is dedicated to accepting power only (POWER IN). When this dedicated power Type-C port is connected to fast charging, the Super High Gain Mode can be activated for more gain and more output power. In this mode, the output power can reach up to 1000mW+1000mW per channel, making the M23 better suited for pushing high impedance headphones. While in this mode, the other Type-C port does not consume any power and thus makes it suitable to connect the M23 to a phone for use as a USB DAC.
USB 3.0 fast charging protocols: QC2.0/QC3.0/PD2.0; POWER IN fast charging protocols: PD2.0/PD3.0
M23: 1000mW@32Ω, 240mW@300Ω (super high gain)
M23: 475mW@32Ω, 55mW@300Ω (high gain)
All new THX AAA 78+ amp design, truly balanced 8-way parallel amplification
The THX AAA 78 headphone amplifiers as used in the M11 Plus and M11 Pro have been widely praised by audiophiles around the world. After several years of continuing to refine the design, we introduce the THX AAA 78+ amplifier architecture in the M23. It allows for greater power output with high fidelity, resulting in powerful sound reproduced with extreme accuracy.
High caliber HiFi audio architecture, 4 gain levels
In the M23 is a high caliber audio architecture consisting of DAC, I/V, LPF, voltage amplification, and parallel amplification stages. Responsible for handling the I/V and LPF stages are 2 low-noise and high-precision OPA1612 op-amps. The voltage amplification is taken care of by 2 low-noise and high-bandwidth OPA1662 op-amps. Together, these op-amps ensure audio signals are accurately played back at ample power outputs so that a huge variety of headphones and IEMs can work well with the player, which can be further better dialed in thanks to the four levels of gain.
High caliber HiFi components, flowing with quality
The I/V, LPF, THX amp parts of the audio circuit utilize a large number of high-precision film capacitors. The LPF section specifically employs 8 Panasonic film capacitors. Together, the capacitors ensure a highly detailed and also highly stable sound, as they help to make the left and right channels output as well as output of each frequency band more consistent.
4-stage 20-rail power supply, for accurate and consistent sound
FIIO’s great experience in designing portable HiFi audio player power supplies is in full show on the M23. With a four-stage and 20-smaller rail power supply, the M23 is fully equipped with a robust power supply that provides a solid foundation for both the analog and digital portions of the audio circuit.
Independent digital and analog power supplies
Having independent digital and analog power supplies offers the best of both worlds – digital audio is handled more accurately while analog audio remains pure for an overall better sound.
Analog audio power supply
The analog audio power supply not only has separate rails for the DAC, small signal amplification and large amplification parts, but also employs four stages of power processing – OVP, adaptive voltage stabilization, high-efficiency voltage boosting, π filtering, and LDOO voltage stabilization. All in all, this means that the portable M23 has a power supply design comparable to those of desktop equipment.
Digital audio power supply
28 high-capacity polymer tantalum capacitors
Among the M23’s DAC, I/V, LPF, and THX amp power sections are 28 high-capacity polymer tantalum capacitors that store large reserves of energy to be unleashed when needed – to ensure a robust power supply and ultimately powerful sound.
Primary analog power supply: 4 KEMET low ESR high ripple suppression polymer tantalum capacitors
THX power supply: 12 KEMET low ESR high ripple suppression polymer tantalum capacitors
DAC power supply: 6 KEMET low ESR high ripple suppression polymer tantalum capacitors
I/V and LPF power supplies: 6 AVX low ESR high ripple suppression polymer tantalum capacitors
Dual-mode fast charging, safe 30W charging
The M23 employs a dual-mode fast-charging system that utilizes extreme fast-charging + normal fast charging. At a lower battery state of charge, extreme fast-charging is used to safely allow for up to 30W charging speeds. When the battery gets close to a full state of charge, the M23 switches to slightly slower normal fast-charging, which allows for greatly improved charging times while still maintaining battery health.
Figures based on tests done in FIIO labs. Actual charging times will vary depending on the environment and conditions.
Large 5500mAh battery, durability incarnate
Specially selected low-resistance fast-charging batteries that employ high-temperature resistant material are paired with technologies such as a low resistance MOS protection board to ensure the batteries will last a long time.
5500mAh
Battery related indicators
Single-ended battery runtime: 10.5h
Balanced battery runtime: 9h
Data based on results from testing in FIIO labs. Actual results will vary due to different environments and usage conditions.
Battery capacity: 5500mAh
Fast charging power: 30W
Charging for one hour ->80% battery level, 8.5 hours of music playback
Charging for 35 minutes -> 50% battery
DAPS Digital Audio Purification System, global original sampling rate output Bit perfect
The DAPS (Digital Audio Purification System) as featured on the M23 consists of both the FIIO-developed HiFi audio core that bypasses the original Android version plus a low-jitter clock co-processor. Together, the system not only provides a unified high-precision, low-jitter clock source but also ensures that the original sampling rate of the audio stream (both PCM and DSD) is preserved no matter if you are using FIIO Music, third-party apps, USB DAC mode, etc. By avoiding audio resampling, you can be sure the audio is that much closer to its original intent.
Global PEQ, global ALL TO DSD
The 10-band PEQ with FIIO’s proprietary tuning algorithm can be used in any operating mode. Through an intuitive interface users can adjust the EQ’s frequency points, gain, bandwidth, and Q value- allowing users to fine tune or even correct the headphone’s frequency response curve exactly to their taste. Additionally, users can activate the ALL TO DSD function in any operating mode, allowing them to more easily experience the beauty of audio in different formats.
6 operating modes, 6 smooth experiences
On the M23 you can use six different operating modes: Roon Ready**, Android, Pure Music, Bluetooth, and AirPlay – all of which you can switch between quickly letting you enjoy your music the way you want. But its powerful abilities don’t stop there – the M23 can also stream music over DLNA by retrieving music from NAS, local networks, and cloud servers through UPNP/SMB/WebDav.
*Roon Ready certification is currently in progress. Please stay tuned for further official updates from FIIO.
What's in the box
- Screen protective film*1 (pre-installed)
- protective case*1
- USB data cable*1
- warranty card*1
- quick start guide*1
- tray eject pin*1
The aluminum alloy version comes with a water-resistant case, while the stainless steel version comes with a leather case.