I love the way this dac looks, super cool and would fit in great on a rack with other VU meters..
scracy
500+ Head-Fier
RONJA MESCO
1000+ Head-Fier
speak for yourself...Class A is definitely better than D. Lotta us dont care about the energy because for that matter. I wouldnt run any HIFI in the house at all if I was on that and Class A always sounds different to Class D.
Last edited:
Pedro Janeiro
100+ Head-Fier
Whats the model number of this Dac? hope it gets more that 2 Rca/Xlr Outputs!FiiO plans to launch models such as the SA1 active speaker, SP5 flagship bookshelf active speaker, ANYWHERE sports outdoor speaker, and floor-standing horn speaker in 2025.
BTR19
Then let's take a look at FiiO's launch plan for portable players in 2025.
1. M21. M21 has been publicly unveiled at the just-concluded Shanghai Headphone Exhibition. In addition to Qualcomm 680 | 4-chip 43918 matrix decoding new product | desktop mode | high-thrust headphone amplifier. We also designed an external tape protective case for M21.
This design has been well received by oil burners. M21 is expected to be launched in April, and the price is very competitive like JM21.
2. M27. This is considered to be a big delay. It should have been a new product at the end of 2024. This is the king of 2025. It can be revealed that the main control uses Qualcomm 7 series-level new main control, replaceable battery, dual TF card, standard optical output interface, and the current ESS flagship DAC chip.
M27 is expected to be launched around June. The reason for the delay is actually that we hope to polish the details of sound quality and experience to be more mature.
3. M25. This is the replacement model of M15S. It is still in the planning stage and is expected to be launched in December. It will also use the same main control as the M27, because the appearance and specifications of the product have not yet been determined. So we can't reveal too much for the time being.
In 2025, FiiO's desktop player will still focus on the Android system to meet the current trend of migrating to streaming music.
1. Desktop series.
We are considering making an updated product of R7. The main thing is to change the main control to the latest Qualcomm chip. At the same time, the DAC chip will also be upgraded. It is a minor facelift. The DAC may be changed to the FiiO self-developed R2R type that everyone likes.
The other designs of R7 should not change much.
2. Living room series.
The current S15 will be produced and sold normally, but considering the high price of S15, we have planned a lower-priced S13 for users with a smaller budget.
It can be considered a reduced version of S15, especially for those who have their own desktop decoder and do not need the built-in DAC of S15. You can consider buying an S13 as a pure desktop sound source in the future, which is also a good match.
In 2024, FiiO's new products such as K19, K17, K11R2R were recognized by everyone. In 2025, FiiO will launch some new products with more characteristics, more beautiful and more powerful functions. Including:
1. The new mid-range desktop DAC headphone amplifier K13R2R, which is priced at around 2,000 yuan and is scheduled to be launched around June. Looking at the model, you should know that the DAC uses FiiO's self-developed R2R circuit.
After the K11R2R was launched, it was loved by many people, and everyone asked us to make another high-end product based on R2R technology. K13R2R is a product developed to meet everyone's needs for greater power, more functions, and more interfaces. I believe this product will be as popular as K11R2R.
2. The new mid-to-high-end desktop DAC headphone amplifier K15 is priced between 3,000 and 4,000 yuan. It is mainly to fill the gap in our product line to meet the needs of users at different consumption levels. It is expected to be launched around June.
K15 adopts the appearance and structure of K17. The main difference is that the power supply is changed to a switching power supply, the DAC chip uses a more cost-effective model, and the expensive ADI independent DSP chip is removed.
3. High-end desktop Bluetooth receiver BR15.
At present, FiiO's desktop Bluetooth receivers include BR13 and BTA30PRO. BR13 is entry-level, and BTA30PRO has been on the market for many years. Now Bluetooth technology is developing very fast. So we have planned a higher-end desktop Bluetooth receiver BR15.
BR15 will add a display to improve the user experience, and will also use Qualcomm's current flagship chip QCC5181 to support APTX LOSSLESS lossless Bluetooth format.
BR15 is expected to be launched around October. The price is estimated to be within 1,500 yuan, and it will also support XLR balanced output, which is particularly suitable for desktop HIFI series to add lossless Bluetooth reception function.
