FiiO is aiming to make high-end audio more accessible with the launch of the M33 R2R, a new digital audio player that brings true R2R decoding into a more affordable, portable form.
Positioned below the company’s flagship M27, the M33 R2R borrows some of its design philosophy while keeping the price firmly within reach of serious music fans.
At the heart of the M33 R2R is a fully differential 24-bit R2R resistor array, a DAC architecture prized by audiophiles for its natural, analogue-like sound. It’s a notable choice at this price point, where delta-sigma DACs are far more common. Paired with a TI multi-stage amplifier, the setup promises strong control, dynamic realism and a more cohesive presentation across genres.
Power won’t be an issue either. With 1100mW + 1100mW output, the M33 R2R is capable of driving everything from sensitive in-ear monitors to more demanding over-ear headphones. FiiO has also paid close attention to signal purity, equipping the player with an independent XMOS XU316 chip and its in-house DAPS audio purification system, both designed to minimise jitter and background noise.
Unlike many audiophile-focused players, the M33 R2R doesn’t compromise on usability. It runs Android 13 on a Snapdragon 680, backed by 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, with microSD expansion for large libraries. Streaming apps, multitasking and general navigation should feel smooth, all handled through a 5.5-inch HD display.
Listeners who like to fine-tune their sound will appreciate the 10-band parametric EQ with AUTO EQ support, allowing detailed adjustments tailored to specific headphones. There’s also a dedicated Desktop Mode, which unlocks higher power output when the player is used as a stationary source — edging it closer to desktop amp territory.
Despite the performance on offer, portability hasn’t been sacrificed. FiiO claims up to 14 hours of battery life, making the M33 R2R suitable for long listening sessions away from a charger.
Priced at around $600 / £449, the FiiO M33 R2R undercuts many R2R-based competitors while offering modern Android features and serious driving power. It’s set to launch in Q1 2026, alongside a retro-inspired speaker dock that turns the player into a digital cassette-style music source.
For anyone curious about R2R sound without flagship pricing, the M33 R2R could be one of FiiO’s most compelling releases yet.
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