FiiO M21 Review

 

Introduction:

The M21 is FiiO’s latest portable mid-to-high-end music player, the successor to the M11 Having explored numerous FiiO devices over the years, the M21 stands out as another impressive addition to their lineup, and I’ve been thoroughly captivated after weeks of testing. Priced at an attractive $329.99, this entry-level DAP continues FiiO’s tradition of delivering exceptional value, a trend I’ve noticed across their product range where each new release, regardless of price segment, surpasses its predecessors in performance and refinement.

Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 SoC for seamless operation, the M21 features a quad Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC setup that handles audio up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM, DSD512, and full MQA unfolding. Its fully balanced two-stage amplification circuit, equipped with OPA1692 and SGM8262-2 op-amps, delivers up to 950mW per channel at 32Ω in desktop mode, highlighting its robust power capabilities.

Connectivity is comprehensive, with dual USB Type-C ports (one for data/charging, one for clean power input), Bluetooth 5.0 supporting LDAC, aptX HD, and LHDC, and dual-band WiFi. The 4000mAh Li-Polymer battery offers around 15 hours on the 3.5mm output or 12.5 hours on the 4.4mm, with PD3.0 fast charging completing a full charge in about 1.5 hours. The desktop mode, activated via a dedicated switch, utilizes external power to preserve the internal battery, enhancing its versatility for both portable and stationary use.

 

Disclaimer:

I would like to thank FiiO for providing me the M21 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 M21 comes in titanium gold and dark blue, both at $329.99. You can find more details through FiiO’s official channels.

• FiiO M21 Portable Digital Audio Player

  

Package & Accessories:

The M21 arrives in a sleek, minimalist black box with FiiO branding, encased in a white sleeve that highlights the device and indicates it is the color variant. Upon opening the outer sleeve, an illustration of the player is featured on the top of the inner box. Unboxing reveals a well-curated set of accessories designed to enhance the user experience from the start.

Inside the box are the following items/accessories;

• 1 x FiiO M21 Digital Audio Player
• 1 x USB Data Cable
• 1 x Pre-applied tempered glass screen protector
• 1 x Silicone case (pre-installed), which feels soft, fits the device snugly, and exudes a premium quality compared to previous transparent silicone cases I’ve used
• 1 x Quick Start Guide
• 1 x Warranty Card

Optional accessories like the SK-M21C cassette-style case and a leather case are available separately, offering a retro or premium flair but not included by default.

 

Design & Build Quality:

he M21 features a compact, modern design crafted from a screwless aluminum chassis paired with a frosted glass back panel, available in titanium gold or dark blue. Measuring 121 x 68 x 17 mm and weighing approximately 193 grams, it strikes a balance between portability and solidity, feeling comfortable in hand like a premium smartphone, especially considering its price point.

The front surface is dominated by a 4.7-inch IPS display with a 750 x 1334 resolution, featuring a bezel-less design that maximizes screen real estate. It comes with a pre-installed tempered glass screen protector, adding durability right out of the box.

The top surface houses a 3.5mm headphone jack that supports single-ended output, line-out, and SPDIF-coax functions, alongside a 4.4mm balanced jack offering output and line-out capabilities, catering to a variety of audio setups.

On the left surface, you’ll find a power button with a subtle LED indicator for status, a multi-function button for quick controls, a desktop mode switch to activate external power use, and a hold switch to lock the touchscreen and buttons. The volume is managed by a tactile slider with touch-sensitive adjustments, providing intuitive control.

The right surface includes dedicated playback control buttons: previous track, play/pause, and next track, offering tactile feedback for easy navigation.

The bottom surface is equipped with dual USB Type-C ports (one for data transfer, charging, and USB DAC functionality using USB 3.0, and a second “POWER IN” port for desktop mode charging) alongside a microSD card slot that supports up to 2TB of additional storage.

The rear surface features a frosted glass panel that enhances grip and displays multicolor effects depending on the light angle, with a 3-pin connector for attaching the optional cassette-style case.

The build quality reflects excellent value for the price, with a sturdy construction that feels premium without any noticeable flaws.

 

SK-M21C Cassette-Style Case:

The optional SK-M21C cassette-style case adds a nostalgic touch to the M21, transforming its appearance into a retro cassette player that evokes memories of classic audio equipment. Crafted with a durable plastic shell, it features a magnetic attachment via the rear 3-pin connector, ensuring a secure fit while maintaining access to key ports and buttons such as the volume slider and playback controls.

