SNOWSKY RETRO NANO

General Information

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Ianbanz

New Head-Fier
Snowsky Retro Nano Review – A Nostalgic Blast with Modern Hi-Fi Flair.
Pros: ✔ Unique cassette-inspired design with fun UI
✔ High-resolution Bluetooth (LDAC, aptX Adaptive)
✔ Dual DAC (CS43131) and balanced 4.4mm output
✔ Replaceable battery for extended use
✔ Retro sound presets add character
✔ USB DAC mode with PC and phone compatibility
Cons: X For the price and the performace you get.. no cons!
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The Snowsky Retro Nano is a time machine in disguise. The moment I laid eyes on it, I was hit with a wave of nostalgia—it looks exactly like my old Soundwave toy from the '80s Transformers line. You know, the legendary cassette player robot that carried tiny cassette tapes in its chest? Those tapes would eject and transform into Laserbeak, the robotic eagle, and Rumble, the little menace with jackhammer hands capable of triggering earthquakes. Yeah, those were the days. And here I am, decades later, staring at this matchbox-sized audio device that somehow channels that same retro-futuristic charm.

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But the Retro Nano isn’t just a gimmick—it’s shockingly good. Despite its cartoony aesthetic, this little device punches well above its weight class, outshining dongles that cost twice or even three times as much. Even when compared to the FiiO KA15, a more premium offering, the Retro Nano holds its ground in both sound quality and technical performance—sometimes even pulling ahead in certain aspects. And when it comes to LDAC mode, it completely outclasses the $180 FiiO UTWS5, delivering a more stable connection and superior sound quality. Where the UTWS5 sometimes stutters with pops and crackles in LDAC, the Retro Nano remains rock-solid with an impressive wireless range of up to 15 meters in a clear line of sight. As you can see in my photos, I tested it in AptX HD mode with the FiiO TT13 turntable, and to my surprise, it had no trouble driving my full-sized Sivga Anser over-ear headphones to loud volumes at just 60–70% output. That’s some serious firepower for such a tiny, pocketable device.

Under the hood, it packs dual CS43131 DAC chips, which are known for their clarity and detail retrieval but can sometimes lean cold, bright, or artificial if not implemented properly. However, Snowsky has nailed the tuning. The Retro Nano leans more toward the warm, natural tonality of an AKM DAC, rather than the sharper, more analytical sound that CS chips often exhibit. It never feels overly bright or sterile—it just sounds right.

For a device that looks like a toy and a bit cartoony aesthetics, the Retro Nano is an absolute powerhouse.

Whats included in the box? here is my quick unboxing video of the Retro Nano:



Design & Build
The Snowsky Retro Nano is delightfully compact, measuring just a bit larger than a matchbox. Its cassette-inspired design, with physical playback buttons adding to the tactile satisfaction. The 0.96-inch color display is small but effective, showing a fun tape animation while playing music. It’s a quirky touch that makes it feel more like an interactive gadget rather than just another DAC/AMP.

The dual headphone outputs (3.5mm SE + 4.4mm balanced) are a welcome addition, making it compatible with both casual listeners and audiophiles with balanced cables. Build quality is solid—lightweight yet sturdy, with a matte finish that resists fingerprints. The replaceable battery adds a practical edge, making it easy to swap in a fresh one if you’re on the go.

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Equipped with Bluetooth 5.1, the Snowsky Retro Nano ensures a stable, lag-free connection. It supports LDAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX LL, SBC, and AAC, making it versatile enough for both casual and high-resolution streaming.

For wired setups, the USB DAC mode is a great option. It can run off its internal battery or draw power from a PC—handy if you want to preserve battery life on the go. The FiiO Control app adds another layer of customization, allowing users to tweak EQ settings and select from eight retro-inspired sound presets.
In a unique move, Snowsky included in-line microphone support, meaning you can take calls or use voice assistants without unplugging your headphones.

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Battery Life – A Swappable Lifeline

The 7.5-hour battery life is respectable, especially when running high-power output or using LDAC. But what truly sets this device apart is its replaceable 3.7V 10440 lithium battery. Instead of being tethered to a charger, you can simply swap in a fresh battery and keep going—an absolute game-changer for on-the-go users.

