FiiO DM13 Portable CD Player Review: Audiophile Verdict
The FiiO DM13 Portable Stereo CD Player (Black Bluetooth) has emerged as one of the most feature-packed revivals of the classic “Discman” style player — scoring an impressive 8.6/10 from aggregated user feedback. Marketed as a portable and home‑friendly CD player with high‑fidelity audio, extensive connectivity, and even USB ripping, it’s won praise across audiophile, nostalgia, and tech communities. Yet digging deeper into real‑world reports, the balance between portability, complexity of controls, and a few missing modern integrations shapes whether it’s the right fit for you.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — Highly recommended for audiophiles, CD collectors, and those seeking versatile connectivity; less ideal for casual joggers or simple plug‑and‑play users.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional build quality with aluminum alloy chassis | No USB DAC functionality |
| Dual CS43198 DAC + dual amp design drives demanding headphones | Slightly bulky and heavy for extended mobile use |
| Bluetooth with aptX HD codec support | No LDAC codec, limiting BT purists |
| Gapless playback and ESP for skip protection | Complex layered controls may overwhelm casual users |
| USB ripping directly to storage | Rips only at 1x speed; FAT32 requirement |
| Balanced (4.4mm) and single‑ended (3.5mm) outputs | Battery indicator vague; no charging LED |
| Desktop mode for battery preservation | Occasional minor UI glitches reported |
Claims vs Reality
One headline claim from FiiO’s marketing is that the DM13 offers desktop mode to bypass battery use, extending lifespan. Reddit user u/scuba*** confirmed: "With direct mode on, the DM13 ran all day from USB power without touching the battery — perfect for home listening." However, they noted desktop mode doesn’t increase power output for headphones, contrary to what some might expect from other Fiio devices.
Another signature feature — USB CD ripping — is promoted as a way to “preserve rare discs.” Head‑Fi reviewer hifi oasis*** appreciated this: "It ripped flawlessly to my USB-C drive, matching sound quality from my external CD/DVD drive." In practice, multiple users pointed out the rip speed is locked to 1x, meaning a 74‑minute CD takes 74 minutes to copy, and FAT32 formatting limits storage options.
Finally, FiiO claims gapless playback for seamless album experiences. Early firmware versions caused noticeable track gaps on iconic albums like Dark Side of the Moon. As Trustpilot reviewer Marcus*** highlighted: "Firmware v22 fixed gapless playback — now it’s perfect." This reflects solid post‑release support, but buyers will want to update immediately on arrival.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Reddit, Trustpilot, and Digital Trends coverage, the DM13’s sound quality and versatility top user praise. Its dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs paired with two low‑noise SGM8262 amps push 660mW balanced output, comfortably driving challenging cans like the Sennheiser HD 660S2. A Head‑Fi user shared: "My Sundaras sang from the 4.4mm out — never felt underpowered." For IEM users, reports consistently mention a “pitch‑black background” free of hiss, making it suitable for highly efficient monitors.
Build quality, too, earns near‑unanimous acclaim. The machined aluminum chassis, firm hinge, and tactile buttons contribute to what Digital Trends called "sturdy build — not your dad’s plastic Discman." The spacious disc tray minimizes scratching risk, adding confidence for collectors with rare or irreplaceable albums.
Bluetooth performance surprised even skeptics. Though lacking LDAC, aptX HD proved stable across room distances. Trustpilot accounts and Reddit threads describe pairing as “instant,” with useful codec display on the LCD. Digital Trends' Derek Malcolm enjoyed "aptX HD to B&W PX7 headphones — no dropouts walking around the house."
Common Complaints
Portability claims meet mixed reality for active users. At 450g and boxy dimensions, it’s not pocket‑friendly. DM13 owners say it shines “at home, in a bag, or desk‑side” — not clipped to your waist for jogging. The ESP (electronic skip protection) works, but Reddit user reports only saw skips when “light jogging,” reinforcing that it’s a semi‑portable, not sport‑focused device.
Another friction point is UI complexity: layered button functions demand more learning. As hifi oasis*** put it: "Controls have long presses, combos, sequences — great once learned, but steep at first." Fiio mitigates this with detailed manuals and videos, but casual listeners used to a simple ‘Play’ may find overengineering here.
USB ripping’s FAT32 requirement and lack of tagging/art frustrate archivists. Trustpilot’s Marcus*** suggested that “connecting as an external drive would be ideal,” hinting at the missing USB DAC/drive mode that competitors like Moondrop Disc Dream 2 Ultra offer.
Divisive Features
Sound signature divides opinion slightly. While many love its neutral, transparent presentation — ideal for revealing nuances in mastering — others used to vintage CD players find it “less warm” and “dynamically shy.” Reddit discussions show some preferring the lush coloration of 90s Discmans, while praising DM13’s technical precision.
Bluetooth LDAC omission similarly splits views. For aptX HD users, it’s “plenty high‑res,” but LDAC devotees consider its absence a dealbreaker in 2025's codec wars.
Trust & Reliability
Long‑term threads suggest the DM13’s durability matches its premium feel. Users describe hinges surviving hundreds of cycles without looseness, buttons retaining tactile crispness, and no disc mechanism failures after months. Trustpilot feedback emphasizes Fiio’s firmware support — gapless playback fixes were pushed swiftly.
No scam concerns emerged; all vendor listings matched spec. The only caution from buyers is confirming you get the desired Bluetooth or non‑Bluetooth model (firmware v21 indicates BT capability).
Alternatives
Against the Moondrop Disc Dream 2 Ultra, the DM13 trades off missing USB DAC use for USB ripping exclusivity. Marcus*** noted: "Moondrop lets you use it as a USB DAC, but can’t rip CDs — FiiO’s DM13 flips that." Shanling EC‑Mini offers similar balanced outputs but lacks ESP and the range of playback modes. Price competition from $40 Amazon players leaves out balanced analog, aptX HD, and digital coax/optical — making DM13 unique in under‑$200 segment.
Price & Value
Current street pricing sees Bluetooth variants between $149–$179, non‑BT at ~$139. eBay listings suggest stable resale value with minimal depreciation after six months, likely due to niche demand. Head‑Fi threads advise hunting holiday sales — Reddit user u/retro*** reported scoring one for $140 shipped.
For collectors, the DM13’s ability to bridge CD playback, Bluetooth listening, and archival ripping makes its price compelling compared to buying separate transport and portable units.
FAQ
Q: Does the DM13 support SACD playback?
A: It will play the CD layer of hybrid SACDs but not the high‑resolution SACD layer, per multiple Reddit confirmations.
Q: How long does the battery last in real use?
A: Expect 8–10 hours depending on output type; Bluetooth drains faster (~8h), balanced wired at ~9–9.5h in reported conditions.
Q: Can I use DM13 as a USB DAC from my PC?
A: No. Unlike some competitors, it cannot serve as a USB DAC — USB ports are for ripping and power only.
Q: Is ESP necessary for normal movement?
A: Not usually. Users report no skips when walking with ESP off; it's most useful for rough handling or jogging.
Q: Can ripped WAV files include tags or album art?
A: No tagging is embedded; users add metadata manually via software like Foobar2000 after ripping.
Final Verdict
Buy the FiiO DM13 Portable Stereo CD Player (Black Bluetooth) if you’re a CD collector, audiophile, or hybrid listener wanting wired, balanced, digital, and aptX HD wireless from a single box, plus archival ripping. Avoid if you’re seeking sport portability or a USB DAC. Pro tip from Head‑Fi: "Update to the latest firmware before judging gapless playback — makes ALL the difference."
