Overview FiiO M7 player with the manners of a smartphone

In may this year, FiiO has pleased his fans a new audiophile player — in stock portable music players began . The main difference of the novelties is the new chip Samsung Exynos 7270 — thus the manufacturer has decided to bring the player to the platform of a smartphone (also Android installed, Yes). The player has just entered the Russian market, and the novelty has already appeared in our editorial about it today and we'll talk.

The Tiny chip Exynos 7270 no bigger than the nail and thus aggregates all the features of the system. Moreover, it is a dual-core ARM Cortex-A53 with an operating frequency of 1 GHz, so the chip integrated DRAM, eMMC, module Bluetooth, FM-radio and many more. And once a smartphone such a chip will be enough, than the player worse? That was exactly my thought in the FiiO and in a couple of Exynos added 7270 audiophile grade DAC built into the chip ES9018Q2C. Turned out the player with the makings of a smartphone, but with the appropriate level of sound (Hi-Res, DSD and others come to cheer).

As this shows itself in operation?

the

specifications

the

the
• Processor: ARM Cortex-A53 1 GHz, 2 cores
the
• OS: Android 7.0
the
• DAC: ES9018Q2C
the
• Bluetooth: V4.2 + AptX HD, LDAC
the
• Screen: 3,2″ 800×400, touch
the
• RAM: 2 GB
the
• ROM: 2 GB
the
• memory Card: MicroSD, up to 512 GB
the
• Battery: 40 days in standby mode
the
• Supported formats DSD: DSD64 (.dsf .dff Fast APE, Apple Lossless , FLAC, AIFF, WAV up to 192 kHz / 24 bit, WMA Lossless — up to 96kHz / 24-bit; DSD128
the
• Supported lossy formats:MP3, AAC, WMA, OGG

the

Packing and delivery

FiiO keep the brand and once again decided to do without unnecessary frills. No packaging, no boxes of wood, leather finishing and other stuff, which immediately increases the price tag of the device 2-3 times. Under the cover hides a minimalist white box with the logo of the manufacturer — simple and restrained. Traditional scratch-off stickers with code to check the device has not been.

In the box we found a USB-C cable for charging, and comfortable silicone case, designed to keep the player from external influences. By the way, the screen is already factory glued matte film — it should be noted very carefully.

The Case is simple but protects the player from all sides, access controls and the charging port is not broken. However, pleasant to the touch metal body and stylish design, the M7 is still forced to wear the player without any protection. Risky, but the beauty demands victims.

As for picking, it is not too rich, built on the principle "nothing in excess".

the

Design and control

Appearance M7 a matter of respect. Someone might notice the similarity of design with the same player Astell&Kern AK70 Mk II (and even rights), but this is not so important, because the cost of the FiiO players is much lower. So the fact that the Chinese managed to make the device of such level, on the contrary, makes you happy.

The Case is made from durable aluminium and due to the sharp edges perfectly fits in your hand. More specifically, he merges with it. The main control element acts as a touch screen that has a resolution of 800 x 400 — to the diagonal a little more than 3 inches it is very good. Screen expressive colors, has good color reproduction and good viewing angles. With readability of the sun is also all good, although the brightness, of course, have to wring the maximum.

Do Not forget to FiiO about the control buttons. Almost all buttons are located on the left side of the player. The unit consists of the volume wheel, two side buttons (used to navigate through tracks) and one to activate play/pause. On the right side additionally there was a place for a MicroSD slot.

Located on Top of the 3.5 mm ports for headphones and the power button with the function LEDs to indicate different operating modes of the player.

The Rear panel is devoid of any functional load — it is just smooth metal with the logo of the manufacturer. Due to the matte coating fingerprints practically does not collect.

Build Quality FiiO traditionally at the highest level, without the slightest flaws of the build, no squeaks, backlash or hints at hanging out.

Attached To all this and quality. In FiiO decided to use as the basis for one of the latest versions of Android, 7, which re-worked to audioid, removing all unnecessary. In the default IOS lacks Google services and Google Play, and restricted the installation of third-party applications.

The Main menu consists of six major divisions — "Music", "Radio", "Explorer", "Gallery", "Technical support" and "Settings". Control menu music is intuitive and clear — sort by artists and albums, playlists and so on. There are even some options on the sound settings like EQ, but it should rarely apply.

All management is quite reasonable and convenient, easy to understand and start using. The same settings resemble those of Android, but everything is done so that you first see a player, not a smartphone. Well, the sweet — USB with support of OTG and DSD128.

As for battery life, according to the manufacturer, the battery capacity should be enough for 20 hours of music playback or 40 days in standby mode. It can confirm, and thank you here is to say not so much battery capacity, as the Exynos chip, which is very economical in terms of battery life.

the

Sound

Listening To player used the time-tested Tehcnica MSR7 headphones Audio. In this model, the company decided to show their achievements, starting with improved 45 mm emitters and ending with a clever damping system and ventilation for optimum air flow.

A Good headset and the looks, and the materials they use is quite good, and features please:

the

the
• Beam: dynamic, 45 mm
the
• frequency Range: 5 Hz – 40 kHz
the
• Maximum input power 2 W
the
• Sensitivity: 100 dB/mW
the
• Impedance: 35Ω
the
• Weight: 290 g
the
• Cable: replacement, complete 3 m, 1.2 m, 1.2 with headset
the
• Plug: 3.5 mm
the
• Microphone: condenser, 50 Hz – 4000 Hz

Along with MSR7 player M7 pleased with excellent resolution and versatility. This couple gives audiophile sound, but it is understood it will be able to many. Bass pleases speed characteristics, MIDs good unconditionally, while the upper — detailed and clean. In the case of MSR7 is necessary to choose a well controlling the RF source, and M7 copes with this task.

Traditionally, some tracks as examples.

Thirty Seconds To Mars — "AMERICA". the new album the vocals of Jared Leto hasn't changed a bit, although it took a lot of time. One of the clearest evidence of this track Walk On Water, which is in first place in the list of songs from the album "AMERICA". Summer has an excellent command of voice, and the couple of excellent passes.

Felix Jaehn — Ain't Nobody. One of the most striking novelties of the last months, we definitely can call the long-awaited album of the German DJ and producer Felix yen. Two years ago, the dance world was captivated by the song "Ain't Nobody (Loves Me Better)" with the participation of singer Jasmine. And just try to say that you couldn't hear her!

DeadLock — Darkness Divine. Cheerful and energetic metal — always a good test for the player. Not to turn it into a sad lullaby, smoothing over all the emotions, but it does not burn out the brain of the listener sharp and bright sound can not all devices. M7 managed it.

the

Insights

FiiO was interesting and versatile player who will appreciate not only fans of the brand, but also ordinary listeners who seek to touch the audiophile sound. And the new chip was a great addition and increased the productivity of the player — no wonder this platform is used in smart watches Samsung Gear frontier Gear S3 and S3 classic. And the price is 16-17 thousand rubles was a great request on the market for M7.

Learn more about the FiiO M7

...