🎧 Overview & Specs
- Price: Approximately $329 USD (~£279) fiio.com+15techradar.com+15audioconcierge.co.uk+15
- Processor & OS: Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6 nm, octa‑core), running Android 13 advancedmp3players.co.uk+6techradar.com+6fiio-shop.de+6
- Memory & Storage: 4 GB RAM, 64 GB internal (≈52 GB usable), expandable via micro‑SD up to 2 TB advancedmp3players.co.uk+6techradar.com+6geekvigor.com+6
- Display: 4.7″ IPS touchscreen (750×1334) reddit.com+15techradar.com+15fiio.com+15
🛠️ Core Audio Features
- Quad DAC Setup: Four Cirrus Logic CS4319 (CS43198) chips arranged to minimize noise and enhance stereo separation reddit.com+10techradar.com+10mymobprice.com+10
- Balanced 2‑Stage Amp: Voltage + current stage combo for cleaner dynamics and higher power techradar.com+7techradar.com+7audioconcierge.co.uk+7
- Outputs:
- Dual headphone jacks: 3.5 mm single-ended + 4.4 mm balanced
- Coaxial SPDIF and USB audio out techradar.com+13fiio.com+13fiio-shop.de+13
- Desktop Mode: Can bypass battery when USB‑powered, delivering ~21 Vpp and 950 mW per channel—ideal for desktop hi-fi use reddit.com+7techradar.com+7addictedtoaudio.com.au+7
🔋 Battery & Build
- Battery: 4000 mAh, offering ~15 hrs (3.5 mm) or ~11.5 hrs (4.4 mm) on portable mode mymobprice.com+5techradar.com+5addictedtoaudio.com.au+5
- Build Quality: Full aluminium alloy chassis with frosted glass back and an oleophobic coating on the screen; weighs about 193 g dealgio.com+5cen.uk+5geekvigor.com+5
- Fast Charging: Supports 20 W PD for quicker top‑ups advancedmp3players.co.uk+3fiio.com+3addictedtoaudio.com.au+3
📈 Performance Highlights
- Reviewers praise the sound clarity, dynamics, and ability to drive both IEMs and full-size headphones
- Desktop mode performance is noted as “fantastic” for streaming audio
- Early user feedback on its sibling (JM21) shows stable firmware, minimal heat, and smooth Android performance dealgio.com+7reddit.com+7reddit.com+7
ℹ️ Considerations & Comparisons
- Similar high-end features as the M23 but in a more compact, lower-cost package
- Battery performance in “balanced” mode is slightly shorter (~11–12 hrs), which is normal for higher output power
- No serious build or audio-quality issues reported; early firmware reportedly resolved idle drain bugs techradar.com+2reddit.com+2amazon.in+2reddit.com
✅ Final Take
The FiiO M21 stands out as a value-packed, audiophile-grade DAP offering the flexibility of Android with high-res DAC hardware, solid battery life, and desktop streaming capability. It bridges the gap between portable listening and a home audio rig—all without breaking the bank.
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