Great video! I run my Android Z fold 4 into the burmeister 3D sound system in my Mercedes. To my ears, it already sounds absolutely incredible, but I'm happy to spend more to optimize the sound. Do you think using this DAP (or any high quality DAP for that matter) in lieu of my phone would make a significant difference?
I have morel speakers so I think this will match up perfectly. I’ll use your link 👍 I’m surprised you don’t have more subscribers as nobody is doing what you’re doing! Love the content, keep it up
Yes, the morels will be a good fit for this DAP! Thank You and much appreciated…I’m just a small channel and for now just doing it here and there as I was already testing things before I started posting videos.
Hi Dave, good to see you my friend. Thanks for an outstanding and very detailed review as always. Yes as for the brightness of the M11s, it is similar to the M11ess which also highlights the bright sound. I don't like it either but we all have different tastes where people prefer a brighter sound, on the other hand there is always an option to pair the brightness with natural sounding speakers like you mentioned Morel or Dynaduo. These speakers I would say sound darker and that can complement the brighter character. Your review is surely helping caraudio fans to justify which daps suit one's taste. Thanks again for an instructive points of views. 🙏🙏🙏
I never got to hear the FiiO M11 Plus ESS, but I did hear it was a little bright as well. I know from responding to people in my comment section that the majority preferred the FiiO M11 Plus LTD over the ESS. I’m surprised that FiiO didn’t tame the highs on the ESS versions of the Plus and 11s. I’m hoping FiiO goes back to the AK DAC’s in the future.
Dave, Yes! it is true, our dealer tested M11ess and the sound was not appreciated because it was a bit brighter, poor recording was a pain to the ears but the brightness is also very appreciated by many, Fiio M11 LTD is the most favorite dap in EMMA but most Competitors would love to own M17 , unfortunately the wallet doesn't allow it. I'm also surprised Fiio didn't fix M11 Ess's naturalness. The AKM factory is in production and the Astell & kern 3000 has its first AKM chip. Hopefully 2023 Fiio will return to its roots soon. Thanks for always great reviews my friend.
@@high16200está característica "brilhante" não pode ser contornada? se sim como? por meio de equalizador? this "brilliant" feature cannot be bypassed? if yes how? through equalizer?
They have a similar sound signature but I would say the FiiO M11s is a tad bit brighter on the highs than the BTR7. I preferred the sound signature of the old M11 over both when using the coaxial digital output of the M11.
Hey Dave, me again :) I have alot of questions, hope you dont mind me asking: 1. M11 Plus ESS - will MQA play via COAX on this device do you think? 2. on your M11s - If you play Tidal will the MQA on Tidal MQA play via Coax too? I ask because you were playing from the Fiio app 3. Is there anyway to connect via android auto but force the M11 to output via COAX? 4. If the M11s is playing MQA via COAX, where is the decoding happening? We know that the Helix DSP cannot decode MQA, so is it being decoded on the M11s and a PCM signal being sent to the Helix which then gets processed by the Helix DACs? 5. With your Helix - do you have a different tune per input source? So for me so far, i have a different tune for factory head unit vs HEC BT card. I am setting up analog and COAX next week and my tuner will be tuning each input separately. I'm told each device and signal path has a different spectral balance and therefore needs separate tune. If this is the case, how can we compare the quality across different source paths?
Question 1. I never tested the FiiO M11 Plus ESS, I had the LTD and all FiiO DAP’s should play MQA out of the Coaxial Digital output as like I said in this video I already confirmed this with MQA and FiiO had confirmed via email that they will be working on the fix for the M17. 2. Yes 3. No 4. Yes, MQA signals can go through coax, both MQA Core decoded and MQA bitstream. This is a common connection in MQA streamers and DACs as well a CD players and MQA DACs. 5. I have 3 presets on my Helix DSP Ultra. I actually set my analog gains on my Helix DSP Ultra a while ago when I received the FiiO M11s and then redid them for my M17. Yes, you should have a tune for each source you’re using if you want to get the maximum sound quality out of each device. That being said good luck on that one as most people can’t even give you one decent tune let along multiple tunes for each source. I still use my main tune that I competed with over my other two tunes as it just sounds a lot better. My main tune was done via the PAC Audio Amp Pro’s Optical Toslink into my Helix DSP Ultra. My second tune was done with my FiiO M17 via coaxial digital out. It sounds good but it was the first time Chris has tuned a vehicle with an M17 via coaxial digital so he told me to come back and he will make some adjustments. I got busy and they’re always booked up 2-3 months so I’ll go back there next year as I’m also going to buy their mic and do some tunes myself. My third tune was the original tune which I just kept for the sake of keeping it so I can show people the difference between a system that’s not tuned correctly to a system that’s tuned correctly.
