SNOWSKY RETRO NANO

thaslaya's star rating system:
☆☆☆☆☆ - Fantastic!
☆☆☆☆ - Recommended
☆☆☆ - There are buyers but not for me
☆☆ - Can't see the appeal
☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer:
This product was sent to me by FiiO in exchange for my honest and impartial review. I recieve no compensation and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Non-affiliate link for those interested:
https://www.fiio.com/retronano

Gear used:
● Samsung Galaxy s25 Ultra
● HiBy R1
● Various DAC/amps
● Various IEMs

Source:
● Listening was done using Amazon Music HD/Ultra HD and local FLAC files.

Introduction:
Snowsky is a new subsidiary of audio giant FiiO. Products from this company feature more retro designs, reminiscent of the 1990s when cassette players dominated the mobile audio market. The Retro Nano is a portable DAC/amp with a retro design and Bluetooth capabilities. It is available in white or blue and has a price tag of $59 on Amazon and other retailers. Let's break down this newest Snowsky product and see what it offers.

Unboxing and build quality:
The packaging and unboxing experience are nice, especially considering the price. Inside the box, you'll find the Nano, a quick-start guide, a case for the removable battery, two sets of optional retro-style stickers, a lanyard, and a USB-C cable. The Nano is about medium sized for a dongle and the body of the Nano is made of plastic. It feels somewhat cheap in hand but is fairly lightweight and features an LCD screen, as well as a few buttons with various functions. I really like the design, and the optional stickers add some nice retro flair to the otherwise plain case. There are both 3.5mm and 4.4mm outputs available and a USB-C plug for data and charging. There is no carrying case included, but at this price, I can't really complain. Overall, the build quality and accessories are good for the price, although, in my opinion, a metal body would be preferable.

Technical specifications and features:
● Bluetooth chip: QCC5125 (CPU + DSP dual core architecture)
● DAC: CS43131*2
● Bluetooth version: 5.1
● Bluetooth codecs: AAC/SBC/aptX/aptX LL/aptX Adaptive/aptX HD/LDAC
● USB DAC: Driver-free up to PCM 96k
● Display: 0.96 inch 80x160 color IPS
● Heaphone outputs: Single-ended 3.5mm, Balanced 4.4mm
● In-line controls: Supports microphone, volume adjustment, and play/pause controls in CTIA protocol
● Color: White/Blue
● Dimensions: About 55.1x37.5x13.7mm
● Weight: About 28.3g (including battery)
● Power supply parameters: DC 5V ⎓ 1A
● Battery: 3.7V rechargeable lithium battery (compatible with similar 10440 batteries), not compatible with AAA (1.5V) batteries
● Charging time: ≤2 hours
● Battery life: About 7.5 hours (single battery)
● Output power 1: L+R⩾100mW+100mW (32Ω single ended, THD+N<1%)
● Output power 2: L+R⩾220mW+220mW (32Ω balanced, THD+N<1%)
● Frequency response: 20kHz-40kHz (-3dB)
● SNR: ⩾128dB (A-weighted)
● Noise Floor: PO < 1µV (A-weighted); BAL < 1µv (A-weighted)
● Output impedance: < 0.3Ω (32Ω load)
● THD+N: <0.0018%(1kHz/-4dB@32Ω)

For such a modestly priced device, the Retro Nano sure packs in a lot of features! The unit can be turned on/off with the slider, and there are a multifunction button, volume +/-, and pause/play as well. The three modes (phone, PC, and Bluetooth) can be toggled between using a double press of the multifunction button. There is 60-step independent volume control, a built-in EQ function, FiiO app support, and low/high gain settings as well. The volume buttons can also be used to skip tracks or go to the previous track. There are also many small quality-of-life features that make the unit a joy to use, such as the five different LCD screen backgrounds and screen auto-shutoff to preserve battery life. Interestingly, the Nano can be used without a battery, solely through the USB-C connection. Regarding app support, many options are available in the FiiO Control app. These include a 10-band EQ, custom EQ profiles, options to toggle Bluetooth codecs, volume and channel balance sliders, and a digital guide with further instructions. Bluetooth connectivity was very stable during testing, but the range is not ideal. It works well through walls, but I could only travel about 20 yards before experiencing signal interruptions.

