FIIO DM13

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Disclaimer:

- FiiO sent this unit to me in an exchange for an honest, unbiased review. Rest assured that this review will do its best to devoid from any bias/es as much as possible.
-The following remarks and observations shall be made and owned only by me.
-No monetary compensation is/was involved before, during, and after the period of creation of this review.
-Your mileage may (and always, will) vary.

Burn-in time: 5-10 hours per day, 5 days.

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Essential Product Specifications:

Dimensions of DM13
About 137 * 144 * 27mm (Footpads are not included)

Output Power

3.5mm headphone output:

• L+R≥180mW+180mW (32Ω, THD+N＜1%)

4.4mm balanced headphone output:

• L+R≥660mW+660mW (32Ω, THD+N＜1%)

Battery capacity

• 3750mAh 3.8V high voltage lithium battery

Battery life

• Over 10 hours @40mV output

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Sound signature:

• Just like most FiiO USB DACs released recently, the FiiO DM13 exhibits a relatively neutral, nearly transparent character. The technical performance of the IEM/Earbuds/Headphones you pair with the DM13 shines here well, with a noticeable clean, pitch-black background. This is quite different from all of the discman/CD players that I have owned, probably because those are already vintage in today’s standards, and sported a warmer, smoother approach. The DM13 is also miles and heaps powerful when compared to the usual portable CD players within the 200 USD price range. The 180mw on 3.5mm and 660mw on 4.4mm translates well in real-life usage, since I never felt and underpowered instances in this discman. Personally, I can say that the FiiO DM13 in this context is the better option since having a more neutral approach enables a wide variety of setups and genres that can be paired with this set, But I can also see those people who prefer a warmer, lush sound in a modern package, just like when the cd players are at its peak.

Build Quality:

• In a nutshell, the overall build quality of the DM13 is quite premium for its retail price, in my opinion. Most of its parts and the overall chassis are made of metal, coated with a matte finish. Buttons and switches are tactile to my liking and it never felt mushy at all. If I were to nitpick, I would have preferred the buttons to be a bit more elevated for it to be more “tactile”, since it is almost flush on the panel cover. Even the panel cover of this discman is spring loaded and never came across as flimsy or creaking during my observations. It also comes with different colorways for you to choose from. It even has an option for you to have the DM13 with a transparent top cover for you to see the CD spinning inside. For this review, I chose the red colorway, because it reminded me of the old discmans I have owned and used before.

Device Compatibility, Features:

• I had no problems using the DM13 with all of the CDs, headphones, and earphones I have with me. From what I know, the DM13 does not support SACD which is understandable since in this context, this is still an entry level music player. I haven’t experienced any skipping or playback errors throughout my observation and usage with this CD player. My DM13 also has a bluetooth function, which pairs my bluetooth headphones and speaker with ease. Do take note that the bluetooth connection only maxes out at APTX-HD codec, which may throw off the LDAC purists who are looking for a budget CD Player . As for the features. this is by far, in my opinion, the DM13’s ace compared to all of the cd players currently existing under 200 USD - it packs a lot of features, literally! On the surface, it may seem that it is just a straightforward, no-frills CD player, until you read the manual. Its controls even have layers of long presses, button sequences, and button combinations in order to initiate certain features! This is a double edged sword however, in my opinion, which I will explain in the next section of this review. As for the ports, FiiO is actually generous enough to include and implement extra ports here in this CD player. Aside from the usual 3.5mm and 4.4mm ports and ESP protection switch which I actually did not use most of the time because it I never experienced any playback skipping even when I am carrying it outdoors, it has a balanced 4.4 line-out and a 3.5mm line-out that also serves as a coaxial and optical port for you to use it with an external DAC or AMP of your choice. This in return, means that you cannot use the DM13 as an external DAC/AMP. Lastly, The DM13 can rip and record CDs, which is a solid treat for CD collectors like me who want a softcopy of their albums. My experience with that feature however, is a mixed bag. My unit can only rip and record CDs locally, which means that my unit needs to store its recorded WAV files from the CD through a USB-C external storage in FAT32 format whereas FiiO advertised that I can also rip CDs by connecting the DM13 directly to my PC. Aside from the 1X recording and ripping speed, this isn’t really a big deal to me since the DM13 rips CDs well without any glitches. Do take note that the ripped files from the CD do not have any tags or album art included, but this can easily be fixed through Foobar’s tagging feature, as an example.