This is a rarity in portable audio devices, and it’s a huge win, particularly for frequent travelers or anyone who hates downtime. As a flashlight geek with a literal wall of flashlights—everything from throwers and floodlights to LEPs and exotic EDC collectibles—I’ve accumulated an absurd number of rechargeable lithium batteries over the years. Seriously, it’s a lot. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that battery performance depends on specs.

The capacity (mAh) and discharge rate of the 10440 battery you use will directly affect how long the Retro Nano runs. A higher-capacity battery with a lower discharge rate will extend usage time, while a high-discharge battery might provide more power but drain faster. This level of versatility is fantastic, and honestly, I wish more DAPs would adopt this trend of user-replaceable batteries.


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Sound

Despite its playful, nostalgia-driven design and budget price the Snowsky Retro Nano takes sound reproduction surprisingly seriously. Under the hood, it houses dual CS43131 DAC chips, known for their clean, highly resolving nature, delivering a detailed and engaging audio experience. Its 220mW output (at 32Ω) ensures ample driving power for most IEMs and efficient headphones, making it a surprisingly capable performer despite its compact form factor.

To put it to the test, I ran a direct comparison with the FiiO KA15, a more expensive and well-regarded portable DAC/AMP. To my surprise, the Retro Nano held its own remarkably well. In fact, on certain tracks, I found myself preferring the sound of the Nano over the KA15, which was completely unexpected given the price difference. It’s one of those moments that makes you rethink the notion that a higher price tag automatically guarantees better performance.

The Retro Nano delivers a presentation that is clear, musical, and engaging, proving that it’s more than just a gimmicky retro-styled gadget—it’s a genuinely competent DAC/AMP.

But where the Retro Nano truly flexes its muscles is in LDAC mode. I compared it against the FiiO UTWS5, and the difference was night and day. The Nano exhibited a more stable LDAC signal, noticeably longer range, and—most importantly—none of the occasional crackling or dropouts that sometimes plague the UTWS5 in high-resolution streaming. It’s an area where Bluetooth DACs can often struggle, but the Qualcomm QCC5125 chipset inside the Retro Nano does an outstanding job of maintaining a strong, uninterrupted connection.
For something this compact and budget-friendly to go toe-to-toe with the KA15 and outright outclass the UTWS5 in LDAC performance is nothing short of impressive. It’s proof that Snowsky isn’t just playing around with nostalgia—they’ve built something that actually delivers where it matters: sound quality and wireless performance.

I put the Snowsky Retro Nano through its paces with a variety of IEMs and headphones, testing it in both wired USB mode (using the HiBy R6 III as a transport) and Bluetooth LDAC mode. What really stood out was just how close LDAC mode sounded to the wired connection—so close, in fact, that in most cases, I could barely tell the difference. That’s a huge win for anyone looking for the convenience of wireless audio without significant compromises in sound quality.

To get a well-rounded sense of its performance, I paired the Retro Nano with a mix of IEMs and a full-size headphone, including:

• FiiO FP3 – A well-balanced planar IEM that benefits from clean power and good dynamics.
• Dita Project M – An IEM with excellent clarity and resolution.
• Binary Dynaquattro – A quad DD IEM that demands good control and precision and has a natural, warm sound.
• Kiwi Ears KE4 – A neutral tuned IEM with a slight boosted subbass.
• Sivga Anser (Over-Ear Headphone) – A full-size headphone that provides a more spacious and immersive soundstage.
• I also paired the Nano with the FiiO TT13 turntable on Aptx-HD using the Sivga Anser. TT13 Review to follow soon :)

What impressed me was how effortlessly the Retro Nano drove each of these, maintaining a clean, controlled sound with good separation and dynamics across different driver types and tunings. Even with planars and hybrids, which can sometimes be more demanding, the 220mW of output power ensured that everything sounded full and properly driven.
But the real highlight? LDAC mode held up incredibly well against wired USB. Switching between Bluetooth and wired, the difference was barely perceptible, which speaks volumes about how well Snowsky has optimized its wireless performance. The Qualcomm QCC5125 chipset really does its job, providing a stable, high-resolution wireless experience with no noticeable compression artifacts or signal dropouts.
For a device this compact and feature-packed, the Retro Nano really is a welcome surprise for me, proving that Bluetooth audio—when done right—can get incredibly close to a wired setup.