4. High-end desktop Bluetooth transmitter BT15.
Slightly different from the previous plan, BTA30PRO is a transceiver. For users who only need to transmit, the built-in decoding function is wasted. So we also planned a high-end desktop Bluetooth transmitter, which can save a lot of budget for everyone, and it can be regarded as a match with BT15.
BT15 is also expected to be launched before October, and the price is less than 1,000 yuan.
5. New R2R+ tube amplifier balanced output pure decoder WARMER (warm sound artifact). This product should be the first product of FiiO that uses vacuum tubes. The appearance adopts a retro design, with two large VU meters. It can be said that it is in place from the inside out, and the retro flavor is extremely strong.
6. New linear power supply PL70. This product is designed to provide a HIFI-level ultra-low noise precision linear power supply with an external power interface for FiiO. The rated output power reaches 70W. Both the performance and appearance are a step up from the PL50, and the appearance is more coordinated with FiiO's current products.
In addition to the above models, if we have the energy and resources, we may also consider making a real pure Class A headphone amplifier. The main reason is that there are actually very few authentic pure Class A headphone amplifiers at present. I estimate that most consumers have not come into contact with them and are easily misled by some marketing terms. The real pure Class A has low efficiency, huge heat generation, and high cost. In fact, it was not popular when I entered the industry decades ago, but pure Class A is a term that is easily used as a marketing term, so I wondered if FiiO should make a headphone amplifier to let everyone see what a real classic pure Class A amplifier is like.
+1. Very interested in FiiO class A amplifiers. Plus, Class D tends to be problematic for headphone use at higher impedances.
@FiiO Would also love to see FiiO produce a tube preamp with volume control and remote.
Last edited:
② HIFI Portable Bluetooth DAC and Headphone Amplifier
2024 was a major year for FIIO’s Bluetooth DAC/Amps, with the launch of a total of four models: BTR11, BTR13, BTR17, and RETRO NANO. Together with the BTR15, they formed a strong HiFi Bluetooth DAC/amp lineup, further solidifying FIIO’s position as a global leader in this field.
2025, on the other hand, will be a smaller year for Bluetooth DAC/Amps. Due to the discontinuation of the Q series, we will expand the product line upward by introducing the BTR19 as our new flagship model.
The new flagship model will feature significant innovations in form factor, functionality, performance, and sound quality. However, its size and weight will remain controlled to maintain the compact nature of the BTR series.
Apart from the BTR19, if resources allow, we may develop a special edition using the same platform and design. This has not yet been finalized, but if it moves forward, it could be either an R2R version of the BTR19 or a tube version of the BTR19 to meet the needs of audiophiles who prioritize sound characteristics.
The attached image is a concept design of the BTR19. The project is still in its early conceptual stage, so this is just to show that FIIO is truly making an effort, not simply repeating past designs but aiming to bring innovation to our users. We also welcome feedback on this industrial design.
Additionally, if you have any suggestions or feature requests for the BTR19, please feel free to share them. Since we have not yet officially initiated the project, the product’s functions and design have not been finalized, which means there is still time to modify or add features based on user feedback.
Currently, we aim to launch the BTR19 around November, with an expected price close to 300 USD.
2024 was a major year for FIIO’s Bluetooth DAC/Amps, with the launch of a total of four models: BTR11, BTR13, BTR17, and RETRO NANO. Together with the BTR15, they formed a strong HiFi Bluetooth DAC/amp lineup, further solidifying FIIO’s position as a global leader in this field.
2025, on the other hand, will be a smaller year for Bluetooth DAC/Amps. Due to the discontinuation of the Q series, we will expand the product line upward by introducing the BTR19 as our new flagship model.
The new flagship model will feature significant innovations in form factor, functionality, performance, and sound quality. However, its size and weight will remain controlled to maintain the compact nature of the BTR series.
Apart from the BTR19, if resources allow, we may develop a special edition using the same platform and design. This has not yet been finalized, but if it moves forward, it could be either an R2R version of the BTR19 or a tube version of the BTR19 to meet the needs of audiophiles who prioritize sound characteristics.
