FiiO introduces a modern version of the classic portable CD player without the need for AA batteries
The resurgence of CD players is evident as Gen Z embraces 90s nostalgia with products like Nirvana, Tamagotchi, and wired headphones. FiiO, an audiophile brand, is seizing this trend with the release of their new portable CD player, the DM13. This device pays homage to iconic players like the Discman but incorporates modern features such as high-fidelity wireless and a built-in battery, eliminating the need for constant AA cell changes.
The FiiO DM13 follows the retro reboots of the company’s vinyl record player and (for inexplicable reasons) cassette player. The upcoming CD player features a sleek design and a digital display on the front, giving it a much sharper-looking modern aesthetic than the trash can we old Gen X farts used to jam with timeless music legends like Candlebox, Right Said Fred, and Squirrel. Mutter zippers.
The DM13 supports 3.5mm single ended 4.4mm balanced outputs for analog line output. For those who want wireless, it supports high-quality aptX HD and is compatible with many Android phones and portable media players. (Apple uses its lower-bitrate AAC codec, so iPhone owners get less impressive wireless audio without an adapter.)
FiiO says the DM13 supports eight hours of playback on a single charge. It also has a USB output and a separate desktop mode that bypasses the battery and uses its main power at home.
The bad news for 90s retrophiles is that the DM13 is not yet available. Following an official unveiling at this weekend’s CanJam event in London, the CD player will go on sale in September for $179 (£179 in the UK). It will only start shipping in silver, but FiiO says red, blue, titanium and black variants will arrive later this year.