Bass
The low-end is tight and controlled, with a slight emphasis that gives music a bit of warmth. It’s not bloated or overbearing, but it has enough punch to make bass guitars and drums feel engaging.

Mids
The midrange is clear and slightly forward, making vocals and instruments pop. There’s a touch of warmth that adds richness to the sound, particularly in the retro sound presets, which seem to add a bit of harmonic coloration reminiscent of vintage cassette recordings but not as gritty.

Treble
Treble is smooth and well-extended, avoiding harshness while still maintaining detail. Cymbals and string instruments have good shimmer, and there’s a nice sense of airiness without feeling artificial.

Soundstage & Imaging
For a device this small and at $50, the soundstage is impressive—wider than expected, with good depth. Imaging is precise, making it easy to place instruments in a mix. It’s not on the level of a dedicated desktop DAC/AMP, but for a pocket-sized device, it’s very capable.

Retro Sound Presets
One of the standout features of the Snowsky Retro Nano is its retro sound presets, which take you on a trip back to the golden age of cassette players and boomboxes. These presets aren’t just basic EQ tweaks—they’re designed to replicate the warm, slightly compressed character of classic tape decks, complete with subtle tonal shifts that mimic the quirks of old-school analog gear.

Some modes introduce a gentle treble roll-off, smoothing out the highs to recreate that soft, laid-back cassette warmth. Others boost the low-end, giving you that thick, punchy bass reminiscent of a ’90s boombox blasting hip-hop on a street corner or in a trunk of a car with some 10 inch subs, It’s not the purest, most audiophile-accurate tuning, but that’s not the point—these presets are about vibe, not neutrality.

For those who grew up with cassette tapes, these effects add an extra layer of nostalgia, making digital music feel a little more… imperfect in all the right ways. Whether you’re reliving the golden days of mixtapes or just want to add some flavor to your listening experience, the Retro Nano’s vintage sound profiles offer a fun, engaging twist that sets it apart from the usual sterile-sounding DACs.

A group photo for size and design comparison of the Fiio KA15, Snowsky Echo Mini and the Snowsky Retro Nano:

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Who is the Snowsky Retro Nano For?
• Casual Listeners looking for a stylish, fun, and feature-packed DAC/AMP.
• Audiophiles on the go who want a compact device with dual DACs, balanced output, and LDAC support.
• Travelers who appreciate swappable batteries for extended listening.

Who Might Not Like It?
• Those needing ultra-long battery life without swapping batteries.
• Users who prefer a more neutral, uncolored sound—the retro presets do add coloration.
• Listeners with power-hungry headphones—while 220mW is solid, planars and high-impedance cans will need more juice.


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The Snowsky Retro Nano isn’t just another Bluetooth DAC/AMP—it’s a pocket-sized time machine wrapped in modern audio tech. you can tell this isn’t your typical, sleek, corporate-looking dong. Instead, it proudly embraces a cassette-inspired design that screams nostalgia, bringing back memories of mixtapes, Walkmans, and that one mix tape you overplayed until it finally gave up hehe
But don’t let its retro charm fool you—underneath that playful exterior is some seriously capable hardware. The swappable 10440 lithium battery is a game-changer, letting you stay powered up without waiting for a recharge (finally, a portable device that doesn’t induce battery anxiety). High-resolution Bluetooth support ensures you get LDAC and aptX HD connectivity, delivering clear, detailed sound without annoying dropouts. And at the heart of it all, the well implemented dual CS43131 DAC setup gives it solid technical performance, handling everything from lossless audio to streaming with surprising finesse.

One of its quirks is the retro sound presets, which add a fun twist to the experience. Want to relive that warm, slightly fuzzy ‘80s boombox sound? Or maybe dial in something closer to a vintage cassette deck? It’s all there. While it won’t replace a high-end desktop rig, it’s an excellent portable solution for those who want both style and substance. Because let’s be honest if you’re going to carry a Bluetooth DAC, it might as well have personality.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Whether you’re in it for the nostalgia, the sound quality, or the sheer convenience of a pocket-sized DAC/AMP with a swappable battery, the Snowsky Retro Nano delivers a uniquely fun, practical and functional experience.

