Jeff Li/IBTimes US
For those who are paying attention, Chi-Fi is applying a consistent competitive edge in the audiophile industry. FiiO, being one of the leading players in this wave, has been taking advantage of this development by expanding its portfolio at an astonishing rate. In the last few months, the Guangzhou-based audio tech company has released its first desktop DAP – the R7, its first monitor-powered speakers – the SP3, and its first over-ear headphones – the FT3.
Thankfully, amidst the exciting new expansion, FiiO didn’t forget its origins and reintroduced its previous flagship DAP, the M15, as the M15S. However, there have been significant changes in the positioning of the M15S. It is no longer the flagship DAP, as that position has been taken over by the M17. Additionally, the M15S no longer features the usual dual-DAC chip found in FiiO’s premium DAPs, unlike the original M15 which boasted the highly sought-after dual AK4499EQ setup. Now, the question arises: How will the new M15S perform in real-life, and how does it compare now that it appears to be in the shadows of the M17? Let’s dive in to find out.
Jeff Li/IBTimes US
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The build of the FiiO M15S bears many similarities to the M15 DAP. It retains the popular all-metal hip flask design with curved sides, a large display, and a glass back. However, there are some notable changes in the M15S. The controls have been distributed to both sides of the device instead of being solely on the left side, which improves accessibility and makes it easier to navigate by touch alone. Furthermore, the buttons now have a convex profile, enhancing the ease of pressing them.