Today, our FiiO DM13 Review will feature the first stereo CD player from FiiO. It is a mid-range product that offers superior audio and enjoyable listening experiences. This portable CD player combines the latest technologies and classic design in one compact package.
Is a CD player worth purchasing in this generation? Our FiiO DM13 Review will discuss its design, architecture, features, and performance to answer this question.
FiiO DM13 Review – Design and Functionality
FiiO designed the DM13 with a more compact form factor than other CD players, measuring 144 xx 137 x 27mm. The company combined craftsmanship and structural integrity while developing and manufacturing this product.
With this contemporary CD player, FiiO chose a modern aesthetic. Instead of the traditional retro grain on old CD players, the company used geometric lines on the DM13. When we set up the product before testing for this FiiO DM13 Review, we noticed its design matched modern devices.
In addition, this portable CD player is available in numerous colours, including black, silver, white, red, and white skylight. All colours are stylish and easy to integrate into your setup.
Its front features an LCD to conveniently monitor the volume level, track number, and other information. The LCD is equipped with power output ports on each side: a 3.5mm jack on the left and a 4.4mm jack on the right.
The top of the DM13 features the FiiO logo and the control buttons along the edge. These include the power, play/pause, previous track, next track, volume down, volume up, and function selection buttons.
The rear of the DM13 has additional ports and switches. It features the 4.4mm balanced LO and the 3.5mm LO/coaxial/optical 3-in-1 output. There are also two USB ports: the USB REC port and the USB-C 5V power input port.
Two toggle switches are on the rear. One is the ESP (electronic skip protection), and the other is D. MODE (desktop mode).
Connectivity
This CD player has versatile connectivity options worth highlighting in our FiiO DM13 Review. It works with Bluetooth, allowing you to pair it with speakers, soundbars, and wireless headphones. Bluetooth connectivity reduces messy wiring on your entertainment hub or workspace, making it ideal for modern spaces.
FiiO took advantage of modern technology by implementing support for aptX Bluetooth. This codec lets you seamlessly stream music with CD quality to your audio gear.
The DM13 also supports headphones with 3.5mm single-ended or 4.4mm outputs. Moreover, the analogue line-out and SPDIF connector lets you connect the DM13 to another audio kit.
Key Features of the FiiO DM13
Unique Audio Architecture
The DM13 has two flagship Cirrus Logic CS43198 chips and two low-noise HiFi SGM8262 headphone amps. The dual DACs and dual amplifiers make up a specially designed audio architecture that allows the portable CD player to deliver excellent sound quality.
These components offered superior listening experiences during our tests for this FiiO DM13 Review. We enjoyed the audio quality enhanced by the installed DACs and amplifiers.
Quality Core for Smoother Volume Adjustment
With two flagship DAC chips (CS43198), the DM13 offers top-notch performance while keeping power consumption low. FiiO engineered an output stage that perfectly captures the sound of the DAC while allowing volume control from the same chip. In addition, the DAC chip enables 99-level fine volume adjustment for smooth changes, providing clarity at any volume level.
Compact Body With Massive Power
The DM13 is a compact CD player with impressive performance. It offers superior listening experiences and can drive most headphones. This product also works with speakers and headphone amps.
CD Reading Designed With Care
Gently pushing the lever of the DM13 lets you open the lid and insert a disc. This CD player offers a physical touch of music you cannot experience in digital playback.
The DM13 has a spacious disc compartment to minimise the chances of scratching your favourite discs.
Reliable Custom LCD Display
This CD player features a custom-moulded high-contrast LCD for monitoring the track number, volume level, and song playback duration. The long-lasting display will not burn out with prolonged screen time.
Optical and Coaxial Digital Outputs
The optical and coaxial outputs let you connect the DM13 to an external DAC. Its custom low-jitter crystal oscillators ensure the digital clock provides accurate synchronisation. These enable more stable, clean, and reliable digital signal transmission.
Dual Headphone Outputs
The DM13 has a 3.5mm output for headphones. It also has a 4.4mm single-ended & balanced output for active speakers or amplifiers.
aptX High-Resolution Bluetooth
The DM13 leverages a Qualcomm Bluetooth platform to deliver high-resolution audio performance. It supports aptX, aptX HD, aptX Low Latency, and standard SBC codecs. They facilitate seamless wireless transmission while ensuring superior audio quality.
Dual Desktop and Portable Power Supply Modes
When using the DM13 in desktop mode, you can plug it into a USB power source to receive power. With this mode enabled, the portable CD player does not consume its battery power.