Non Affiliated Links:

https://www.fiio.com/newsinfo/990685.html

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008316976319.html

https://www.amazon.com/FiiO-Bluetooth-Adaptive-Unbalanced-Balanced/dp/B0DR5VBY7P

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jeromeoflaherty

Head-Fier
A quirky retro-themed Bluetooth DAC/amp with replaceable batteries, dual DAC chips, and a dynamic UI
Pros: Quirky and unique retro design
Decent Bluetooth codec support
Replaceable battery
Powerful 4.4mm balanced output for the price
PEQ filters for sound customization
Cons: 3.5mm SE output is not the most powerful
Webapp is a little buggy
Quirky design might put some people off

Retro Nano is perfect for those who love modern tech wrapped in classic design

The Snowsky Retro Nano is a delightful fusion of vintage design and modern audio technology. As a Bluetooth DAC/amp, it boasts some great features such as dual CS43131 DAC chips, excellent Bluetooth codec support, and a replaceable battery design.

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Note: I’d like to thank FiiO for providing the Snowsky Retro Nano for this review. Priced at just $59.99 - you check out more details on the Retro Nano product page here
Snowsky is a sub-brand of FiiO and as well as the Retro Nano other Snowsky products like the Echo Mini Playerand the Wind on-ear headphones all share a very distinctive retro cool style.
So with its quirky retro tape player aesthetic, the Retro Nano feels like a nostalgic trip down memory lane, but for me what makes it a very pragmatic device is what is under the hood, it’s packed with modern features like PEQ filters, dual headphone jacks, and USB DAC mode all at an excellent price, in fact you will see later in this review, that the Retro Nano shares much of its internal hardware with the recently released FiiO BTR13.

Let’s dive into the details of this charming little DAC/amp.

Unboxing

The Snowsky Retro Nanocomes with some cute packaging:
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On the back:
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Opening up the box:
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Mine came with an extra package with some stickers and a nice lanyard:
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So this is everything you’ll find:
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The packaging emphasizes the retro design theme, setting the stage for what’s inside.

Design and Build Quality

The Retro Nano is undeniably eye-catching with its retro tape player design:
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The colorful 0.96-inch displayshows a retro-style animation of a tape playback, adding to its nostalgic charm:
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But around the edges you get a hint that this device has a very modern internals. So on one end you get both a 4.4mm balanced and a 3.5mm single-end jacks:
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On the other end you get an usb-c connection for both charging and when you use it as a usb-c DAC:


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And then on top you get what looks like classic casette controls but these buttons can control both the volume and the various navigation menu options. The Power slider while obvious in bluetooth mode, works a little strangely when running the device as a usb-c DAC in PC or Mobile ‘battery’ saving mode:
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Here is a helpful guide to the various button and connectors:


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Its squarish form factor, physical buttons, and dynamic UI simulate the experience of using a classic cassette player.
Here is a little video of different ‘home screens’ you can toggle between:
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As well as the screen the other very cool feature that I would love to see in more portable DAC amps is the fully replacable and rechargeable battery:
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Note: This battery might look like a ’normal’ AAA battery, but it is actually the slightly harder to come by 10440 variant - though a quick search on Amazon reveals you can buy a 4-pack for $9.99 so this really is a fantastic option both for the environment and for long term usage.

Features

Internally the Snowsky Retro Nano packs a surprising amount of features for its price:
  1. Advanced Bluetooth Connectivity:
    • Qualcomm QCC5125 Bluetooth V5.1 chipset.
    • High-resolution codec support: LDAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, AAC, SBC.
    • Stable and lag-free connections with a range of up to 12 meters. Note: The bluetooth is only version 5.1 so not the latest version of bluetooth.
  2. Powerful Audio Section:
    • Dual CS43131 DAC chips for high-fidelity audio processing.
    • Powerful output: 220mW.
  3. PEQ Sound Presets:
    • Configurable using the FiiO Control app on Android and iOS.
    • Includes specially tuned retro sound presets.
For those you really follow specifications the Bluetooth codec support, DAC chips, PEQ capabilities and even some aspects of the menu system are exactly the same as the recently launched FiiO BTR13. The BTR13 is more compact device though and has slightly better battery life, but with the Retro Nano you can always bring a spare battery with you. It has the bigger screen, and currently it is the cheaper device.