Power consumption and battery life:
With my devices in airplane mode, I let my library play at a medium-high volume with high gain enabled, while limiting unnecessary screen interaction. Here are the battery drain results after one hour:

~12% on HiBy R1 through 4.4 and ~11% through 3.5.

~4% on Galaxy S25 Ultra through 4.4 and ~3% through 3.5.

The Nano is not the most powerful device, but it works well with every IEM I used for testing, and the battery drain is very reasonable. I never had to approach maximum volume on both my DAP and phone to achieve high volume levels. The internal battery life is good, not great, and it fully charges in about two hours. It lasted me about five hours using high gain in phone mode, and slightly less using Bluetooth.

Comparisons:
● DUNU DTC480 ($59) - While the DTC480 has a much sturdier metal build and is about half the size of the Nano, it lacks any features beyond independent volume control and low/high gain. The Nano is much more versatile, having app support and built-in EQ, not to mention its three separate modes, including Bluetooth. When it comes to the sound signature, these two are quite alike, but there are some key subtle differences. The DTC480 has a better-balanced bass response with deeper sub-bass extension, whereas the Nano is more mid-bass focused, with more impact. The DTC480 is also slightly more midrange focused, pushing vocals and instruments in the upper midrange slightly more forward, which I enjoy. Both units have a decent, sparkly quality to the treble, but the Nano has a bit more air, and some troublesome notes may be further accentuated. In technicalities, the DTC480 offers a bit more note weight and a slightly more expansive soundstage, but otherwise, these two perform very similarly. This matchup essentially comes down to build quality versus features. The DTC480 is hands-down the better-built device, but it is quite barebones in terms of function. The Nano feels cheap in comparison, but it is very versatile, and the slightly more neutral sound signature may be a better fit for some; however, it lacks some sub-bass compared to the DTC480, which could be an issue for bass enthusiasts.

● EPZ TP35 ($60) - The TP35 is the smaller of the two, less than half the size of the Nano, and its design is sleeker, with a nicer metal build quality than the Nano's plastic shell. It lacks a screen, internal battery, Bluetooth, EQ, and app support, but offers five digital filter options. These two have fairly similar sound signatures, but the Nano remains mostly neutral, whereas the TP35 has a bit more warmth and more sub-bass rumble and extension, and more lower-midrange emphasis. The Nano has a punchier mid-bass response, slightly more forward vocals, and crisper treble with more air. To its credit, the TP35 does well to smooth out any harshness in the higher frequencies. As for the technicalities, not much is noticeably different, except that the TP35 has a fuller note weight, and the Nano offers slightly better dynamics. With both devices costing the same, the Nano is easily the more versatile and easier to recommend. While I enjoy the TP35's warmth and fullness, the Nano simply has more to offer; however, its larger size and plastic build could be deal breakers for some.

● iFi GO Link Max ($79) - The Max has a nice metal build quality and a small form factor, but the non-detachable cable is less than ideal. The Nano's plastic build leaves something to be desired, but the retro design is fun, and it is packed full of features for the price. The Nano has three modes, including PC, phone, and Bluetooth, a replaceable battery, and EQ and app support, whereas the Max is more of a "what you see is what you get" device. When it comes to the sound, the Max is a bit more V-shaped and exciting, with decent bass and treble extension. It has a slightly brighter tilt but also a nice, low-reaching sub-bass emphasis to help balance it out. The Nano has more mid-bass emphasis, with better impact and punch, and an overall warmer sound signature. It also has more upper-midrange focus to help vocals stand out. The Max does have better air and sparkle, though the treble emphasis can be too bright with some IEMs. As for the technicalities, these two perform similarly, but I noted that the Nano has a slightly thicker note weight, and the Max offers better separation and layering. Overall, I enjoy both, but it really depends on the tuning of the transducer it is paired with. For something lacking in bass extension, like the Orchestra Lite, the Max helps lift the sub-bass a decent amount, but it is also a bit of a double-edged sword due to the treble emphasis. Already bright IEMs like the Ziigaat Estrella are better for me on the Retro Nano.

