Portable CD Player with Dual AK4493S DACs
The FiiO DM15 is a portable stereo CD player built around dual AKM AK4493S DACs, 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced headphone outputs, USB DAC operation, aptX Lossless Bluetooth transmission, and digital transport functionality. Desktop mode unlocks up to 1100mW + 1100mW of balanced output power into 32 ohms, while a 4700mAh battery supports portable listening away from a power source.
Dual AK4493S DAC Architecture
Two AKM AK4493S DAC chips handle digital-to-analog conversion using AKM VELVET SOUND technology. The DM15 is specified for an SNR of at least 122dB A-weighted, with low THD+N figures across CD and USB Audio Class operation.
Powerful Balanced and Single-Ended Outputs
The DM15 provides both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced headphone connections. In desktop mode, balanced output reaches at least 1100mW + 1100mW into 32 ohms at less than 1% THD+N, while single-ended output reaches at least 295mW + 295mW under the specified conditions. Non-desktop mode retains up to 780mW + 780mW balanced output for portable use.
aptX Lossless Bluetooth Transmission
A Qualcomm QCC3086 Bluetooth chipset lets the DM15 transmit audio wirelessly using SBC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Low Latency, aptX Adaptive, and aptX Lossless. Bluetooth transmission can be used with CD playback or compatible digital sources, giving the player a direct path to supported wireless headphones and receivers. DSD files are not supported in Bluetooth transmission mode.
HiFi-Grade USB DAC
The integrated USB DAC supports PCM playback up to 32-bit/384kHz and native DSD256. This allows the DM15 to serve as an external DAC and headphone amplifier for compatible computers, phones, and other USB audio sources in addition to its primary role as a CD player.
Custom CD Mechanism
FiiO further refined the portable CD mechanism used in the DM15, including a self-rebounding steel ball design intended to make disc alignment, insertion, and removal smoother. Supported CD-R file formats include FLAC, WAV, WMA, and MP3. SACD discs are supported only when they include a playable CD layer.
USB CD Ripping
The DM15 can rip compatible CDDA tracks to WAV while the disc continues playing. Files are saved to FAT32-formatted external storage connected over USB-C. FiiO recommends a USB-C flash drive with a capacity of 32GB or less for CD ripping and firmware updates.
24 Sound Presets
Three BASS modes can be combined with eight built-in EQ presets for up to 24 sound combinations. A dedicated RETRO preset is also included for listeners who want a different tonal presentation from standard playback.
Portable and Desktop Operation
FiiO's patented desktop mode bypasses normal battery use when the DM15 is connected for stationary operation, reducing charge-discharge cycling while allowing its higher-power output modes to operate. A 4700mAh, 3.85V battery provides at least 6 hours of rated CD playback and at least 9 hours in UAC mode under FiiO's test conditions.
Electronic Shock Protection
Switchable ESP, or Electronic Shock Protection, is designed to improve playback stability when the DM15 is being carried or used in environments where movement may affect disc playback. FiiO notes that ESP improves stability rather than the underlying disc-reading capability.
Digital Transport Connections
The DM15 can function as a USB or CD digital transport through coaxial and optical outputs. Coaxial output supports up to 24-bit/192kHz, while optical output supports up to 24-bit/96kHz.
Flexible Line Output
A three-in-one 3.5mm connection handles line, coaxial, and optical output functions, while the 4.4mm connection supports balanced line output. A selectable LO-only mode provides fixed maximum-level line output for connection to compatible external amplifiers or powered audio systems.
Mechanical Controls and TFT Display
Mechanical buttons, keys, and a control knob provide direct physical operation. The 0.96-inch TFT display shows information including battery status, operating mode, EQ settings, sampling rate, and Bluetooth connections. The knob button function can also be assigned as a Play/Pause shortcut through the menu.
Aluminum and Tempered Glass Construction
The DM15 uses an aluminum alloy chassis with a transparent tempered-glass lid and tempered-glass front panel cover. Available finishes include white, black, red, and silver. Its body measures approximately 5.67 x 5.39 x 1.00 in (144 x 137 x 25.5 mm), excluding the feet and knob, and weighs approximately 16.63 oz (471.5 g).
Remote Operation
An infrared remote control is included for stationary listening, providing access to key playback functions without requiring direct interaction with the player.