Operating Modes

Similar to the BTR13 there are 3 operating modes with the Retro Nano, bluetooth is self-evident but Phone mode is interesting as it sets up the Nano in USB-DAC mode but crucially doesn’t use the battery on your Smartphone while PCmode does pull from your PC while also operating as a usb-DAC and also charging up the battery within the Retro Nano.

On screen Menus:

Here is a short video showing you the various menu options available directly via the app:
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FiiO Control ‘Companion’ Mobile Application

One thing I really like about recent FiiO (and now also Snowsky) DAC amps is you get access to use the FiiO Control Application to configure various aspects of the device and for me crucially configure the various PEQ filters.

Because this device works both via Bluetooth and via USB you can also use the IOS version of the FiiO Control app which typically doesn’t work with usb-c only devices.

So here are a few of the screens.

Here is the main screen:
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You can check the versions and trigger an upgrade if required:
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You can pair easily from within the app:

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Clicking, the Audio tab has various options to control the sound, including some harmonic distortion compensation:
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You can control the bluetooth codecs used - though within IOS it will still just be AAC:
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But the EQ capabilities are one of the key features of this device in my opinion.
EQ Presets menu - with 3 custom EQ ‘slots’ (that can be switched too via the menu on the Retro Nano screen):
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You can also rename a Custom PEQ Preset to a Device name:
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Editing a PEQ is super easy:
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And you get complete control over the values for each PEQ filter:
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Sound Impressions

The Retro Nano offers impressive sound quality for its price, driven by its dual CS43131 DAC chips it delivers a very clean neutral sound signature. But of course the beauty of having those EQ presets above is you can choose your own sound signature.

Bass

The bass is tight and punchy, with a well-controlled sub-bass that doesn’t overpower the midrange. It’s satisfying for bass-heavy genres without becoming bloated. Perfectly linear right down to 20hz.

Midrange

The midrange is natural and clean, with excellent vocal clarity. Instruments have good separation and detail, making the Nano a joy for acoustic and vocal-heavy tracks.

Treble

The treble is clean and airy, adding sparkle to the overall sound signature without becoming harsh or fatiguing.

Specifications and Measurements

SpecificationDetails
ModelRetro Nano
DACCS43131 ×2
Bluetooth ChipQCC5125
Color OptionsBlue, White
Volume ControlPhysical buttons
Weight28.3g (with battery)
Dimensions55.1 × 37.5 × 13.7mm
Driver-Free ModeSupported
USB Dongle ModeSupported (with switch to Phone mode with no power draw)
MicrophoneBuilt-in omnidirectional mic, supports in-line CTIA mic
Channel Balance<0.2dB
Gain SettingsLow/High
Deep Standby ModeAuto-standby after 5 min of inactivity
Status IndicatorDisplays codec, charging, battery, volume, sample rate, EQ, and menu
Bluetooth Codec IndicatorBlue: SBC, Cyan: AAC, Purple: aptX/aptX LL, Yellow: aptX HD, White: LDAC, Green: aptX Adaptive
Bluetooth Reception (5.1)SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, LDAC
Display0.96-inch TFT (80 × 160)
Firmware UpgradeOTA via FIIO Control
Adaptive ImpedancePO: 8 ~ 150Ω, BAL: 8 ~ 350Ω
Max Sampling RatePCM: Up to 96kHz/16bit
BatteryReplaceable 3.7V 10440 lithium battery

So some of the key specifications here are that you get support over the balanced connection for up to 350Ω devices covering a significant amount of typically harder to drive headphones.

