FiiO is turning back the clock on portable audio playback with the release of the CP13 Portable Cassette player and the just announced DM13 Portable CD player.
The DM13 not only harkens back to the portable CD players of the past (remember the Sony Discman?) but also provides users with Bluetooth connectivity to today’s wireless headphones and earbuds as well as multiple wired outputs.
Featuring both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced headphone outputs, the DM13 can be used with a wide range of headphones including FiiO’s FT5 Planar Magnetic headphones, the FT3, and FA19 in-ear monitors.
With aptX HD Bluetooth connectivity, the DM13 can connect to wireless headphones or speakers. Also, with a dedicated analog line-out, the DM13 can be connected to most existing audio systems, powered speakers, or a portable speaker with an auxiliary input.
The DM13’s built-in battery provides up to 8 hours of playback on a single charge. You can also use the DM13 in desktop mode with an AC power connection.
DM13 Core Features
- Playback Compatibility: CD/FLAC/WAV/WMA/AAC/MP3
- Headphone Outputs: 3.5mm Single-ended & 4.4mm Balanced
- Bluetooth Transmission: SBC/aptX/apt-X HD/aptX Low Latency
- Physical Connectivity: Analogue Line-Out, SPDIF Digital Output, USB Audio Output
- Shock Production: ESP Switch
- Battery: 8 Hours Battery Life
- Desktop Mode: Connect and use with AC power
- Status Display: Front LCD
- Onboard Controls: Power, Play/Pause, Reverse, Forward, Menu Navigation and Access
Initial Impression
FiiO continues with their retro trend with the release of the DM13. Although streaming is the dominant way we listen to music, many of us still have large CD collections, and what better way to take them on the road than with a portable CD player? However, there was no mention of anti-skip technology in the press release so we’ll have to wait and see how well it performs in bumpy travel conditions. On the plus side, its ample audio outputs, Bluetooth and built-in rechargeable battery means it’s much more versatile than the Sony Discman ever was.
Price & Availability
The FiiO DM13 will be available for $179 / £179 in silver finish by September 2024. Additional finishes in black, red, blue, and titanium are expected later in 2024. In the meantime, there’s no shortage of no-frills portable CD players on Amazon under $50.
Note: The DM13 will be shown for the first time to the UK public at this weekend’s CanJam event in London, July 20-21, along with several other FiiO products including:
- M23 Digital Audio Player
- K19 Desktop Headphone Amplifier
- R9 Flagship Desktop Streamer
- FA19 In-Ear Monitors
- CP13 Portable Cassette Player
Related Reading: The Best CD Players to Buy Right Now
ORT
July 21, 2024 at 8:28 pm
At least FiiO is looking to the past to create a better (audio) future. There is so much physical media out there just waiting for the inspiration for owner’s to play Indian Jones and find it.
I bought a portable CD player with optical output because I like physical media and have used it in my Ram and Mustang. I now have upgraded my Mustang to a CD/DVD with Media player but the Ram would benefit from this FiiO as the other player does not have battery backup. FiiO makes excellent products and I still have an X1 and X3 players (somewhere!) that worked the last time I used them. Heck, I’ve got a nearly immaculate 2nd Gen Click-wheel iPod (20 gig!) that works great but I really need to replace the battery. I just played it last week!
I look forward to this CD player from FiiO. Too bad Sony won’t get off it’s flat duff and start making a classic looking portable Walkman CD player with multiple outputs and modern features for Under $200.
There is something to be said in pride of ownership. And FiiO is owning Panasonic, Sony, et al. Well done FiiO.
ORT
Ian White
July 24, 2024 at 4:58 pm
ORT,
The CD player makes the most sense to me. It’s probably a good player and by adding a digital output…easy to integrate into so many different types of systems.
I would buy one and connect to one of the affordable Schiit, FiiO, or Topping DACs and have a great sounding CD rig for under $400. Hard to beat that.
CDs will always be cool. Not as cool as records, but I have 2,000 that will not be sold off anytime soon.
Lord White
Richard Clapp jr
September 13, 2024 at 3:02 pm
I would like the add one feature, the ability to play SACD. A player this nice should be able to play HD grade music. Why waste the balanced output? This lack will make getting this Fiio a bit problematic. Also a note.. as of 13 September 2024, there is no sign of it on the US version of Amazon. Pleas update the article.
Ian White
September 14, 2024 at 1:01 pm
Richard,
FiiO told us “September” (checks calendar) for Amazon, which could mean the 15th or the 30th. We will reach out to them for a specific date. Did you really expect SACD playback from a CD player under $180?
The balanced output is for headphones. FiiO’s customer base is headphone-centric and the sell headphones that can benefit from the additional power output.
I plan on buying one if the review sample performs well.
Best,
IW