FiiO JM21 Review

 

Introduction:

The FiiO JM21 is a newly released portable Hi-Res Digital Audio Player, notable for its ultra-thin frame, which makes it one of the slimmest Hi-Res audio players on the market. It features Dual CS43198 high-performance 32-bit DACs and is powered by the octa-core Snapdragon 680 SoC, ensuring smooth user interface interactions and efficient multitasking capabilities. The device’s fully-balanced dual OPAMP configuration provides an output thrust of up to 700mW per channel, delivering high output power in a compact form factor.

In addition, the JM21 is equipped with a 2400mAh a battery that offers up to 12.5 hours of continuous playback.

 

Disclaimer:

I would like to thank FiiO for providing me the JM21 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 JM21 is available for a MSRP price of $199.99 USD. More information can be found at the link below.

• FiiO JM21 Portable Digital Audio Player

 

Package & Accessories:

The FiiO JM21 arrives in a relatively small and slim rectangular box with the illustration of the device and some product related brandings and information’s on its surface.

Inside the box are the following items/accessories;

• 1 x FiiO JM21 Portable Digital Audio Player
• 1 x USB Type-C to Type A Charging/Data Cable
• 1 x Transparent Silicone Case
• 1 x PET Film Screen Protector (pre-applied)
• 1 x Quick Start Guide
• 1 x Warranty Card

 

 

Design & Build Quality:

When you first see the FiiO JM21, its slim and sleek design immediately catches your eye. The unique Sky Blue and Grey color scheme, along with the aluminum alloy frame and plastic back cover, create a visually appealing contrast. The JM21 is a highly portable budget Digital Audio Player (DAP) that offers a compact size and lightweight build for easy portability, along with decent build quality.

This minimalist device features clean lines and focuses on essential functions. Measuring approximately 120.7 x 68 x 13mm and weighing around 156 grams, the JM21 strikes a perfect balance between thinness and portability. The precise construction of the metal frame and the smooth finish of the plastic back show meticulous attention to detail.

The front of the JM21 is dominated by a 4.7-inch HD display with a resolution of 750*1334. This screen provides clear visuals, making album art and the user interface easy to navigate. The screen placement enhances both usability and aesthetics.

On the left side, the design focuses on the controls. The power/lock button is conveniently positioned at the top, allowing users to power the device on or off and lock the screen to prevent accidental touches. Just below the power/lock button is the indicator light, followed by the volume up and volume down buttons, which provide satisfying tactile feedback.

The right side of the JM21 is dedicated to essential controls. The play/pause button is situated just below the power button, ensuring seamless control over music playback. Further down, the previous track and next track buttons are positioned for easy playlist navigation. These controls are responsive and facilitate one-handed operation. Below these buttons, the microSD card slot provides expanded storage options.

At the bottom, the JM21’s connectivity and audio output options are well-organized. The 4.4mm balanced headphone out/line out delivers high-quality audio output for audiophiles seeking a balanced sound signature. Adjacent to it is the Type-C data/charging port, offering modern connectivity for charging and data transfer. The 3.5mm headphone out/line out/coaxial out provides versatility for connecting various audio devices.

The back of the JM21 features a grey plastic cover that complements the Sky Blue frame. This combination of materials creates a visually striking contrast and adds to the device’s aesthetic appeal. The plastic back cover also contributes to the device’s lightweight design.

After having the FiiO JM21 in hand for a while, it becomes clear that this device is a blend of thoughtful design and practical functionality. Its slim profile and feather-light weight make it an ideal portable companion. The smart button layout and clear display enhance usability. The distinctive color scheme and material choices give the JM21 a premium feel. All in all, the FiiO JM21 stands out with its attention to detail, making it a fantastic option for music enthusiasts who are always on the go.

 

Technical Specifications:

• Model: JM21
• Color: Sky blue
• Material: Aluminum alloy + Plastic
• Dimensions: About 120.7x68x13mm
• Weight: About 156g (excluding transparent case)
• SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon 680
• RAM and Storage: 3GB RAM + 32GB ROM (22GB ROM usable)
• Storage expansion: Standard microSD card slot, up to 2TB
• Android: Android 13
• Working mode: Android mode / Pure music mode / USB DAC mode / Bluetooth receiving mode
• WiFi: 2.4GHz/5GHz, supports DLNA, AirPlay, WiFi music transfer, etc.
• DAC: CS43198*2
• Op-amp: SGM8262*2
• Display: 4.7-inch HD (750*1334)
• Outputs: Single-ended 3.5mm PO/SPDIF + balanced 4.4mm
• USB connector: Type-C USB2.0 data/charging/USB Audio
• Bluetooth version: 5.0
• Bluetooth transmission: SBC/AAC/aptX/aptX HD/LHDC/LDAC
• Bluetooth reception: SBC/AAC/LDAC
• Local decoding: 384kHz/32bit, DSD256 (Native)
• USB DAC: 384kHz/32bit, DSD256 (Native)
• USB Audio: 768kHz/32bit, DSD512 (supports DoP/D2P/Native)
• Coaxial output: 384kHz/24bit, DSD128 (supports DoP/D2P)
• Output power 1: L+R≥245mW+245mW (32Ω/THD+N < 1%/single-ended)
• Output power 2: L+R≥700mW+700mW (32Ω/THD+N < 1%/balanced)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: ≥130dB
• Noise floor: <1.5μV
• Output impedance: <1Ω
• THD+N: <0.0006%
• Battery capacity: 2400mAh
• Battery life: Single-ended 12.5h, balanced 9.5h
• Charging time: About 2h (5V 2A power supply)

 

Hardware & Software Features:

The FiiO JM21 is equipped with an array of impressive hardware specifications and software capabilities. It comes with a Dual CS43198 DAC setup supporting high-resolution audio. The device features a fully balanced architecture with dual OPAMPs and is powered by a robust Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 processor, complemented by 3GB RAM and 32GB of internal storage. All these features are integrated into a device running the intuitive Android 13 operating system. Let’s take a deeper look at the hardware and software features of the device.

 

A. Hardware Features: 

Snapdragon 680 SoC & Storage:

The FiiO JM21 is outfitted with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 Octa-Core SoC, promising a smooth user interface and efficient performance. The Snapdragon 680 SoC features an 8-core architecture based on Kryo™ 265, with clock speeds up to 2.4GHz and a 6nm fabrication process, ensuring excellent performance with reduced power consumption. Combined with 3GB of RAM, this processor guarantees a responsive experience with the Android 13 Operating System.

The JM21 features 32GB of internal storage, with 22GB available for use. Additionally, a Micro SD card slot is available for expanding storage up to 2TB.

 

Digital to Analog Converter / DAPS:

The FiiO JM21 boasts a dual-DAC configuration, incorporating two CS43198 high-performance 32-Bit DAC chips, offering pretty decent sound-signal decoding capabilities.The JM21 supports local decoding of up to 384kHz/32bit and DSD256 (Native), while as a USB DAC, it supports again up to 384kHz/32bit and native DSD256.

The device features FiiO’s self-developed DAPS (Digital Audio Purification System). This bypasses the Android SRC degradation for the audio signal, so whether you use the FiiO Music application or other lossless media applications, It consists of a 5th-generation FPGA architecture with dual independent crystal oscillators for pure signal processing across different applications.

 

5th-Gen FPGA and Dual Custom Femtosecond Crystal Oscillators:

The FiiO JM21 is equipped with a 10ppm low-temperature drift crystal oscillators with ceramic gold-plated bases and ultra-low phase noise. These custom crystal oscillators are screened at the femtosecond level to ensure consistent and stable output. The low-jitter unified clock source ensures that digital audio signals are precisely handled as they go through the audio circuit.

 

Asynchronous USB DAC:

The JM21 can be connected to a MacOS or Windows computer to function as an asynchronous USB DAC, supporting sampling rates up to 384kHz/32bit. This feature allows the JM21 to significantly improve the audio experience when connected to a computer.

However, it’s important to note that the USB DAC functionality is designed for audio development purposes and has slightly higher latency, making it less ideal for watching videos.

 

Amplification:

The JM21 audio features a fully balanced architecture with dual OPAMPs, delivering a strong output thrust of up to 700mW per channel. This specially designed and tuned audio circuit allows the JM21 to achieve a balanced power output of up to 700mW + 700mW within an ultra-thin body of only 13mm thickness, which is quite impressive.

Additionally, the JM21 offers three gain levels (low, medium, and high), each with its own volume curve. This feature is designed to enhance the listening experience with different types of headphones, whether you are using earphones or over-ear headphones.

Moreover, the JM21 offers both 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm single-ended headphone outputs, catering to a wide range of audio transducers.

Output Power & Other Specs: 

• Output Power 1: L+R ≥ 245mW + 245mW (32Ω/THD+N < 1%/single-ended)
• Output Power 2: L+R ≥ 700mW + 700mW (32Ω/THD+N < 1%/balanced)

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: ≥ 130dB
• Noise Floor: < 1.5μV
• Output Impedance: < 1Ω
• THD+N: < 0.0006%

 

Shielded Partitions:

The main control, DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter), and headphone amplifier sections of the JM21 are separated into their own zones, each with its own shielding and isolation in order to reduces signal crosstalk and resists external signal interference.