Software, UI, Navigation

• As I have mentioned before, having a ton of features in a relatively small package can be a double edged sword to anyone, particularly here in the DM13. The DM13’s buttons have layers within layers of number of presses, long presses, and button combinations for you to do a particular feature. For example, aside from using the power button for you to turn on and off the DM13, pressing it once lets you check the overall status of the DM13 through its high-contrast, crystal clear screen. Pressing it rapidly cycles you through a series of modes such as SPDIF, USB Out, Pre-Out, and Bluetooth mode. Pressing the play/pause button while the cover lid opens will display the firmware version installed in the DM13. I am not sure if “overengineered” is the right term for this, but the whole software is feature packed up to the point that FiiO themselves uploaded a video demonstrating the proper operation of the DM13, aside from including a quick start manual in the box. Despite all of this rambling I did in this section, I find the overall experience fairly easy since these extra steps and features do not affect the basic navigation of the discman, such as adjusting volume, playing and pausing, skipping tracks, and the like. It still operates and works like the usual CD players I have owned and bought throughout my life, the DM13 just takes the overall experience a bit further and extensive.

Battery Consumption, Charging Time

• Honestly, these integrated batteries on a Discman are quite new to me, because all of the disc players I owned and bought before were operated with double AA batteries or directly plugged in a wall outlet. The DM13 solved that situation with a modern take wherein the battery is integrated in the device. On the surface, it may seem that it may be unusable when the battery is completely depleted due to age, but FiiO thought of this really well in my opinion, by including a “desktop mode” feature. With a flick of a switch, the DM13 can operate without consuming or using the battery as long as it is plugged in a wall outlet or a PC. This is very handy and practical because it combats the “planned obsolescence” that most devices are suffering after being used for years. Battery consumption with the DM13 is above average and very reliable for what it is worth as it lasted me around 7-8 hours of playing CDs continuously on a single charge. Charging it from 0-100 took me around 2-3 hours. I honestly cannot remember the exact duration because I used this with Desktop mode turned on, enabling me to play CDs while the DM13 charges from 0-100.

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Pros:

• The most feature-packed disc player I have encountered under 200 USD!
• Superb overall sound quality for s CD Player!
• Quite powerful for a disc player!
• Solid technical performance!
• Excellent battery life for a CD player!
• The gapless feature is always a sweet treat!
• Has ESP! (although the disc player is very reliable enough for me to even turn in on
• Has 4.4 and 3.5 ports!
• Has coaxial and optical ports!
• Has APTX-HD support!
• Well-built for its price!
• Sleek and compact!
• Can be used in desktop mode!

Cons:

• Navigating through the extensive controls and menu is a bit complex and my need some time getting used to (FiiO addresses this by uploading the written and video manual, link at the end of this review). This isn’t really a problem if you plan on using this CD player in a simple/straightforward manner.
• No LDAC support on BT mode (not really a problem to me)
• The CD-ripping via PC connection did not work for me (but the flash drive to DM13 connection works well as advertised.
• The CD ripping function via flash drive to DM13 method will take a while ripping due to its 1X speed.
• Cannot be used as a desktop DAC/AMP.
• A pouch or even a case for this discman, just like the good old days, would be a solid treat for everybody.

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In a world wherein streaming services and online listening is the most commonly used method of listening to music, FiiO acknowledged those people who prefer a tangible media ownership by creating the DM13. Not only did they make a simple CD Player, they packed it with numerous modern day features, such as desktop mode, bluetooth function, and balanced ports, making it a very compelling modern companion for CD collectors like me. These features are also non-existent to most CD players under the 200 USD range before, which is a first here in the DM13, based on my personal experience. I wholeheartedly recommend the FiiO DM13 if you are looking for a worthy, practical CD Player that packs a ton of features for you to enjoy and preserve your local media. Thank you for acknowledging the traditional ways, FiiO!


Thank you for reading!

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Non-affiliated links here!:

Purchase Links:

• https://www.fiio.com/dm13
• https://fiioaudio.aliexpress.com/st...Items_or_groupList.pcShopHead_6000255309748.0

Product Information, Operation guides:

• https://www.fiio.com/dm13_faq

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Additional Photos Here:

Intro

Do you remember the Sony Discman, often referred to as the CD Walkman? It made its debut in the ‘80s and quickly became a hit, selling hundreds of thousands of units until the 2010s, when the rise of the MP3 format began to eclipse the CD.

As the saying goes, history has a way of repeating itself. With CDs never truly disappearing, it’s no surprise that portable CD players are making a comeback. Have you held onto your CD collection? Now's your chance to enjoy your favorite albums through headphones, and even more!



FiiO DM13

FiiO has just unveiled some captivating retro-inspired audio gear, including the CP13 cassette player and the TT13 turntable. Their latest addition, the FiiO DM13, is a portable CD player that pays homage to the iconic CD walkman design. While the concept of a portable CD player may not be groundbreaking, the DM13 cleverly conceals a wealth of technological advancements beneath its nostalgic exterior.

Technical highlights

The DM13 shares an audio architecture with the renowned FiiO K11 desktop DAC/amp, utilizing dual CS43198 DAC chips and two SGM8262 headphone amplifiers. Notably, the same DAC chip also manages volume control, allowing for a precise 99-level fine volume adjustment without requiring a gain setting.