The attached image is a concept design of the BTR19. The project is still in its early conceptual stage, so this is just to show that FIIO is truly making an effort, not simply repeating past designs but aiming to bring innovation to our users. We also welcome feedback on this industrial design.
Additionally, if you have any suggestions or feature requests for the BTR19, please feel free to share them. Since we have not yet officially initiated the project, the product’s functions and design have not been finalized, which means there is still time to modify or add features based on user feedback.
Currently, we aim to launch the BTR19 around November, with an expected price close to 300 USD.
③ Portable HiFi Music Player
Recently, you may heard of the big news that a certain renowned international audio brand has been acquired by a real estate company. Additionally, based on private discussions with industry insiders, a well-known Japanese brand currently has no plans to update its portable player lineup.
Meanwhile, domestic brands are also withdrawing from the portable player market. Even FIIO itself only launched two models in 2024: the M23 and JM21.
We won’t analyze external factors here. Instead, I’ll explain the reasons behind the industry's downturn from FIIO’s perspective.
1. The return on investment is getting lower and lower.
Simply put, developing portable players requires significant investment but yields diminishing returns. This is especially true for Android-based players, where adopting a new platform costs millions. Moreover, system software, underlying software, driver development, UI, app development, structure, hardware, and industrial design all require a large number of engineers. Portable players are among the most complex products, demanding the highest level of engineering effort.
2. Technological progress has stagnated, or even come to a halt.
The Snapdragon 660/665 has been used for who knows how many years. The DAC options remain limited to ESS, AKM, and CSS chips. In terms of functionality, everything that could be added has already been implemented.
As a result, manufacturers are resorting to features like vacuum tubes, R2R DACs, or experimenting with different casing materials. However, these elements can’t define the industry’s mainstream direction, which are merely better than nothing.
3. Homogeneous product designs
Perhaps due to the inherent constraints of portable players, most devices now look similar—a rectangular shape with only minor variations.
With the maturation of two major chipset platforms that FIIO has heavily invested in over the past two years and the return of our pure audio series, 2025 is set to be a fruitful year for FIIO’s portable players.
I. Pure Audio Series
Starting with the ECHO MINI, FIIO has made a grand return to pure audio players after years of absence, and it has been a hit. In 2025, we will continue introducing multiple pure audio players, including:
1. ECHO NANO
A more compact and affordable version of the ECHO MINI, this pocket-sized HiFi player is expected to be released by the end of the year.
2. ECHO
Designed based on user demand, this model is positioned above the ECHO MINI in the pure audio lineup and is expected to launch in the fall.
3. DISCUE
A high-end pure audio player based on the X2000 chipset from Ingenic. It offers higher-level functionality and performance than the ECHO series and features a retro design with a fresh take on product aesthetics.
II. Android Series
Starting with the JM21, all of FIIO’s Android portable players will feature upgraded main chipsets. The mid-to-low-end models will primarily use the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 chip, while the mid-to-high-end models will feature a cutting-edge Qualcomm chipset that leads the industry by a wide margin.
If you’re planning to buy an Android-based portable player in 2025, hold off and see what FIIO has in store! The JM21 and M21, which use the Snapdragon 680, are just warm-up acts— the real flagship is yet to come.
Now, let’s take a look at FIIO’s planned portable player releases for 2025.
1. M21
The M21 made its first public appearance at the recent Shanghai Headphone Expo. It features the Snapdragon 680 chipset, a new quad-ES43918 matrix DAC, desktop mode, and a high-power headphone amplifier. Additionally, we designed a retro-style cassette tape protective case for it.
This design has received widespread acclaim from audiophiles. The M21 is expected to launch in April at a highly competitive price, similar to the JM21.
2. M27
This model was initially scheduled for a late 2024 release but has been significantly delayed. However, the M27 is the true king of 2025. We can reveal that it will feature a next-generation Qualcomm Snapdragon 7-series chipset, a replaceable battery, dual microSD card slots, a standard optical output, and ESS’s flagship DAC.