@@CarAudioHorizons you're a legend for answering all this man. I will let you know how I go next week with my multi-tune adventure. I'm pretty happy so far, but I feel like I'm asking alot of my guy to tune up so many inputs 🤣. Probably bores him to death..but I'm a bit like you and just want the options to hear the differences between connection types. Its quite funny my tunes so far, run a differential rear fill, but the kids are now complaining they can't hear anything in the back seat 🤣. So I need another tune that let's me run stereo in the rear.. It's never ending lol
@@CarAudioHorizons its nothing special to be honest. I made several mistakes along the way and there's no custom fabrication either. I'm just now getting the source right and making the most of it. What are you running through out your system?
@@CarAudioHorizons OK final tune all done and all i can say is you were right, on digital COAX - holy f%^* - The instrument separation, the clarity, low floor noise, the headroom...i dont even have words for how to describe how good it is. It plays hard and doesn't struggle like some of the other source paths, its absolutely magical. one small problem, my coax cable is too short! Don't spose you know where i can buy a long version of the Fiio adapter cable do you? lol
Thank you for the review...Im a sub of your channel and enjoy your content, it looks like you have an awesome set up. I have a question if you can help me please. I have a new 2023 C8 corvette and just picked up a AK SP 3000 and a silver dragon cable from Moon Audio and running it line out from my AUX in my Vette. Do you have any recomendations for the the best sound I can get without hooking up a DSP. The car is new and comes with the premium BOSE stock system. I will want to upgrade my audio system at a later date but for now what are the pros and cons of running my AK SP3000 without a DSP?
Well you have one of the best DAP’s if not the best DAP on the market. Astell & Kern finally made their software up to par with their sound quality which has been well over due. You can’t really do much with a stock system other than use the auxiliary input. I don’t think your vehicle has anything like an Amp Pro or Zen piece at the moment to add aftermarket amps and speakers. I would call Larry or Chris at Mobile Solutions and see if they have did anything with your vehicle as they’re always doing hi end sports cars pretty much every day. If you can I would probably go with the new Helix P Six Ultimate or one of the other all in one Helix DSP/AMP’s depending on how much space you have and how many channels you need. Then at a later date you could always add speakers and subs. Just make sure that whichever DSP/AMP you get you can run 2 channels input on it for your Astell & Kern SP3000 as your going to want to run that analog for sure.
@@CarAudioHorizons Thank you Dave I will give them a call. The C8 Vette is a new platform so yeah not to many mods have been done to it., I hope to do it in the new future.
I currently have an alpine cda9886 HU and im planning to get a m11s to use in congruence with a dsp ultra. Would you recommend bypassing it he head unit all together or not? I remember you saying the more DACs the better but I just wanted to get your opinion.
Depending on what DAP you go with, you would want to go directly into the Helix DSP Ultra. I also never said the more DAC’s the better. I said it’s not a big deal if you’re using multiple DAC’s as in if it’s a high end DAP like a FiiO M17 and your going analog directly into the DSP if it sounds better then go for it. If coaxial digital sounds better than do that. Usually most people with a DAP will just go coaxial digital directly to the DSP if it’s available, as some DAP’s don’t have coaxial digital outputs, and some DSP’s don’t have that for an input. I always say do both and see which one you like better.
@@CarAudioHorizons thanks. Which one sound the best ? 3.5 or 4.4 ? Also if you don’t mind can you send me purchase link ? Also can you tell me more about the fiio coaxial adapter ? I didn’t find anything online
With a mid priced DAP go Coaxial Digital. Once you get into the Flagship DAP’s go Analog out, but coaxial Digital sounds great to, at least with the FiiO M17
@@SachinGupta-mb3pz The only time I did was with the FiiO M17 in it’s Enhanced mode and the music muted. I had it plugged in to an outlet and when I paused the music you could hear a buzz. I just didn’t pause the music when I used Enhanced Mode, I would mute it with the Helix Director.
