FiiO has announced its next compact audio throwback, the DM15 R2R — a portable CD player that’s far more than a nostalgia piece.
While it keeps the familiar disc-in-a-box form factor, the DM15 R2R also doubles as a high-res DAC, Bluetooth transmitter and headphone amp, making it one of the most versatile “CD players” you can actually fit on a crowded desk.
The big upgrade for this generation is power. Compared to the earlier DM13, the DM15 R2R delivers a substantial boost in output, now offering 310 mW through its single-ended port and up to 1150 mW through balanced output. That headroom makes it capable of driving more demanding headphones, something many portable players still struggle with.
Looks haven’t been neglected either. The DM15 R2R comes in a lightweight metal body with a tempered-glass lid that shows off your disc artwork, giving it the kind of premium feel you don’t usually associate with portable CD players in 2025.
At the centre of everything is FiiO’s custom fully differential 24-bit R2R DAC, built from a 192-resistor array. The pitch is simple: classic CD warmth with modern precision. It’s been carefully tuned to bring back some of that analogue character without losing high-end clarity.
Beyond discs, the DM15 R2R has a surprisingly complete feature list. It works as a USB DAC for Windows, macOS or mobile devices, supporting PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz and native DSD256. It can also transmit audio over Bluetooth — powered by Qualcomm’s QCC3095 — with support for aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX and SBC. There’s even CD ripping to WAV if you want to digitise your collection while you listen.
FiiO also adds sound customisation, including three bass modes and eight EQ presets, which can be layered into 24 different sound profiles. A “RETRO” preset sits right in the middle of the lineup, designed to bring out a classic, slightly analogue texture.
Despite the compact footprint, the DM15 R2R runs on a 4700mAh battery that’s rated for around seven hours of playback. There’s also a desktop mode that powers the unit externally to preserve battery health.
The player is available now in Silver and Red, with Black and White options arriving later in December 2025. Pricing lands at £249.99 / $249 / €269.