While FiiO hasn’t provided details on the CD mechanism and servo, they’ve included a user-selectable electronic skip protection buffer (ESP) in the DM13. This feature helps prevent interrupted playback while on the go. However, it’s worth noting that enabling it may slightly affect sound quality and drain the battery more quickly, so it’s advisable to keep it switched OFF when not needed.



Non Audio stuff

The FiiO DM13 has a compact square design reminiscent of the classic CD walkman models from the ‘80s and ‘90s, before their shapes evolved to more rounded edges. Measuring just 144x137x27mm and weighing around 450g, it’s notably smaller and lighter than many competitors, all while being constructed entirely of aluminum alloy.

Designed for portability, the DM13 excels as a well-built and meticulously finished device. Particular attention has been given to the hinge mechanism of the lid, which is often the most delicate component. The DM13 comes in a range of striking finishes, including silver, black, red, white, and an eye-catching white skylight version with a transparent top.



IO and CD ripping function

The FiiO DM13 features two headphone outputs at the front—one 3.5mm and one 4.4mm balanced. In addition, it offers balanced 4.4mm and 3.5mm line outputs, both of which have a variable level setting. The 3.5mm output can also function as an optical/coaxial digital output, making it easy to connect the DM13 to an external DAC.

The DM13 is equipped with a type-C USB output, enabling direct CD ripping onto FAT32 portable storage devices, or it can be connected to a PC with the right software. The process is quite simple: you can rip CDs in real-time WAV files, allowing for easy sharing and playback of the files you've created. However, it's important to note that the DM13 does not support USB audio input or output functions.



FiiO DM13 Bluetooth version

The Bluetooth version of the FiiO DM13 comes with a Qualcomm Bluetooth transmitter that supports SBC, aptX, aptX LL, and aptX HD codecs. This makes it super convenient to enjoy your favorite CDs wirelessly with headphones or to connect to other Bluetooth-enabled devices like DACs and integrated amplifiers.

To get started with a wireless connection, you'll need to put the DM13 in Bluetooth pairing mode. Once it’s active, the DM13 will seamlessly connect to your device and select the best available codec. I've found the signal to be quite stable across a typical room distance, with no pesky disconnections or playback issues. For my testing, I used the FiiO FW5 wireless earphones, and they performed beautifully.



Features and UI

The DM13 is sure to please anyone who’s accustomed to using desktop CD players, as it comes with all the essential playback features you'd expect. Enjoy smooth, gapless playback, the ability to switch tracks or navigate within the same track, repeat a single track or an entire CD, shuffle and even add favorite tracks. Plus, once you close the lid, the CD will automatically start playing again from the exact track and time where you last left off.

On the top of the lid, you’ll find seven buttons, while the lid ejection lever is conveniently placed on the right side of the chassis. Each time you press a button, the lid will make a slight movement, though this won’t disrupt your listening experience. From left to right, the buttons are: power, play/pause, previous track, next track, volume down, volume up, and playback sequence. Don’t forget to check the manual for additional functions! Occasionally, you may need to double press a button to register an action, and in rare cases, you might encounter a situation where the player freezes, necessitating a power cycle.

The 1.5” LCD screen keeps you updated with the volume level, current track, and elapsed time. A single press of the power button will briefly show you handy information such as battery level, selected output, desktop mode, and ESP status.

Inserting and removing CDs is effortless thanks to the intelligently designed finger space. The CD glides smoothly without making contact with the tray or lid, and the operation is quiet, with spinning noises only noticeable when music isn’t playing.

However, it's important to keep in mind that the DM13 doesn’t work with the FiiO control app, so you won’t be able to change low pass digital filters or tweak other settings.



Battery duration and Desktop mode

The DM13 comes with two convenient supply modes inspired by FiiO’s desktop functionality found in their digital audio players and USB DAC dongles. When you connect it to a 5V USB power source, simply switch the D.MODE toggle at the back to ON, and the DM13 will operate without draining its battery. In this mode, the battery will charge up to full capacity. It’s important to note that, unlike some other FiiO products, the desktop mode of the DM13 does not increase power output; the output remains consistent regardless of the mode.

With a 3750mAh battery, the DM13 offers around eight hours of playback when using the balanced output. You can check the remaining battery life on the OLED display, which shows a scale from 1 to 5, though it's worth mentioning that this scale isn’t highly precise. The device supports charging through both USB Type-C inputs, but it does not include a battery charging indicator LED. To help conserve power, the DM13 features a convenient 10-minute auto power off function.

Power and noise

The FiiO DM13 delivers power output that rivals a high-quality USB DAC dongle, reaching up to 660mW*2 at 32Ω from its balanced output and 180mW*2 from its single-ended output. This is sufficient to drive most earphones and some efficient headphones, such as the FiiO FT1 Pro and the Aune SR7000. However, for those who enjoy demanding headphones, especially in a home setting, connecting the DM13 to an external amplifier could enhance the experience.

What makes the DM13 particularly suited for in-ear monitors (IEMs) is its ability to provide silent operation, free from background noise—even with highly efficient earphones like the FiiO FA19. It also offers precise volume control and excellent channel balance.



