Fiio M21 is a high-resolution digital audio player made for music lovers who want premium sound quality on the go. Designed to be versatile and powerful, the M21 works not just as a standalone player but also as a USB DAC, Bluetooth decoder, and even a sound dongle for your computer or phone. With its strong audio capabilities and Android 13 support, the M21 offers a smooth and modern user experience.
Price and Availability
Fiio M21 is currently available for presale at a price of $359. Orders placed now will begin shipping from May 6th. This high-resolution digital audio player can be pre-ordered exclusively through Geekwills, making it an ideal time for audiophiles to secure their unit ahead of the official release.
Display and Build
The Fiio M21 features a 4.7-inch IPS display with a resolution of 750×1334 pixels. While it’s compact, the screen is sharp and clear enough for easy navigation, music browsing, and app use. The body is designed to be solid and portable, with a sleek finish that fits comfortably in your hand or pocket. This small but functional screen size strikes a good balance for those who want an efficient, lightweight player without sacrificing usability.
Audio Quality and DACs
At the heart of the Fiio M21 are two high-end Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs, paired with SGM8262 amplification. This dual-DAC setup offers detailed, low-noise sound and helps eliminate interference and crosstalk. The player also supports high-resolution playback up to 384kHz/32bit when used as a USB DAC. This ensures a clean, rich sound whether you’re listening through headphones or connecting to other gear.
Performance and System
Powered by an 8-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 chipset, built on a 6nm process, the Fiio M21 runs smoothly across applications and audio functions. With 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage, it handles multitasking efficiently, while the Android 13 OS allows you to download your favorite music apps like Tidal, Spotify, or Apple Music directly.
Connectivity and Output Options
The Fiio M21 comes equipped with both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced headphone outputs, giving users flexibility with a wide range of headphones. It also supports SPDIF and USB audio output, making it easy to connect to other audio systems. Bluetooth 5.0 support ensures stable wireless listening with support for advanced codecs like LDAC, LHDC, aptX HD, and more.
Battery Life and Usage
The M21 offers up to 12.5 hours of battery life when using the 3.5mm output and about 9.5 hours with the 4.4mm balanced output. This makes it a reliable choice for long listening sessions without frequent recharging. It also includes an independent power system designed to support the strong amplification while keeping noise low.
Key Specs:
- DAC: Dual Cirrus Logic CS43198
- Processor: 8-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm)
- RAM/Storage: 3GB RAM + 32GB ROM
- Display: 4.7-inch IPS, 750×1334 pixels
- Output Power: 700mW + 700mW
- Audio Outputs: 4.4mm balanced + 3.5mm single-ended
- Battery Life: 12.5 hrs (single-ended), 9.5 hrs (balanced)
- Bluetooth: v5.0; Supports SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, LHDC
- Operating System: Android 13
- USB DAC Support: Up to 384kHz/32bit
- Included in Box: Fiio M21, USB data cable
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