FiiO Launches M21 Music Player with Flagship Features at Entry-Level Price.
FiiO has announced the release of its latest portable digital audio player, the M21, a device the company claims “sets a new benchmark” for Android-based music players at its price point. The mobile device aims to bring high-end audio features to a wider audience.
The M21 builds on the popularity of FiiO’s award-winning JM21 model. With a compact 4.7-inch HD IPS display and Android 13 as its operating system, the device combines modern functionality with retro aesthetics. The player is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 680 chipset and includes 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal storage (with approximately 52 GB usable). Storage is expandable via microSD up to 2 TB.
A key technical feature of the M21 is its use of a quad-DAC (digital-to-analog converter) setup. Four Cirrus Logic CS43198 chips are arranged in what FiiO describes as a “matrix configuration,” a design it claims helps minimize crosstalk and noise. Amplification is handled through a two-stage process, with circuits providing separate voltage and current gain stages to shape what the manufacturer calls a “clean and dynamic sonic profile.”
Desktop Mode
One of the standout additions to the M21 is its “desktop mode,” which allows the device to bypass its internal battery when connected to an external power supply via a secondary USB-C port. FiiO says this mode enables the player to deliver up to 21 Vpp of peak voltage and 950 mW per channel into 32-ohm headphones—output levels that, according to the company, rival those of high-end desktop DAC/amplifier systems.
Battery life in portable mode is stated as up to 15 hours when using the 3.5 mm single-ended output, and 11.5 hours through the 4.4 mm balanced output.
The M21 also supports control via the updated FiiO Control app, which provides access to device settings, parametric EQ filters, and remote operation from a smartphone.
FiiO is also offering a separately sold protective case designed to resemble a vintage cassette tape, complete with physical buttons and a themed user interface to match. The retro design appears to be aimed at users who appreciate nostalgic hardware styling.
Availability and Pricing
The M21 is now available through select retailers, including Advanced MP3 in the UK. The suggested retail price is £279 in the UK, $329 in the US, and €329 in Europe.