CONCLUSION

   We compared the latest M6 Portable High-Resolution Music Player by FiiO (updated to version 1.0.1) with the M7 (updated to version 1.0.5) and M3K (updated to version 1.2.1) models along with several smartphones (SONY XZ2, Samsung S7 EDGE, Huawei P9/P10, iPhone 6) and the results were actually pretty good. Surprisingly enough however (since both models share many components) ccompared to the M7 which offers accurate audio reproduction and very good balance between mids, highs and bass levels (thus producing clear/detailed results) the M6 falls back a bit since it seems to focus quite a bit more on mids rather than on highs and bass (still that may come down to personal preference but we do like the M7 more - worth pointing out is that the SONY XZ2 also scored high in our tests). The addition of WiFi helps a lot especially when it comes to how easy it is to perform firmware updates (although wireless connectivity isn't that fast to be honest) and I have to add that we were also a bit surprised to see that the volume of the M6 reached all the way up to 120 (the volume of the M7 goes up to 60) but in the end its volume levels are almost identical to that of the M7, only the increments increase. Size and controls of course also matter and the M6 is not only very compact but it also offers very easy to use controls (we do like the volume roller on the M7 more but its size makes it more difficult to carry around). FiiO also preloads the KKBOX app in the M6 but we really didn't end up using it for our tests (the M6 also supports installation of the following APK's: Spotify, Qobuz, Roon, Deezer, QQ Music, Xiami Music, JOOX, ES file manager, Bandcamp, Sony headphones, Himalaya, Amazon Music, Radio World, SoundCloud, TuneIn Radio). As for battery life although FiiO claims you can listen to music for well over 13 continuous hours we hardly went over 12 when the player turned off (still even 12 hours for such a small player is a great result).

   Currently the M6 Portable High Resolution Music Player by FiiO retails for USD149.99 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for around 159Euros inside the EU so its roughly 25% cheaper compared to the M7. Of course, if we had to choose between the M6 and the M7 based on audio performance and battery life we’d go for the M7 but the M6 has other extras including a more compact enclosure and WiFi connectivity. Long story short the M6 may not be quite as good as the M7 but it’s more affordable and still packs most of the features found in the M7 (and then some) which is why it deserves our Golden Award.

PROS

- Build Quality (Aluminum Housing)
- Audio Performance
- Compact Size
- LDAC & AptX HD Codecs
- 3.2 Inch Touch Screen
- WiFi & Bluetooth Connectivity
- 2GB Onboard Storage
- Supported Audio Formats (ISO/DFF/DSF/APE/WAV/FLAC/WMA/OGG/ACC/ALAC/MP3)
- 1200mAh Rechargeable Battery (Up To Over 13 Hours Of Playback)
- Supports Micro SD Cards Up To 2TB In Capacity
- Customized Android v7.0 OS

CONS

- Highs & Bass Levels (Compared To The M7)