Audio stuff

In the comparison below, I’m diving into how the FiiO K11 desktop DAC/amp stacks up against the FiiO DM13, when the K11 is paired with the Volumio Rivo streaming Qobuz.

When you listen to the DM13, you'll notice that its overall sound signature closely resembles the FiiO K11, though there are a few key differences. The DM13 delivers a balanced and slightly warm sound that remains clean and transparent, showcasing impressive linearity and a flat frequency response.

In terms of technical performance, the DM13 holds its own; the bass is fast, tight, and punchy, with good layering and definition for its category. However, when you put it side by side with the K11, the DM13 feels a bit less dynamic. It doesn’t quite deliver the same powerful punch or match the K11's layering and definition. The K11 has bass that’s noticeably quicker and more assertive, while the DM13 shines with a bit more elasticity and richer textures.

The mid-range of the DM13 is rich and expressive, showcasing a warm harmonic saturation while maintaining clarity and articulation. Although it doesn't match the K11 in terms of clarity and separation, it offers a fuller, more natural tone.

The most notable contrast between the DM13 and K11 lies in their timbre, even though both utilize the same audio architecture. After extensively comparing CD tracks with their equivalent digital versions on Qobuz, I consistently found the DM13 to sound more organic and lifelike than the K11, even when using its NOS filter.

Venturing into the treble region, the DM13 presents a smoother profile with less brightness, exhibiting minimal digital artifacts compared to the FiiO K11. While it doesn’t achieve the same level of crystalline clarity or exhilaration, it avoids sounding dark or dull. However, the overall energy feels subdued, slightly lacking in transient speed and precision. The DM13 holds its own in resolution but doesn’t quite reach the detail level of the K11; nonetheless, it offers a less analytical sound with a more relaxed decay.

The soundstage is crafted with all the essential elements to provide an open and spacious experience, delivering a holographic quality even for the most intricate tracks. While the DM13 may not achieve the same level of imaging accuracy and separation as the K11, it does offer a deeper and more immersive listening experience.

It's worth noting that the analog outputs of the FiiO DM13 maintain the same sound quality mentioned earlier; however, they may not compete with higher-end desktop CD players or dedicated DACs. These outputs are more suited for pairing with headphone amplifiers or active monitors within the same range, rather than expensive, dedicated 2-channel speaker systems.



As a CD transport

In the previous section, I shared my personal observations while comparing the headphone outputs of the DM13 and the K11, using the same track from both a CD and its identical master on Qobuz.

But what if we switch things up and conduct similar listening tests with the DM13 acting as a CD transport connected to the K11, using its headphone output for our comparisons?

In every single track I tested, the CD version offered a slightly more natural timbre with fewer signs of digital artificiality compared to the streamed file. While the differences weren’t dramatic, the CD transport delivered a touch more realism and life, creating a more relaxed and smoother listening experience—though at times, it felt a bit less clear and lacked some overall technical finesse.

I've come to the same conclusion multiple times now. I've conducted this test repeatedly with several high-end DACs, paired with a quality CD transport and an equally impressive digital front end. Every time, the CDs delivered a more natural sound, feeling less digital compared to streaming the identical mastering through Qobuz.

If you have a sizable CD collection and already own the FiiO K11/R2R (or a similar desktop DAC), I highly recommend adding the FiiO DM13 as your CD transport. It’s time to revisit your CDs and enjoy them again!



Conclusion

The FiiO DM13 is a portable CD player that stands out not just for its nostalgic design but also for its versatility in handling a variety of audio tasks. You can easily use it as a portable CD player to enjoy your favorite albums with headphones, or set it up as a desktop CD player, or even connect it to an external DAC as a CD transport. It can function as an automated CD ripper and also has the capability to wirelessly stream to Bluetooth-enabled headphones and other devices.

In terms of sound quality, the DM13 impresses on its own. It is expertly crafted, operates smoothly, and is as compact as you can get for a portable CD player. Additionally, it has extra features like desktop mode and electronic skip protection.

While there are a few quirks in its operation, they don’t detract from an otherwise outstanding user experience, earning the DM13 a well-deserved reputation as one of the top portable CD players on the market and the real successor of the CD walkman.

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The DM13 was kindly provided free of charge in exchange for an honest review. I don't use affiliate links. The price of the FiiO DM13 is $140 or $155 for the Bluetooth version and you can buy it from here.

Disclaimer: For various Google indexing reasons, most parts of this review have been processed with an automatic paragraph rewriting tool. However it reads exactly the same as the original content that is available in my website.

FiiO DM13 - Rescue your CD collection​

The FiiO DM13 brings a modern audiophile-grade approach to the classic CD “walkman” format, blending modern features like Bluetooth, balanced headphone outputs, digital outputs and USB CD ripping, all while retaining the charm of physical media and fantastic battery life. It’s a device designed for those who still cherish CDs but want to enjoy their music with the latest technologies and crucially easily integrally in a modern Audio “Stack”.



