[Review] A Maverick That Shatters the Concept of Entry-Level. FIIO 'M21' Showcases Desktop-Class Driving Power and Silence

The DAP (Digital Audio Player) market has been experiencing inflation year after year, and it is becoming common for even mid-range models to exceed 100,000 yen. However, an outrageous price-breaking model has arrived that throws cold water on the common sense of this 'swamp.' That model is FIIO's 'M21'.

Despite being priced in the entry-level range of around 50,000 yen, it is no exaggeration to say that its true nature is 'desktop audio in portable clothing.' I will thoroughly review the appeal of this hardware and how it brings synergistic effects to your existing equipment.

■ 1. Equipped with a Quad DAC. Extremely neutral and expansive sound
At the heart of the M21, there are four (quad DAC) high-grade 'CS43198' DAC chips from Cirrus Logic.

The sound profile is extremely neutral, without any unpleasantness that would excessively exaggerate specific frequency bands. What is particularly noteworthy is the 'silence of the soundless space' derived from the low noise floor, and the three-dimensionality of the sound that rises from it. Overall, it has no quirks and possesses a clear, expansive soundstage, resulting in a high-quality sound balance that does not cause listening fatigue even during long sessions.

■ 2. The greatest weapon: 'Desktop Mode' and violent driving power
Personally, what I feel completely separates this M21 from the category of a mere DAP is the presence of 'two Type-C ports' on the bottom of the unit.

One is for standard data communication and charging, but the other is an 'independent power supply' port. When you connect an external power source here and turn on 'Desktop Mode,' you can completely bypass the internal battery to drive the system.

This not only completely prevents battery degradation due to overcharging, but also unlocks a 'Super High Gain Mode' that delivers up to 950mW (32Ω) via 4.4mm balanced connection, which is extraordinary for portable equipment.
When you sit down at your desk at home to listen to music, even if you connect earphones or headphones that require high power, it drives them with perfect control without the sound becoming thin. It truly has the intense potential to serve as the core of a desktop audio environment.

■ 3. Snapdragon 680 brings a snappy, smartphone-like operating feel
No matter how high the sound quality is, if the UI (user interface) movement is sluggish, you lose the desire to use it, but the M21 does not cut corners in that regard either.

It adopts the 'Snapdragon 680' as its SoC, and the Android OS operation is extremely smooth. Whether searching for songs in various streaming apps or browsing heavy high-resolution sound sources saved locally, there is no lag at all. It perfectly clears the 'snappy operation' requirement, which is the part that should be the most stress-free in a modern DAP.

■ 4. Build quality and an 'exquisite size for carrying around'
The chassis is made of full aluminum alloy, and the back is finished with AG frosted glass that has a smooth texture; the rigidity and luxury you feel when holding it are not at all what you would expect from a 50,000-yen device.

The size is kept to a moderate thickness and weight (approx. 193g) compared to the recent trend of massive high-end DAPs. It hits an exquisite line as a portable device, satisfying the desire for ownership of 'carrying a slightly special piece of equipment' while still fitting into pants pockets or small bags without issue.

(By the way, the included case has a nostalgic 'cassette tape-style' gimmick, hiding a playful touch that will make the owner grin.)

■ 5. Conclusion: A masterpiece that connects 'portable' and 'stationary'
The FIIO M21 is a flawless DAP packed with build quality that makes you doubt the price, high-resolution sound from the quad DAC, and above all, an eccentric (as a compliment) gimmick of 'becoming a desktop machine via external power supply'.

A noiseless and expansive soundstage drawn by 4x CS43198 chips

Desktop mode that maximizes the potential of 4.4mm balanced output

Independent power supply port that prevents battery degradation during stationary use

For audio fans who want to build a seamless listening environment—'as a lightweight, high-quality portable device when out, and as the main system on the desk when returning home'—this is the ultimate optimal solution. Without a doubt, this is the birth of a masterpiece that will become a new benchmark in this price range.