The case also features an exclusive retro UI and tailored vintage sound effects, taking you on a nostalgic journey back to the Walkman era. The design includes a transparent panel for viewing the screen, though it suspends touchscreen functionality, encouraging the use of physical buttons for a true vintage experience that aligns with the cassette theme. The user interface has a themed playback mode where the tape’s appearance changes based on the song’s quality and displays metadata like the song name and artist. This adds a layer of tactile engagement, making navigation feel like operating an old-school device.

Weighing slightly more than the silicone case, the SK-M21C introduces some additional bulk, which enhances grip and provides a sense of robustness, though it may feel less portable for on-the-go use.

The case is adorned with detailed cassette-inspired graphics, including faux tape reels and branding, which are printed with high precision, adding to its aesthetic appeal. The spinning tape reels on the UI also go faster or in reverse when you use the fast-forward or rewind buttons.

The case features a hinged lid that mimics the opening mechanism of a cassette player, complete with a soft rubber seal to protect the screen, and the interior is lined with a soft fabric to prevent scratches on the frosted glass back.

While the added weight and size might not suit everyone, the case’s sturdy construction, clever design elements, and attention to detail make it a delightful accessory for enthusiasts who value retro styling. It pairs well with the M21’s multicolor glass back, creating a striking visual contrast, though users should note it may require occasional cleaning to maintain the transparency of the screen panel and ensure optimal visibility.

 

Some Technical Specifications:

• SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (Octa-core, up to 2.4 GHz)
• DAC: Quad Cirrus Logic CS43198
• Amplifier: Dual-stage balanced (OPA1692 x 2, SGM8262-2 x 2)
• Output Power: 950mW + 950mW @ 32Ω (Desktop Mode, Super High Gain), 540mW + 540mW @ 16Ω, 185mW + 185mW @ 300Ω (Balanced); 405mW + 405mW @ 32Ω (Single-ended, also SPDIF-coax/line-out)
• Battery: 4000mAh, ~15h (3.5mm), ~12.5h (4.4mm), PD3.0 fast charging (~1.5h)
• Display: 4.7-inch IPS, 750 x 1334
• Memory: 4GB RAM, 64GB internal storage (~52GB usable) + microSD up to 2TB
• Wireless: Dual-band WiFi (802.11 b/g/n/ac), Bluetooth 5.0 (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, LHDC)
• Dimensions/Weight: 121 x 68 x 17 mm, ~193g

 

 

Hardware & Software Features:

The M21 represents a significant step forward in FiiO’s entry-level DAP lineup, blending advanced hardware with a refined software experience. Here’s a detailed exploration of its capabilities.

DAC & USB DAC Functionality:

The M21’s audio heart lies in its quad Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs, configured in a fully differential eight-channel setup that sums to a stereo output. This design minimizes noise and distortion, achieving a total harmonic distortion plus noise (THD+N) of less than 0.0003% at 1kHz, -4dB, and 32Ω, with a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 124dB. It supports high-resolution formats including 32-bit/768kHz PCM, DSD512, and full MQA unfolding, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of audiophile-grade files. A 5th-generation FPGA, equipped with dual Femto clocks (49.15MHz for 44.1kHz-based rates and 45.1584MHz for 48kHz-based rates), provides ultra-low jitter for precise audio timing, critical for maintaining the integrity of high-resolution playback. The separation of digital and analog sections through dedicated shielding and isolated power rails further reduces interference, delivering a clean signal path that enhances dynamic range and clarity.

As a USB DAC, the M21 connects with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices. Windows requires a driver downloadable from FiiO’s official website, while other platforms offer plug-and-play support, making setup straightforward. This mode handles up to 384kHz/32-bit PCM and DSD256, making it a versatile option for computer-based listening. The implementation includes a high-quality USB 3.0 interface, ensuring fast data transfer and stable performance during extended use, with low latency that supports real-time audio applications.

 

Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 SoC & Storage Options:

Powering the M21 is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680, a 6nm octa-core processor clocked up to 2.4 GHz, paired with 4GB of LPDDR4x RAM and an Adreno GPU. This combination delivers a fluid user interface, capable of multitasking between music playback, streaming apps like Tidal or Spotify, and system settings without noticeable lag, even when switching between multiple open applications.

