New octa-core 6nm Snapdragon 680 | Android 13 | 4x CS43198 DACs

 Fully balanced 2-stage amplificationsDual Type-C ports | Low jitter coaxial output

Desktop/Portable dual power supply modes | 950mW high output power

4.7-inch compact HD screen | 3.5mm+4.4mm headphone/LO dual output

 Retro cassette-style protective case

Portable High-Res Lossless Music Player

A “Hearty” Benchmark

New Paradigm

The M21 redefines the entry-level class with its flagship lineage,
Its internal and external “hearts” are full of “heart” in providing you with enjoyment.
Its compact screen and class-defying performance are a massive step forward,
Aiming to be a benchmark for an entirely new generation.

4×CS43198
Full of “hearty” power

The four DAC chips allow for an eight-channel fully differential output design, fully unleashing the potential of headphones with class-defying dynamic performance and high anti-interference capabilities. The headphone amplifier section adopts a two-stage circuit design: the first stage is responsible for voltage amplification, while the second stage handles current expansion – all ensuring purer sound with rich detail.

Four-way fully balanced amp architecture

Desktop mode makes an appearance on an entry-level FIIO player for the first time. When desktop mode is enabled, the M21 is completely powered by an external power supply. The built-in battery is neither charged nor discharged, allowing you to use the player safely on the desktop without degrading its battery.
Patent number: ZL202321946664.8

Patented desktop mode
Battery protection expert

Portable/desktop dual power supply modes
A jump in performance

In portable mode, it operates with standard voltage power supply. When using the external power “Super high gain” mode, the player automatically switches to using a high- voltage power supply with 21Vpp (300Ω) peak drive voltage and 950mW (32Ω) massive output power. This delivers desktop-level power output, making the player a better fit with a wider range of earbuds or headphones for a truly extraordinary auditory feast.

output power

The custom cassette-style protective case* paired with an exclusive retro UI and tailored vintage sound effects all take you on a nostalgic journey back to the Walkman era... Remove the protective case to seamlessly switch back to the original system, giving you the flexibility to use it how you want to.

Go back to the Walkman era

With just one touch

* The cassette-style protective case must be purchased separately.

* When using the cassette-style protective case, touchscreen operation is disabled; only button operation is supported.

True quality
Inside and out

The fully aluminum alloy body with an AG frosted glass back offers a delicate texture and comfortable grip. The screen features an oleophobic coating that significantly reduces fingerprints and smudges, making for smoother touch operation.

The digital and headphone amplifier sections exist in separate partitions and each is equipped with independent shielding covers for isolation. This not only further reduces signal crosstalk but also enables efficient heat dissipation, delivering purer sound.

Digital and analog partition shielding
Purely heavenly sound

Flagship-grade power supply design

There are separate power supply paths for the digital and analog circuits, which effectively reduce crosstalk between the two. The result is more precise digital processing, purer analog output, and enhanced driving power. The analog circuit is further subdivided into multiple independent power supplies for components such as the DAC and headphone amplifier. This clean and robust power delivery enhances the dynamic range and leads to greater reproduction of details in the audio – for a more refined and natural sound.

High-end HiFi Parts
For better sound

In the M21's audio circuit are high-precision thin-film resistors and low- temperature-drift capacitors that ensure refined and stable sound quality - specifically the greater consistency between the left and right channels and across all frequency ranges. Additionally, fine circuits such as the DAC and headphone amplifier are equipped with over 10 low-impedance, high-capacity tantalum capacitors. These provide abundant energy reserves and a robust power supply for more powerful, dynamic sound.

5th-gen FPGA + dual custom femtosecond crystal oscillators
FIIO developed a custom crystal oscillator specifically for the M21, which has been carefully selected to meet femtosecond-level standards, in order to ensure consistency and stability in its output. With a high-precision, low-jitter unified clock source, it accurately matches PCM and DSD audio at various sampling rates, ensuring precise reproduction of digital audio signals.

 Global audio optimization

Versatile connectivity
High-performance output

Analog Output

3.5mm+4.4mm headphone outputs: Connect to headphones
 

Analog Output

3.5mm, 4.4mm headphone output interface: connect headphones

3.5mm+4.4mm line outputs: The independent line amplification circuits allow you to connect to active speakers or external amplifiers.

