FiiO DM13 Portable CD Player Review

FiiO DM13 Portable CD Player Review

 

Introduction:

FiiO introduces the all-new DM13 portable HiFi CD player, designed to let users take their CD collections on the go while enjoying high-fidelity audio playback. The DM13 features dual flagship CS43198 DAC chips and dual low-noise SGM8262 headphone amplifiers, enabling high-resolution audio processing. It also supports USB CD ripping, allowing users to easily create a digital media library from their CDs. Despite its compact size, the DM13 offers powerful performance with up to 660mW of clean output per channel. The device is equipped with both 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone output ports for versatile connectivity options, as well as Coaxial and Optical digital outputs for integration with additional DACs and amplifiers. This review will provide an objective and unbiased assessment of the FiiO DM13’s design, features, hardware, and sound performance.

The DM13 is available in two versions: a standard version without Bluetooth connectivity and a version with Bluetooth capabilities. This review will cover the Bluetooth-enabled version of the FiiO DM13 and provide an objective and unbiased assessment of its design, features, hardware, and sound performance.

 

Disclaimer:

I would like to thank FiiO for providing me the DM13 Portable CD Player as review sample. I am not affiliated with FiiO beyond this review and these words reflect my true and unaltered, opinions about the product.

 

Price & Availability:

The FiiO DM13 portable CD player is available in three versions: a Standard version without Bluetooth connectivity, a Bluetooth version, and a Transparent Top version (also with Bluetooth connectivity). Prices range from $149.99 to $169.99 USD. Detailed information can be found at the link below.

 

Package & Accessories:

The FiiO DM13 comes in a sleek, modern white box featuring a central image of the player and product branding on top.

This box is containing the following items/accessories;

  • 1 x FiiO DM13 portable HiFi CD player
  • 1 x USB A to USB Type-C cable for data cable and charging
  • 1 x 3.5mm Coaxial Adapter
  • 1 x Print Materials (Quick Start Guide & Warranty card)

 

Design & Build Quality:

The FiiO DM13 features a minimalist and sleek design with smooth, rounded edges and clean lines. The control buttons are conveniently located on the top of the device, providing easy access, while the digital display is situated on the front panel for clear visibility. Constructed from high-quality aluminum alloy, the DM13 ensures overall structural strength, wear resistance, and durability. The device is available in four color options: Black, Silver, Red, and White. The Black, Silver, and Red versions have both standard and Bluetooth-enabled options, while the White version is only available as the standard version without Bluetooth. Additionally, there is a special version with a transparent top cover, known as White Skylight, which includes Bluetooth connectivity and allows users to view the spinning CD inside, adding a unique visual appeal.

Weighing approximately 450 grams, the DM13 is compact and portable with dimensions of about 144 mm x 137 mm x 27 mm (excluding feet), making it convenient to carry and store.

The front surface of the FiiO DM13 features a 1.5 inch LCD display and a 3.5mm PO (headphone output). This display shows the operational status of the device and other relevant information. Additionally, it includes a 4.4mm balanced PO (headphone output), which allows users to easily connect different types of headphones.

The LCD display shows the volume, track number, and song playback duration. FiiO states that the display is designed to prevent burn-in even with prolonged use, ensuring reliability and ease of use.

The top surface of the non-transparent version shows the FiiO brand logo and houses various function control buttons. These buttons include power, previous track, play/pause, next track, volume down, volume up, and function select.

On the right surface, there is an eject button. This button is used to eject the CD from the device, allowing users to easily switch CDs.

The rear surface includes various connection ports and switches. These ports and switches are as follows: 4.4mm balanced LO, USB REC port, desktop mode (D.MODE) switch, 3.5mm LO/COAX/OPT combo output, ESP switch, and Type-C 5V power input. The 4.4mm balanced LO and the 3.5mm LO/COAX/OPT combo output can be used for connecting to active speakers or amplifiers, providing flexibility in setting up your audio system. These ports and switches enable the device to connect with various devices and perform multiple functions.