No, I bought a couple of the FiiO coaxial digital adapters off of AliExpress just to have around my house and just use them with my Audioquest coaxial digital audio cables. It seems more and more products are coming out that do coaxial digital out but don’t give you the adapter.
No the M11s is the worst DAP they have made to date. It replaced the M11 which sounded a lot better. I would wait to see if FiiO redeems themselves this year.
I would just go with a an SMSL PO100 Pro and use a phone on tablet with it and go optical into your DSP. There have been a few DAP’s over the years that had optical output but I haven’t seen anything new with it.
I never got to hear the FiiO M11 Plus ESS so I can’t say. I had the M11 Plus LTD and it was worth it to spend the extra money to buy that over the M11s unless you prefer a brighter sound signature.
![ปฏิเสธไม่ไหว (Crush on you) - LIPTA feat. No One Else [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/NBw1jF342vw/mqdefault.jpg)
Great video! I run my Android Z fold 4 into the burmeister 3D sound system in my Mercedes. To my ears, it already sounds absolutely incredible, but I'm happy to spend more to optimize the sound. Do you think using this DAP (or any high quality DAP for that matter) in lieu of my phone would make a significant difference?
I have morel speakers so I think this will match up perfectly. I’ll use your link 👍 I’m surprised you don’t have more subscribers as nobody is doing what you’re doing! Love the content, keep it up
Yes, the morels will be a good fit for this DAP!
Thank You and much appreciated…I’m just a small channel and for now just doing it here and there as I was already testing things before I started posting videos.
Was waiting for you to review this. nice! Congrats on 2k plus subs man.
Thanks, I did a separate settings video for the M11s that should be up in the next day or two.
Hi Dave, good to see you my friend. Thanks for an outstanding and very detailed review as always. Yes as for the brightness of the M11s, it is similar to the M11ess which also highlights the bright sound. I don't like it either but we all have different tastes where people prefer a brighter sound, on the other hand there is always an option to pair the brightness with natural sounding speakers like you mentioned Morel or Dynaduo. These speakers I would say sound darker and that can complement the brighter character. Your review is surely helping caraudio fans to justify which daps suit one's taste. Thanks again for an instructive points of views. 🙏🙏🙏
I never got to hear the FiiO M11 Plus ESS, but I did hear it was a little bright as well. I know from responding to people in my comment section that the majority preferred the FiiO M11 Plus LTD over the ESS. I’m surprised that FiiO didn’t tame the highs on the ESS versions of the Plus and 11s.
I’m hoping FiiO goes back to the AK DAC’s in the future.
Dave, Yes! it is true, our dealer tested M11ess and the sound was not appreciated because it was a bit brighter, poor recording was a pain to the ears but the brightness is also very appreciated by many, Fiio M11 LTD is the most favorite dap in EMMA but most Competitors would love to own M17 , unfortunately the wallet doesn't allow it. I'm also surprised Fiio didn't fix M11 Ess's naturalness. The AKM factory is in production and the Astell & kern 3000 has its first AKM chip. Hopefully 2023 Fiio will return to its roots soon. Thanks for always great reviews my friend.
But are these features capable of destroying the experience with the device?
I've never used a dedicated player, and today I bought an M11 PLUS ESS.
@@high16200está característica "brilhante" não pode ser contornada? se sim como? por meio de equalizador?
this "brilliant" feature cannot be bypassed? if yes how? through equalizer?
Dave.. Allow me to ask.. Any chance to compare the sound signature of Fiio M11s with Fiio Btr7? Thanks in advance!!...
They have a similar sound signature but I would say the FiiO M11s is a tad bit brighter on the highs than the BTR7. I preferred the sound signature of the old M11 over both when using the coaxial digital output of the M11.
Hey Dave, me again :)
I have alot of questions, hope you dont mind me asking:
1. M11 Plus ESS - will MQA play via COAX on this device do you think?
2. on your M11s - If you play Tidal will the MQA on Tidal MQA play via Coax too? I ask because you were playing from the Fiio app
3. Is there anyway to connect via android auto but force the M11 to output via COAX?
4. If the M11s is playing MQA via COAX, where is the decoding happening? We know that the Helix DSP cannot decode MQA, so is it being decoded on the M11s and a PCM signal being sent to the Helix which then gets processed by the Helix DACs?