The M27 is expected to launch around June. The delay was intentional, as we wanted to fine-tune its sound quality and user experience to perfection.
3. M25
This is the successor to the M15S. Currently, it is still in the planning stage and is expected to launch around December. It will feature the same chipset as the M27. However, since the design and specifications are still under discussion, we can’t reveal much at this point.
What we can say is that we aim to make this model sound even better, offer a superior user experience, and incorporate a more exciting design.
We are optimistic about our portable players in 2025. This is the natural outcome of the hard work we’ve put in over the past two years. Our goal is to achieve an overwhelming lead in product capabilities—not just compared to our competitors but even surpassing our own past achievements. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have invested so much capital and manpower into developing so many new products.
Recently, you may heard of the big news that a certain renowned international audio brand has been acquired by a real estate company. Additionally, based on private discussions with industry insiders, a well-known Japanese brand currently has no plans to update its portable player lineup.
Meanwhile, domestic brands are also withdrawing from the portable player market. Even FIIO itself only launched two models in 2024: the M23 and JM21.
We won’t analyze external factors here. Instead, I’ll explain the reasons behind the industry's downturn from FIIO’s perspective.
1. The return on investment is getting lower and lower.
Simply put, developing portable players requires significant investment but yields diminishing returns. This is especially true for Android-based players, where adopting a new platform costs millions. Moreover, system software, underlying software, driver development, UI, app development, structure, hardware, and industrial design all require a large number of engineers. Portable players are among the most complex products, demanding the highest level of engineering effort.
2. Technological progress has stagnated, or even come to a halt.
The Snapdragon 660/665 has been used for who knows how many years. The DAC options remain limited to ESS, AKM, and CSS chips. In terms of functionality, everything that could be added has already been implemented.
As a result, manufacturers are resorting to features like vacuum tubes, R2R DACs, or experimenting with different casing materials. However, these elements can’t define the industry’s mainstream direction, which are merely better than nothing.
3. Homogeneous product designs
Perhaps due to the inherent constraints of portable players, most devices now look similar—a rectangular shape with only minor variations.
With the maturation of two major chipset platforms that FIIO has heavily invested in over the past two years and the return of our pure audio series, 2025 is set to be a fruitful year for FIIO’s portable players.
I. Pure Audio Series
Starting with the ECHO MINI, FIIO has made a grand return to pure audio players after years of absence, and it has been a hit. In 2025, we will continue introducing multiple pure audio players, including:
1. ECHO NANO
A more compact and affordable version of the ECHO MINI, this pocket-sized HiFi player is expected to be released by the end of the year.
2. ECHO
Designed based on user demand, this model is positioned above the ECHO MINI in the pure audio lineup and is expected to launch in the fall.
3. DISCUE
A high-end pure audio player based on the X2000 chipset from Ingenic. It offers higher-level functionality and performance than the ECHO series and features a retro design with a fresh take on product aesthetics.
II. Android Series
Starting with the JM21, all of FIIO’s Android portable players will feature upgraded main chipsets. The mid-to-low-end models will primarily use the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 chip, while the mid-to-high-end models will feature a cutting-edge Qualcomm chipset that leads the industry by a wide margin.
If you’re planning to buy an Android-based portable player in 2025, hold off and see what FIIO has in store! The JM21 and M21, which use the Snapdragon 680, are just warm-up acts— the real flagship is yet to come.
Now, let’s take a look at FIIO’s planned portable player releases for 2025.
1. M21
The M21 made its first public appearance at the recent Shanghai Headphone Expo. It features the Snapdragon 680 chipset, a new quad-ES43918 matrix DAC, desktop mode, and a high-power headphone amplifier. Additionally, we designed a retro-style cassette tape protective case for it.
This design has received widespread acclaim from audiophiles. The M21 is expected to launch in April at a highly competitive price, similar to the JM21.
2. M27
This model was initially scheduled for a late 2024 release but has been significantly delayed. However, the M27 is the true king of 2025. We can reveal that it will feature a next-generation Qualcomm Snapdragon 7-series chipset, a replaceable battery, dual microSD card slots, a standard optical output, and ESS’s flagship DAC.
