FiiO continues to expand its range of audio devices based on R2R technology with the launch of its new M33 R2R driver, which comes to fill the gap below its flagship model M27, aiming to make the R2R technology, beloved by audiophiles, accessible to a wider segment of users. R2R technology is considered a classic form of digital-to-analog conversion that relies on a network of high-precision resistors instead of standard modern DAC chips, which produces a sound that is described as “natural.” It is “analog” and more vibrant and connected compared to the common “delta-sigma” converters.
At the heart of the M33, a fully differential network of 24-bit R2R resistors pulses to deliver that coveted sonic signature. To ensure the sound is not only ravishing but powerful, FiiO has equipped the device with a Texas Instruments multi-stage amplifier that delivers a whopping 1,100 mW per channel, easily enough to power sensitive in-ear headphones as well as large, power-hungry headphones.
In terms of technical performance, the device runs on Android 13, supported by a Snapdragon 680 processor and 8 GB of RAM to ensure smooth operation of streaming applications without interruption, with an internal storage space of 128 GB that can be expanded via microSD. The XMOS For lovers of precise audio customization.
The device’s battery reaches 14 hours of continuous operation, and it is expected to be released in the first quarter of the year at a price of approximately $600, making it an attractive option for those looking for an authentic R2R experience without paying huge sums of money. The company also revealed a nostalgic surprise that will also be released in the first quarter of 2026, which is the “FiiO Retro Box,” which is a speaker that can be used with the M33, as the screen shows a digital cassette tape during playback.