The onboard storage is 64GB eMMC, of which approximately 52GB is user-accessible after system allocation, providing ample space for a personal library of lossless files or streaming caches. A single microSD card slot supports cards up to 2TB, offering expandable storage for those with extensive collections, though the lack of a dual-slot design might limit flexibility for users who prefer managing multiple cards for organization.

Amplification & Other Hardware Features:

The amplification stage is a dual-stage balanced design, utilizing two OPA1692 op-amps for voltage gain and two SGM8262-2 op-amps for current delivery, ensuring a powerful and clean output. This setup drives the 4.4mm balanced output to 950mW per channel at 32Ω in Super High Gain mode (desktop mode), 540mW at 16Ω, and 185mW at 300Ω, while the 3.5mm single-ended output reaches 405mW at 32Ω. The circuit incorporates high-precision film resistors and capacitors, contributing to low noise and high fidelity, with a focus on maintaining signal purity across varying load impedances.

The dual Type-C port configuration includes a USB 3.0 port for data transfer, charging, and USB DAC functionality, supporting fast file transfers and efficient power delivery. A dedicated “POWER IN” port for desktop mode unlocks the Super High Gain output when paired with a PD2.0 or PD3.0 fast charger, a feature that enhances versatility for stationary use.

A sophisticated 10-rail low-dropout (LDO) regulator system isolates digital and analog power supplies, minimizing cross-talk and enhancing audio purity. The inclusion of a desktop mode switch allows the device to operate solely on external power, preserving the 4000mAh Li-Polymer battery’s lifespan during prolonged stationary use, a practical solution for audiophiles with desktop setups.

 

Patented Desktop Mode:

The desktop mode switch enables external power use, protecting the battery, though Super High Gain requires a compatible PD2.0/PD3.0 charger.

Wireless Connectivity:

The M21’s wireless capabilities are robust, featuring dual-band WiFi (2.4GHz and 5GHz) with 802.11 b/g/n/ac standards, offering stable and fast internet access comparable to mid-range smartphones. This enables seamless streaming from services like Qobuz or Apple Music, as well as smooth firmware updates over the air. Bluetooth 5.0 supports both transmission and reception, with codecs including SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, and LHDC, providing high-quality wireless audio with low latency and high fidelity. Range tests with sensitive earphones confirmed a reliable connection up to approximately 12 meters in typical indoor environments, with minimal dropouts, making it suitable for wireless headphone use or receiver mode with external devices.

Battery Duration & Charging:

The 4000mAh battery is designed for longevity, delivering approximately 15 hours of playback on the 3.5mm output and 12.5 hours on the 4.4mm output under controlled conditions: 50% volume, high gain, MP3 playback, display off, and EQ disabled. Real-world usage with streaming, higher volumes, or screen-on time may reduce this slightly, but it remains competitive for its class.

The device supports PD3.0 fast charging, achieving a full charge in about 1.5 hours with a compatible charger, though compatibility varies—Samsung PD chargers performed reliably, while some third-party options struggled, requiring users to select their charger carefully. The desktop mode bypasses the internal battery when powered externally, a thoughtful feature for extended desktop use, with a noticeable reduction in heat buildup compared to battery-only operation.

Here are my testing conditions:

• Volume: 50%
• Gain: High
• File Format: MP3, 44.1 kHz / 16-bit
• Display: Off
• EQ: Off

DAPS (Digital Audio Purification System)

FiiO’s proprietary DAPS integrates a dedicated HiFi audio core and a low-jitter clock co-processor, ensuring a high-precision clock source that maintains the original sampling rates of PCM and DSD files across all operating modes. This system reduces timing errors and enhances audio fidelity, particularly beneficial for high-resolution content where timing accuracy is paramount. The DAPS also includes advanced noise reduction techniques, contributing to the M21’s low noise floor and high dynamic range, making it a key component in delivering a pure and uncolored sound signature.

 

 

Software Experience:

The M21 runs on a customized Android 13 operating system, which is optimized for the Snapdragon 680 SoC and supported by 4GB of RAM. The system boots within 10 to 15 seconds, and a clean home screen comes preloaded with essential applications. These include the Google Play Store for additional software, Chrome for web browsing, Gallery for photo management, Clock for timekeeping, and a Technical Support application for troubleshooting and feedback submission. FiiO also provides its own app store, which offers proprietary software and updates tailored to the device.

