FiiO has introduced a new portable high-resolution player, the FiiO M21. According to the company, this latest offering merges flagship sound quality with an accessible price point. To accomplish this, the FiiO M21 incorporates some technology from its predecessors, including the well-received FiiO M23. Featuring a compact design, cutting-edge technology, and a hint of nostalgia, the FiiO M21 aims to capture the affection of both novice and seasoned audiophiles, leveraging a blend of premium design, superior technical specifications, and a competitive price.
The FiiO M21 merges sophistication and portability, featuring an aluminum chassis and a matte AG glass back panel that enhances its elegant appearance.
At the front, it boasts a 4.7-inch display with an oleophobic coating, ensuring a clear and pleasant viewing experience.
Moreover, the package comes with a protective case designed like an audio cassette, which brings back memories of the classic Walkman, along with a retro user interface and vintage sound effects that add a distinctive charm to the device.
Even with its impressive durability, the FiiO M21 remains lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry your music wherever you go.
The FiiO M21 portable player utilizes four Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC chips, offering a fully differential eight-channel output that ensures dynamic, detailed, and interference-free audio.
A dual-stage headphone amplifier, which provides both voltage and current gain, ensures clear playback and is compatible with both sensitive in-ear monitors and high-impedance headphones.
Additionally, the new device features a desktop mode that delivers high gain – 21Vpp for headphones with a nominal impedance of 300Ω and 950mW for a 32Ω load, making it more than adequate for even the most demanding headphones. Inside, it incorporates numerous high-end components, including high-precision thin-film resistors and low-impedance tantalum capacitors, all aimed at achieving optimal sound quality: deep bass, clear mids, and natural highs.
The FiiO M21 portable player is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 processor and operates on Android 13, a customized operating system developed by FiiO. This setup guarantees quick and seamless performance with streaming platforms like Spotify, Tidal, or Qobuz, as well as with high-resolution audio files.
The robust 4,000 mAh battery allows for up to 15 hours of uninterrupted playback and features 20W PD fast charging support.
Additionally, the innovative desktop mode enables the use of an external power supply, conserving battery life during extended use at home. Furthermore, the FiiO M21 is compatible with Bluetooth 5.0, supporting high-quality LDAC and aptX HD codecs, and comes with USB and SPDIF outputs, making it adaptable for any audio setup.
The FiiO M21 portable high-resolution player is set to launch in shortly, with a recommended retail price of $399.99.