According to FiiO, lab testing indicates the DM13’s precision-machined aluminum alloy hinge has a lifespan exceeding 5000 cycles (opens and closes).

 

Technical Specifications: 

  • Model: DM13
  • Display: 1.5 inch LCD
  • Power Input: 5V⎓2A (Type-C)
  • DAC: CS43198 * 2 (Dual DACs)
  • Headphone Amplifier: SGM8262 * 2 (Dual Amplifiers)
  • Headphone Outputs: 3.5mm Single-ended & 4.4mm Balanced
  • Line Outputs: 3.5mm LO/COAX/OPT (Line Out/Coaxial/Optical) 4.4mm BAL Line Out
  • Output Power:
  • 3.5mm Single-ended: L+R ≥ 180mW + 180mW (32Ω, THD+N < 1%)
  • 4.4mm Balanced: L+R ≥ 660mW + 660mW (32Ω, THD+N < 1%)
  • Line Output Level:
  • Single-ended: L+R = 2.5Vrms + 2.5Vrms
  • Balanced: L+R = 5Vrms + 5Vrms
  • Bluetooth Codecs (Bluetooth version only): aptX HD / aptX Low Latency / aptX / SBC
  • Supported CD-R Formats: FLAC / WAV / WMA / AAC / MP3 (Only supports CD layer of SACD discs)
  • Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): ≥ 124dB (A-weighted)
  • Noise Floor:
  • 3.5mm Single-ended (PO): ≤ 2.4µV (A-weighted)
  • 4.4mm Balanced (BAL): ≤ 2.8µV (A-weighted)
  • Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (THD+N): ≤ 0.0024% (1kHz/0dB@32Ω)
  • Battery Capacity: 3750mAh
  • Battery Life: ≥ 10 hours
  • Dimensions: Approx. 144 * 137 * 27mm (excluding feet)
  • Weight: Approx. 450g

 

Hardware & Functionality:

Digital to Analog Converter (DAC): 

In my experience with the FiiO DM13, the dual CS43198 DAC chips stand out for their exceptional audio processing capabilities. These chips are designed to deliver clear and precise sound with very low distortion, which is crucial for high-quality audio playback. The Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) of ≥124dB (A-weighted) really ensures that the sound is clean and free of background noise.

The noise floor, which measures the system’s inherent noise, is impressively low at ≤2.4µV (A-weighted) for the 3.5mm output and ≤2.8µV (A-weighted) for the balanced 4.4mm output. The Total Harmonic Distortion plus Noise (THD+N) of ≤0.0024% (1kHz/0dB@32Ω) is another highlight. This specification indicates that the DAC maintains audio integrity, producing accurate and undistorted sound. It’s these technical aspects that ensure the DM13 delivers a detailed and precise audio output.

From my perspective, the high-resolution audio architecture of the DM13, powered by these dual DAC chips, provides an excellent listening experience. The audio playback is clear and detailed, capturing the nuances and subtleties of the recordings.

Amplifier Section and Output Ports:

Having extensively used the FiiO DM13, especially with the FiiO FT1 closed-back headphones and the FiiO FP3 Planar IEMs, I can say that the device excels in delivering clean and powerful audio output. The dual low-noise SGM8262 headphone amplifiers are particularly noteworthy, providing up to 660mW of output per channel through the 4.4mm balanced port. This setup offers ample power for both high-impedance headphones and sensitive IEMs, ensuring a versatile and high-quality listening experience.

The front panel features both 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone output ports, while the back panel includes a 3.5mm LO/COAX/OPT combo output, allowing for diverse connectivity options. These ports enable seamless integration with a wide range of headphones, active speakers, amplifiers, and high-end decoders, making the DM13 a versatile device suitable for various audio setups.

Specific power output details include 180mW + 180mW at 32Ω with THD+N < 1% for the single-ended output, and 660mW + 660mW at 32Ω with THD+N < 1% for the balanced output. These specifications ensure that both single-ended and balanced connections provide substantial and clean power, catering to different user preferences and equipment requirements.