● Qudelix T71 ($229) - The T71's metal build is much better than the plastic Nano's, although the latter does have a replaceable battery, which is nice. The T71 also features a 2.5 mm input, while the Nano has only 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm inputs, although I doubt that makes much difference for most audiophiles. Both have companion apps, but the Qudelix's dives deeper into EQ options, offering digital filters and many more customization options. To be fair, the Nano offers Bluetooth, a major point in its favor for me. Regarding sound, the T71 is a little more neutral and revealing. It also has better sub-bass extension, and vocals are a bit more forward, sweet, and melodic. The Nano sounds a little warmer, especially in the midrange, which has a slight lower-midrange recession. The T71 has better treble extension and sounds a little more "hi-fi," but the Nano has a certain charm and helps rein in any treble harshness or brightness, which I appreciate. Cymbals, however, are a bit unnatural and lack a certain realistic decay and splashiness. Also, the sound signature may be a bit too dark for some. The T71 has clearly better detail, separation, and overall technical performance, but it also lacks a little musicality compared to the Nano. For full performance and customization, the T71 is the clear winner, but the Nano still offers a lot for the price and is a very fun little device.

● Questyle M18i ($349) - These two have quite a difference in price and build quality. The M18i has a much more premium design and build and feels very nice in hand with a decent weight. The Nano is small, with a retro design and is mostly made of plastic. It feels pretty cheap in hand, but it does have a screen and a replaceable battery. Both have three modes (PC, phone, and Bluetooth), but the Nano also includes built-in EQ and FiiO app support. The M18i has better Bluetooth quality but a shorter battery life. Like the gap in their prices, the sound quality of these two is quite different. The M18i has better bass extension, rumble, and resolution. Instruments and vocals are very natural and never sound strained. The difference in the depth of the soundstage is striking, with the M18i being the clear winner. It also offers better dynamics, separation, and layering, and a more natural timbre. Overall, the M18i offers a more mature sound with better technicalities and better performance across the board, which is not really surprising. Yet, I would argue again that diminishing returns do not necessarily justify the vast price difference. The Retro Nano is a fun, feature-packed little device; however, the M18i's sound quality is clearly superior in just about every way.

Sound impressions:
To my ear, the Retro Nano maintains a mostly neutral sound signature with a hint of warmth. There is a slight increase in the mid-bass presence, which is also a little punchier with added impact. The bass extension, sub-bass rumble, and low-end resolution could be improved, though. The upper midrange is slightly more pronounced, which helps push vocals to the front a bit more. The treble isn't brighter per se, but there is a little extra energy and air that I can detect. Unfortunately, this also means that some "s" and "sh" notes can be further accentuated, which is not always a welcome addition depending on the transducer it's paired with. While the dynamics could be improved, the detail retrieval, separation, layering, and imaging are all on par with what can be expected from a product in this price tier. Its performance is adequate but won't rival higher-tier products. There are some noticeable performance differences between the three modes as well. When switching from PC to phone mode, the midrange loses some fullness and is less pronounced. When using Bluetooth, there is a slight loss of detail, note weight, and dynamism, and overall the sound is a little more "lo-fi" compared to both PC and phone modes. Through my testing, I found the Nano synergizes best with IEMs that could use a touch more mid-bass and vocal emphasis. A few that I enjoyed are the Letshuoer S12 2024, Oriveti OD200, and Dunu DaVinci.