The FiiO Music Player is a core feature of the audio experience. It includes a 10 band global equalizer that can be applied across all applications and output types, including single ended, balanced, line out, and SPDIF. Users can adjust gain levels from low to super high in desktop mode, and select from a variety of digital filters, such as Fast Roll Off Minimum Phase or Non Oversampling. Settings for channel balance, line out voltage, and SPDIF output format can also be configured. The interface provides clear visual feedback, allowing for straightforward adjustments.

The device offers six operating modes, which are accessible via a dropdown menu or settings. Android Mode allows for full functionality including application installations. Pure Music Mode prioritizes audio playback by minimizing background processes and restricting access to other applications. Bluetooth Receive Mode is available for wireless audio input from external sources, and AirPlay allows for network streaming from compatible Apple devices. DLNA facilitates network streaming from other compatible sources, while USB DAC Mode allows the device to function as an external sound card for a computer. The Pure Music Mode requires user confirmation to exit, which provides a focused listening environment.

The device also offers a unique Cassette Mode interface. When used with its dedicated case, the screen automatically shifts to a landscape view featuring a cassette tape with animated cogs, displaying current track information. The interface can be controlled via a button on the case, which also allows temporary access to the main operating system.

Firmware updates are regularly provided, with the initial v1.01 release addressing early issues and improving stability. The Technical Support Menu, accessible within settings, offers a way to check for updates, submit feedback directly to the FiiO support team, and access diagnostic tools. The M21 also has a walkman interface mode that enables it to be used as a portable power bank, allowing it to recharge other compatible devices via its USB port. This feature provides additional utility beyond music playback.

  

Full List of Remarkable Features: 

• Quad CS43198 DAC with balanced output
• Desktop mode with Super High Gain (950mW @ 32Ω)
• Bluetooth 5.0 with LDAC, aptX HD, LHDC
• Dual-band WiFi and microSD up to 2TB
• 10-band global EQ across all apps
• 4.7-inch IPS display with tempered glass protection

 

Equipment’s used for this review:

• DAP’s             : FiiO M21, FiiO JM21
• IEM’s              : FiiO FP3, Moondrop Harmon
• Headphones : FiiO FT5

 

Albums & Tracks Used for this Review:

Vocal Jazz / Smooth Jazz

• Norah Jones – Come Away With Me (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Diana Krall – So Wonderful (DSF)
• 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)
• Otto Liebert & Luna Negra – The River (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Ferit Odman – Look, Stop & Listen (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Charly Antolini – Duwadjuwandadu (Flac 24bit/192kHz)

Soul / R&B

• Aretha Franklin – I Say A Little Prayer (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Adele – My Little Love (Apple Lossless)
• George Michael – Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)

Pop / Rock Classics

• Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Elton John – Rocket Man (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• David Bowie – Heroes (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• U2 – Sunday Bloody Sunday (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Lorde – Royals (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Dave Gahan – Kingdom (Apple Lossless)

Electronic / Experimental

• Daft Punk – Instant Crush (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Daft Punk – Doin’ it Right (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Bro Safari, UFO! – Drama (Apple Lossless)
• Armin Van Buuren – Vini Vici (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Yosi Horikawa – Bubbles (Apple Lossless)
• Toutant – Rebirth (Apple Lossless)

Alternative / Indie / Art Rock

• Radiohead – Live in Berlin “Album” (Apple Lossless)
• Radiohead – Pyramid Song (Apple Lossless)
• Muse – Hysteria (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Red Hot Chili Peppers – Nobody Weird Like Me (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Lunatic Soul – The Passage (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Portishead – It Could Be Sweet (Apple Lossless)
• Gogo Penguin – Raven (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Gogo Penguin – Murmuration (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Massive Attack – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Bear McCreary – Valkyries (Apple Lossless)

Classical / Orchestral

• Max Richter – On the Nature of Daylight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Chopin – Nocturne No. 20 in C-Sharp Minor (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Clair de Lune – Claude Debussy (Apple Lossless)
• Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 5 (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Vivaldi – Le Quattro Stagioni “The Four Seasons” (Apple Lossless)
• Fazıl Say – Nazım Oratoryosu (Live) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)

Jazz / Instrumental

• Miles Davis – So What (Apple Lossless)

World / Traditional

• Sertap Erener – Aşk (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Edith Piaf – Non Je Ne Regrette Rien (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)