Overall, the DM13’s amplifier section and output ports deliver a robust and clear audio performance, making it suitable for a wide range of audio equipment and listening scenarios. This flexibility and power output contribute to a satisfying listening experience, especially when paired with high-quality headphones like the FiiO FT1 and FP3 Planar IEMs.

 

Bluetooth Connectivity: 

In testing the Bluetooth capabilities of the Bluetooth-enabled FiiO DM13, I found the device to perform reliably. The DM13 uses a Qualcomm Bluetooth chipset that supports AptX HD, AptX LL, AptX, and SBC codecs, though LDAC support is missing. Pairing the device with the FiiO FW5 TWS earphones was straightforward, and the connection established without issues in each test. The low latency provided by AptX LL ensured minimal delay, which is beneficial for video and gaming. Throughout the listening sessions, the connection remained stable and uninterrupted, even in environments with potential signal interference.

 

D.MODE (Desktop Mode): 

For users who need extra power for more demanding headphones, the DM13 offers FiiO’s Desktop Mode (D.MODE). By connecting the DM13 to a USB power source and setting the D.MODE switch to “ON,” the device bypasses its internal battery, drawing power directly from the USB source. This mode not only boosts performance but also ensures a stable power delivery, helping to preserve the battery life of the device. By leveraging this feature, users can enjoy a more robust and consistent listening experience, especially during extended sessions.

 

 

USB CD Ripping Function:

One of the features I appreciate most on the FiiO DM13 is the USB CD ripping capability. I used it to create digital copies of some of my favorite albums. The process is straightforward: it rips the CDs into WAV files, which can then be copied onto a computer and other devices. However, the CD ripping (better to say recoding) is a real-time process, meaning if the CD is 60 minutes long, the ripping/recording process will take the same amount of time. Additionally, it only supports FAT32 formatted storage and works with CDs in the CDDA format. This feature is quite handy for those looking to preserve their CD collections in a digital format.

 

Playback Features:

The FiiO DM13 supports gapless playback, ensuring uninterrupted transitions between tracks for a continuous listening experience. It offers smooth playback, maintaining stable audio performance throughout. The device allows users to mark favorite tracks for easy access and includes loop playback options, enabling users to repeat a single track, shuffle random tracks, or loop the entire CD. These features provide flexibility and convenience for varied listening preferences.

The device supports various CD-R formats including FLAC, WAV, WMA, AAC, and MP3.

Battery Life:

The FiiO DM13 uses a 3750mAh, 3.8V cobalt lithium battery. FiiO states a playback time of up to 10 hours. In my testing, I observed approximately 9 hours of playback at 50% volume using the 3.5mm output. Using the 4.4mm balanced output at the same volume, I achieved between 7.5 and 8 hours of playback. The device also features a Desktop Mode (D.MODE) that allows operation directly from a USB power source, bypassing the internal battery.

ESP (Electronic Shock Protection):

The DM13 includes Electronic Shock Protection (ESP), which users can enable or disable. ESP is designed for use during movement. FiiO recommends disabling it for optimal sound quality when not in motion. The buffer provides 60 seconds for CD audio and 120 seconds for MP3 discs.

 

Equipments used for this review:

  • Portable Player : FiiO DM13
  • IEM’s : FiiO FP13
  • Headphones : FiiO FT1

Albums & tracks used for this review:

