In a hurry? Here’s our verdict

With a modern, aluminium design, the FiiO CP13 is an attractive cassette player with large control buttons and a volume dial, giving you full control over your tapes. It features a JRC5532 operational amplifier that delivers a solid sound, while the 3.5mm output offers smooth transmission.

Along with a 13-hour battery, the CP13 has a dual-power supply to enable battery and USB-C charging, allowing you to enjoy the music even when it’s plugged in.

Specifications

Here is an overview of the FiiO CP13’s key specifications. A full specifications table can be found here.

FiiO CP13 review

First impressions

The first thing I noticed about the FiiO CP13 is the quality of the packaging. The cassette player comes in a durable cardboard box with the ‘FiiO CP13’ logo emblazoned on its front and side. Inside the box, the cassette player sits neatly in a foam cradle, ensuring it’s kept safe from damage.

In terms of accessories, the box comes with a USB-C charging cable, one quick start guide, and a rounded rectangle screen protector, allowing you to see your tapes without any scratches. I picked up the stylish red variant, but the CP13 is also available in blue and silver to suit your preferences.

Design and build quality

The FiiO CP13 exudes a retro charm with its vintage design and sturdy build. Made from aluminium, its ergonomic structure fits in the palm of your hand, which means you can get a sturdy grip on it. The classic clamshell lid design is a nod to old-school aesthetics and features a window that lets you keep an eye on your cassettes as they play.

Alongside its robust construction, the FiiO CP13 is quite compact. Its size means you can easily carry the cassette player in your bag or coat pocket. Weighing just 310g, it’s certainly not heavy, so you’ll be able to enjoy cassette tapes while on the move.

For further security, you can get your hands on the one-piece leather case (sold separately). This case complements the retro design while providing extra durability and easy access to the controls.

But the cassette player does have a flaw. It includes an indent that allows you to open/close the lid, which I found quite tricky due to the extremely small size. I would have preferred to have seen a specialised ‘eject’ button that would made the open/close process much easier.

Overall, though, the CP13 boasts a long-lasting design that’s very easy to use. Plus, it’s very eye-catching.

Technical features

The CP13 has a high-voltage 4.2V motor, better than the typical 1.8V or 3V motors found in many portable cassette tapes. This motor, combined with a speed stabilisation circuit, ensures consistent movement speeds and reduces unwanted pitch changes. So you’ll always get a stable sound from a wide range of cassette tapes.

At the side of the cassette player, there a four buttons with all the essential playback controls: play, stop, fast-forward, and rewind. Their bulky design means they’re really easy to grip and they make a delightful ‘clunk’ sound when pressed, which is sure to take you back to those childhood cassette listening sessions.

The subtle volume dial is great for loudness adjustment, so you can alter the sound depending on your circumstances. Its small size means it doesn’t stick out too far from the cassette player and won’t take up any extra room when it’s placed in your pocket.

The 3.5mm single-end headphone jack accommodates most standard headphones and IEMs, providing flexibility and ease of use.

However, it might have been nice to have an additional headphone jack for shared listing. Unlike many We Are Rewind models, it also doesn’t feature Bluetooth 5.1, so you do miss out on connectivity to wireless headphones. But then again, if you want to experience your cassette tapes as you did in the ’90s, the CP13 fits the bill.

Battery

The FiiO CP13 comes equipped with a high-capacity 1800mAh lithium battery. This ensures up to 13 hours of continuous use, making it ideal for long listening sessions without frequent recharging. The cassette player even offers a dual-power supply, allowing you to charge via battery or USB-C. This means you can listen to your tapes while the CP13 is on charge, ensuring that the music never stops playing.

The USB-C charging option is particularly convenient for those who prefer modern charging standards, ensuring faster and more efficient power delivery.

Sound quality

The biggest strength of the FiiO CP13 is certainly its sound quality. I found it produced that classic sound I was looking for and transported me right back to the days when listening to music didn’t involve streaming.

