Sound performance
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For the purpose of this review, I used the same sets previously paired with the FiiO M6. The BGVP DMS, my Onyko IE-C3, and the Fearless S8F, for good measure. All files were played from a computer in USB DAC mode, the SD card and with my iPhone as Bluetooth source.
Overall signature
Let’s make it clear right off the batch, the FiiO M5 isn’t better than the M6.
If you expected to get the same level of performance, too bad, that won’t happen. Yes, the FiiO M6 was better than the M7, but it looks like that was the only time that would happen. On a side-to-side comparison, the M5 cannot offer the same level of resolution, heard on the M6.
That said, if you were to compare it to your smartphone, the FiiO M5 would make more sense. It’s powerful enough to drive most modern headphones, like the Meze 99 Classics, the Audeze LCD-1 and, evidently, IEMs like the BGVP or my Onkyo.
The soundstage is quite good, not impressive by any means, but on par with its competitor. You don’t get those amazing 3D effects, with ethereal voices coming from the back of your head. But, with the proper IEM, I was surprised to hear those small details, unheard with my phone and audible on the FiiO M11. It’s like a premium car, you get the feeling of a luxury car, but if you focus your attention, you’ll feel what’s missing.
Again, for a $99 player, there is a lot to love about in the FiiO M5. It decoded all my files with ease, and yes, on good recordings there is a plus going from 16bit playback, to 24bit playback. Plus, the more you listen to it, the more you like it in my opinion.
It’s never as lush as the FiiO M6, which remains my top choice in terms of low-price player, but it’s still a true audiophile player. It’s a bit too dry in my opinion, recalling me the first Astell&Kern players, which sounded too harsh in the higher range, and the slight bump around 8kHz and 2kHz tends to put the emphasizes on sibilants.
On the bright side, the bass is tight and whatever the equalizer you chose, it’s never muddy, or boomy. The BGVP DMS can be quite sensitive to the source, much more than your usual chi-fi IEM, and paired with the FiiO M5, I was a bit anxious. Thankfully, it sounded quite good.
Orchestral soundtracks lack the momentum heard on higher-tier DAP, and if the player gives quite an honorable performance, the FiiO M5 isn’t as potent as the M9 and M11. Fortunately for me, it works pretty well with hard-electro, my main genre. I tried Hold On from Devault and The Bloody Beetroots and the player never let me off.
Out of curiosity, I paired the FiiO M5 with a headphone amplifier – the FiiO Q5S – and found out the limit-factor to be the amp. Once properly driven, the M5 really shines and the narrow soundstage seems to widen, by a fair margin.
Again, don’t expect it to beat the FiiO M11, but you can easily reach the M9 level with a good amplifier. Yet, this would be missing the point: it’s a pocket player, made to be paired with IEMs on the go. And for that purpose, the sound is quite adequate.
Tonality
Highs : good but too dry. This is the Achille’s heel of the player in my opinion: bright, hard-hitting highs. Dampen them a little with proper equalization and you’ll get a much more enjoyable experience. Still, if you like bright highs, or still have an Etymotic IEM, this is the right DAP on the go.
Track : Blackmagic – José James
Mids : good layering and clean voices. Voices always been good with FiiO player, and the M5 is, again, no exception. Compared to my iPhone, the difference is quite obvious: better separation, more texture, and depth, not a long fight. It’s on par with the FiiO M6, the latter one enjoying better cohesion with the upper range.
Track : Clap your Hands – Leo Dessi
Lows : fast and tight. The bass isn’t invasive at any given moment. It’s even better than I expected, the M5 giving most headphones the right amount of punch, to deliver that powerful “toe-tapping” sensation. I’m mostly listening to electro tracks, and on a daily basis, the DAP didn’t disappoint.
Comparison
FiiO M6: the FiiO M6 cost a little bit more than the M5, but for a reason. It supports third-party app, so you can enjoy Spotify/Qobuz/Tidal/Amazon/Deezer online, or offline. Also, sound performance is superior, not by far, but that’s still audible. My main choice for a first player, up to this day, but if your budget is tight or don’t need streaming support, just take your time and listen to the M5 too.
Shanling M0: it’s nearly the same size, but not the same sound. The M0 is better on the upper range, but falls short on the lower end, with wobbly bass compared to the M5. That said, the M0 is also sexier in my opinion, even if the FiiO M5 gets my preference, UI wise.
iBasso DC01: not a player, but a cheap USB DAC that can be paired with your player. Resolution is superior on the DC01, with crisp sound over the whole spectrum. If you just want a USB-DAC for your daily basis, get one. But, the M5 cope up with microphone support and a more versatile usage overall.
Conclusion
The FiiO M5 is not a killer product, but it doesn’t intend to be one. No, it’s a cool, pocket-sized DAP that you can use every day for your commute and quick trips.
It’s a little swiss-knife, if not as potent as the FiiO M6, but it’s still much better than your smartphone output. Combined with my iPhone in Bluetooth, it gave me a pleasurable experience and the opportunity to answers my phone calls, without the hassle of switching back and forth from the DAP, to the phone.
Sound is good, even very good if you add a headphone amplifier. And, if you already own a TOTL DAC, you can even plug your FiiO M5 through the USB port, of with SPIF to enjoy it on the go, for just $99 and 38g.
All in all, not the best DAP out there, but one you’ll keep as a side source in a car, a pocket, or just for fun. At least, that’s what I did.