Thanks to FiiO for providing the DM13 for the purposes of this review. To get the full specifications and other product information please check out the product page here
So, I have rediscovering my CD collection with the DM13 for a few weeks now and thoroughly enjoying the experience, but while I think it an excellent device. I do think there is one thing that significantly holds it back from perfection.

But before I explain my one frustration with the DM13, I have a confession to make !

Confessions of a Hoarder​

OK, I am a hoarder, I admit it!!

As well as an old Vinyl collection (which I have been enjoying again with the TT13 that I recently reviewed), I have a huge collection of CD’s which I built up over many years before streaming services appeared. When the time came, I could not bring myself to dump any of CD’s unlike most of my tape ‘collection’ which I felt would deteriorate significantly over time so after 20 years they would sound terrible. But CD’s always promised to last a lifetime !!

But, with my 500+ CD collection at the time, after I stopped using my old trusty Sony CD player, I decided to move the collection into 2 large “blanket boxes” in my converted garage and mostly with the odd exception over the years, these have stayed there for probably 15 years now. Though, I did ‘backup’ all these CD’s to FLAC and I continued listening to them (and many other FLACs I have collected over the years ) via Roon and Plex within my audio setup for many years, but the physical CD’s have mostly been sitting idly waiting to be rescued.

Here is one of the boxes with the DM13 sitting with the CDs:



For the DM13 review, I thought I should use it to rescue this CD collection (like I have been doing with my Vinyl Collection). These CD’s had been so long in these boxes, I thought if they had ‘feelings’, they might feel like these “3-eyed aliens” from the original Toy Story being rescued by Buzz Lightyear:


But before I get into the details, let see what you get with the DM13:

What’s in the Box​

The FiiO DM13 comes neatly packaged with a typically nice box:



Minimal information on the back:



Sliding the cover off the box reveals a device guide sitting onto of the DM13, very reminiscent of the K11 R2R:


Removing the device guide / manual finally reveals the contents:

• FiiO DM13 CD Player
• User manual
• Quick-start guide

And opening the box you also get a:

• USB Type-C cable for charging and digital connectivity
• A 3.5mm to coaxial adapter

Build Quality​

The DM13 features an aluminum alloy body that is lightweight yet robust. The premium materials feel durable, while the smooth hinge mechanism works well, offering a satisfying tactile experience when loading discs, adding o that whole “retro ceremony experience” that I mentioned with the TT13, there is something about “touching the music” that is so much more pleasurable than just selecting a track from a streaming service.

Here is one of my rescued CD with my FT1 Pro’s:



It is the perfect size and device to work with a FiiO K11:


Its compact dimensions (144×137×27mm) and weight (450g) make it portable enough for everyday use while maintaining a sturdy desktop presence:



As you can see above it is slightly larger than the K11 and here from the side view:

• Design: The translucent black chassis with smooth edges gives it a modern, minimalist aesthetic.
• Display: The 1.5-inch LCD screen is sharp, providing clear information on playback, file formats, and battery status.
• Portability: The inclusion of ESP (Electronic Skip Protection) ensures smooth playback during movement, making the DM13 a reliable portable player.
• Durability: The robust materials and solid buttons feel built to last, even with regular use.

Button Layout and Controls​

The top of the DM13 features clearly labeled buttons for power, play/pause, previous/next track, volume adjustments, and function selection. These controls are well-placed and easy to use, though accessing some secondary functions requires holding buttons for specific durations.

Menu overloading ??​

While “traditional” CD playback control is very intuitive via these buttons, my one problem with the DM13 is how you use the buttons to access the “advanced” features. It has some tremendous features but mostly accessing these features is via a combination of different buttons having double capabilities make it different to understand how to access the advanced menus without referring to the manual.

But fortunately FiiO have released a youtube video demonstrating the controls:


You can see in this video the massive overloading of different buttons and combination of buttons when going beyond the basic controls. It is a pity as the FiiO K11 and the KA15 both have similar screens and even less buttton’s but actually have more intuitive controls:

Headphone Outputs and power​

The DM13 includes both a 3.5mm single-ended and a 4.4mm balanced output. The former delivers up to 180mW of power, while the latter provides a robust 660mW, making it capable of driving a wide range of headphones, from sensitive IEMs to extremely power-hungry headphones.

The quality and power from the headphones outputs is an amazing feature of this CD player. I have been enjoying some of my older CD collection with it on some difficult to drive planars without any problems.

Comprehensive Rear Connectivity​

The rear panel is packed with outputs, including 4.4mm balanced line-out and a 3.5mm LO/coaxial/optical 3-in-1 output.


The DM13’s optical and coaxial outputs enable connectivity to external DACs. With low-jitter crystal oscillators ensuring precise digital clock synchronization, these outputs deliver clean and stable signals for high-quality playback.