Listening to the CP13 through in-ear headphones, the transmission quality was smooth with no audio jumps. I decided to put on Easy Life’s ‘Nightmares’. The mid to high frequencies were particularly strong, and I was able to hear the trumpets and vocals in brilliant detail. When I turned the volume dial I also found that the sound maintained great detail at any loudness level.

However, I did feel that the low frequencies were quite weak and the bass could have had more of a punch.

Keep in mind that since the FiiO CP13 is an analogue device, the sound is only as good as the tape that is playing, so you may experience background noise from poor-quality recordings. That said, there is a certain charm to hearing a little audio crackle in the background when listening to your cassette tapes.

The CP13 boasts a very low jitter rating of ≤ 0.2, which excels in minimising wow and flutter. This helps to maintain stable playback so you get to enjoy a detailed sound output. This audio stability gives you a detailed, retro sound that will help give you a unique listening experience.

Compared to other portable cassette players at this price point, the FiiO CP13 delivers a strong, balanced sound that meets audio standards, perfectly mixing the old with the new.

Are cassettes back?

Cassettes have made a surprising comeback, fuelled by nostalgia and a renewed appreciation for analogue sound. This revival is significant, tapping into the emotional connection many have with physical media.

For those who grew up in the ’70s, ’80s, and ‘90s, cassettes evoke memories of mixtapes and discovering new music.

Modern cassette releases blend old-school charm with contemporary music. New albums are available on cassette, often featuring unique artwork and exclusive tracks. This trend appeals to older generations and younger listeners who are curious about retro technology.

Portable cassette players add value to this resurgence as they allow you to enjoy cassettes on the go, just as in their heyday. They often combine vintage aesthetics with modern features like Bluetooth connectivity, catering to nostalgic desires and contemporary needs.

The return of cassettes also signifies a broader trend: fans are enjoying a warmer, analogue sound. As vinyl has shown us, the tactical experience of handling your music is becoming increasingly desired. For many, cassettes are a break from streaming, offering a more intentional way to engage with music.

A brief history of FiiO

FiiO was founded in 2007 and quickly became a key player in the audio equipment industry.

Specialising in high-resolution audio devices, they cater to audiophiles and casual listeners alike. Their range includes portable amplifiers, DACs, and earphones.

The company quickly gained recognition for its innovative products and affordable prices.

Notable flagship products include the FiiO M11 series of portable music players, the FiiO FH7 earphones, and more recently, the CP13. These products have cemented FiiO’s reputation for quality and performance.

FiiO’s commitment to high-quality audio has made them a favourite among enthusiasts who are seeking a premium sound without breaking the bank.

FAQs

Is FiiO a good brand?

FiiO is a reputable brand known for its high-quality audio equipment. They offer a range of products like portable amplifiers, DACs, and music players, catering to audiophiles and casual listeners alike, and their products are praised for their sound quality, durability, and affordability.

Can I use Spotify on FiiO?

FiiO devices can be used to stream Spotify, particularly on models with Wi-Fi and Android-based operating systems. You can download the Spotify app directly onto these devices, allowing for seamless streaming of Spotify’s extensive music library on FiiO’s high-quality audio hardware.

Is FiiO compatible with iTunes?

FiiO devices are compatible with iTunes for transferring and managing music files. You can sync your FiiO music players with iTunes to organise and transfer your music library. This compatibility makes it easy to integrate FiiO devices into existing digital music ecosystems.

Final thoughts

So there you go, that’s our FiiO CP13 review. We’ve looked at its impressive sound quality, sleek design, and easy usability, and we can confirm that it’s sure to revitalise your love for cassette tapes! Whether you’re revisiting old tape collections or exploring cassette players for the first time, the FiiO CP13 proves to be a worthy investment.

To learn more about the FiiO CP13, head over to AV.com or visit one of our showrooms in Bacup or Germany for an in-person look!