Smooth and Gapless Playback
During the development of the DM13, FiiO collected user feedback and overcame numerous challenges to meet various demands. The company included user-friendly features like gapless playback, keeping favourite tracks, and loop playback. These functions allow you to customise how you listen to your music.
Cobalt Lithium Battery
FiiO equipped the DM13 with a specially selected 3750mAh 3.8V cobalt lithium battery. It offers up to 10 hours of playback, which is adequate for long listening hours.
Note that your experience may differ from our test results for this FiiO DM13 Review due to varied usage conditions.
Premium and Durable Materials
The aluminium alloy body of the DM13 has a smooth texture and offers adequate durability. The critical hinge uses precision-machined aluminium alloy components for better wear resistance.
Hands-on with the FiiO DM13
As highlighted in our FiiO DM13 review, this CD player offered an impressive and enjoyable user experience, blending modern features with exceptional audio quality and versatility.
It’s a testament to FiiO’s commitment to delivering high-performance audio solutions that cater to both audiophiles and casual listeners.
At the heart of the DM13 lies its advanced DAC chips and integrated headphone amplifiers, which worked seamlessly to produce rich, detailed sound with a warm and lifelike quality.
The player brought out the subtle nuances in every track, providing a listening experience that was immersive, engaging, and true to the original recording. Whether listening to classical symphonies or bass-heavy electronic tracks, the DM13 delivered with finesse.
Clarity and instrument separation were among the standout features of the DM13. Regardless of the connected audio equipment, the CD player maintained a remarkable ability to highlight individual elements of the music.
Vocals sounded natural and distinct, while instruments were layered with precision, offering a wide soundstage that made every genre come to life. From the intricate highs to the resonant lows, the DM13 offered depth and balance across the frequency spectrum.
Its compact size belied its power and versatility. The DM13 easily drove a wide range of headphones, including high-impedance models, with enough headroom to deliver full-bodied audio.
For audiophiles seeking even greater performance, pairing the DM13 with external headphone amplifiers enhanced its already outstanding sound output, showcasing its adaptability for more demanding setups.
One of the highlights of the DM13 was its consistent and reliable performance across all use cases. Even when testing its Bluetooth functionality, the player maintained exceptional sound quality with minimal distortion.
Wireless playback was seamless, with stable connections and low latency that ensured uninterrupted listening sessions. The DM13’s ability to retain clarity and detail, even in wireless mode, set it apart from other CD players in its category.
The design of the DM13 also contributed to its appeal. Its compact and portable form factor made it convenient for both stationary and on-the-go use. The intuitive controls and user-friendly interface further enhanced the experience, making it accessible even to those new to high-fidelity audio equipment.
The device’s robust build quality and premium materials added to its durability, ensuring it could withstand regular use without compromise.
The DM13 wasn’t just about technical performance; it was about delivering an audio experience that resonated with the listener. Its warm sound signature, paired with detailed and precise playback, made it a versatile option for a wide variety of genres and use cases.
Whether you’re a casual listener seeking to rediscover your CD collection or an audiophile looking for a portable yet powerful source, the DM13 proved itself to be a capable and reliable companion.
The FiiO DM13 combined advanced technology, impeccable design, and versatility to create an outstanding CD player. It effortlessly bridged the gap between traditional physical media and modern wireless connectivity, offering high-quality playback that catered to diverse listening needs.
From its superior audio performance to its ease of use and portability, the DM13 was a standout product in its class.
FiiO DM13 Review Summary
The FiiO DM13 is a remarkable CD player that bridges the gap between timeless physical media and modern audio technology. With its compact design, advanced DAC chips, and integrated headphone amplifiers, it offers a rich, detailed, and lifelike listening experience.
Its seamless blending of warm sound quality and precision across the frequency spectrum makes it ideal for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.
The DM13 stands out for its versatility and reliability. It effortlessly drives a wide range of headphones and integrates seamlessly with external amplifiers, speakers, and audio setups. Its aptX-enabled Bluetooth connectivity ensures a wireless experience that doesn’t compromise on sound quality, while its gapless playback and extensive codec support add to its convenience.
FiiO has designed the DM13 with user-friendly features like an intuitive interface, robust construction, and a modern aesthetic.
The addition of a custom LCD display, dual headphone outputs, and options for desktop or portable use makes it a practical choice for various scenarios. Whether at home or on the go, the DM13 delivers consistent and immersive performance.
Rhe FiiO DM13 is a versatile, durable, and high-performing CD player that exceeds expectations. With its balance of classic functionality and contemporary features, it’s a worthy addition to any music lover’s collection. Whether rediscovering old CDs or embracing modern wireless setups, the DM13 ensures an unparalleled audio experience.
