FiiO Unveils M27 Flagship Digital Audio Player With Qualcomm and ESS Technologies.
Portable hi-fi specialist FiiO has announced the M27, a new reference-class digital audio player set to launch in autumn 2025. The device, which the company positions as its flagship portable model, builds on earlier units such as the JM21, M21, and M23. According to FiiO, the M27 combines powerful computing hardware, advanced wireless connectivity, and high-end audio components in a compact chassis.
Hardware and Operating System
At the core of the M27 is Qualcomm’s QCS6490 platform, based on the Snapdragon 770G architecture. The system includes eight Kryo 670 CPU cores, an Adreno 642L GPU, and support for LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. FiiO states this combination allows for fast multitasking and stable playback of various audio formats. The player runs Android 13 with 8 GB of RAM, a specification similar to some current smartphones.
Wireless and Bluetooth Capabilities
The M27 also incorporates Qualcomm’s QCC5181 chipset, enabling support for the aptX Lossless codec, LE Audio, and Auracast. FiiO claims the device is among the first digital audio players to feature this technology, allowing users to experience what it describes as “reference-grade sound quality” over Bluetooth.
Audio Components and Amplification
To handle digital-to-analog conversion, the M27 uses dual ESS ES9039SPRO DACs. The company says this configuration allows for high dynamic range, detailed reproduction, and low distortion. In terms of amplification, the device delivers a rated output of 5,000 mW per channel in Ultra gain mode, which FiiO suggests puts it on par with desktop headphone amplifiers.
Connectivity and Storage
The M27 supports multiple headphone outputs, including 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm, and 3.5 mm connections. It also offers line-level and digital outputs for integration with home audio systems. For storage, the device includes 256 GB of internal memory and two microSD card slots, each supporting up to 2 TB, enabling users to carry large music libraries.
Battery and Power Management
Power is supplied by a 9,200 mAh battery. The player also features FiiO’s “Desktop Mode,” which is designed to optimize efficiency when docked. The company says this extends playback time for long listening sessions.
Design and Build
In terms of construction, the M27 is FiiO’s first device to use a titanium alloy chassis, paired with a glass fiber rear panel. The material choice is described by the manufacturer as offering both strength and refinement.
Additional Features
The player debuts FiiO’s “Digital Audio Purification System” (DAPS), which incorporates FPGA technology and dual femtosecond crystal oscillators. According to the company, this reduces jitter and improves timing accuracy. The M27 can also be configured via the FiiO Control app, which supports parametric equalizer adjustments.
FiiO has confirmed the M27 will launch globally in autumn 2025, with pricing details scheduled for release in September.