 

Segmented Power Supply:

The JM21 employs a three-stage segmented power supply, with independent power supplies for the digital and analog sections. The DAC, voltage, and current amplification stages are each handled by a dedicated stage. Additionally, each of the operational amplifiers (op-amps) in the four-channel amplification stage is equipped with four independent LDO precision regulators. This design offers a fairly stable and clean power distribution.

Wireless Connectivity:

The FiiO JM21 integrates Bluetooth 5.0 technology, ensuring stable and high-quality Bluetooth audio. It supports two-way Bluetooth transmission, meaning it can both transmit and receive Bluetooth signals. The Bluetooth codecs supported by the JM21 include SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LHDC, and LDAC, which makes the device compatibility with a wide range of sources.

Additionally, the JM21 supports dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz), which supports DLNA, AirPlay, Wi-Fi music transfer, and other functions, which allows integration with home networks and wireless streaming.

 

Battery Specifications & Charging Capabilities:

The FiiO JM21 houses a 2400mAh built-in battery, offering up to 12.5 hours of playback time with the single-ended output and 9.5 hours with the balanced output. The JM21 supports fast charging and can be fully charged in about 2 hours with a 5V 2A power supply. Based on my tests, at Medium Gain and 40% volume, I was able to achieve approximately 11 – 11.5 hours of battery life with the 3.5mm output and around 8 hours with the 4.4mm Balanced output. While the overall battery life is quite decent for a slim and compact device with Android and up to 700mW output power, maybe some power users or those on the go may find themselves wishing for more runtime.

 

 

B. Software Ecosystem: 

The FiiO JM21 Plus runs on Android 13, powered by a Snapdragon 680 SoC and 3GB of RAM. Despite the relatively modest RAM, the user interface remains smooth and responsive. The JM21 includes a customized Android OS with pre-installed apps like Google Play Store, Chrome, Gallery, Clock, and Technical Support, along with FiiO’s own app store.

With Google Play Store pre-installed, users have access to various streaming services such as Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, Deezer, and Apple Music. Entertainment apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and YouTube are also available. FiiO’s app store focuses on music and radio streaming services.

The FiiO Music Player stands out with its rich feature set, extensive settings, and user-friendly GUI, including a 10-band PEQ. The JM21 offers five operating modes: Android, Pure Music, USB DAC, Bluetooth Receiving, and Airplay, which can be easily switched via the drop-down menu or settings.

 

Equipment’s used for this review:

• DAP’s                                  : FiiO JM21
• IEM’s/Headphones             : FiiO FP3, FiiO FT1

 

Albums & tracks used for this review:

• Norah Jones – Come Away With Me (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Adele – My Little Love (Deezer HiFi)
• 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)
• Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (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)
• Dave Gahan – Kingdom (Tidal Hi-Fi)
• Radiohead – Live in Berlin “ Album” (Deezer HiFi)
• U2 – Sunday Bloody Sunday (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Muse – Hysteria (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Red Hot Chili Peppers – Nobody Weird Like Me (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Bear McCreary’s – Valkyries (Deezer HiFi)
• Bro Safari, UFO! – Drama (Deezer HiFi)
• Armin Van Buuren – Vini Vici (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Daft Punk – Doin’ it Right (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• 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)
• Portishead – It Could Be Sweet (Spotify)
• Max Richter – On the Nature of Daylight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Charly Antolini – Duwadjuwandadu (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 5 (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Ferit Odman – Look, Stop & Listen (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Chopin – Nocturn No. 20 In C-Sharp Minor (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Clair de Lune – Claude Debussy (Spotify)
• 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 – Dyers Eve (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Metallica – Sad but True (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Opeth – Windowpane (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Megadeth – Sweating Bullets (Tidal Hi-Fi)
• Rush’s – Tom Sawyer (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Slayer – Angel of Death (Spotify)
• Liquid Tension Experiment 2 – Acid Rain (Spotify)
• Yosi Horikawa – Bubbles (Spotify)

 

The Sound:

The FiiO JM21 is a Digital Audio Player (DAP) that offers a well-rounded and balanced sound signature, appealing to a wide range of listeners. It is designed to provide a neutral and natural sound, with a slight emphasis on clarity and detail. The overall sound profile is neither overly warm nor bright, making it suitable for various genres of music. The JM21’s sound quality is further enhanced by its solid performance across different frequency ranges, delivering a cohesive and immersive listening experience.

