NEW: FIIO DM15 PORTABLE CD PLAYER
dual DACs, CD ripping, and balanced output
The FIIO DM15 is a portable stereo CD player built around two AKM AK4493S DACs, with 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced headphone outputs, USB DAC operation, aptX Lossless Bluetooth transmission, and dedicated digital transport functions. Its output stage delivers up to 1100mW + 1100mW into 32 ohms from the balanced connection in desktop mode, while a 4700mAh battery supports operation away from external power. Alongside conventional CD playback, the DM15 can work as a USB DAC and headphone amplifier, rip CDDA tracks to external storage, or feed an external DAC through coaxial and optical outputs.
Dual AK4493S conversion and high-power headphone outputs
Digital-to-analog conversion is handled by a pair of AKM AK4493S DAC chips using AKM's VELVET SOUND architecture. FIIO specifies an A-weighted signal-to-noise ratio of at least 122dB, keeping residual circuit noise low relative to the available output level, with low THD+N figures specified across both CD playback and USB Audio Class operation.
The headphone stage provides separate 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced connections. With desktop mode active, balanced output reaches at least 1100mW + 1100mW into 32 ohms at less than 1% THD+N, while the single-ended output reaches at least 295mW + 295mW under the specified conditions. Portable operation retains up to 780mW + 780mW from the balanced output, allowing the higher-current connection to remain available when the player is running from its internal battery.
USB DAC and aptX Lossless Bluetooth transmission
The DM15 can operate as a USB DAC and headphone amplifier for compatible computers, phones, and other USB audio sources. USB playback supports PCM at up to 32-bit/384kHz and native DSD256, extending the player's dual-DAC signal path beyond its internal CD mechanism.
Wireless transmission is handled by a Qualcomm QCC3086 Bluetooth chipset. Supported codecs include SBC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Low Latency, aptX Adaptive, and aptX Lossless, allowing CD playback and compatible digital sources to be transmitted directly to supported wireless headphones or receivers. DSD files are not supported while Bluetooth transmission mode is active.
Refined CD mechanism with ripping and shock protection
FIIO has further refined the portable CD mechanism used in the DM15, including a self-rebounding steel ball structure designed to make disc alignment, insertion, and removal smoother. In addition to conventional audio CDs, CD-R playback supports FLAC, WAV, WMA, and MP3 files. SACD discs can only be played when the disc includes a compatible CD layer.
The player can also rip compatible CDDA tracks directly to WAV while the disc continues playing. Files are written to FAT32-formatted external storage through USB-C, with FIIO recommending USB-C flash drives of 32GB or less for CD ripping and firmware updates. Switchable Electronic Shock Protection, or ESP, provides additional playback buffering when movement might otherwise interrupt disc playback. FIIO specifies that ESP improves playback stability rather than changing the mechanism's underlying ability to read a disc.
Desktop mode and 4700mAh battery operation
FIIO's patented desktop mode is intended for stationary use with external power. When enabled, the DM15 bypasses normal battery operation, reducing repeated charge-discharge cycling while also enabling its higher-power headphone output modes.
Portable operation is supplied by a 4700mAh, 3.85V battery. Under FIIO's specified test conditions, rated battery life is at least six hours during CD playback and at least nine hours in USB Audio Class mode.
Coaxial, optical, and balanced line output
The DM15 can operate as either a CD or USB digital transport for use with an external DAC. Coaxial output supports digital audio at up to 24-bit/192kHz, while optical output supports up to 24-bit/96kHz.
A three-function 3.5mm connection handles conventional line output as well as coaxial and optical digital output, while the 4.4mm connection can provide balanced analog line output. A selectable LO-only mode fixes the analog line output at its maximum level for connection to compatible external amplifiers or powered audio systems, leaving downstream equipment responsible for volume control.
EQ, physical controls, and display
Three BASS modes can be combined with eight built-in EQ presets to provide up to 24 tonal combinations. FIIO also includes a dedicated RETRO preset as an additional playback option.
Operation is handled through mechanical buttons, keys, and a control knob rather than relying on a touchscreen interface. A 0.96-inch TFT display presents battery level, operating mode, EQ selection, sampling rate, Bluetooth status, and other playback information. The knob button can also be reassigned through the menu to work as a Play/Pause shortcut, and an infrared remote is included for controlling key playback functions during stationary use.
Aluminum chassis and tempered-glass lid
The DM15 uses an aluminum-alloy chassis with a transparent tempered-glass lid and a tempered-glass cover over the front panel. The player measures approximately 5.67 x 5.39 x 1.00 inches (144 x 137 x 25.5mm), excluding its feet and control knob, and weighs approximately 16.63 ounces (471.5g). FIIO offers the chassis in white, black, red, and silver finishes.
