FiiO DM13From real comments

Verdict distilled from 41 mentions across 14 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment62%
PROS 62%
CONS 38%

Rank based on 41 mentions across 14 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want FiiO-quality headphone/DAC output for enjoying CDs at home or on the go
  • You like the idea of streaming CDs to Bluetooth speakers or headphones
  • You mostly play standard-length, undamaged CDs and don't need a remote

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need reliable playback of CD-Rs, scratched discs, or albums over 70 minutes
  • You want simple controls without memorizing long-press/double-press combos
  • You need dependable Bluetooth pairing with cars or multiple devices

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Mid
Marantz ND8006
Excellent CD playback qualityAdjustable sound settings for tuningLong-term reliabilityNo SACD supportPerceived poor value by one userSlow streaming performance
Marantz ND8006
Excellent CD playback quality
Adjustable sound settings for tuning
Long-term reliability
No SACD support
Perceived poor value by one user
Slow streaming performance
2Premium
Sony NW-WM1A
Distraction-free listening experienceSuperior sound quality vs rivalsGood headphone/IEM pairing optionsEU volume/sound cap restrictionsNo wireless/Android limits convenienceHigh price point
Sony NW-WM1A
Distraction-free listening experience
Superior sound quality vs rivals
Good headphone/IEM pairing options
EU volume/sound cap restrictions
No wireless/Android limits convenience
High price point
3Mid
SMSL PL200
Reliable top-loading mechanism
SMSL PL200
Reliable top-loading mechanism
4
Akai GX-266II
Attractive DesignAuto-Reverse PlaybackBeautiful Sound QualityLeft Channel Warm-Up Delay
Akai GX-266II
Attractive Design
Auto-Reverse Playback
Beautiful Sound Quality
Left Channel Warm-Up Delay
5Mid
Pioneer RT-707
Extremely durable buildExcellent sound qualityEasy tape threadingCounter belt failure is commonAging capacitors and transistors cause noiseRear-mounted output controls
Pioneer RT-707
Extremely durable build
Excellent sound quality
Easy tape threading
Counter belt failure is common
Aging capacitors and transistors cause noise
Rear-mounted output controls
6Premium
Sony NW-WM1ZM2
Premium Build QualityStrong Predecessor Track RecordLong-Term DurabilitySkepticism Over Gold/Material Marketing ClaimsVery High PriceUncertain Volume Cap and Storage Features
Sony NW-WM1ZM2
Premium Build Quality
Strong Predecessor Track Record
Long-Term Durability
Skepticism Over Gold/Material Marketing Claims
Very High Price
Uncertain Volume Cap and Storage Features
7Premium
FiiO M17
Powerful amplificationBalanced, neutral sound qualityAcceptable size for the power deliveredVery large and heavyHeat during useHigh price
FiiO M17
Powerful amplification
Balanced, neutral sound quality
Acceptable size for the power delivered
Very large and heavy
Heat during use
High price
8Mid
Marantz CD6007
Clear, detailed soundESS DAC still sounds goodUSB FLAC/WAV playbackUndisclosed DAC chip swapCheaper build vs 40n seriesDesign not for everyone
Marantz CD6007
Clear, detailed sound
ESS DAC still sounds good
USB FLAC/WAV playback
Undisclosed DAC chip swap
Cheaper build vs 40n series
Design not for everyone
9Premium
Yamaha GT-5000
Rich, Balanced SoundAttractive DesignPremium Build QualityControversial Straight Tonearm GeometryHigh PriceFinish Not Metal
Yamaha GT-5000
Rich, Balanced Sound
Attractive Design
Premium Build Quality
Controversial Straight Tonearm Geometry
High Price
Finish Not Metal
Best value
10Mid
Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML
Strong value for moneyConvenient headshell-mounted optionExcellent tracking on older vinylBright red stylus color criticizedQuestionable review test conditions
Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML
Strong value for money
Convenient headshell-mounted option
Excellent tracking on older vinyl
Bright red stylus color criticized
Questionable review test conditions
You are here
29Mid
FiiO DM13
Fun way to revisit CD collectionsPowerful headphone/DAC outputAttractive clear-lid designConfusing button interfaceNo remote controlCannot reliably play long CDs (70+ min)
FiiO DM13
Fun way to revisit CD collections
Powerful headphone/DAC output
Attractive clear-lid design
Confusing button interface
No remote control
Cannot reliably play long CDs (70+ min)

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Sound quality driven by FiiO's DAC expertise is the DM13's strongest asset. Multiple owners single out the headphone output, especially the 4.4mm balanced jack, as powerful and revealing, calling it stellar or phenomenal even with high-end cans like Sennheiser HD650 or Focal Clear. The line out, AUX, and desktop mode are also praised. One user disagreed, feeling clarity and power fell short of a separate Ruark system, but most reports are strongly positive on sound.

CD-reading reliability is the DM13's most consistent flaw. Several reviewers independently report trouble with CD-Rs, warped or scratched discs, and albums over 55-70 minutes, with skipping, stopping, or digital artifacts near the end of long tracks. Firmware updates (V25, V27) improved but did not fully fix this. One buyer compared it unfavorably to the pricier DM15, which had the same issue, and another abandoned the purchase entirely after reading about early firmware instability.

The interface and missing conveniences divide opinion. No remote control, no stop button, and buried functions behind long-presses, double-presses, and lid-open/closed states frustrate many users, with one calling it one of the most constrained UIs experienced. Bluetooth pairing is inconsistent for some, refusing to connect to certain cars or devices. Yet several owners say these omissions don't bother them since they just want simple CD playback, and continue enjoying the device daily.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?