Digital Output

SPDIF output: The low-jitter coaxial output is comparable to that of pro equipment, with the jitter reduced by 70% and achieving high performance when connected to an external high-end audio DAC.

Coaxial Output Circuit Architecture

USB Audio output: Connect to an external audio DAC and instantly turn it into a streaming jukebox.

15h long battery life
Exploring the world of music

The M21’s 4000mAh high-voltage battery provides up to 15 hours of ultra-long battery life, effortlessly providing the energy for extended listening sessions when commuting or traveling, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the world of music. It also supports 20W PD fast charging, enabling quick recharges even during short breaks.

Single-ended battery life

Balanced battery life

Charging time

 PD fast charging

*Data is based on testing from FIIO Labs. Actual battery life may vary due to differing environments and conditions.

*Only POWER IN interface supports PD fast charging.

Hardware and software
Synergy all covered

MQA 8x full unfolding

Two-way LDAC Bluetooth

Five working modes

Customizable multi-function key

RGB pulsing lights

Basic Specifications

Color: Titanium gold,Dark blue

Dimensions: About 68mm x 121mm x 17mm

Weight: About 193g

Hardware configurations

SoC: Snapdragon 680

OS: Android13

DAC: CS43198*4

Display: 4.7-inch (750x1334) fully laminated screen

Battery capacity: 4000mAh

Charging: Supports PD2.0 and PD3.0 PPS fast charging

Battery life: 15h single-ended, 12.5h balanced

RAM: 4GB

Internal storage/available capacity:  64GB/about 52GB

Storage expansion: MicroSD card, supports 2TB

Headphone outputs: Single-ended 3.5mm PO/LO/SPDIF + Balanced 4.4mm PO/LO

USB interfaces: Type-C USB3.0*1 (charging/data transmission)+ Type-C POWER IN*1 (charging/independent power supply)

Bluetooth Specifications

Bluetooth version: 5.0

Bluetooth Transmitter: AAC/SBC/aptX/aptX HD/LDAC/LHDC

Bluetooth reception: SBC/AAC/LDAC

Headphone outputs

Output power 1: L + R≥ 950mW +950mW(32Ω/THD + N<1%/balanced/Super high gain mode)

Output power 2: L + R≥ 185mW +185mW(300 Ω/THD + N<1%/balanced/Super high gain mode)

Output power 3: L + R≥ 405mW +405mW(32Ω/THD + N<1%/single-ended/Super high gain mode)

Output power 4: L + R≥ 45mW +45mW(300 Ω/THD + N<1%/single-ended/Super high gain mode)

Output power 5: L + R≥ 720mW +720mW(32Ω/THD + N<1%/balanced/High gain)

Output power 6: L + R≥ 290mW +290mW(32Ω/THD + N<1%/single-ended/High gain)

SNR: ≥ 126dB (A-weighted)

Bottom noise: <1.6uV(A weight)

Output impedance: <1Ω

THD+N: <0.0003%(1kHz/-4dB@32Ω)

Basic specifications and parameters

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 has superior performance with less power consumption than the SoCs used by players in the same class. It provides a smooth experience with Android 13.

Flagship SoC
A new entry-level benchmark

① Display

② Indicator light

③ Power/lock key

④ Volume up key

⑤ Volume minus key

⑥ Multi-function key

⑦ Machine mode switch

⑧ HOLD switch

⑨ 4.4mm balanced headphone out/line out

⑩ 3.5mm headphone out/line out/coaxial out

⑪ MicroSD card slot

⑫ Type-C data/charging port

⑬ Type-C charging/power supply port

⑭ Glass back cover

⑮ Aluminum alloy Mid-frame

⑯ Next track

⑰ Play/Pause

⑱ Previous track

Buttons and ports Labeled

①M21 * 1

②Tempered film screen protector (pre-installed at factory*1)

③ Protective case*1

④ Warranty card *1

⑤ Quick Start Guide * 1

⑥ USB data cable * 1

⑦ GPL V2 instruction manual *1

Packing List