Metal / Progressive Rock

• Metallica – Dyers Eve (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Metallica – Sad but True (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Megadeth – Sweating Bullets (Apple Lossless)
• Opeth – Windowpane (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Deftones – My Own Summer (Shove It) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Rush – Tom Sawyer (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Slayer – Angel of Death (Apple Lossless)
• Liquid Tension Experiment 2 – Acid Rain (Apple Lossless)

 

 

The Sound:

After dedicating significant time to exploring the FiiO M21, its audio performance presents a balanced and capable experience for its price. The device was evaluated using the 4.4mm balanced output with IEMs such as the FiiO FP3 and Moondrop Harmon, as well as the FiiO FT5 headphones, following a thorough 100-hour burn-in period to ensure a fair assessment. The sound signature leans toward a natural tonality infused with a subtle warmth, crafting a smooth listening atmosphere. This warmth adds a layer of richness that enhances the experience without compromising clarity

Bass:

The M21’s bass performance is a solid aspect of its sound, delivering a clean, controlled, and well-articulated foundation. The mid-bass presence is robust, where the iconic bassline of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” reveals a satisfying punch that effectively drives the rhythm through the FiiO FT5. The response is carefully balanced, avoiding any overemphasis that could muddy the mix, and it maintains a tight precision that prevents bleed into the midrange. The sub-bass provides a subtle yet impactful weight that enhances a track’s mood, as heard in the deep drop of Lorde’s “Royals.” The control extends to complex passages, where the intricate acoustic bass in Gogo Penguin’s “Murmuration” remains distinct and well-defined.

However, the decay speed could be slightly quicker, especially on faster-paced tracks like Armin Van Buuren’s “Vini Vici,” where a touch more crispness in the transient response might elevate the texture. This can allow the bass to linger a bit longer than ideal, which may soften the impact on rapid sequences. The FiiO FP3 highlighted this, with the low-end performance underscoring the device’s capability at this price point. Overall, the bass offers a capable and well-balanced presentation, though refining the decay could enhance its agility and precision further.

 

Midrange:

The midrange is presented with a transparent and airy quality. It is infused with a gentle warmth in the lower frequencies that enriches audio elements across the board. Tonal qualities resonate with a deep, grounded quality that feels rich and full-bodied, capturing the soulful depth of a performance through the Moondrop Harmon. This warmth provides a solid foundation, though it occasionally lacks a bit of forwardness, which could bring some elements more to the forefront for an even balance across the frequency spectrum.

The upper mids benefit from a dynamic character, which adds an engaging sparkle without veering into harshness, particularly noticeable with the FiiO FT5 in a track like Adele’s “My Little Love.” The seamless transition between lower and upper mids is a strength, where vocal clarity and emotional nuance are evident. Instruments, such as the piano in Diana Krall’s “So Wonderful,” offer a clear, resonant tone, while the acoustic guitar in Eric Clapton’s “Wonderful Tonight” adds a warm, textured layer to the mix. The saxophone in Sting’s “Englishman in New York” also benefits from this airy quality, standing out with a smooth, detailed presence.

A slight boost in the lower mid presence could enhance the balance, ensuring audio elements match the upper mid energy, providing a more cohesive presentation across the range. This adjustment would provide a more unified texture, particularly for tracks with layered instrumentation. The midrange’s natural tone remains a highlight, and this suggestion is aimed at refining its versatility without altering its core appeal.

 

Treble:

The treble region of the M21 delivers a bright yet non-fatiguing performance, characterized by excellent extension and an airy quality that opens up the soundstage. Listening to Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons,” the subtle nuances in high-frequency string notes were well-articulated, creating a sense of space that complemented the midrange, especially through the FiiO FP3. The treble avoids any sharpness, maintaining control even on energetic tracks where it supports the upper mids without dominating the mix. This controlled brightness ensures comfortable listening over extended periods, as heard with the aggressive cymbal work in Metallica’s “Dyers Eve” on the FiiO FT5.

Detail retrieval is competent, with micro-details becoming audible, particularly in a track like Opeth’s “Windowpane” using the Moondrop Harmon. However, there’s room for improvement in extracting the finest nuances, where a more analytical precision could elevate the experience. This limitation can occasionally mask subtle instrumental details. This isn’t a significant flaw but a suggestion for enhancing the treble’s resolution to match its excellent extension. The treble’s current performance strikes a fine balance, but further refinement could unlock its full potential for intricate high-frequency elements.