  • Adele – My Little Love (Spotify)
  • Randy Crawford – On Day I Will Fly Away (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
  • Hayley Westenra – Odyssey Album (Dezzer HiFi)
  • Dionne Warwick – Walk On By (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
  • Sarah McLachlan – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
  • Sertap Erener – Aşk (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
  • Edith Piaf – Non Je Ne Regrette Rien (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
  • Diana Krall – So Wonderful (DSF)
  • Aretha Franklin – I Say A Little Payer (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
  • Sonya Yoncheva – (Giuseppe Verdi) II Trovatore, ActI (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
  • George Michael – Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
  • David Bowie – Heroes (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
  • Elton John – Rocket Man ((Flac 24bit/96kHz)
  • Barry White – Just The Way You Are (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
  • Isaac Hayes – Walk On By (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
  • Sting – Englishman in New York – (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
  • Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
  • B.B. King – Riding With The King (Tidal Hi-Fi)
  • Dave Gahan – Kingdom (Tidal Hi-Fi)
  • U2 – Sunday Bloody Sunday (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
  • Bro Safari, UFO! – Drama (Deezer HiFi)
  • Armin Van Buuren – Vini Vici (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
  • Daft Punk – Doin’ it Right (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
  • Jo Blankenburg – Meraki (Spotify)
  • Lorde – Royals (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
  • Massive Attack – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
  • Toutant – Rebirth (Deezer HiFi)
  • Gogo Penguin – Raven (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
  • Gogo Penguin – Murmuration (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
  • GoGo Penguin – Fanfares (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
  • Portishead – It Could Be Sweet (Spotify)
  • Max Richter – On the Nature of Daylight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
  • Charly Antolini – Duwadjuwandadu (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
  • Ferit Odman – Look, Stop & Listen (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
  • Chopin – Nocturn No. 20 In C-Sharp Minor (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
  • Fazıl Say – Nazım Oratoryosu (Live) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
  • Vivaldi – Le QuarttroStagioni “The Four Season” (Deezer HiFi)
  • Otto Liebert& Luna Negra – The River (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
  • Lunatic Soul – The Passage (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
  • Deftones – My Own Summer (Shove it) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
  • Metallica – Sad but True (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
  • Opeth – Windowpane (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
  • Megadeth – Sweating Bullets (Tidal Hi-Fi)
  • Rush’s – Leave That Thing Alone (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
  • Slayer – Angel of Death (Spotify)
  • Liquid Tension Experiment 2 – Acid Rain (Spotify)
  • Yosi Horikawa – Bubbles (Spotify)

 

 

The Sound:

The FiiO DM13 presents a design reminiscent of classic portable CD players, a feature that will likely appeal to those familiar with the format. Sonically, the DM13 offers a balanced performance. My assessment indicates a sound signature with a warm yet punchy bass, clear and detailed midrange reproduction, and extended, airy treble that avoids harshness. Despite the inherent limitations of portable devices, the soundstage provides a reasonable sense of space and instrument separation.

This review has been written after a burn-in period of about 30 hours. My sound impressions below are based on my experiences over the 4.4mm Balanced output mainly paired with FiiO FT3 planar IEM and the FiiO FT1 closed-back headphone.

 

Bass:  

Using the FiiO DM13 with the FiiO FT1 closed-back headphones, the bass performance stands out with its control and depth. The sub-bass provides a gentle rumble that adds warmth and presence without overwhelming the overall sound. This depth in the sub-bass gives low-frequency instruments like bass guitars and kick drums a substantial feel, while still maintaining clarity and precision. The midbass offers a tight and punchy response, delivering a clear and articulate bass line that complements the midrange and treble.

The bass layering is particularly impressive, allowing for distinction between different low-frequency sounds, avoiding a muddy mix. For instance, in tracks with complex bass arrangements, each note is distinctly audible, providing a sense of structure. The decay of the sub-bass is smooth, contributing to a natural and realistic bass response.

Switching to the FiiO FP3 Planar IEMs, the bass performance retains its well-balanced character. The midbass continues to deliver tight and punchy responses, ensuring that bass lines are clear and articulate. The sub-bass, while present, remains subtle and controlled, avoiding any boomy or muddy characteristics that could detract from the listening experience. Overall, the bass integrates seamlessly with the rest of the frequency spectrum, offering a cohesive and engaging sound signature that suits a variety of music genres.

 

Midrange:

The midrange of the FiiO DM13, when paired with the FiiO FT1 closed-back headphones, shines with clarity and naturalness. Vocals and instruments in this range come across as clear and natural, providing a strong backbone for any track. The lower midrange is rich and full, giving body to instruments like cellos and electric guitars. Male vocals, in particular, have a slight thickness that adds a touch of warmth and realism without becoming overwhelming. The FT1 shows a nice synergy when paired with the DM13, enhancing the overall midrange experience with its well-balanced sound signature.

