DM15 AKM

The FiiO DM15 AKM is a portable CD player that does far more than play discs. It’s also a high-quality USB DAC, a Bluetooth transmitter with aptX Lossless, and a digital transport for your hi-fi. If you’ve rediscovered your CD collection, or never stopped loving it, it’s one of the most capable ways to enjoy it.

I also stock the DM15 R2R. This version uses AKM conversion instead. If you’re torn between them, that’s exactly the kind of choice I’m happy to talk through.

Dual AK4493S DACs

Two of AKM’s well-regarded AK4493S chips handle conversion. FiiO describes the sound as warm and natural, with low distortion and a clear soundstage.

Wireless without compromise

Qualcomm’s QCC3086 chip lets the DM15 send CD-quality audio over Bluetooth with aptX Lossless, alongside aptX Adaptive, aptX HD and more. Your source device and headphones need to support the codec too, so ask me if you’re unsure what yours will use.

Power and outputs

There are 3.5mm and 4.4mm balanced headphone outputs, with up to 1100mW per channel balanced when it’s running in Desktop Mode. Line, coaxial and optical outputs mean it can also feed a separate DAC or amplifier at home.

Rip while you listen

Plug in a USB-C flash drive and the DM15 can rip your CDs to WAV as they play, which is a lovely way to build a digital library from discs you already own.

Made to be used

The aluminium body has a tempered glass lid, physical buttons and knobs, an anti-shock (ESP) setting for listening on the move, and an infrared remote. FiiO quotes around six hours of CD playback from the 4700mAh battery, and Desktop Mode bypasses the battery when it’s plugged in at home. There are 24 sound presets, including a RETRO setting for a classic portable CD flavour.

FiiO DM15 AKM at a glance

• Type: portable CD player, USB DAC, Bluetooth transmitter and digital transport
• DAC: dual AKM AK4493S
• Bluetooth: Qualcomm QCC3086, aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX LL, aptX, SBC
• USB DAC: up to 384kHz/32-bit, DSD256
• Headphone outputs: 3.5mm and 4.4mm balanced
• Output power (32Ω, Desktop Mode): up to 1100mW + 1100mW balanced, 295mW + 295mW single-ended
• Line outputs: 3.5mm line/coaxial/optical and 4.4mm balanced line out
• Battery: 4700mAh, approx. 6 hours CD playback
• CD ripping to WAV via USB-C
• Size and weight: approx. 144 × 137 × 25.5mm, 471.5g

Talk to Audio Concierge

If you’re weighing up the AKM and R2R versions of the DM15, or you’d like to know how it will fit with the rest of your system, get in touch. Tell me what you listen to and what you listen with. No jargon. Just good advice.