In conclusion:
The Snowsky Retro Nano is a great little portable DAC/amp with plenty to love. While the plastic build quality leaves something to be desired, the sheer amount of versatility and features the Nano offers for the price is fantastic. The retro-style aesthetic is a fun throwback for those who grew up with and cut their audio teeth on cassette players, and the EQ functionality is great for those who like to tweak the tuning. While the battery life isn't the greatest, the fact that it is replaceable means the Nano's lifespan can be extended far beyond devices without this feature. Due to its more neutral sound signature, the Nano pairs well with just about any transducer, but keep in mind that it won't bring out the best sub-bass extension or help fix any preexisting treble hotspots. If I could offer any notes for future Snowsky releases, I would love to see sturdier build quality, more power, improved Bluetooth performance, more sub-bass extension, and slightly less treble. As it stands, I can easily and vehemently recommend the Retro Nano to anyone looking for a portable DAC/amp solution that offers a fun aesthetic and plenty of options to satisfy their portable audio needs.

Introduction​

Another Snowsky product, another review.
This time, I’ll be taking a look at the Snowsky Retro Nano, a bluetooth dongle from Fioo’s sub-brand Snowsky and I will try to share my experience including some comparisons with alternative and/or similar products.

Disclaimer: the Snowsky Retro Nano was sent to me by Fiio free of charge in order to write an honest review. This review represents my personal opinion and it is by no means a promotional or paid content.
At the time of the review, the Snowsky Retro Nano was on sale for about $60 at FiiO's Official Aliexpress Store.

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Technical Specifications​

• Bluetooth Chip → QCC5125 (CPU + DSP dual core architecture)
• Bluetooth version → 5.1
• Bluetooth codec → AAC/SBC/aptX/aptX LL/aptX Adaptive/aptX HD/LDAC
• In-line controls → Supports microphone, volume adjustment, play/pause controls in CTIA protocol
• DAC Chipset → CS43131 * 2
• USB DAC → Driver-free up to PCM 96k
• Output interface → 3.5mm single-ended/4.4mm balanced
• Output power 1: L+R ⩾ 100mW + 100mW (32Ω single ended, THD + N<1%)
• Output power 1: L+R ⩾ 220mW + 220mW (32Ω balanced, THD + N<1%)
• Signal to noise ratio (SNR): ⩾ 128dB (A-weighted)
• THD+N → 0.0018% (1kHz/-4dB@32Ω)
• Noise Floor → PO < 1µV (A-weighted); BAL < 1µv (A-weighted)
• Output impedance → < 0.3Ω (32Ω load)
• Frequency response → 20kHz-40kHz (-3dB)
• Battery → 3.7V rechargeable lithium battery (compatible with similar 10440 batteries), NOT COMPATIBLE with AAA (1.5V) batteries
• Power supply parameters → DC 5V ⎓ 1A
• Charging time ≤ 2 hours
• Declared battery life → about 7.5 hours on a single charge
• Size → 55.1mm * 37.5mm * 13.7mm (L x W x H)
• Colors → White/Blue
• Net weight → 28.3g (including battery)
• Display →0.96-inch 80x160 color IPS

Packaging​

The box is small and you can see the small and cute Retro Nano thanks to transparent plastic on the front. The package contains:

• The Snowsky Retro Nano
• A Type-C to Type-C cable (for charging and data transfer)
• A single 10440 battery (already installed in the battery slot)
• One battery storage case
• Lanyard
• 2 sets of stickers for the Retro Nano body (random colors as stated on the official site)
• Quick start guide
• Warranty card
• Warning card

Design, Build Quality and Buttons​

The Retro Nano looks like an old mini-cassette player, it’s very compact and lightweight, and even though it’s mostly made of plastic it feels sturdy in the hands.
On the front, a very small yet effective display shows some basic information about the status of the device (connection mode, battery life and so on), whereas on the back we there’s a battery slot (and the battery is replaceable since the lid can be opened, but we’ll talk about this in the battery section).



