On this article we evaluate the FiiO CP13, the model’s first moveable cassette participant, priced at simply $129 USD.
Disclaimer: The FiiO CP13 was despatched to us freed from cost in trade for our trustworthy opinion.
FiiO
Established in 2007, FiiO has change into a powerhouse within the audiophile realm, providing a formidable line-up of inexpensive and high-quality merchandise. From IEMs, headphone amps, DACs, to DAPs, FiiO has persistently delivered top-notch gadgets, setting benchmarks for different manufacturers to observe just like the FiiO M23, the mighty FiiO Q7, or the eternal E10K, which has remained available on the market for over a decade.
An unceasing saga of success, propelled not solely by a gradual move of high-end gadgets but in addition by the introduction of good, budget-friendly merchandise. Their newest sequence of USB DAC/Amps is a first-rate instance—compact dongle-sized devices that hark again to the venerable FiiO E5 and E3, first revealed over a decade in the past.
An expansive vary that features the pleasant FiiO KA13, the formidable FiiO KA17, and the beautiful KA15 we had the possibility to hear to a couple months in the past. And simply a few weeks in the past, I reviewed their DM13 moveable cd participant.
And if that line-up already appeared very full to me, the model pushed even additional this yr, with merchandise seemingly out of FiiO’s regular bracket :
- the FiiO KB3, a mechanical keyboard embedding its personal DAC/Amp
- the FiiO SP3 / SP3 BT, a set of desktop lively audio system
- the FiiO SR11, a compact desktop streamer designed to finish the KA11
- and even the FiiO ESTICK, a mini energy financial institution made particularly for the FiiO KA17, so you would use the desktop mode on the go
However these have been simply the tip of the iceberg, and the model determined to go even additional, with… a classic line-up! Sure, you learn that proper, essentially the most well-known chi-fi model (if nonetheless thought of chi-fi) developed their very own line of retro gadgets.
What sort of product do you say?
- the FiiO TT13, an automated turntable, browsing on the spectacular hype pattern initiated a number of years in the past by the vinyl – a tool we reviewed a number of months in the past now
- the FiiO DM13, a transportable stereo CD Participant for these lacking the CD Period, full of many good options corresponding to a ripper possibility, balanced outputs and a battery for portability – a tool we additionally reviewed a number of weeks in the past
- and final however not least, the FiiO CP13, a cassette participant for these lacking the Walkman period – a tool unusually fashionable, just like the Wearerewind Ok-7 participant
Excellent news, that is the one we’re reviewing at this time!
Casing
Designed to match their new “retro vary” aesthetics, the FiiO CP13 showcases a smooth and fashionable design that immediately pays homage to the traditional Walkman period.
A good selection for my part, seeing how fashionable retro gadgets has change into throughout the previous years, be it automobiles, furnishings, or audio merchandise for what matter to us.
And, in that regard, the model clearly nailed it, providing us a cassette participant that share a hanging resemblance with the previous Philips one I owned again within the time, however extra premium.
The truth is, just like the FiiO DM13, the CP13 appears and feels surprisingly good in hand, undoubtedly out-matching their antic predecessors when it comes to construct high quality : it’s an hefty, dense, strong machine, removed from the plasticky one I remembered within the 80/90’s.
As regular with the model, the primary physique stays solely manufactured from aluminum, highlighted by a clear window on the front-panel that means that you can verify the place you might be in your listening session – one other nostalgic contact that enhances the retro expertise.
Options that makes the CP13 barely heavier than what you’d anticipate for a Ok-7 Participant, the CP13 weighing nearly 310g, and that regardless of its compact dimensions (120 x 88.3 x 31.8 mm). Nonetheless, these dimensions ought to help you match the participant on each work desk, or any bag in case you have been to hold it in your each day commute.
As regular with the model, construct high quality is flawless, with no gaps and premium supplies in every single place your eye can see and your hand can contact—my favourite function being the prolonged I/O, which is available in very useful as we’ll see afterward.
Prime that with bodily buttons for Play, Rewind, Quick Ahead, and Pause – all prominently positioned for straightforward entry – a quantity management managed by way of a smooth-turning knob, and also you’re good to go!
How concerning the structure then ?
I/O
By way of I/O, the FiiO CP13 is easy, specializing in important functionalities to ship a pure analog listening expertise.
On the suitable aspect you get:
- 1x USB-C port, for charging
- 1x 3.5mm Headphone jack, to attach your headphone, IEM or speaker
- 1x quantity controller
And eventually on high, you’ll discover:
- a play button
- earlier + subsequent observe buttons
- a cease button
And sure, to my very own shock, the model didn’t embrace a second analog port for file function – you gained’t discover a rec button too. One thing that you just’ll discover on We Are Rewind EQ-001 cassette participant although, in case you’d prefer to create you personal mixtape, like after we have been younger(er).
Now, let’s get going!
Each day use
Each day, it’s exhausting to get one thing less complicated than the FiiO CP13. Should you’re new to this, this cassette participant is perhaps your splendid step into this world.
All you must do is open the lid, put a cassette, press play, plug a headphone et… voila! No scree, no led, the one indication that all the things is working will come from the entrance lid, the place you’ll truly see you file spinning.
From there, you possibly can up/down the amount, advance into the observe, rewind or just… cease the play. Being fully analog, the CP13 doesn’t want to incorporate options like shuffle, repeat or favourite, in case you’d prefer to put one tune in perpetual studying.
On the go, I used to be pleasantly stunned to came upon that no matter I did, the music by no means skipped a beat and even after being a bit tough with it, the tape itself by no means derailed out of the cassette.
The one disadvantage I may level out was the amount potentiometer that gave the impression to be a bit too distinguished in my bag, resulting in some undesirable quantity improve/lower, however nothing main.
I/O
Not like the DM13, the FiiO CP13 doesn’t include varied analog and digital outputs, designed to suit a higher-end setup. The one possibility you get is the telephone out, single-ended in fact!
Bluetooth
Similar right here, no Bluetooth output for those who’d have anticipated to pair their headphone wirelessly. The EQ-001 does provide that possibility, however to be fairly trustworthy, on a pure analog machine like this cassette participant, I don’t actually see the enchantment of going Bluetooth – wire is a part of the attraction!
Within the field
Clearly, being a distinct segment product set at a value this low, the FiiO CP13 doesn’t include an in depth bundle.
Within the field, you get :
- the FiiO CP13
- a USB-C to USB-A cable
- a glass safety movie
- some documentations
- and… that’s it
So yeah, nothing fancy, however for the worth and use, I gained’t complain!
The evaluate continues on Web page Two, after the clicking HERE or through the use of the soar beneath.