The box comes with an 3.5mm to Coax adapter for the Coaxial output connection.

There are two USB ports: one for USB recording and another for power input, which as you will see later in the section on recording audio are not as obviously as their labels.

And finally, there is a pair of toggle switches one for ESP (Electronic Skip Protection) and one Desktop Mode (D. MODE) adds some extra functionality for both stationary and portable use.

A missed opportunity ??​

Given the excellent power from the headphone outputs and that the DM13 is a great portable desktop solution, I have one minor complaint is that the usb-c power connection does not double as an usb-c input as the DM13 has a decent internal DAC and would make a DAC headphone output for my laptop output when not listening to CD’s.

Features​

Beyond my minor complaints, I feel the DM13 has an incredible feature set way beyond what you should expect from any portable CD player not just one selling for $140. But lets get into some of the other features:

Dual DACs and Amplifiers​

Powered by two Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC chips and dual low-noise SGM8262 headphone amplifiers, the DM13 delivers excellent audio quality. The architecture provides precise sound reproduction, with clear instrument separation and balanced tuning across all frequencies.

AptX High-Resolution Bluetooth​

Bluetooth connectivity supports aptX, aptX HD, aptX Low Latency, AAC and SBC codecs, allowing seamless wireless streaming with CD-quality audio. Whether paired with the FiiO BTR17 or high-quality headphones, the Bluetooth functionality excels in delivering lag-free, high-fidelity playback.

CD Playback and ESP​

The DM13’s disc reading mechanism is quiet and stable, ensuring smooth playback even without activating the ESP feature. When ESP is enabled, the device can handle movement without skipping but may slightly alter sound quality, making it useful for portable scenarios.

High-Contrast LCD Display​

The custom LCD displays essential information such as track numbers, volume levels, and playback modes. It’s bright and easy to read, with toggling views for additional details like battery life, ESP mode, and output settings. As I mentioned earlier the display is very similar to the one of the K11 and K11 R2R DACs.

Gapless Playback and Smart Features​

The DM13 supports gapless playback, a significant improvement over some higher-priced competitors. It also remembers your last playback position, allowing you to resume seamlessly even after powering off, and offers repeat modes for single tracks or entire albums. These features make it a much more audiophile friendly CD player than most of its competition.

Desktop and Portable Modes​

In desktop mode, the DM13 operates via a USB power source without draining the internal battery. This flexibility makes it ideal for extended listening sessions at your desk while preserving battery life for portable use.

Battery Life​

The 3750mAh cobalt lithium battery provides up to 10 hours of playback, offering plenty of listening time. While individual results may vary based on usage, the battery life has been consistent and reliable during testing.

Recording Capabilities​

The DM13 allows 2 types of recording capabilities. A direct recording capability to audio input via the “USB REC” connection to a computer:




But more interesting, in my opinion, record to an external usb device. So, it can encode tracks directly into WAV files without needing a computer.

Note: while this feature eliminating the need for external devices or software it is very slow compared to the process I did originally to convert my CD collection to FLAC, which would rip a whole CD in maybe 5 minutes using a PC’s CD drive, I did my whole collection over the course of a few days when I decided to switch from CD’s originally.

But, it is still a welcome feature to have and I decided to see what the full process might be like in 2024.

Though as with the Menu system in general it is not obvious how you do this plugging the usb drive into the usb-power connection andnot the usb-rec connection as you would with the other method. So here is the correct setup with the usb-c drive connected to the usb-power connection:


But once you correctly follow the instruction you get to see the recording process on the screen:


Once the ripping process is finished on the external USB drive you can put it into your computer and check out the WAV files:


After recordng the WAV files, I would suggest using a tool like MusicBrainz Picard which has the “Shazam” like ability to automatically recognise audio tracks and suggest the metadata for those tracks, so here I have the raw WAV files and Picard correctly identifying them and renaming them:

So, it is slow but does work and considering how popular CDs are becoming again it might be a welcome process for people who always like to have a FLAC backup of all their CD’s.

Quiet Mechanism​

The CD loading and playback mechanism are remarkably silent, a stark contrast to typically noisier competitors. This quiet operation makes the DM13 a pleasure to use in quiet settings such as late-night listening sessions.

Rating​

I gave the DM13 an excellent 4.5 rating, for the price the DM13 is incredible, amazing powerful audio, tons of useful features, great build quality and an excellent battery, if the menu system was better it would be an easy 5-star rating. I feel the basic operation is great and while it's great that it has so many features I would not remember the button combinations required to access these advantaged features so it shame.

Summary​

The FiiO DM13 is a great CD player that reimagines how we engage with the CD format in the 2020s. Its blend of audiophile-grade sound, portability, and modern features like Bluetooth, CD ripping, and balanced outputs make it a standout product.

If you want to rediscovery your CD collection (like I did) the DM13 is an almost perfect device with great usability features like gapless playback, quiet operation, ESP skip protection and desktop mode with powerful audio playback supporting the majority of headphones.