5. With your Helix - do you have a different tune per input source? So for me so far, i have a different tune for factory head unit vs HEC BT card. I am setting up analog and COAX next week and my tuner will be tuning each input separately. I'm told each device and signal path has a different spectral balance and therefore needs separate tune.
If this is the case, how can we compare the quality across different source paths?
Question 1. I never tested the FiiO M11 Plus ESS, I had the LTD and all FiiO DAP’s should play MQA out of the Coaxial Digital output as like I said in this video I already confirmed this with MQA and FiiO had confirmed via email that they will be working on the fix for the M17.
2. Yes
3. No
4. Yes, MQA signals can go through coax, both MQA Core decoded and MQA bitstream. This is a common connection in MQA streamers and DACs as well a CD players and MQA DACs.
5. I have 3 presets on my Helix DSP Ultra.
I actually set my analog gains on my Helix DSP Ultra a while ago when I received the FiiO M11s and then redid them for my M17.
Yes, you should have a tune for each source you’re using if you want to get the maximum sound quality out of each device. That being said good luck on that one as most people can’t even give you one decent tune let along multiple tunes for each source.
I still use my main tune that I competed with over my other two tunes as it just sounds a lot better.
My main tune was done via the PAC Audio Amp Pro’s Optical Toslink into my Helix DSP Ultra.
My second tune was done with my FiiO M17 via coaxial digital out. It sounds good but it was the first time Chris has tuned a vehicle with an M17 via coaxial digital so he told me to come back and he will make some adjustments. I got busy and they’re always booked up 2-3 months so I’ll go back there next year as I’m also going to buy their mic and do some tunes myself.
My third tune was the original tune which I just kept for the sake of keeping it so I can show people the difference between a system that’s not tuned correctly to a system that’s tuned correctly.
@@CarAudioHorizons you're a legend for answering all this man.
I will let you know how I go next week with my multi-tune adventure. I'm pretty happy so far, but I feel like I'm asking alot of my guy to tune up so many inputs 🤣. Probably bores him to death..but I'm a bit like you and just want the options to hear the differences between connection types.
Its quite funny my tunes so far, run a differential rear fill, but the kids are now complaining they can't hear anything in the back seat 🤣. So I need another tune that let's me run stereo in the rear.. It's never ending lol
@@soopamarcus1 Yes, let me know how it ends up. You should do some videos of your system 👍
@@CarAudioHorizons its nothing special to be honest. I made several mistakes along the way and there's no custom fabrication either. I'm just now getting the source right and making the most of it.
What are you running through out your system?
@@CarAudioHorizons OK final tune all done and all i can say is you were right, on digital COAX - holy f%^* -
The instrument separation, the clarity, low floor noise, the headroom...i dont even have words for how to describe how good it is.
It plays hard and doesn't struggle like some of the other source paths, its absolutely magical.
one small problem, my coax cable is too short! Don't spose you know where i can buy a long version of the Fiio adapter cable do you? lol
Thank you for the review...Im a sub of your channel and enjoy your content, it looks like you have an awesome set up. I have a question if you can help me please. I have a new 2023 C8 corvette and just picked up a AK SP 3000 and a silver dragon cable from Moon Audio and running it line out from my AUX in my Vette. Do you have any recomendations for the the best sound I can get without hooking up a DSP. The car is new and comes with the premium BOSE stock system. I will want to upgrade my audio system at a later date but for now what are the pros and cons of running my AK SP3000 without a DSP?
Well you have one of the best DAP’s if not the best DAP on the market. Astell & Kern finally made their software up to par with their sound quality which has been well over due.
You can’t really do much with a stock system other than use the auxiliary input.
I don’t think your vehicle has anything like an Amp Pro or Zen piece at the moment to add aftermarket amps and speakers.
I would call Larry or Chris at Mobile Solutions and see if they have did anything with your vehicle as they’re always doing hi end sports cars pretty much every day.
If you can I would probably go with the new Helix P Six Ultimate or one of the other all in one Helix DSP/AMP’s depending on how much space you have and how many channels you need. Then at a later date you could always add speakers and subs. Just make sure that whichever DSP/AMP you get you can run 2 channels input on it for your Astell & Kern SP3000 as your going to want to run that analog for sure.
