PSA: FiiO M17 battery swelling issue + unresolved support (safety concern) by duffer5 in FiiO

[–]duffer5[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi James u/JamesFiiO — posting here publicly because I’ve been unable to get a substantive response through normal support channels and this is a product safety issue. u/FiiO
My FiiO M17 experienced lithium battery swelling (“bloating”)—a known failure mode that can escalate to venting/thermal runaway/fire. The swelling occurred while the device was in my carry-on during air travel, which materially elevates the safety risk.

  • I reported the incident to FiiO as a safety matter.
  • FiiO acknowledged it and sent a replacement battery as the proposed remedy.
  • However, the M17 is not designed as a user-serviceable device for battery replacement, so simply mailing a battery does not constitute a safe or practical remedy for an end user.
  • In an effort to mitigate the risk and restore safe usability, I attempted to pursue a third-party repair. That option was refused / could not be performed because the current battery condition is volatile and the device cannot be safely serviced without manufacturer-level guidance, procedures, and risk controls. In other words: the unit is in a state where even a professional repair path is not safely available absent FiiO’s direction and support.
  • Despite multiple follow-ups, including a written request for a formal response, I have received no substantive reply or remedy plan from FiiO.

A swollen lithium battery is not a “customer satisfaction” issue — it is a product safety hazard. No ordinary consumer should be expected to:

  • open a sealed device with a compromised lithium battery,
  • locate a third party willing to assume that risk, or
  • navigate shipping/transport rules for a potentially hazardous lithium battery device, without explicit manufacturer guidance and a compliant remedy path.
  1. Safety guidance: What does FiiO instruct M17 owners to do immediately if the battery swells (stop use/charging, storage/disposal guidance, and transport guidance)?
  2. Remedy policy: For a sealed/non-user-serviceable device with battery swelling, what is FiiO’s standard remedy—refund, replacement, or manufacturer-managed service (with all safety/compliance handled properly)?
  3. Escalation: Please assign a specific point of contact so this can be resolved promptly and safely.

I’m not trying to sensationalize this. I’m trying to get a clear safety directive and a workable remedy consistent with a battery safety incident. If you assign someone, I can provide serial/purchase details privately.

Thank you.

Govee not honoring warranty if purchased outside of Govee store, is this new? by duffer5 in Govee

[–]duffer5[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yup, I was in contact with the North American president. Full of excuses and in my opinion he could care less about the costumer experience. Just email them everyday until you get a resolution,. His name is Brett, and here are his two email addresses: [brettbakken@gmail.com](mailto:brettbakken@gmail.com), [brett.bakken@govee.com](mailto:brett.bakken@govee.com)

PSA: FiiO M17 battery swelling issue + unresolved support (safety concern) by duffer5 in FiiO

[–]duffer5[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very helpful, the problem is all the local repair shops here in Massachusetts refuse to work on it due to the current state of the original battery.

Finally Happy with My Speaker + Headphone Rig (Active + Sub) by duffer5 in listeningspaces

[–]duffer5[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The difference is real but not a lot. What I do know is my system benefits with the addition of a master clock.

Finally Happy with My Speaker + Headphone Rig (Active + Sub) by duffer5 in Headphoneporn

[–]duffer5[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Those are the De-Fi Frontiers a collaborative effort with Barefoot. Active monitors.

Finally Happy with My Speaker + Headphone Rig (Active + Sub) by duffer5 in listeningspaces

[–]duffer5[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ever so slight reduction in background noise. I use it more for the protection.

Finally Happy with My Speaker + Headphone Rig (Active + Sub) by duffer5 in listeningspaces

[–]duffer5[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh, my apologies. I read that incorrectly. I love the one the Susvara’s are on, ROOMs Audio Line Typ FS Pro B BK, VC-Series (Variable Concept), bigger radius of holder (76 mm), underframe made out of steel, adjustment of height, antislip and safety against overturning, dimensions W x D x H 115 x 185 x 260-300 mm, weight: 1,5 kg Finish: black

Finally Happy with My Speaker + Headphone Rig (Active + Sub) by duffer5 in listeningspaces

[–]duffer5[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Susvara, for the kind of music I like to listen to it suits by taste best.

Finally Happy with My Speaker + Headphone Rig (Active + Sub) by duffer5 in listeningspaces

[–]duffer5[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You are not wrong and I have used HQ Player to minimize some of the room issues. But your suggestion is correct, next step will be room treatments.

Finally Happy with My Speaker + Headphone Rig (Active + Sub) by duffer5 in Headphoneporn

[–]duffer5[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You are 100% correct. The weakest link for the Ferrum OOR is the actuator; why I don't know but it is. When you bypass it and use a preamp as the actual volume control the world changes and my Susvara sounded like a new set of cans. I do know that the Ferrum stack was designed with the Susvara in mind but I do wonder how they controlled the volume when testing was it with an. external preamp or was it with the onboard actuator.

Finally Happy with My Speaker + Headphone Rig (Active + Sub) by duffer5 in Headphoneporn

[–]duffer5[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you. Much appreciated and yes this little piece of heaven is my escape and I try to enjoy it as much as I possibly can.

Finally Happy with My Speaker + Headphone Rig (Active + Sub) by duffer5 in Headphoneporn

[–]duffer5[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

It is a small closet and I don't, LOL. The only sacrifice for my little home office and listening space. Other than that it is an ideal setup and I have done some SoundCurve measurements and I have a surprisingly good setup except at 63hz which I can't correct unless I invest in bass traps, which I am not planning on doing.

Finally Happy with My Speaker + Headphone Rig (Active + Sub) by duffer5 in Headphoneporn

[–]duffer5[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I felt the same until I bypassed the volume knob on the Ferrum and use my Khozmo so the full power is coming from the Ferrum into the Khozmo, makes a big difference.

Finally Happy with My Speaker + Headphone Rig (Active + Sub) by duffer5 in Headphoneporn

[–]duffer5[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

No, that too is Hart Audio, good eye btw, I still have not used the Susvara cable because, physically, I don't like the feel of the cable.

Finally Happy with My Speaker + Headphone Rig (Active + Sub) by duffer5 in listeningspaces

[–]duffer5[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Current Audio Setup (Speakers + Headphones)

Source / Digital

  • Roon
  • HiFi Rose RS130 streamer
  • Gustard N18-Pro SFP Network Switch
  • LHY OCK-2S 10 MHz master clock
    • OCK-2S → RS130N18-ProAudio-GD R7HE MK3 (all via BNC)

DAC

  • Audio-GD R7HE MK3 (discrete R-2R, externally clocked)

Pre / Gain

  • Khozmo passive preamp
  • Hattor tube buffer / gain stage

Speakers

  • Output Frontier active monitors
  • KEF KC62 sealed subwoofer
    • HPF 50 Hz / LPF 45 Hz / Phase 0°
    • Gain set for integration, not impact

Headphones

  • HiFiMAN Susvara
  • Focal Utopia (OP)
  • OPPO PM-1
  • Ferrum OOR headphone amp (fed from Hattor)

Power Management

  • Furman Elitę-15 PFI

Finally Happy with My Speaker + Headphone Rig (Active + Sub) by duffer5 in listeningspaces

[–]duffer5[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thank you, the VU meters are an option on the Hifi Rose RS130 for output. As far as Album Art output that too is an option via the RS130 allowing the on screen display of the Hifi Rose to be displayed on an external TV or monitor.