The M27 is expected to launch around June. The delay was intentional, as we wanted to fine-tune its sound quality and user experience to perfection.
3. M25
This is the successor to the M15S. Currently, it is still in the planning stage and is expected to launch around December. It will feature the same chipset as the M27. However, since the design and specifications are still under discussion, we can’t reveal much at this point.
What we can say is that we aim to make this model sound even better, offer a superior user experience, and incorporate a more exciting design.
We are optimistic about our portable players in 2025. This is the natural outcome of the hard work we’ve put in over the past two years. Our goal is to achieve an overwhelming lead in product capabilities—not just compared to our competitors but even surpassing our own past achievements. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have invested so much capital and manpower into developing so many new products.
FiiO grabbing 2025 by the balls!
Search for a new DAP has been put on ice until more news of M27/M25. A matching portable R2R / Tube combo with optical in would be wild.
Search for a new DAP has been put on ice until more news of M27/M25. A matching portable R2R / Tube combo with optical in would be wild.
④ Desktop Music Player
FIIO's desktop player lineup began with the R7 and has since branched into two independent product lines: the R series for desktop setups and the S series for traditional living room environments.
In 2025, FIIO's desktop players will continue to focus on the Android platform to align with the ongoing shift toward streaming music services.
I. Desktop Series
We are considering developing an updated model of the R7. The primary upgrades will include switching to the latest Qualcomm chipset and upgrading the DAC chip. This will be a minor revision, and the DAC may be replaced with FIIO's self-developed R2R DAC, which has been well-received by users. Other design elements of the R7 will remain largely unchanged.
II. Living Room Series
The S15 will continue regular production and sales. However, considering that the S15 is priced relatively high, we are planning to introduce a more affordable S13, aimed at users with a lower budget.
You can take the S13 as a simplified version of the S15. For users who already own a desktop DAC and do not require the built-in DAC of the S15, the S13 could serve as a dedicated digital audio source, making for a great system pairing.
We are still researching and testing the desktop player market. For one thing, we need to assess market trends and potential demand. For another, the optimal form factor for digital audio streamers is still evolving. For example, should the device prioritize horizontal or vertical screen orientation, how can we further improve the user experience and controls, and is it better as a pure digital turntable, or should it include a built-in DAC? These all require continuous exploration.
That said, I firmly believe that desktop audio systems have significant growth potential. However, FIIO's brand recognition and sales channels are still primarily focused on the HiFi headphone market. Many traditional desktop HiFi audiophiles are not yet familiar with FIIO, and gaining their trust will take time.
Attached is a possible design concept for the S13. Compared to the S15, it is significantly smaller in size. We welcome your feedback and suggestions on features, specifications, design, controls, pricing, and more!
FIIO's desktop player lineup began with the R7 and has since branched into two independent product lines: the R series for desktop setups and the S series for traditional living room environments.
In 2025, FIIO's desktop players will continue to focus on the Android platform to align with the ongoing shift toward streaming music services.
I. Desktop Series
We are considering developing an updated model of the R7. The primary upgrades will include switching to the latest Qualcomm chipset and upgrading the DAC chip. This will be a minor revision, and the DAC may be replaced with FIIO's self-developed R2R DAC, which has been well-received by users. Other design elements of the R7 will remain largely unchanged.
II. Living Room Series
The S15 will continue regular production and sales. However, considering that the S15 is priced relatively high, we are planning to introduce a more affordable S13, aimed at users with a lower budget.
You can take the S13 as a simplified version of the S15. For users who already own a desktop DAC and do not require the built-in DAC of the S15, the S13 could serve as a dedicated digital audio source, making for a great system pairing.
We are still researching and testing the desktop player market. For one thing, we need to assess market trends and potential demand. For another, the optimal form factor for digital audio streamers is still evolving. For example, should the device prioritize horizontal or vertical screen orientation, how can we further improve the user experience and controls, and is it better as a pure digital turntable, or should it include a built-in DAC? These all require continuous exploration.
That said, I firmly believe that desktop audio systems have significant growth potential. However, FIIO's brand recognition and sales channels are still primarily focused on the HiFi headphone market. Many traditional desktop HiFi audiophiles are not yet familiar with FIIO, and gaining their trust will take time.