Firs of all, thank you for read my review, this is my first review of an audio device. Even the english is not my first languaje im going to do my best.
I remember almost 20 years ago when i bought my first Cd Player, the Sony Walkman D-NE710, even in those days was impossible to think to connect headphones with no cable. Fiio has developed an interesting CD device with all the new techology that 20 years ago did not exist.

I bought the DM13 on the oficial show of FIIO on Aliexpres for around $150 USD.

FIIO DM13 and D-NE710 side by side.

The control panel

You can control the device with the buttons that are on the CD door. Even the control panel is easy to access, the flow and combiantions of buttons to execute some of the commands are a little bit confusing.

The front panel
Here you cand find the SE 3.5mm, the BAL 4.4mm outputs and the info display. The display shows the output and the info of the curren track., additionaly, when the Bluetooth is connected, it shows the codec used.

The rear panel
From left to right:
1.- Balanced Line output (4.4mm).
2.- Line output, Coaxial or Optical output (3.5mm).
3.- USB C REC. Used to rip your CDs to your computer, i did not test this feauture.
4.- ESP Switch: Fiio reccomends ESP when the unit is moving to get a smooth listening.
5.- USB C Powe IN: This port is the main power connector of the player, you can charge the baterry and power the device when Desktop Mode is On.
6.- Desktop Mode Switch: You can turn on or off Desktop Mode.

I tested this device with two headphones an AKG 240 Studio and Sennheiser HD 458BT. Both connected to 3.5mm SE output, i dont own any balanced headphones yet.

AKG 240 Studio
Oh man, what can i say about the sound, is completly neutral, i can hear perfeclty the bass, the mids have good separation and the upper frecuencies are detailed.

Sennheiser HD458BT
With this pair i feel the that the bass has more punch, the rest of frecuencies feels neutral with good separation.

Sennheiser HD458BT (APTX) Matched colors, but not a stable connection.
The device connect to the HD458BT with APTX codec correctly, but there is a big problem, i can hear a litle cut in the music, that happens randomly, sometimes every 2-3 seconds, sometimes takes more time. I dont know why is this happening, when i connect the DM13 to another bluetooth device like BTR17 i can hear the music with any issue.


FIIO BTR17 (APTX HD)
Here the connection is stablished very fast and the music does not lose any detail. i can feel the same neutral sound than the wired connection.





20 years after my first CD player i can say that the FIIO DM13 is a device that is completely different that the "Discman"of those days. I have to say that i bought te DM13 more for that feel of nostalgia but im pretty impressed by great sound and the plenty of options to connect to another devices. When i was listening to "Africa" of Toto i said, there are notes and sounds that i cant identify on the D-NE710.
If like me, you are searching for a CD player to remember old days, FIIO DM13 is for you.

FIIO DM13
Portable CD player - $140



Introduction

While there appears to be a bit of a CD revival, I’m not sure we’ll ever return to the good old days of record stores with endless rows of CDs to browse – a rarity in these digital days, but thankfully a luxury I can still personally enjoy as there is a fantastic Tower Records still here in Dublin. Perhaps the revival will lead to a few smaller independent stores popping up again, but I’d remain sceptical. Anyway, CDs never really went away, just fell off a cliff in more recent years with the unstoppable rise of streaming services… but there are a small few of us who still enjoy the format, and I’ve held on to my 1000s of CDs and take great pleasure in browsing, landing upon maybe an old gem that I’ve not played for a long time – for me this is a different type of experience versus browsing digital formats, it feels more considered – I guess as it has been a method for me for over four decades now, and get that this may not feel the same for younger generations!

I’m certainly delighted to see this resurgence, and was excited when I saw announcements in the last few months from FIIO as to their first foray into the world of CD players with the introduction of the DM13. I would like to thank FIIO for sending me a unit to review, and as always the brand has no input into the content featured in this review.

Specifications

• Rated input: 5V⎓2A (Type-C)
• DAC chip: CS43198*2
• Headphone amp chip: SGM8262*2
• Display: 1.5-inch LCD
• Headphone output: 3.5mm single-ended + 4.4mm balanced
• Line output: 3.5mm LO/COAX/OPT combo output + 4.4mm balanced line output
• Output power 1: L+R≥180mW+180mW (32Ω, THD+N < 1%/single-ended)
• Output power 2: L+R≥660mW+660mW (32Ω, THD+N < 1%/balanced)
• Single-ended line output level: L+R=2.5Vrms+2.5Vrms
• Balanced line output level: L+R=5Vrms+5Vrms
• Supported Bluetooth output codecs: aptX HD/aptX Low Latency/aptX/SBC (Bluetooth version only)
• Supported CD-R formats: FLAC/WAV/WMA/AAC/MP3 (only supports SACD playback with CD layer)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: ≥124dB (A-weighted)
• Noise floor: PO ≤2.4μV (A-weighted), BAL ≤2.8μV (A-weighted)
• THD+N: ≤0.0024% (1kHz/0dB@32Ω)
• Battery capacity: 3750mAh
• Battery life: ≥10 hours
• Dimensions: About 144*137*27mm (excluding feet)
• Weight: About 450g

Unboxing







Design

The aluminium alloy chassis feels well-constructed and durable, with a tactile hinge mechanism that opens with a satisfying “click”. It’s surprisingly compact and at just 450g, it’s light enough to toss in a bag but hefty enough to remind you it’s a serious piece of kit.



