- The audio player FIIO M21 Hi-RES costs £ 279 / $ 329 (about $ 583 in)
- Quad-Dac configuration and two-step amplification
- Desktop mode for an optimized output for hi-fi systems
The arrival of a new affordable audio reader from FIIO is guaranteed to attract our attention: when we reviewed the portable music reader JM21, we were blown away by its sound and its value for money. And now there is a new more powerful player without being much more expensive.
When the JM21 is a double DAC device, the new FIIO M21 is a quad-DAC reader. And double DAC does not mean double the price: where the JM21 was launched at $ 199 / £ 179, the M21 is $ 329 / £ 279.
FIIO M21 Player Player: Key specifications and features
The M21 is an elegant thing with a large 4.7-inch IPS touch screen on the front, a glass back and a Snapdragon 680 Octa-Core. The device runs Android 13 and is delivered with 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of internal storage with 52 GB of the one available for use, and you can add up to 2 to via microSD. Bluetooth is 5.0 (SBC, AAC, Aptx, Aptx HD, LDAC And LHDC).
The DACs are four CIRRUS Logic CS4319 arranged to minimize the diaphony and the noise. The two -step amplification provides the tension first and the second current, which, according to Fiio, creates a clean and dynamic sound profile.
A new key functionality is M21, a first for entry -level androids of Fiio. It allows you to connect to a USB-C power and bypass the battery, deliver up to 21VPP peak tension and 950 mW per channel in 32 ohms. Desktop mode also allows you to use the M21 as a high resolution streamer for a wider hi-fi system.
The battery life in portable mode is 15 hours on the output of 3.5 mm and 11.5 hours with the balanced output of 4.4 mm. And there is an optional retro case that looks like a cassette – it is the largest metal color box on which the M21 is seated on the main photo at the top.
There is no doubt that it will seem fantastic – and I suspect that it will probably better face higher volumes than the JM21, which becomes a little shouted when you go up too high. And at £ 279 / $ 329, the M21 still undermines many rival high resolution devices – notably the M23 of Fioo, another player we love.
Between this and the case cassette, I think that Fiio offers a winning formula here. The player is available now.