Delving into the audio power specifications:

Audio Performance (3.5mm SE Output)

SpecificationDetails
Output Power (16Ω)≥120mW + 120mW (THD+N <1%)
Output Power (32Ω)≥100mW + 100mW (THD+N <1%)
Output Power (300Ω)≥10mW + 10mW (THD+N <1%)
THD+N<0.0018% (1kHz/-4dB @32Ω)
SNR≥125dB (A-weighted)
Crosstalk≥75dB
Output Impedance<0.3Ω
Output Amplitude1.75Vrms
Noise Floor<1uV (A-weighted)
Frequency Response20Hz ~ 40kHz: attenuation <3dB, 20Hz~20kHz: attenuation <0.1dB
Peak Output Voltage5Vpp

So 100w into 32Ω is good in this price range and will power most IEM’s easily in low gain especially with such a very low output impedance.

Audio Performance (4.4mm Balanced Output)

SpecificationDetails
Output Power (16Ω)≥130mW + 130mW (THD+N <1%)
Output Power (32Ω)≥220mW + 220mW (THD+N <1%)
Output Power (300Ω)≥55mW + 55mW (THD+N <1%)
THD+N<0.0018% (1kHz/-6dB @32Ω)
SNR≥128dB (A-weighted)
Crosstalk≥124dB
Output Impedance<0.3Ω
Output Amplitude2.7Vrms
Noise Floor<1uV (A-weighted)
Frequency Response20Hz ~ 40kHz: attenuation <3dB, 20Hz~20kHz: attenuation <0.1dB
Peak Output Voltage7.5Vpp

The 220mW output ensures compatibility with almost all IEMs and a large number of the most common headphones, while the balanced output provides that extra headroom you should always have in reserve, especially if you like to listen to well recorded music with large dynamic range.

But for comparison, say the FiiO KA17 can reach 650mW per channel with its “Desktop Mode” super high gain mode, but it will cost 3 times the price of Retro Nano.

Some Measurements

Note: These are from FiiO own Audio Precision published results and are slightly different from the rated values in the table above, nut they are all still excellent in this price range.

First the 3.5mm singled ended result:
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And the 4.4mm balanced gets a similar THD+N / Sinad score:
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Since arguable any SINAD score over 80 in inaudible as far as noise with this score of 97 you can be comfort that this is a well engineered DAC Amp, though this is understandable not at the level of measurements you get in much more expensive DAC Amps.

And as far as linearity, it is as I mentioned earlier completely neutral to well beyond 30Khz:
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Rating

The Snowsky Retro Nano earns a 5-star rating for its affordable price, excellent sound quality, and unique retro design. The replaceable battery ensures longevity, and the internal DAC chips and the relatively powerful 4.4mm balanced output delivers great performance. Inside there is excellent Bluetooth codec support and the built-in PEQ filters make it an incredible pragmatic device.

While the single-ended dongles is a little limited, the web app is currently a little buggy and some people will feel it looks a bit too ‘gimmicky’ with its fake cassette tape animations, but if you look under the hood, this a feature-packed and highly versatile Bluetooth DAC/amp.

Conclusion

The Snowsky Retro Nano is a unique and feature-rich device that combines retro design with modern audio technology. At just $59.99, it offers great sound quality, powerful output, and a replaceable battery, making it an incredible value for budget-conscious audiophiles.

Whether you’re looking for a quirky and stylish DAC/amp or a high-performing Bluetooth receiver, the Retro Nano is an excellent choice. While the web app for PEQ configuration needs improvement, the FiiO Control app ensures full functionality. For its price and features, the Retro Nano is an absolute bargain.
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suicideup

New Head-Fier
SNOWSKY RETRO NANO Review!
Pros: The most “practical and well-implemented” Bluetooth DAC I have encountered!
Well-tuned, neutral with a tinge of warmth sound character!
Quite powerful for a BT DAC!
Has 4.4mm and 3.5SE ports!
Stable bluetooth connection!
Has LDAC support!
Clear, vivid status display!
Has mic support!
6-8 hours of battery life on a single charge!
User-replaceable battery!
Tactile, intuitive buttons!
Independent volume controls!
Quite intuitive controls!
Can be used without a battery!
Decent inclusions!
Retro, cassette-like design!
Cons: Battery door is quite fragile to my liking.
A clip-on case would be nice.
Wired connection is limited to 96Khz PCM (honestly it isn’t a big deal nor a deal breaker to me, but I have to list it here)
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SNOWSKY Retro Nano Review!