 

Soundstage & Imaging:

The soundstage of the M21 is a solid performer for its price point, delivering a good sense of width and depth. Its ability to create a clear and stable stereo image is a notable strength. Thanks to a low noise floor, the background remains clean, allowing for distinct instrument separation. While the soundstage is not expansive in the way of high-end devices, it provides a well-defined and organized presentation that is entirely competent for its category. Overall, the M21 offers a respectable spatial performance that aligns well with its position as a relatively entry-level device.

 

Comparison:

FiiO M21 Plus versus FiiO JM21:

When comparing the M21 to the JM21, it’s worth noting they come from the same family, and both are excellent in their own right. The M21’s quad-DAC setup does give it an edge over the JM21’s dual CS43198 DACs, but this doesn’t mean the JM21 is a slouch. The differences are more about a step up in performance rather than a fundamental flaw.

The M21 offers a more substantial and dynamic bass response with greater depth and control. Its ability to handle complex basslines and sub-bass frequencies is a key advantage. The JM21 provides a clean, well-defined bass, giving music a solid foundation. While it delivers good rhythm and weight, it may not reach the same level of richness and texture as the M21, which provides a more expansive soundscape.

The M21 presents a warmer, more transparent midrange with superior detail retrieval, making vocals and instruments sound incredibly vibrant and engaging. The JM21 offers a clean and clear midrange that handles a wide range of music well. It’s articulate and true to the source, but in direct comparison, its presentation can feel slightly less open, and it may not convey the subtle nuances or emotional depth that the M21’s wider dynamic range allows.

The M21’s treble stands out with its extended reach and excellent detail resolution. It creates a refined and airy high-frequency response that reveals the fine textures of cymbals and hi-hats with remarkable clarity. The JM21 has a smooth and well-controlled treble that’s never harsh. While it provides good detail, it offers a more focused and less expansive presentation compared to the M21’s airier, more revealing high-end.

The M21’s advanced architecture creates a more expansive and holographic soundstage. Its superior instrument separation and precise imaging make it easier to pinpoint the location of each sound, giving the music a more three-dimensional feel. The JM21, on the other hand, presents a solid and well-defined soundstage, but it is more compact and less airy. While instruments are clearly separated, the overall presentation lacks the sheer width and depth that the M21 achieves.

 

Conclusion:

The FiiO M21 is a remarkable achievement that challenges the standards of the entry-level DAP market by delivering a performance that often rivals more expensive models. Its robust build quality, versatile features like desktop mode and dual USB ports, and a comprehensive software package powered by Android 13 make it a pleasure to use. The sound quality is a standout, with a natural and slightly warm signature that excels at delivering a powerful and controlled bass, a transparent and emotional midrange, and a bright yet non-fatiguing treble. The soundstage is wide and layered, providing an immersive listening experience that is uncommon at this price point.

While there are minor areas for refinement, such as slightly faster bass decay and a touch more micro-detail in the treble, these are minor criticisms that do not detract from the M21’s overall value. It is a testament to FiiO’s commitment to continuous improvement, offering a balanced and powerful device that is equally at home on the go or as a desktop component. The M21 is not just an incremental upgrade; it is a significant leap forward, setting a new benchmark for what is possible in the sub-$350 category. It is an ideal choice for both newcomers to the audiophile world and seasoned enthusiasts looking for a highly capable, portable, and versatile player that provides excellent sound for the price.

 

Pros & Cons:

• + Excellent Sound: Natural and warm, with powerful, controlled bass
• + Powerful quad CS43198 DAC, supports 32-bit/768kHz, DSD512, MQA
• + Robust 950mW output in desktop mode
• + Comprehensive connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 (LDAC, aptX HD), dual-band WiFi
• + Long battery life (~15h 3.5mm, ~12.5h 4.4mm), PD3.0 fast charging
• + Premium build, compact aluminum chassis, frosted glass back
• + Versatile desktop mode preserves battery
• + Custom Android 13 with 10-band EQ, multiple operating modes
• + Nostalgic SK-M21C cassette case with retro UI

 

• – Bass decay slightly slow on fast tracks
• – Limited Detail: Micro-details are good but not top-tier
• – Optional cassette case adds some bulk

 

Thank you for the Read!