FiiO has confirmed that its first desktop cassette deck is in development. The company has shown two preliminary designs—one vertical and one horizontal—and is inviting its community to help determine which concept moves toward production.
Two compact cassette deck concepts
Both proposals combine desktop-friendly proportions with an integrated battery, allowing the deck to operate as a portable device. The concepts differ primarily in cassette orientation, enclosure shape and the way each would fit into a compact hi-fi system.
The vertical-loading version is approximately one-quarter the size of a conventional cassette deck. It features square VU meters and has a width designed to match other FiiO components, including the K15, K17 and forthcoming DP11 CD player. That common footprint would allow the cassette deck to sit beside those products or become part of a compact equipment stack.
FiiO’s alternative places the cassette horizontally. This version is deeper but lower, resulting in a smaller overall volume than the vertical concept. Circular VU meters distinguish its front panel, while its proportions are intended primarily for desktop use. If incorporated into a stack, FiiO says it would need to occupy the top position.
Aluminum construction and portable operation
FiiO plans to build the chassis from aluminum alloy, a choice that the company acknowledges will increase production costs. An integrated battery is included in both design studies, so portability is central to the project even though it is being presented as a desktop cassette deck.
No final transport mechanism, recording configuration or detailed audio specifications have been confirmed. FiiO has also not announced the product’s official name, dimensions, weight, inputs or outputs. Pricing remains undisclosed.
Community feedback will guide development
The cassette deck is being developed through a co-creation process, with FiiO planning to maintain an ongoing dialogue with prospective users. Initial reaction has been divided between the two forms. Supporters of the vertical design see it as a natural fit for a traditional stack of hi-fi components, while some have asked for a full-width enclosure suited to existing racks.
The horizontal proposal has attracted listeners who favor its resemblance to earlier portable cassette machines and its less conventional desktop appearance. Some participants have encouraged FiiO to develop both versions for different settings, such as fixed home use and portable listening.
Community suggestions have extended well beyond industrial design. Requested features include a three-head configuration, Dolby B and C noise reduction, manual bias and azimuth adjustment, and a direct-drive mechanism rather than a belt-driven system. Users have also raised questions about the long-term serviceability of the built-in battery and transport belt. These are requests from potential customers, not confirmed features.
Digitization ideas and provisional timing
Another proposal from the community is a USB connection for digitizing cassette recordings to FLAC. Others have suggested pairing the deck with FiiO’s forthcoming CD transport. FiiO has not confirmed either capability, and the currently disclosed concepts do not establish the deck’s connectivity options.
The company estimates that the overall project will take approximately one year. August of the following year has been identified as the most likely launch window, although that schedule remains dependent on development progress and any unforeseen technical challenges. No market-specific availability details have been announced.
FiiO’s cassette project remains at the concept stage, but its two designs already establish a clear direction: compact dimensions, aluminum construction, battery-powered portability and compatibility with the brand’s desktop components. The community vote will now help decide which physical format advances toward a finished product.
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