Video review here

Good day! After a week of casual and critical listening, here’s my written review for the SNOWSKY Retro Nano BT DAC. The 60 USD pinnacle of modern retro!

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Disclaimer:

- SNOWSKY/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.
- I have not tested this with MQA files or MQA streaming since I don’t use MQA at all.
- 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.

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


IEMs/Earbuds/Source used:
  • -Etymotic ER3SE
  • -Dunu Kima 2
  • -Dunu DK3001BD
  • -Kotori Audio Zephyr
  • -Kiwi Ears KE4
  • -Kefine Klean
  • -Rose Technics QT-X
  • -Rose Technics QT9 MK3
  • -Rose Technics Star City 5 Pro
  • -Roseselsa Aurora Ultra
  • -Sony Xperia X Compact
  • -Tanchjim Space
  • -Rose Technics RZ-550
  • -Venture Electronics Odo
  • -Aiwa XP-V710C CD Player (12 sec. EASS)
  • -Non-HiFi smartphone (Infinix Note 12 G96)
  • -Desktop PC, Laptop.
  • -Local Files via Foobar, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Qobuz with UAPP.

Setup configuration: SNOWSKY Retro Nano paired with phones/laptop/pc.

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Essential Product Specifications:

  • Bluetooth Chip - QCC5125 (CPU+DSP Dual-Core Architecture)
  • DAC - Dual CS43131
  • Bluetooth Version - 5.1
  • Bluetooth Codecs - AAC, SBC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, LDAC
  • USB DAC - Driver-Free Up to PCM 96kHz
  • Headphone Outputs - 3.5mm Single-Ended + 4.4mm Balanced
  • Battery Type - 3.7V Rechargeable Lithium Battery (450mAh)
  • Battery Life - 7.5 Hours (Per Battery)
  • Output Power- 220mW @ 32Ω (Balanced), 100mW @ 32Ω (Single-Ended)
  • Frequency Response - 20Hz ~ 40kHz (-3dB)
  • THD+N - <0.0018% (1kHz/-4dB @ 32Ω)
  • SNR - ≥128dB (A-Weighted)
  • Dimensions - 55.1×37.5×13.7mm
  • Weight - 28.3g (Including Battery)
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Sound signature:
  • It seems that the Snowsky Retro Nano adapted and exhibits the sound character of recent FiiO USB DACs and AMPs wherein a neutral sound profile is observed, with a bit of ever-so-slightly warmth and thickness to it, making it a very good pairing with lean or brighter sounding IEMs and earbuds. Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t really noticeable at first, or in general, and can only be noticed if you’ve been using your IEMs/earbuds for a very long time, or comparing it to other neutral, transparent sources.
Build Quality:
  • The Snowsky Retro Nano BT DAC/AMP encases its internals/innards in a glossy, hard plastic casing. Honestly I am surprised that it did not feel hollow or cheap feeling throughout the time I am using it daily and observing it at the same time. It does not exhibit any form of creaking or plastic noises, even whenever I am plugging my IEMs and earbuds in and pressing the buttons. Speaking of buttons, The buttons are tactile and very responsive, with nearly zero lag or delay. This also has a mini screed that displays the settings, battery status, modes, and bitrate of the track that you are playing. However, I would like to point out that the battery door is a bit fragile to my liking and is probably prone to snap off when opened and used daily. Overall, I can confidently say that the SNOWSKY Retro Nano BT DAC/AMP is very reliable for daily usage, commutes, and reasonably sturdy, in terms of its build department. Its build literally reminded me of how cassette tapes were built before when we had one when I was a kid - it took some dings and falls from our cabinet and radio but played and worked well without any issues. If I were to nitpick, a clip-on case, or a rubber case sleeve would’ve been a good treat as an inclusion for added durability, but hey, they included a mini lanyard for better handling.
Device Compatibility:
  • I had no problems pairing the Snowsky Retro Nano on any devices I own and tested with, whether it be wired or wireless. Everything connected easily and without any issues, as long as you selected the appropriate mode for your preferred connection, wired or wireless. It can play up to 96Khz on LDAC via bluetooth, and 96Khz PCM via wired. If I were to nitpick for some of the “bitrate junkies” I have encountered, this does not support DSD even on wired mode. Personally this isn’t a problem to me because my files are either CD-Ripped, or streamed in 16 bit CD quality on streaming sites. Overall, like aforementioned, the SNOWSKY Retro Nano is again, reliable in this department, due to its ability to be used wired or wireless easily, without any software or driver requirement.
Battery Consumption:
  • Personally, this is my favorite feature of the SNOWSKY Retro Nano and this portion made it stand out among all of the BT DAC/AMPs I have encountered and reviewed under 100USD - its user-replaceable, nearly common battery. You can replace the included battery on your own whenever you need or want to, and you can also use it without any batteries installed through wired connection. If I were to nitpick, they could have used a more widely available, AAA battery, but honestly it is no big deal since the 10440 type batteries can also be availed anywhere fairly easily. On a single full charge, the Retro Nano lasted 6-8 hours on my usage, with 6 hours being used through a balanced 4.4mm connection. Overall, I love how SNOWSKY implemented this feature on the Retro Nano. Aside from the idea that “user-replaceable batteries are vintage” in today’s standards, having its battery user-replaceable adds sustainability, practicality, and reliability to the product, given that the user handles and cares for his/her products properly.
Power and volume:
  • In a very positive way, the overall power that the SNOWSKY Retro Nano delivers isn’t new in the market, particularly in FiiO products, since they are known to deliver sufficient power for the IEMs and earbuds paired. On most of my gears, even on those that are equipped with tons of planar drivers and large dynamic drivers, my volume is only around 20-35 out of 100 steps of volume. Do take note that the Retro Nano exhibits an independent volume and will not interfere with your system volume.
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Pros:
  • The most “practical and well-implemented” Bluetooth DAC I have encountered!
  • Well-tuned, neutral with a tinge of warmth sound character!
  • Quite powerful for a BT DAC!
  • Has 4.4mm and 3.5SE ports!
  • Stable bluetooth connection!
  • Has LDAC support!
  • Clear, vivid status display!
  • Has mic support!
  • 6-8 hours of battery life on a single charge!
  • User-replaceable battery!
  • Tactile, intuitive buttons!
  • Independent volume controls!
  • Quite intuitive controls!
  • Can be used without a battery!
  • Decent inclusions!
  • Retro, cassette-like design!
Cons:
  • Battery door is quite fragile to my liking.
  • A clip-on case would be nice.
  • Wired connection is limited to 96Khz PCM (honestly it isn’t a big deal nor a deal breaker to me, but I have to list it here)
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Verdict