There are 5 buttons in the upper part of the device:

• A multifunction button (mode selector, UI skin switch, enter/exit menu)
• Play/pause button
• Pext track/volume down/switch submenu button
• Previous track/volume up/switch submenu button
• Power Push button

There’s also a microphone hole near the buttons, as the Retro Nano is equipped with a microphone that can be used for calls, voice recording and so on (we’ll talk about the overall recording quality in the sound section).



Unfortunately, there isn’t any “lock” button, which would prevent accidental inputs while the device is in your pocket.

The Type-C port is located on the right side, while on the left side there are the two outputs: a single-ended 3.5mm port and a balanced 4.4mm port.



The lanyard has to be placed at the bottom left of the device, since there’s the lanyard hole.

With the included stickers, you can customize it and make it even more vintage-looking:

UI navigation, features and battery life​

The UI is pretty basic, clean, well organized, you can set between different themes and visuals and navigating through the various menus feels pretty quick and intuitive.

By a prolonged press of the multifunction button, we get to the main menu (and in the same way, you exit from the menu), where we can find:

• CHGPR: option to activate or deactivate charging protection. If this option is active, the USB will stop charging the battery when it’s at 80%. The USB will still provide power for the device system.
• Gain: high or low gain selector.
• EQ: 8 presets + 3 user EQs are supported: Jazz, Pop, Rock, Dance, Class, Hip-Hop, Retro, USER1, USER2, USER3. The USER settings can be customized through the FiiO control app on your phone and it works both in Bluetooth and USB mode.
• Dimmer: this option serves the purpose of adjusting the brightness level and has 4 different levels of brightness.
• OFF-DISO: if no key is pressed within the set time, the screen will automatically turn off. There are 5 options: 15s, 30s, 1min, 5min, NEVER.
• MODE: switch between Bluetooth, PC and phone modes.
• Language: you can choose between Chinese and English
• RESET: this option resets all the settings and pairing information from the Retro Nano.
• VER: Retro Nano firmware version.

At the time of the review, I’m using the V4.6 version of the stock firmware and I haven’t been able to verify if there are newer versions since the “online update” selection on the FiiO app doesn’t work (nothing happens when clicking on it).

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A car mode is present, and it’s also possible to use the device without the battery by using the Type-C cable. In fact, if you remove the battery from its slot, you can still use the device if it’s connected to your phone or PC through the Type-C cable as that allows for direct power delivery to the device.
This is a very smart move from Snowsky, as they have basically created a Bluetooth DAC that can be used as a standard Type-C wired dongle DAC.

Battery life​

From my tests, the battery life of the Retro Nano has been quite satisfying, reaching about 9 hours from the 3.5mm output and around 6.5 hours from the 4.4mm output on a single charge.
The battery is replaceable if you’ll ever have any issue in the future (batteries don’t have an infinite lifespan), and in that case make sure you’re grabbing the right battery. In fact, the Retro Nano uses a 10440 3.7V lithium battery, which is different from your average AAA 1.5V battery both in terms of voltage and size.

In any case, as said above, remember that when the battery runs out or if you’ll have any issue with the stock battery, you can still use the Retro Nano as a wired DAC (it’s not as convenient as it is in Bluetooth mode, that’s for sure, but it’s another way to use the device).

Performance​

Power
For a bluetooth DAC, it’s certainly powerful. Most of the stuff I have runs fine from the Retro Nano, and I am speaking about the Hifiman HE400SE, the Cooler Master MH751 (which are basically a modded version of the Takstar Pro 82), the KSC75, the KPH30i with and without Grado pads, the Snowsky Wind, the Meze 99 Classics and the Sennheiser HD25-1 II. I also had the chance to try the Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro 80Ω version, and they ran fine as well.

The 3.5mm output is more than enough for most IEMs, whereas the 4.4mm output can push a whopping 220mW@32Ω which is pretty good for such a small and portable bluetooth dongle.

