FiiO has officially supercharged the portable CD player market with the immediate launch of the DM15 R2R, a next-generation device that bridges the gap between nostalgic physical media and modern high-fidelity streaming. Available now for £249.99, the player distinguishes itself with a premium “Desktop Mode” that drives difficult headphones with ease, alongside a fully modern feature set including Bluetooth 5.4 transmission and USB DAC functionality.
While the portable audio market has seen a resurgence of retro formats, the DM15 R2R is engineered as a serious audiophile tool rather than a novelty. It houses a custom fully differential 24-bit R2R DAC—a resistor-array architecture prized for its organic, natural sound character—and pairs it with a massive amplification stage. When connected to external power in Desktop Mode, the device delivers a staggering 1150mW + 1150mW through its balanced output, a figure that rivals many dedicated stationary amplifiers.
Modern Features in a Classic Shell
The DM15 R2R is designed to fit seamlessly into both travel and home setups. It features a tempered-glass lid that showcases the spinning disc, paying homage to classic industrial design while offering a tactile, premium feel.
Beyond spinning discs, the unit is a versatile digital hub. It functions as a high-res USB DAC supporting PCM up to 384kHz/32-bit and native DSD256. For wireless users, the inclusion of a Qualcomm QCC3095 chip ensures top-tier Bluetooth connectivity. It supports high-resolution codecs like aptX HD and aptX Adaptive, and uniquely includes aptX LL (Low Latency), making it viable for watching video or gaming without audio lag.
Users can also rip CDs directly to WAV format on a PC or Mac while listening, archiving their collection without interrupting playback. The device is powered by a 4700mAh battery that provides approximately 7 hours of CD playback or up to 11 hours when used purely as a USB DAC.
Pricing and Availability
The FiiO DM15 R2R is available immediately in Silver and Red finishes. Black and White models will follow in late December.
- UK Price: £249.99 (Available at AMP3)
- US Price: $249.00
- EU Price: €269.00
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Core Hardware | DAC: FiiO Proprietary R2R (24-bit) Amp: 2x SGM8262 Op-Amps Bluetooth Chip: Qualcomm QCC3095 |
| Outputs | 3.5mm Single-Ended (Headphone/Line/Coax/Optical) 4.4mm Balanced (Headphone/Line) |
| Output Power (Desktop Mode) | Balanced (32Ω): 1150mW + 1150mW Single-Ended (32Ω): 315mW + 315mW |
| Output Power (Battery Mode) | Balanced (32Ω): 815mW + 815mW Single-Ended (32Ω): 220mW + 220mW |
| Battery & Power | Capacity: 4700mAh Life: ~7 hours (CD Mode), ~11 hours (USB DAC Mode) Charging: ~2 hours (PD 3.0 Fast Charge) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.4: SBC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX LL USB: Type-C (Data/Power) |
| Physical Specs | Dimensions: 144 x 137 x 25.5mm Weight: 471.5g Display: 0.96-inch LCD (80×160) |
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This unit impressively doubles as a high-res digital hub, offering both top-notch wired and wireless audio capabilities.