The upper midrange maintains clarity and detail, ensuring that female vocals and higher-pitched instruments like violins are rendered accurately. This balance helps in creating a sound that is neither too forward nor too recessed, striking an optimal balance that makes all elements of a track easily discernible. The separation of instruments is also noteworthy, with each element in a track standing out in its own space.

Using the FiiO FP3 Planar IEMs, the midrange performance remains impressive. The lower midrange continues to offer richness and fullness, enhancing the presence of instruments and male vocals. The upper midrange delivers clarity and detail, ensuring that female vocals and higher-pitched instruments are well-represented. This naturalness in the midrange makes it enjoyable for long listening sessions, as it avoids any harshness or fatigue that can come with excessive emphasis.

 

Treble:

Treble performance on the FiiO DM13, particularly when used with the FiiO FT1 closed-back headphones, is well-extended and detailed, contributing to a sense of airiness and openness. The brilliance and presence regions are handled with finesse, ensuring that the higher frequencies are clear without being harsh. The treble extension is commendable, providing a sense of sparkle that enhances the overall listening experience.

Instrumental details, such as cymbals and high hats, come through with clarity and precision, adding to the realism and immersiveness of the sound. The treble control is also notable, as it avoids any sibilance or harshness that could cause listening fatigue. This makes the DM13 suitable for extended listening sessions, where maintaining a smooth and enjoyable treble response is crucial.

When paired with the FiiO FP3 Planar IEMs, the treble retains its clarity and detail. The extension in the treble frequencies ensures a sense of airiness, enhancing the overall soundstage and imaging. The treble remains smooth and controlled, avoiding any harshness or sibilance that could detract from the listening experience. This ensures that the treble enhances the overall sound without becoming dominant or intrusive.

Soundstage & Imaging:

The soundstage of the FiiO DM13 pretty decent for a portable device, especially when paired with the FiiO FT1 closed-back headphones. It provides a good sense of width and depth, allowing listeners to experience a more immersive sound, where instruments and vocals are well-positioned and clearly separated. The width of the soundstage ensures that the music feels expansive, rather than confined

 

Conclusion:

The FiiO DM13 successfully marries retro aesthetics with contemporary audio technology. Its robust aluminum chassis, offered in various colors including a distinctive transparent variant, encases a high-performance audio architecture. The dual CS43198 DACs and powerful dual SGM8262 amplifiers, notably delivering high output power through the 4.4mm balanced connection, ensure compatibility with a wide range of headphones, from sensitive IEMs to demanding over-ear models. This configuration yields a balanced sonic profile characterized by a warm bass response, detailed midrange reproduction, and extended, airy treble. The inclusion of both 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone outputs, along with versatile line-out connectivity, further enhances its adaptability. Modern features such as Bluetooth (on select models), Desktop Mode for increased power output, and USB CD ripping functionality augment its utility.

While the real-time CD ripping process and FAT32 file system limitation for this feature represent minor constraints, the DM13’s combination of sonic performance, high output power, versatile features, and nostalgic design makes it a compelling proposition for those seeking a modern interpretation of the classic portable CD player.

 

Pros & Cons:

  • + Musical sound signature with warm bass, detailed midrange, and airy treble
  • + High Output Power (up to 660mW at 32Ω over the 4.4mm BAL output)
  • + Versatile Connectivity (3.5mm SE + 4.4mm Balanced Output, Bluetooth, OPT, COAX, etc.)
  • + Retro Design with Modern Touches
  • + Robust Build Quality (The aluminum chassis provides durability and a premium feel)
  • + ESP (Electronic Shock Protection): Helps prevent skipping during movement.

 

  • – The CD ripping process mirrors the CD’s playback time, making it a slow process
  • – FAT32 File System Limitation for Ripping
  • – No LDAC Bluetooth Codec Support

 

Thank you for the Read!

 

 

 

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