Sound
No background hiss even when using high-sensitivity/low-impedance IEMs, no strange noises when connecting/disconnecting the earphones/headphones, no issues from the main ports in general.
For a Bluetooth DAC, I can say this is satisfying. Both in Bluetooth and DAC mode, I can hear that the device is just a small step behind similarly priced wired dongles, especially in terms of overall precision. In fact, the resolution and detail retrieval aren’t as good as on dedicated wired dongles (yet very good and perfect for 99% of the people out there), but that was somehow foreseeable since for the same price you also have a dedicated display, a battery, a bluetooth chip, and so on. It’s a device that goes for more versatility and I kinda like the value proposition in this case.
I can’t hear particular coloration too, so I can say that the Retro Nano outputs a neutral sound overall, something that those who don’t like warmer or brighter sources will definitely appreciate.

The microphone records similarly to the FiiO BTR11: same overall recording quality and similar (non) effectiveness of the electronic noise cancellation of the environmental noises. I have tried to use it for calls outside and it's barely usable in very quiet places.

Some comparisons:​

Snosky Retro Nano vs Fiio BTR11

The BTR11 is priced way below the Retro Nano and it’s pretty easy to notice that: the power output is lower on the BTR11, the sound quality lags behind the Retro Nano (even though it’s still super respectable as the BTR11 costs only about 20$), and the feature-pack of the Retro Nano is just superior, also offering better Bluetooth codecs, parametric EQ, USB DAC mode, removable battery and so on.
The integrated microphone is also a touch better on the Retro Nano, even though the noise-cancellation of the surrounding noises is still below the expectations.
Overall, the Retro Nano is worth the price jump and I strongly suggest getting the more expensive device because this is one of those cases in which putting more cash on the table means having something better in your pocket.

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Snowsky Echo Mini vs Snowsky Retro Nano

Straight to the point, I think that the Echo Mini sounds better than the Retro Nano both in bluetooth and wired mode. It’s a bit more powerful and less lean with better dynamics, better end-to-end extension, and it sounds “fuller” overall.
However, the Echo Mini still needs some proper updates to the firmware to become as practical and functional as the Echo Mini, since the Echo Mini can work as a USB DAC (even without the battery, you can connect it through the Type-C cable and use it) for your PC or phone, you can use it just like the Fiio BTR11 as a bluetooth DAC with LDAC compatibility, you can use it for audiobooks or very long live-recorded tracks thanks to the fast-forward and rewind functions, you can set customized EQ profiles… there are a lot more things you can do with it, let’s put it this way, and it also has a removable battery!
I find myself using the Retro Nano a lot more, I am not gonna lie.

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Snowsky Retro Nano vs Fosi DS2, Truthear SHIO and Dunu DTC480 dongles

I’ll be straightforward: in terms of sound quality, the Retro Nano can’t beat any of these devices. All of them sound slightly fuller, more refined, more detailed and more capable when it comes to portraying a bigger soundstage, and they are generally more resolving overall. However, in terms of power, the DTC480 lags behind the Retro Nano, which is something for which we have to endorse the Retro Nano.
I think these devices have different purposes and the main reason why I have decided to write a small comparison is because most people need to understand that some products exist because they satisfy a different need.
The people at FiiO know that the Snowsky Retro Nano isn’t going to blow the Truthear SHIO, the Fosi DS2 and the Dunu DTC480 out of the water, nor do they think that they have released something that can completely replace the above mentioned dongles.
The Retro Nano exists because there are people who want a strong Bluetooth DAC contender, who’s able to guarantee a no-wires, no-frills experience to those who want a versatile option to carry outside when using a wired dongle would be uncomfortable.

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Final Thoughts​

I have spent most of the good words in the previous paragraphs, so there isn’t much left to say down here, and all I can say is that the Retro Nano is a very interesting, good looking and full-packed Bluetooth dongle with a strong value proposition.
If you are in the market for a Bluetooth DAC that could also work as a wired dongle, look no further: Snowsky has raised the bar again and I cannot wait to see new things from them and also how competitors will respond to this release.

