Walkmans and portable CD players were all the rage throughout the 1980s and 1990s, delivering battery-powered audio on the move for millions of music lovers. The Chinese electronics company FiiO has been dedicated to producing high-quality audio equipment since 2007, ranging from portable music players and DACs to amplifiers and earphones.
Its latest release, the FiiO DM13, follows from the eye-catching homage to the Walkman, the FiiO CP13, which debuted at CES 2024. Now, the brand has turned its attention to a cutting-edge portable CD player that echoes the distinct aesthetics and functionality of the classic Sony Discman. Boasting similar smooth-curved edges and a slim, compact form, it’s a fitting tribute to one of the iconic designs in portable audio player history.
While the FiiO DM13 reflects its source of inspiration on the surface, under the casing, it’s an altogether contemporary device with the latest technology driving its performance. Gone are the old-school AA batteries used to power the Discman, with a rechargeable battery cell delivering up to eight hours of continual playback.
The FiiO DM13 has two headphone jacks, including the standard 3.5mm jack and a 4.4mm balanced output port for in-ear monitors or headphones. For music lovers interested in connecting the player to a home audio setup, it also has a handy line-level analog output and optical and USB ports for direct connection to a computer.
With full Bluetooth support through a broad selection of codes and the option to play lossless audio FLAC, AAC, WMA, and MP3 files on recordable discs, the FiiO DM13 represents the perfect blend of classic audio design and modern-day versatility.
Due for release in September 2024 for $179, the FiiO DM13 is available in red, blue, black, and titanium color options.
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