The Snowsky Retro Nano resembles a Walkman, the compact portable cassette player first created by Sony in the 1980s. However, it is actually a portable DAC and headphone amplifier designed to mimic the classic Walkman aesthetic. This imitation is taken to the next level with an animated spinning cassette deck displayed on the central screen while music is playing. Is it practical? Not really. Is it amusing? Absolutely.
Under its new sub-brand Snowsky, China’s FiiO has launched a portable DAC named Retro Nano. One of its most eye-catching features is the animation of a spinning cassette tape on the device’s 0.96-inch TFT display (80 x 160 pixels) when it processes digital music signals via Bluetooth or USB.
The Retro Nano is not designed as a portable audio player; rather, it functions solely as a digital-to-analog converter, with a lightweight design of just 28 grams. Its compact size and minimal weight make it an excellent choice for on-the-go use alongside smartphones, tablets, or laptops. iPhone users can connect wirelessly using the AAC codec, while Android users enjoy superior audio quality through codecs like aptX HD and LDAC. Additionally, a USB connection option is available.
This device also includes physical buttons, reminiscent of classic Walkmans. Users can initiate an album from their smartphone, allowing the Snowsky Nano to manage everything from volume adjustments to track navigation. It even supports phone calls through its built-in microphone and offers complete app control via the FiiO Control app on both Android and iOS. The physical buttons evoke nostalgia for cassette players from the 1990s, complemented by an animated screen that activates when a track is played, adding a charming touch.
A Qualcomm QCC5125 chip manages the reception of audio signals through Bluetooth. It features two headphone outputs: a standard 3.5 mm jack and a 4.4 mm balanced output. Users can switch between high and low gain settings. Digital-to-analog conversion is performed by dual Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC chips.
One significant advantage is the user-replaceable USB rechargeable battery, with a reported playback duration of around 7.5 hours.
Price: $60
