FiiO M21, Qualcomm Snapdragon 680, FiiO Android portable music player is available!

[Bauhaus]

How often modern daps need a new battery?

I mean better than nothing. You never know.
But I can understand for some it is a none issue

 

[StivVid]

I'm just curious... which DAPs are you all comparing this to that would have user replaceable batteries? I've owned many DAPs and none of them were designed with replaceable batteries. The iBasso DX180 seems to be the one everyone here is mentioning. That DAP lists for $529. You can't have everything for $299. FiiO has designed a very compelling device at that price in the M21.

 

[Waqar]

I'm just curious... which DAPs are you all comparing this to that would have user replaceable batteries? I've owned many DAPs and none of them were designed with replaceable batteries. The iBasso DX180 seems to be the one everyone here is mentioning. That DAP lists for $529. You can't have everything for $299. FiiO has designed a very compelling device at that price in the M21.

Yes i totaly agree with you and compared to my Ibasso DX180 that i just sold and the new Shanling i got delivered yesterday are more expensive daps. But still the Fiio M21 looks like the more premium and higher tech one and its cheaper, so for me its the best buy compared to the other daps. And i dont worry about the battery at all because these new ones are built to last. But i understand if it is a dealbreaker for some, but then again i dont know how much more Fiio can provide for the money.

Man if it was even 100$ more it would be a better value then the competition, and you also have desktop mode if you worry about wearing out the battery.

But i understand that this is important for some, but come on we should salute fiio for what they delivered for 300$.
And its alot. Please keep this win streak going Fiio.

And now this dap is not better at everything, just value for the money is real. At least in my opinion you take it as you want. Just my thoughts

 

[Angel77lopez]

Dear friend,

Yes, M21 will be in stock in Amazon soon.

Best regards

Like how soon because I am looking to buy the M21 from Amazon.

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

Yes i totaly agree with you and compared to my Ibasso DX180 that i just sold and the new Shanling i got delivered yesterday are more expensive daps. But still the Fiio M21 looks like the more premium and higher tech one and its cheaper, so for me its the best buy compared to the other daps. And i dont worry about the battery at all because these new ones are built to last. But i understand if it is a dealbreaker for some, but then again i dont know how much more Fiio can provide for the money.

Man if it was even 100$ more it would be a better value then the competition, and you also have desktop mode if you worry about wearing out the battery.

But i understand that this is important for some, but come on we should salute fiio for what they delivered for 300$.
And its alot. Please keep this win streak going Fiio.

And now this dap is not better at everything, just value for the money is real. At least in my opinion you take it as you want. Just my thoughts

The M21 is a very warm and bassy dap, so for warm bassy IEMs and headphones, it's not going to have good synergy, but also, if you're not averse to EQ, you can very easily EQ it so that it sounds similar (but not exact) to the JM21. I don't typically use EQ (almost never), but in this case, I designed a JM21 EQ (it allows you to name the custom EQ. which I appreciate), that I've been using for my warmer IEMs, and then for the brighter ones, I just turn off the EQ completely. Been working like a charm, and now I'm calling off re-purchasing the JM21, and just using my JM21 EQ when I need it? The M21 is an excellent DAP for the price. Absolutely excellent in features, size, and sonics.

 

[Angel77lopez]

The M21 is a very warm and bassy dap, so for warm bassy IEMs and headphones, it's not going to have good synergy, but also, if you're not averse to EQ, you can very easily EQ it so that it sounds similar (but not exact) to the JM21. I don't typically use EQ (almost never), but in this case, I designed a JM21 EQ (it allows you to name the custom EQ. which I appreciate), that I've been using for my warmer IEMs, and then for the brighter ones, I just turn off the EQ completely. Been working like a charm, and now I'm calling off re-purchasing the JM21, and just using my JM21 EQ when I need it? The M21 is an excellent DAP for the price. Absolutely excellent in features, size, and sonics.

M21 warm and bassy....i am all in then. Just waiting for the amazon stock. I sold my JM21 today. I feel it was a bit sterile or flat sounding. Some may enjoy that.

 

[ASpencer]

I’ve always assumed by the time a DAP ever needed a new battery, you’d just buy a new DAP that would be considerably more advanced.

FWIW, all my DAPs are still fully operational and the most senior player is eleven years old.

I guess you can accuse me of being a guy who likes younger DAPs.

 

[Waqar]

The M21 is a very warm and bassy dap, so for warm bassy IEMs and headphones, it's not going to have good synergy, but also, if you're not averse to EQ, you can very easily EQ it so that it sounds similar (but not exact) to the JM21. I don't typically use EQ (almost never), but in this case, I designed a JM21 EQ (it allows you to name the custom EQ. which I appreciate), that I've been using for my warmer IEMs, and then for the brighter ones, I just turn off the EQ completely. Been working like a charm, and now I'm calling off re-purchasing the JM21, and just using my JM21 EQ when I need it? The M21 is an excellent DAP for the price. Absolutely excellent in features, size, and sonics.

