The new M15S, from portable audio specialist FiiO, doesn’t know whether it’s coming or going. It can be used as a pocketable Digital Audio Player or desktop Hi-Fi device. If you’ve been looking to update your home Hi-Fi, without sacrificing performance, this desirable DAP could be the way to go.
It’s certainly versatile and well specified. The M15S supports playback of audio files up to 384kHz/DSD256, and is MQA compliant, whether playing tracks from TIDAL or a local music library. Doing the heavy lifting are ES9038PRO DAC chips, in a left/right configuration, each using four D/A converters.
The player has a 5.5-inch multi-touch HD display, and onboard storage of 64GB. For those needing more space, the M15S has a micro SD card slot with support for up to 2TB cards.
Connections include 3.5mm single-ended and 2.5mm/4.4mm balanced headphone outputs, and both single-ended/balanced line-outs.
Here’s the cute bit: the M15S can transmit and receive audio across Bluetooth (aptX, aptX LL, aptX Adaptive, AAC and SBC), LDAC, and LHDC. This two-way connectivity means the M15S can receive music from a smartphone, PC or other device, and be used as a Bluetooth DAC/amplifier, while pairing with high quality Bluetooth headphones.
The M15S can transmit and receive audio across Bluetooth which means the M15S can receive music from a smartphone, PC or other device, and be used as a Bluetooth DAC/amplifier…
It also has dual band (2.4GHz/5GHz) Wi-Fi support, for Apple AirPlay, DLNA streaming and Roon Ready connectivity.
When in the dedicated desktop mode, the M15S operates without using the internal battery and is said to output 21 per cent more power as a result. This should ensure a wide range of headphones/IEMs are catered for; manual adjustments allow users to fine tune with five levels of gain.
When out and about, battery life is rated at 10.5 hours. The player utilises a Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 processor, and runs Android 10. A global SRC bypass allows streaming apps like TIDAL, Qobuz, Apple Music, and Deezer to be installed and run full lossless.
Available from April, the FiiO M15S is priced at £979 ($999).
Ruark Audio has unveiled the R710 Music Console and Talisman-R floorstanding speakers at this week’s Vienna High End Hi-Fi Show, marking a major launch for the British brand as it celebrates 40 years in audio. Finished in either Fused Walnut veneer or Satin Charcoal lacquer, both lean heavily into furniture-grade presentation and tactile operation, without…
This time out, The Luxe Review podcast lends an ear to the latest developments in personal audio. Join our AI hosts as they recap TLR’s recent headphone coverage, including a review of Sony’s new WH-1000X flagship cans, and a literal paint swatch of new colourways from JBL and Technics… Anne: The team has been covering…
Sony has lifted the curtain on a new generation of premium televisions, introducing the True RGB powered BRAVIA 9 II and BRAVIA 7 II screens in sizes that range from 50- to 115-inches. The sets usher in a new era of screen technology for the brand, using independently controlled red, green and blue LEDs to…
The Luxe Review 
The new M15S, from portable audio specialist FiiO, doesn’t know whether it’s coming or going. It can be used as a pocketable Digital Audio Player or desktop Hi-Fi device. If you’ve been looking to update your home Hi-Fi, without sacrificing performance, this desirable DAP could be the way to go.
It’s certainly versatile and well specified. The M15S supports playback of audio files up to 384kHz/DSD256, and is MQA compliant, whether playing tracks from TIDAL or a local music library. Doing the heavy lifting are ES9038PRO DAC chips, in a left/right configuration, each using four D/A converters.
The player has a 5.5-inch multi-touch HD display, and onboard storage of 64GB. For those needing more space, the M15S has a micro SD card slot with support for up to 2TB cards.
Connections include 3.5mm single-ended and 2.5mm/4.4mm balanced headphone outputs, and both single-ended/balanced line-outs.
Here’s the cute bit: the M15S can transmit and receive audio across Bluetooth (aptX, aptX LL, aptX Adaptive, AAC and SBC), LDAC, and LHDC. This two-way connectivity means the M15S can receive music from a smartphone, PC or other device, and be used as a Bluetooth DAC/amplifier, while pairing with high quality Bluetooth headphones.
It also has dual band (2.4GHz/5GHz) Wi-Fi support, for Apple AirPlay, DLNA streaming and Roon Ready connectivity.
When in the dedicated desktop mode, the M15S operates without using the internal battery and is said to output 21 per cent more power as a result. This should ensure a wide range of headphones/IEMs are catered for; manual adjustments allow users to fine tune with five levels of gain.
When out and about, battery life is rated at 10.5 hours. The player utilises a Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 processor, and runs Android 10. A global SRC bypass allows streaming apps like TIDAL, Qobuz, Apple Music, and Deezer to be installed and run full lossless.
Available from April, the FiiO M15S is priced at £979 ($999).
CD meets streaming: Ruark launches R710 Music Console and Talisman-R speakers
Ruark Audio has unveiled the R710 Music Console and Talisman-R floorstanding speakers at this week’s Vienna High End Hi-Fi Show, marking a major launch for the British brand as it celebrates 40 years in audio. Finished in either Fused Walnut veneer or Satin Charcoal lacquer, both lean heavily into furniture-grade presentation and tactile operation, without…
The Luxe Review Podcast: These new headphones are designed to turn heads
This time out, The Luxe Review podcast lends an ear to the latest developments in personal audio. Join our AI hosts as they recap TLR’s recent headphone coverage, including a review of Sony’s new WH-1000X flagship cans, and a literal paint swatch of new colourways from JBL and Technics… Anne: The team has been covering…
First look: Sony BRAVIA 9 II and 7 II TVs wow with next-generation picture technology
Sony has lifted the curtain on a new generation of premium televisions, introducing the True RGB powered BRAVIA 9 II and BRAVIA 7 II screens in sizes that range from 50- to 115-inches. The sets usher in a new era of screen technology for the brand, using independently controlled red, green and blue LEDs to…
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