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.



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.

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.

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.








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:





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.



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

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.

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:

On the back:

Opening up the box:

Mine came with an extra package with some stickers and a nice lanyard:

So this is everything you’ll find:

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:

The colorful 0.96-inch displayshows a retro-style animation of a tape playback, adding to its nostalgic charm:

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:

On the other end you get an usb-c connection for both charging and when you use it as a usb-c DAC:



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:

Here is a helpful guide to the various button and connectors:



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:

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:

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:

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:

You can check the versions and trigger an upgrade if required:

You can pair easily from within the app:

Clicking, the Audio tab has various options to control the sound, including some harmonic distortion compensation:
You can control the bluetooth codecs used - though within IOS it will still just be AAC:

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):

You can also rename a Custom PEQ Preset to a Device name:

Editing a PEQ is super easy:

And you get complete control over the values for each PEQ filter:

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​

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)​

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)​

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:

And the 4.4mm balanced gets a similar THD+N / Sinad score:

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:

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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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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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!:

• https://www.fiio.com/newsinfo/990685.html
• https://www.aliexpress.us/item/1005008316976319.html?gatewayAdapt=4itemAdapt

Additional Photos Here:

Disclaimer: FiiO provided me with a review unit. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Introduction​

SNOWSKY is FiiO’s new subbrand focusing on a more “fun” and “retro” industrial design, at a more affordable price range, similar to its sister brand, Jade Audio. The Retro Nano ($60) is the first product released under the SNOWSKY brand and it is certainly catching a lot of attention with its design decisions. I am very excited to review it, so let’s get to it!

Packaging & Build​

For an entry-level product, it is quite a simple unboxing experience. Inside the pretty small box, there is the Retro Nano unit, a USB C-to-C cable, a lanyard, a set of stickers, a 10440 battery, and a user manual. Now, that second last item is the one garnering much attention certainly. Along with my unit, there is also a package of extra accessories which includes fancier lanyards and 2 more sets of stickers. I am told that it is a separate purchase for the extras.





The Retro Nano unit itself is designed to look like a classic cassette tape, mostly plastic with a 0.96-inch IPS LCD color screen in front for operating the unit without any apps, the same one as BTR13 (quite a bit of foreshadowing here). The battery slot at the back has the slide-out-and-lift-up mechanism commonly found in toys and appliances. The battery slot cover is quite tight and probably has a low risk of accidentally opening when in use.

Specifications and I/O​

Just based on the spec sheet alone, I think the Retro Nano is pretty standard fare for a Bluetooth DAC/amp. In fact, it’s pretty much a carbon copy of BTR13 on paper, which is not surprising now that I think about it. I think this won't be the last time I mention BTR13 in this review.

There is a microphone hole on the unit itself, along with the CTIA support on the 3.5mm jack. The call quality is good enough for my day to day usage.

One interesting point here is that the power button is a switch. I have some theory why it is designed this way in the later sections of this review.

Sound Impression​

Gears used: 64 Audio U18S, 64 Audio U4S, Thieaudio Monarch Mk2, FiiO FT1, JT1 (not exhaustive)
Music Sources: Youtube Music, Tidal, local lossless files

Listening impression is a very subjective experience depending on individual ear shape, choice of eartips, music library, and personal preferences, so your experience may vary.

I personally listen mostly to pop, jazz, some rock, and very limited metal.



As stated above, since it is nearly identical to BTR13, I think the Retro Nano is also using the built-in headphone amp in CS43131, the sound signature is pretty standard Cirrus Logic fare: slightly warm with some upper mids emphasis. I can maintain a relatively clean output with decent dynamics even on harder loads. It is a tad warmer than BTR13 in its default settings.