@@CarAudioHorizons Thank you Dave I will give them a call. The C8 Vette is a new platform so yeah not to many mods have been done to it., I hope to do it in the new future.
What coaxial digital cable do you use?
@@Jt19702 I have the links in my other reviews, check out the Fiio M17 review as it will have them on there.
I currently have an alpine cda9886 HU and im planning to get a m11s to use in congruence with a dsp ultra. Would you recommend bypassing it he head unit all together or not? I remember you saying the more DACs the better but I just wanted to get your opinion.
Depending on what DAP you go with, you would want to go directly into the Helix DSP Ultra.
I also never said the more DAC’s the better.
I said it’s not a big deal if you’re using multiple DAC’s as in if it’s a high end DAP like a FiiO M17 and your going analog directly into the DSP if it sounds better then go for it. If coaxial digital sounds better than do that.
Usually most people with a DAP will just go coaxial digital directly to the DSP if it’s available, as some DAP’s don’t have coaxial digital outputs, and some DSP’s don’t have that for an input. I always say do both and see which one you like better.
Hi, How you are connecting the m11 to DSP ? Which type of cable you’re using for connection?
I used a coaxial digital cable with the Fiio coaxial adapter. Then I also used a 3.5 to RCA’s cable and also a balanced 4.4 to twisted pair cables
@@CarAudioHorizons thanks. Which one sound the best ? 3.5 or 4.4 ? Also if you don’t mind can you send me purchase link ? Also can you tell me more about the fiio coaxial adapter ? I didn’t find anything online
@@johncyjoseph15 I liked the 4.4 just because it’s a tighter fit. Sound quality wise they’re similar
Hi Dave, wanted to check do coax out works better then analog out for DSP use in car?
With a mid priced DAP go Coaxial Digital. Once you get into the Flagship DAP’s go Analog out, but coaxial Digital sounds great to, at least with the FiiO M17
@@CarAudioHorizons thanks for ur reply. Do u have any distortion issue with analog? I usually have in analog.
@@SachinGupta-mb3pz The only time I did was with the FiiO M17 in it’s Enhanced mode and the music muted. I had it plugged in to an outlet and when I paused the music you could hear a buzz. I just didn’t pause the music when I used Enhanced Mode, I would mute it with the Helix Director.
Do you know who makes a good quality digital coax cable with a 3.5 mm on one end and the other in the RCA connector
No, I bought a couple of the FiiO coaxial digital adapters off of AliExpress just to have around my house and just use them with my Audioquest coaxial digital audio cables.
It seems more and more products are coming out that do coaxial digital out but don’t give you the adapter.
Would the bright sound of this work well with a wideband with no tweet?
No the M11s is the worst DAP they have made to date. It replaced the M11 which sounded a lot better. I would wait to see if FiiO redeems themselves this year.
I have a dsp.3 with optical in. I got it before the .3s with coax came out. Are there any dap's with optical out that you would reccomend?
I would just go with a an SMSL PO100 Pro and use a phone on tablet with it and go optical into your DSP. There have been a few DAP’s over the years that had optical output but I haven’t seen anything new with it.
The only input I have on my car is a cassette to 3.5mm adapter. It works with my phone and should work with the m11s, right?
Honestly If that is what you’re using now I would be looking to bypass that entire set up depending on what vehicle you have.
@@CarAudioHorizonsI have JLtwk88 dsp. What output do I need to buy
is the coax out via 3.5mm on the m11s the same as ‘true’ coax out on the m17 ?
If you watched this review then you know what I think of the coaxial digital output on the M11s.
How about AK KannMax ? With quad es, it should be sounds better or what
How is it compared to Fiio M11 plus ess?
Is spending more money for Fiio M11 plus worth?
I never got to hear the FiiO M11 Plus ESS so I can’t say. I had the M11 Plus LTD and it was worth it to spend the extra money to buy that over the M11s unless you prefer a brighter sound signature.
Coaxial 3.5 digital for the win on my m11 ess . usb digital wasnt as good
Yes, USB on pretty much everything I have tested seems to be inferior to optical and coaxial digital.
What cable are you using?
why does my when playing on bluetooth stutters? anyone know the fix?