FiiO M27 Portable High Resolution Music Player Reference-Class

The FiiO M27 is designed as a portable player aimed at audiophiles who want desktop-level performance in a transportable form. With its dual ESS ES9039SPRO DACs, the Qualcomm QCS6490 processor, and an amplification stage capable of delivering up to 5,000 mW per channel in balanced mode, it positions itself as a no-compromise high-fidelity source. Available in aluminum or titanium alloy finishes, it combines a robust construction with top-tier technical capabilities.

The digital-to-analog section employs two ES9039SPRO chips in a differential configuration to manage stereo channels, providing up to 130 dB of dynamic range and extremely low distortion. This setup ensures excellent channel separation and highly detailed playback, whether using high-resolution PCM (up to 768 kHz / 32-bit) or native DSD (up to DSD512).

At the core of its digital processing is FiiO’s proprietary DAPS system, based on a high-capacity FPGA paired with two RIVER femtosecond oscillators. Their purpose is to minimize jitter and deliver clock precision comparable to desktop units, resulting in a more stable and accurate soundstage.

USB audio relies on a 16-core XMOS XU316 processor. The device offers full MQA unfolding, universal PCM-to-DSD conversion via ALL TO DSD, and a 31-band parametric equalizer with system-wide Auto-EQ—a rare feature on Android-based players, applicable to all audio apps.

Amplification

The analog stage uses TI OPA2211 op-amps and NJU72315 volume controllers, enabling precise left-right channel balance adjustment (from L20 to R20 in 0.5 dB steps) and clean amplification.

Five gain levels are available, from Low up to Ultra High. When powered through the PD3.0-compatible POWER IN port, Ultra High Gain unlocks 5,000 mW per channel from the 4.4 mm balanced output (10,000 mW total), achieving performance comparable to desktop amplifiers. The 3.5 mm and 6.35 mm unbalanced outputs provide up to 2,650 mW at 16 ohms.

This output capability is supported by FiiO’s HYPER DRIVE architecture, which includes high-reserve power circuitry, ultra-low impedance pathways, copper heat-dissipation blocks, and low-loss relays. Six differential stages further help reduce crosstalk and maintain signal stability.

Operating system

The QCS6490 (derived from Snapdragon 770G) integrates eight Kryo 670 cores, an Adreno 642L GPU, LPDDR5 memory, and UFS 3.1 storage. Combined with 8 GB of RAM, it ensures a fast Android 13 experience, smooth multitasking, and stable handling of high-resolution audio.

Two main operating modes are available: full Android (with access to apps such as Tidal, Qobuz, Apple Music, Spotify) and Pure Music mode, which launches FiiO Music in a focused environment while leaving system services active in the background.

Storage

The device includes 256 GB of internal memory (about 241 GB usable) and two microSD slots supporting up to 2 TB each, for a total capacity of 4.25 TB. This allows users to carry extensive FLAC, DSD, or studio-master libraries without relying on cloud storage. UFS 3.1 ensures fast read speeds even with very large files.

Connectivity & Desktop Mode

The M27 offers three headphone outputs: 3.5 mm unbalanced, 6.35 mm unbalanced (rare on portable players), and 4.4 mm balanced. All can function as line-outs. Digital connectivity includes USB-C 3.0 for data/charging, a dedicated POWER IN port, USB-C Host, optical output, and a coaxial RCA port that supports both input and output.

The patented Desktop Mode optimizes power management when the device is connected to an external power supply. In this mode the battery is neither charged nor discharged (unless it drops below 15%), extending its lifespan and allowing the M27 to function as a genuine desktop-grade source.

Wireless

Bluetooth is handled by the Qualcomm QCC5181 chip, which introduces support for aptX Lossless, enabling lossless wireless transmission with compatible headphones. Bluetooth 5.4 reception includes SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Lossless, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, and LDAC; Bluetooth 5.2 transmission also includes LHDC. LE Audio and Auracast add multi-receiver streaming capabilities.

Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 / 5 GHz) enables DLNA, AirPlay, and network audio streaming.

Battery & charging

The 9,200 mAh battery provides around 9 hours of playback with unbalanced outputs and about 8 hours with the balanced output (tested with MP3 44.1 kHz / 16-bit, Super High gain, screen off, 32-ohm load). Actual endurance depends on file format, gain level, and headphone impedance.

The M27 supports fast charging (QC3.0, QC4.0, PD2.0, PD3.0 PPS). With a compatible charger, a full charge takes about 3 hours; the POWER IN port can draw up to 5 A from a PD3.0 charger.

Controls & interface

The 5.99-inch display (1080 × 2160 px) ensures responsive navigation. Physical controls include a power dial, an analog volume wheel, playback/navigation buttons, a programmable multifunction button, a HOLD lock switch, and the D.MODE toggle (Audio / Android) for quick mode switching. The combination of tactile buttons and touchscreen allows intuitive operation in any situation.

The M27 continues the concept introduced with the M17: a portable device with the performance of a desktop source. It follows the M21, M23, and JM21, improving processing power, digital conversion quality, output capability, and wireless technology (aptX Lossless, Auracast).

It stands as FiiO’s current flagship player, intended for users who want a single source capable of driving both sensitive IEMs and demanding planar headphones, suitable for home and on-the-go use.

Specifications:

Hardware

• CPU: Qualcomm Dragonwing 6490

• DAC: 2 × ESS ES9039SPRO

• USB DAC: XMOS XU316

• Clocks: 3 × FCXO-05E

• Bluetooth chip: QCC5181

Operating Modes
Android / Pure Music / AirPlay / USB DAC / BT Receiver / Coaxial

Display
5.99" 1080×2160

Storage
256 GB (241 GB usable) + dual microSD up to 4 TB
RAM: 8 GB

Connectivity
Wi-Fi 2.4/5 GHz, DLNA, AirPlay
BT TX (5.2): SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC, LHDC
BT RX (5.4): SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Lossless, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC

Ports
USB-C 3.0, USB-C Power In, USB-C Host
Headphones: 3.5 mm / 6.35 mm / 4.4 mm
Line: 3.5 mm / 6.35 mm / 4.4 mm
Optical, Coaxial (I/O)

Audio Features
MQA full decoding, ALL TO DSD, 31-band PEQ + Auto-EQ
PCM up to 768 kHz/32 bit, DSD512
Coaxial up to 384 kHz, Optical up to 192 kHz

Amplification (key data)
Single-ended 3.5/6.35 (Ultra High Gain):

• 2650 mW ×2 @ 16 Ω
  Balanced 4.4 (Ultra High Gain):

• 5000 mW ×2 @ 32 Ω
  THD+N as low as 0.00029% | SNR up to 126 dB

Battery
9200 mAh
Runtime: 9 h (SE), 8 h (balanced)
Fast charging QC3.0/QC4.0/PD3.0