The SNOWSKY Retro Nano is definitely my personal favorite BT DAC/AMP that I have reviewed so far not only because of its capabilities, but also because of its reliability and sustainability. Its ability to use an aftermarket, replaceable battery is an uncommon sight and feature in today's market and I must say, SNOWSKY/FiiO made the right decision to start this year with a dongle with this feature. This is definitely a very good sight and I do hope that the other brands and products may also utilize this feature for practicality. I wholeheartedly recommend the SNOWSKY Retro Nano for those people who want a practical, very capable BT DAC/AMP that is reliable and can withstand daily usage under 100 USD. Thank you for setting the consumer/end-user bar higher, SNOWSKY!


Who is the SNOWSKY Retro Nano for?

  • For those people who want a relatively neutral Bluetooth DAC/AMP under 100 USD.
  • For those people who prefer a user-replaceable battery.
  • For those people who prefer a retro-style BT DAC/AMP.
  • For those people who prefer a handy, reliable BT DAC/AMP.
Why should you not buy the SNOWSKY Retro Nano?
  • If you prefer an all-metal build.
  • If you need extra power beyond 200mw on 4.4mm balanced connection.
  • If you need a DSD file support.
Thank you for reading!

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Non-affiliated links here!:
Additional Photos Here:

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suicideup
suicideup
@ugys I currently do not have a 10440 battery aside from the included in the box, but any 10440 battery would be fine although the ones included exhibits a custom capacity, which makes the aftermarket batteries probably slightly smaller
iGmole
iGmole
So this is essentially a BTR13 with a giggle factor? I love my BTR13 and I like giggles. Oh and the battery thing is neat. I think I need this in my life.
abm0
abm0
[never mind]
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