The FiiO M11 Pro is a self-contained dynamo. Top quality DAC. THX amplification stage. Highly musical presentation of quality sound files. Able to reach low and sparkle on top. Not as clinical and dry as an iBasso or as tame as some of FiiO’s previous generation DAPs. A step up sonically from the M11 that shortly preceded it. But I would say the HiBy R6 Pro demonstrates a bit more bloom and weight especially with jazz, orchestral and even some deeply layered R&B tracks.
Devoid of a side-by-side comparison the FiiO M11 Pro cleanly exhibits the maturation of DAPs, being the perfect vehicle for Hi-Res audio sources. Combined with WiFi access, Bluetooth 4.2, aptX HD and being able to serve as an external DAC for your PC, this thing covers all bases and does so while wrapped in a very sexy form factor.
The large screen makes everything easy on the eyes. FiiO’s music app is simply fantastic. And you can even download other players like Onkyo’s it HiBy’s without any interference from FiiO. Google Play Store is on board and ready to give access to tens of thousands of applications.
This is not a phone. Despite Android being in busted. But it is a high-end audiophile music player that easily competes with Cayin, Lotoo, Astell & Kern and other rich for the pocket esoteric brands. Having recently pitted the M11 Pro against the Lotoo PAW 6000, in a side by side comparison, the FiiO didn’t just hold its own, it clearly demonstrated why the $1200 asking price for the B-Stock Lotoo was simply not justifiable.
Pound for pound the FiiO M11 Pro is arguably the most competent, reliable, serviceable and sonically pleasing DAP currently on the market in the sub-seven hundred dollar price category. It drives IEMs with ease, and efficiently runs larger over-ear cans with impedance of up to 150 ohms without additional need for external amplifier help when in high gain.
The 4.4mm balanced output is noose free and really lets the THX amplifiers stir their stuff. Enough already. Buy it. You won’t be returning it. It’s a keeper!