This i like and yes its a warm dap the bass om this dap is there for sure but i like that, and if it gets to warm i can just eq it

I’ve always assumed by the time a DAP ever needed a new battery, you’d just buy a new DAP that would be considerably more advanced.

FWIW, all my DAPs are still fully operational and the most senior player is eleven years old.

I guess you can accuse me of being a guy who likes younger DAPs.

Yes this is what i also think like, but then again i change out gear often enough for the battery to last me is not a concern. Well smartphone battery that gets alot more abuse then these daps. Lasts for years and these modern batteries are no joke

 

[goody]

M21 warm and bassy....i am all in then. Just waiting for the amazon stock. I sold my JM21 today. I feel it was a bit sterile or flat sounding. Some may enjoy that.

The M21 is neutral warm with a nice bass to it ...I tried to use the equalizer but somehow it dipped the volume ...no equalization needed on it ,just use some good sounding IEMs and enjoy the music

 

[Waqar]

The M21 is a very warm and bassy dap, so for warm bassy IEMs and headphones, it's not going to have good synergy, but also, if you're not averse to EQ, you can very easily EQ it so that it sounds similar (but not exact) to the JM21. I don't typically use EQ (almost never), but in this case, I designed a JM21 EQ (it allows you to name the custom EQ. which I appreciate), that I've been using for my warmer IEMs, and then for the brighter ones, I just turn off the EQ completely. Been working like a charm, and now I'm calling off re-purchasing the JM21, and just using my JM21 EQ when I need it? The M21 is an excellent DAP for the price. Absolutely excellent in features, size, and sonics.

I was listening to my Shanling M3+ yesterday and thought that i would love to hear your feedback on it, because i really appreciate your experience and all the advice you give and man the passion you have for this is just inspiring.

I just curious what you think about it, me personally love the sound signature.
Yes even more then the Fiio M21 but only after a short listening comparison.

But then on the other hand the Fiio M21 does something spectacular to the sound, to the details and how it places objects in the sound field.

Man am i gonna compare the yes out of both these daps in the upcoming months, and get really familiar with all my iems in the same progress.
Lets see if the fiio or the Shanling woms my heart first

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

M21 warm and bassy....i am all in then. Just waiting for the amazon stock. I sold my JM21 today. I feel it was a bit sterile or flat sounding. Some may enjoy that.

JM21 I don't find flat, but it is definitely bright neutral, and has lots of treble energy, but for warmer, bassier IEMs, that type of signature was beautiful for balance. Sold my JM21 so I didn't place more debt on my family with this purchase and the Archangel, but like I said, the EQ is VERY VERSATILE, and between that and tone control, I was able to replicate the JM21 pretty closely, set it as a EQ choice, and now I don't feel I need to buy it again to get that signature, and anyone who wants the JM21 sound, can get close (again, not exact approximation) sonically, so it makes the M21 very versatile, and it's a much fuller, bassier sound than the JM21, so for those looking for that full, dimensional, warm, bassy signature, it will hit the spot. You like the JM21 better?! EQ it to your liking.

@Waqar - Yes! The M21 is very spacious and dimensional. I mentioned that OOTB when I got it, that it reminded me of the stage dimensionality of the DX170, and it most certainly was bigger and deeper than the Shanling. Better bass texture and resolution too. Maybe similar warm mids and treble extension, but the M21 has tone control where you can increase the treble air and extension (in some instances, too much), so not worried much about the extension on either end of the M21, plus I got some other great DAPs I can use that have crazy good treble.

 

[FiiO-Yellow]

Exactly, that's why i wouldn't worry at all how easy or hard battery replacement is.

Hi, i think the interchangeable battery design is a challenge for the entire industry, including the smartphone industry. Good news is that we start to make some attempts. For example, our Bluetooth headphone amplifier RETRO NANO uses replaceable batteries, and our upcoming M27 also uses replaceable batteries. In the future, more products will adopt replaceable battery designs.

 

[FiiO-Yellow]

M21 Cassette-Type Protective Case Installation and Removal Tutorial

 

[fish1050]

What a nightmare to change the battery. I hope that with the new EU law next year, companies will consider easy replacement.
I am glad I bought my iBasso DX180. 2 screws and that's all.

Yeah the desktop mode is the best alternative to a user replaceable battery so you can save the battery at least some of the time to extend the battery life.

Also, if the battery ever does die hopefully you can still use the desktop mode to keep using it. Has anyone actually changed the battery on DX180? How hard will it be to source a replacement battery. Especially since some countries won't allow you to import batteries. I think Bloom Audio is carrying replacement DX180 batteries, not sure the Canadian dealer does though.

I like the fact it has some warmth so it shouldn't be that big a change from my A55 and should sound good with my headphones which sound amazing with the A55.

 

[Dragonmilenario]

I hope that 'warm and bassy' means only slightly so. I've ordered the player, and I don't want a DAP that strays too far from a natural and balanced sound.