FiiO S15 Flagship Desktop Hi-Res Streamer & DAC
Master your music library with the ultimate digital hub. The FiiO S15 is a full-sized (430mm) desktop media center designed to be the heart of a high-end stereo system. Combining the versatility of Android 12 with audiophile-grade decoding, the S15 bridges the gap between massive local libraries, online streaming services, and your premium speaker system—all controlled via a stunning panoramic touchscreen.
Flagship Audio Architecture
AKM AK4191 + AK4499EX Separation Design
The S15 utilizes AKM’s legendary flagship digital-analog separation solution. By using the AK4191EQ for digital filtering and the AK4499EX for analog conversion, the S15 achieves an incredibly low noise floor and a pure, natural sound signature that breathes life into every recording.
Full-Size Desktop Power
Unlike compact units, the S15 features a standard 430mm wide chassis to stack perfectly with traditional Hi-Fi power amplifiers. Inside, a custom 35W low-noise linear power supply ensures that the analog circuits receive clean, stable energy, providing a deep, black background for your music.
A Modern Media Center Experience
7.84-Inch Landscape Touchscreen
Navigate your music like never before. The S15 is equipped with a massive 7.84-inch automotive-grade LCD screen. Whether you are browsing Tidal, managing your Roon library, or adjusting DSP settings, the ultra-wide interface offers an immersive and intuitive user experience.
Massive Storage Expansion (M.2 SSD)
Stop relying on slow NAS drives or external USBs. The S15 features an internal M.2 SSD slot (supports up to 2TB) along with a MicroSD card slot. This allows you to store terabytes of DSD and FLAC files directly on the device for instant, lag-free local playback.
Comprehensive Connectivity
HDMI ARC & Total I/O
Integrate your Hi-Fi system with your living room TV. The S15 supports HDMI ARC, allowing you to decode TV audio with audiophile precision. It also features a full suite of inputs including USB, Optical, Coaxial, and AES, plus professional XLR and RCA outputs (switchable between Line-Out and Pre-Out modes).
Top-Tier Wireless Specs
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 processor, the S15 handles high-bitrate streaming effortlessly. It supports dual-band Wi-Fi and advanced Bluetooth reception/transmission, ensuring high-resolution wireless audio via LDAC and aptX HD.
Technical Specifications (Official)
Feature
Detailed Specification
DAC Chipset
AKM AK4191EQ + AK4499EX
SoC (Processor)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 (4GB RAM)
Display
7.84-inch IPS Touchscreen (400 x 1280)
OS
Android 12 (Landscape Optimized)
Internal Storage
64GB (System) + M.2 SSD Slot (User Expansion)
Digital Inputs
USB-B, USB-C, Optical, Coaxial, AES, HDMI, HDMI ARC
Analog Outputs
XLR Balanced, RCA Single-Ended
Output Level (Pre)
XLR: 8.9Vrms
Dimensions
430 x 274.5 x 89.5 mm (Standard Hi-Fi Width)
Weight
Approx. 5.6kg
Why Choose the FiiO S15?
Component-Level Build: The heavy 5.6kg chassis with anti-vibration feet isolates the sensitive electronics from external resonance.
Dual Power Mode: While it has a built-in linear power supply, it still retains the option for DC input upgrade, giving tweakers room to experiment.
True Pre-Amp Function: With high-voltage output capabilities (up to 8.9Vrms via XLR), the S15 can drive professional power amplifiers directly, bypassing the need for a separate preamp.
Global Streaming: Comes with the Google Play Store (region dependent/firmware supported), allowing you to install Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, and Qobuz natively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plug headphones directly into the S15?
No. The FiiO S15 is a dedicated Streamer/DAC/Pre-amp. It does not have a built-in headphone amplifier or headphone jacks. To use headphones, you must connect a dedicated headphone amplifier (like the FiiO K9 or K19) to the S15's line-out ports.
Does it support video playback?
While the screen is capable and the Android system supports video apps, the unique 400x1280 "bar" aspect ratio is optimized for album art and audio controls, not for watching movies.
Is it Roon Ready?
Yes, the S15 is designed to function as a certified Roon Ready endpoint, allowing for seamless integration into your Roon network ecosystem.
Detailed Specification Comparison
Feature
FiiO S15 (Desktop Streamer)
FiiO K19 (Flagship DAC/Amp)
Primary Role
Digital Source / Pre-amp
DAC / Headphone Amplifier
Headphone Output
NONE (No headphone jacks)
YES (6.35mm / 4.4mm / XLR-4)
Output Power
Line-Out Only (Pre-amp voltage)
8000mW + 8000mW (Huge Power)
Operating System
Android 12 (Install Apps)
Proprietary OS (No App installation)
Screen
7.84" Touchscreen (Landscape)
1.3" Status Display
Local Storage
M.2 SSD Slot + MicroSD Slot
None
DAC Chipset
AKM AK4191 + AK4499EX
Dual ESS ES9039MSPRO
Processor
Snapdragon 660 (for Android)
ADI DSP + ARM (for Audio/PEQ)
Best For
Speaker Systems, NAS Playback
Hard-to-Drive Headphones, PC Audio
Deep Dive: The Core Differences
1. The "Brain" vs. The "Muscle"
FiiO S15 is the "Brain" (Audio Source): It replaces your computer. It runs Android, has Wi-Fi, stores terabytes of music on an M.2 SSD, and lets you browse album art on a beautiful wide screen. It prepares the audio signal but does not amplify it for headphones.
FiiO K19 is the "Muscle" (Decoder & Power): It takes the digital signal (from a PC, TV, or S15) and amplifies it with incredible force (8000mW).1 It doesn't store music or run Spotify apps natively; it needs a source to feed it data.
2. Sound Signature (AKM vs. ESS)
S15 (Velvet Sound): Utilizes the AKM AK4499EX flagship separation solution. The sound tends to be more natural, organic, and vocal-forward ("Velvet Sound"), creating a relaxed and immersive atmosphere.
K19 (Precision Sound): Utilizes dual ESS ES9039MSPRO chips. The sound is characterized by extreme precision, speed, and analytical detail. It offers a massive dynamic range, perfect for critical listening.
3. Usage Scenarios
Scenario A: Living Room Hi-Fi
Best Choice: FiiO S15.
Connect the S15 to your active speakers (like Genelec or FiiO SP3) or a power amplifier. Use the touchscreen to select music from your local server or Tidal. Use the S15 as a pre-amp to control volume.
Scenario B: Desktop Headphone Station
Best Choice: FiiO K19.
Connect the K19 to your PC via USB. Plug in your difficult-to-drive planar magnetic headphones (like Hifiman Susvara or FiiO FT5). Use the 31-band PEQ to fine-tune the sound to your preference.
Scenario C: The "End-Game" Stack
Best Choice: S15 + K19.
Use the S15 as the digital transport (Source) -> Connect via USB or Coaxial to the K19 (DAC/Amp) -> Drive your headphones. This combination gives you the beautiful interface of the S15 with the raw power of the K19.
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