FiiO DM15 AKM Portable CD Player - Black

The DM15 AKM is a portable CD player that also works as a USB DAC, Bluetooth transmitter and digital transport, so one compact unit can play discs on the move, act as a headphone sound card for a laptop or phone, and sit in a hi-fi rack as a source. It is the AKM-equipped version of FiiO's DM15 (FiiO's own pages call it simply the DM15), built around two AK4493S delta-sigma chips rather than the resistor ladder of the DM15 R2R, and it suits listeners who want a cleaner, more neutral presentation from the same chassis, controls and connectivity. Available in four finishes; this one is Black.

Five-Core Architecture

Packed into the portable chassis are five core pillars: a custom CD servo mechanism, a HiFi-grade USB DAC bridge, the decoding module, a Qualcomm Bluetooth module, and an MCU (microcontroller unit) that manages and coordinates them. The CD mechanism uses a self-rebounding steel ball for disc alignment, making insertion and removal smoother and less likely to scratch the disc, and an ESP (Electronic Shock Protection) switch improves playback stability when the player is carried.

Dual AK4493S DACs

Two AKM AK4493S chips, based on the VELVET SOUND architecture, handle conversion for both CD and USB sources, paired with dual OPA1642 low-pass filter stages and SGM8262 amplifier stages. The aim is low distortion and wide dynamic range with a warm, natural tonality and a clear soundstage. The balanced headphone output is rated at a signal-to-noise ratio of 122dB (A-weighted) with THD+N below 0.00047%.

Output Power and Desktop Mode

With Desktop Mode engaged, the 3.5mm single-ended output delivers up to 295mW per channel into 32 ohms and the 4.4mm balanced output up to 1,100mW per channel into 32 ohms. Desktop Mode (D.MODE) is a patented feature that bypasses the battery when the unit is powered from the rear USB-C POWER IN port, so the higher output ratings apply while the battery is spared charge-discharge cycles during long listening sessions at home. The recommended headphone impedance range is 8 to 350 ohms on either output.

USB DAC, Ripping and Digital Outputs

Connected to a computer, phone or tablet over USB-C, the DM15 AKM functions as a HiFi-grade sound card supporting PCM up to 384kHz/32-bit and native DSD256. It can rip CDDA discs to WAV on a FAT32-formatted USB storage device while the disc plays. Coaxial (up to 192kHz/24-bit) and optical (up to 96kHz/24-bit) digital outputs share the 3.5mm line-out socket, and a 3.5mm coaxial adapter cable is included for connection to an external DAC. A menu option sets the line outputs to a fixed-level LO-only mode for use with a power amplifier or active speakers.

aptX Lossless Bluetooth

A Qualcomm QCC3086 chip provides Bluetooth 5.4 transmission with aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX Low Latency, aptX and SBC, so CD and USB audio can be sent wirelessly to compatible headphones, speakers or receivers at CD quality. DSD files are not supported in Bluetooth transmission mode.

Sound Presets and Controls

Three BASS settings and eight EQ presets combine for up to 24 sound combinations, including a specially tuned RETRO preset. The retro-styled front panel carries mechanical buttons, slide switches for input, output and BASS selection, a volume knob with a customisable push function, and a 0.96-inch display showing battery level, operating mode, EQ setting, sampling rate and the Bluetooth connection list. An infrared remote control is included (its battery is not supplied).

Build, Battery and Portability

The chassis is all-aluminium alloy with a tempered-glass transparent lid and front panel cover, measuring about 144 x 137 x 25.5mm and weighing around 471.5g. A 4,700mAh 3.85V lithium battery gives about six hours of CD playback or nine hours in USB DAC mode, and recharges in about two hours over PD3.0 fast charging. Supplied accessories: remote control, USB-C to USB-C cable, 3.5mm coaxial adapter cable, quick start guide and warranty card.