The button array on the top of the device are well laid out and easy to access. The various functions outside of the basic commands do take a bit of learning as many of them require pressing and holding various buttons to access other functions such as Bluetooth pairing etc. I recommend reading the ‘quick start guide’ supplied as a few minutes with this ensures you have a good grasp of the controls... when I worked in electrical retail many moons ago, if a customer called the store to ask a question about whatever they had purchased, they were often told that it sounds like a case of "RTFM" - read the effing manual!



On the rear of the DM13 there are various outputs and a couple of additional buttons:

• Balanced line-out
• 3.5mm line-out / COAX / Optical
• USB recording output (USB-C)
• ESP on/off – this is a feature to stabilize playback if using the player on the go
• Power in – allowing desktop mode with direct power
• D Mode: switch to enable the above desktop mode when hooked up to power sourc

Features

The DM13 features gapless playback – this was a massive frustration for me with the far more expensive Shanling EC Mini, a major disappointment to be honest considering the $359 price tag, over 2x the price of the FIIO. All of the standard features you would expect of a CD player are available too, such as the option to repeat a single track, full album, etc. In addition, the DM13 will remember where you left off on a CD, even if you power it off and return later – it will revert back to the last track playing which is a handy feature.

Battery

FIIO claim 10 hours on a full charge, but I haven’t been able to validate this yet – I’ve tended to have it hooked up for top-up charges over time, and to be honest simply forgot to keep check on how many hours of play once charged! I’ve no doubt it’s correct anyway.

LCD Screen



The display is clear and easy to read – you have the volume displayed on the left, and then the track number and duration. The display then toggles between other information such as the ESP mode, battery level, output modes etc. Just to note here also in reference to the power output - while listening to the HD660S2, I only needed to set the volume to 34 out of 99, so plenty of headroom for more hungry sets.

Wireless or wired…



The DM13 has aptX hi-res Bluetooth, and since I recently took delivery of the BTR17 for review, I’ve had it hooked up and must say this is a real highlight for me – I love being able to choose a CD for listening in bed or at my desk, and then use the BTR17 along with whatever choice of IEMs to have the freedom to wander about, or the convenience in bed where I can just keep the BTR17 on the covers and happily fall asleep with the disc playing – which btw the mechanism is incredibly quiet, another massive flaw with the aforementioned Shanling EC Mini, a noisy beast of a machine in comparison… oh and did I mention at over 2x the price?! – yes I know I did! Anyone interested in buying a barely used Shanling EC Mini?!!

For wired earphones there are 3.5mm and 4.4mm options, with the former pushing out 180mW, and the latter a whopping 660mW – I’ve had no bother driving any IEM or headphone that has taken my fancy, to include the Sennheiser HD650 and HD660S2.



Recording

While I’ve not yet tested, FIIO provide the ability to record CDs either directly to a USB storage device or by ripping directly to your computer with of course some form of software to encode to your chosen preferred format. When ripping to a USB storage device directly, the files are encoded to WAV. This is a very handy feature, especially at the price point.

ESP - Electronic Skip Protection

I must say this really brings me back to the 90s – I can still picture the stickers on portable CD players stating features like this… very important of course back then as we took our portable CD players on the go. I can’t see me taking the DM13 out and about, but I have certainly walked around the house without any disc skipping issues – and indeed while taking a photo of the underside of the player, the CD continued playing without any problem – and that is with ESP switched off. FIIO note in the instruction manual that ESP should only be selected when required, as apparently it will have an impact on sound quality.

Sound

I have listened to numerous genres over the last few weeks with the DM13, and the sound profile is very much neutral with a nice balanced, clean, detailed signature. As noted, there is ample power on tap via balanced and I have enjoyed a variety of IEMs from my collection, along with a few full size headphones such as the HD660S2 and Denon D9200.

Conclusion

The old audio nerd in me is absolutely delighted to witness this CD format resurgence, and I know brands like FIIO are dipping their toe in the water with this somewhat entry-level player to get a sense as to the market opportunity – I truly hope they get the result they need to warrant creating an upgraded version… not that there is anything ‘wrong’ with the DM13, but I’ve no doubt FIIO can cook up many good reasons for an upgrade… one only needs to look at the teasers from DUNU to get a sense as to where the market might travel. Hats off to FIIO for the DM13, a wonderful player that really does offer a lot for a relatively low cost... easy 5/5.