In this review, we will delve into the detailed performance of the FiiO JM21, focusing on its bass, midrange, treble, and soundstage characteristics. Each section will provide an in-depth analysis of how the JM21 performs in these critical areas, showcasing its strengths and addressing any potential weaknesses.

 

This review is based on approximately 70 hours of burn-in. The sound impressions described below primarily reflect my experience using the device’s 4.4mm balanced output with IEMs such as the FiiO FP3 and headphones like the FiiO FT1.

 

Bass:

The FiiO JM21 presents a bass response that demonstrates a balanced and integrated quality. The bass frequencies provide adequate depth to complement a range of musical genres without overshadowing the midrange or treble. Testing with the FiiO FP3 in-ear monitors revealed a tight and controlled bass reproduction, maintaining clarity and definition even with bass-heavy musical content.

The bass avoids muddiness and retains its composure across diverse musical styles, from electronic compositions to rock music. While some listeners may have a preference for a more emphasized bass response, particularly those who gravitate towards bass-centric genres, the JM21’s bass tuning aims for a middle ground that should appeal to a broad range of listeners. Considering its price range, the bass performance offers a respectable level of depth and impact.

 

Midrange:

The midrange on the JM21 is particularly noteworthy. Throughout my listening sessions with the FiiO FT1 over-ear headphones, the midrange consistently delivered a clear and engaging sound. Vocals and instruments come through naturally, providing a lifelike quality that enhances the overall listening experience. Switching to the FiiO FP3 in-ear monitors, the midrange maintained its clarity and detail, making it a pleasure to listen to both vocal-centric tracks and complex instrumental arrangements. The resolution in this range is impressive, especially considering the JM21’s $199 price point.

The balance between the midrange, bass, and treble is well-maintained, ensuring that no single frequency range dominates the others. This results in a cohesive and immersive sound that adds depth to the music. The texture and richness of the midrange are particularly impressive, allowing for a more intimate and realistic listening experience. While some might find it slightly drier compared to warmer-sounding devices, the midrange performance of the JM21 is undeniably well-executed, allowing for an authentic and enjoyable auditory experience.

 

Treble:

The FiiO JM21’s treble performance is a key characteristic of its sound. It has a slightly brighter presentation, which contributes to a sense of airiness and spaciousness. In my listening tests with the FiiO FT1 over-ear headphones, the treble consistently remained smooth and well-defined, even at higher volume levels. This smooth and defined quality means the JM21’s treble isn’t fatiguing, making it suitable for extended listening.

Switching to the FiiO FP3 in-ear monitors, the treble performance remained impressive for the device’s price. It effectively enhanced the overall listening experience, ensuring that even the most subtle high-frequency details were clearly audible. This level of detail and clarity allows listeners to appreciate the nuances and intricacies of various genres.

The JM21’s smooth and detailed treble contributes to a reasonably open soundstage. This is noticeable across various music genres, adding some depth and dimension to the sound. The spaciousness and clarity are particularly apparent in genres like classical and jazz, where high-frequency details are important to the overall presentation.

 

Soundstage & Imaging:

In terms of soundstage, the FiiO JM21 offers a solid performance for its class. The width and depth of the soundstage create a sense of space and immersion that is appreciable. The imaging is precise, allowing for accurate instrument placement and separation, which adds to the overall realism of the music. During my listening sessions with the FiiO FP3, I found the soundstage to be consistently engaging.

 

Conclusion:

The FiiO JM21 is a noteworthy portable Hi-Res Digital Audio Player, known for its ultra-thin design and dual CS43198 DACs. With the Snapdragon 680 SoC, it offers smooth performance and multitasking. Its fully balanced dual OPAMP configuration ensures powerful audio output.

The device’s slim profile, smart button layout, and clear 4.7-inch HD display enhance usability. The distinctive color scheme and premium materials add to its visual appeal. Running on Android 13, the JM21 is equipped with 3GB RAM and 32GB of storage.

In terms of sound, the JM21 provides a neutral and natural experience with clarity and detail, suitable for various genres. Its high output power and thoughtful design make it a reliable, budget-friendly option for users seeking quality and performance.

Overall, the FiiO JM21 is an attractive choice for those who prioritize a combination of performance, portability, and affordability.

 

Pros & Cons:

• + Ultra-thin and lightweight design for easy portability
• + Attractive color scheme
• + Dual CS43198 DAC
• + Snapdragon 680 SoC ensures smooth performance
• + Fully balanced dual OPAMP configuration for up to 700mW output power
• + Android 13 operating system
• + Budget-friendly option with strong performance

 

• – Silicone case is a nice addition but feel a bit thin and loose
• – Battery life could be a bit longer
• – Hard to find more cons at the given price

 

Thank you for the Read!