Attached is a possible design concept for the S13. Compared to the S15, it is significantly smaller in size. We welcome your feedback and suggestions on features, specifications, design, controls, pricing, and more!
Well, we also hope you work on your software/firmware side - and not just focus on your attractive hardware future releases.
My K17 still can't connect to wifi with special characters in the encryption key/password. (and more issues found...please see K17 thread for my feedback)
Last edited:
scracy
500+ Head-Fier
+1 FiiO software is terrible customers like myself are basically Beta testers for "finished" products. Whilst I do appreciate FiiO sharing their plans for 2025 they really need to fix their horrendous software, this has been an issue for several years now and its not getting any better, great well made hardware let down by very poor software/firmware, The S15 streamer is a perfect example of what I'm saying, I wouldn't mind so much if it were a "cheap" product but its not cheap by any stretch, now @FiiO the S13 being developed without having all the issues fixed on the S15, basic things like remote controls not working reliably etc...
- Joined
- Jul 30, 2015
- Posts
- 2,476
- Likes
- 2,649
S13 prototype design looks nice. Would personally prefer a digital-only streamer, where all the parts go to making that the digital outs sound their best.
GroovyAudio
100+ Head-Fier
Source: https://earl4proxyvoting.com/fiio-2025-new-earphones/
Fiio FD17
- Scheduled for release in October 2025
- Price: about 4,000 yuan
- Currently in the planning stage, aiming for a more unique and innovative design
- At the same time, we pursue designs that fit the user's aesthetic sense.
It looks like a continuation of FD7. 4000 yuan means $550 so yea, very excited for this. But knowing Fiio I'll bet they are gonna postpone it 'till december most likely. But I don't care as long as the tunning is well made, and also the fit hopefully...
Anwulf
New Head-Fier
I can understand why the Q series might be discontinued (the Q15 is, I think, exceedingly chunky), but they make good external sound cards for laptops. Here at school I'm listening to music via my Q15 (and used the Q5, the Q5s Type C, and E17K before it for the same reason). It's not feasible to bring some desktop device here and then reorganise my desk space to accommodate it.
The other issue is space. At home the amount of free space on my desk is quite small. If the S13 was about the size of the Topping A50s/D50s stack, I'd possibly be interested. Perhaps in future I'll have a much larger desk, but right now I don't, and that won't be changing. I have to consider DACs and amps from the perspective of how much space I have available.
Another thought on new products such as DAC/amps is the mania for pro audio features on consumer-grade gear. For me as a civilian, a 4.4mm balanced socket alongside a 6.3mm socket is enough. I don't really see the point of a four-pin XLR socket on gear that's not really aimed at the people who want such a feature; ditto three-pin XLR. This would also seem to add to the cost with a feature that – perhaps – a lot of customers will never use. Or they then buy yet another cable to enable them to use such sockets, but because of the novelty rather than any identifiable, practical reason.
But this is me speaking now when the me about 15 months or so from now will be in different circumstances. Nonetheless, I feel it's worth presenting alternative perspectives even though I may be (and probably am) in the minority.
The other issue is space. At home the amount of free space on my desk is quite small. If the S13 was about the size of the Topping A50s/D50s stack, I'd possibly be interested. Perhaps in future I'll have a much larger desk, but right now I don't, and that won't be changing. I have to consider DACs and amps from the perspective of how much space I have available.
Another thought on new products such as DAC/amps is the mania for pro audio features on consumer-grade gear. For me as a civilian, a 4.4mm balanced socket alongside a 6.3mm socket is enough. I don't really see the point of a four-pin XLR socket on gear that's not really aimed at the people who want such a feature; ditto three-pin XLR. This would also seem to add to the cost with a feature that – perhaps – a lot of customers will never use. Or they then buy yet another cable to enable them to use such sockets, but because of the novelty rather than any identifiable, practical reason.
But this is me speaking now when the me about 15 months or so from now will be in different circumstances. Nonetheless, I feel it's worth presenting alternative perspectives even though I may be (and probably am) in the minority.