The USB and Bluetooth inputs have a slightly different sound. USB input has slightly more dynamics and bass/treble extension, but it’s hard to spot.

That said, Retro Nano remains excellent for IEM usage, and it performs very well with most IEMs in my collection, even the TOTL ones.

Usage Impressions as Everyday Carry​

One interesting tidbit that I found out from the product page is that the Retro Nano can function WITHOUT the battery installed. So you can just plug it to a USB power source or your phone and it will turn on and function as per normal. Going back to the point about the power button being a switch, I think the reason was that it allows the Retro Nano to be immediately turned on when USB is connected, which is similar to the “car mode” that is present in recent FiiO BTR series.

In practice, you can treat the Retro Nano as a battery-less dongle without the battery. This direction is something that I really appreciate with its design, thinking against the planned obsolescence in modern electronics.

Now, on battery, I think it has a pretty mediocre battery life. On high gain and LDAC, with volume around 20-25 range, I got about 6.5h of usage time. Other BTR devices, I generally get 7-8h. However, this is forgivable, considering that you can easily swap the battery when you depletes one.

Talking about battery replacement, Retro Nano does NOT use an AAA battery. It is using a 10440 battery, which has the same dimensions as an AAA battery, but different voltage at 3.7V. This battery type is commonly used in flashlights and other small electronics. The stock battery is a 450mAh flat top 10440 battery (an uncommon capacity, so it is probably a custom order). Most 10440 batteries in the market are only 350mAh. For my review, I purchased some PKCELL 350mAh 10440 battery but with a button top (which I didn’t notice when I made the purchase). Luckily, the battery slot fits button top batteries just fine.

Using the PKCELL battery, I did get a shorter battery life at around 5.5h. This is understandable, considering the lower rated capacity. If you are wondering about battery rolling, at least with this battery, I did not notice any difference in sound quality.

Why PKCELL? I don’t really know myself… Somehow I kept hearing this very loud Australian who likes Shrek a lot shouting “Oh my PKCELLS!” at the back of my head.

Regarding the charging, you can charge the installed battery as usual using USB C. However, if you have multiple batteries, you can also charge the individual cells using third-party chargers.



Regarding connection stability, I find it generally stable, even in an outdoor environment. I think there were some minor hiccups on LDAC sometimes, but it was very rare and not repeatable, so I am not sure what happened. I used it for music listening as well as watching videos/streams.

I tried some of the built-in EQ as well. I find the pop and classical settings to be quite enjoyable. It is adjustable using FiiO’s control app.

Overall, I find the Retro Nano being very convenient to use daily and with some changes in settings, I probably can optimize for battery life further.

Select Comparison​

FiiO BTR13 ($64):
I’ll just keep it short. Retro Nano is pretty much a clone of BTR13 with slightly warmer tuning and replaceable battery. I would go with Retro Nano simply for the design and replaceable battery. Pretty much almost everything that I mentioned in my BTR13 review here applies to the Retro Nano as well regarding to sound. I really am impressed how much of these small differences made my experience with the Retro Nano to be much more enjoyable than BTR13. That said, BTR13 still has a consistently higher battery life than the Retro Nano, so if that is important to you, BTR13 would be a better option.

FiiO BTR11 ($20):
Now compared to BTR11, I think Retro Nano simply wins straight up. With 4.4mm jack and more power, as well as better DAC and amp circuitry, I think Retro Nano is simply a better device overall. However, for just quick, small BT dongle to throw in the bag for quick listen or video call, BTR11 is such a great value.

Conclusion​

If you are looking for an everyday carry Bluetooth dongle that is convenient, sounds good, and has a long product lifetime, Retro Nano is an easy recommendation. With FiiO’s app support and a great track record for maintaining devices from FiiO, I think Retro Nano will have a long presence in my gear collection. Normally I would go for 4 stars for the specs, but for the fun design and consumer-friendly product features, I am giving 5 stars for Retro Nano. Highly recommended.