Audio player FIIO CP13 Sky Blue

In the 1980s and 1990s, cassettes were very popular, and portable cassette players were popular across all generations. Today, however, the supply chain for cassette players is almost non-existent, which made the initial phase of the FiiO CP13 project extremely difficult and almost led FiiO to abandon the project. Fortunately, after investing a lot of time and effort and working closely with the supply chain, FiiO was able to continue working on the FiiO CP13. FiiO may be nostalgic, but it always takes the safe and good-sounding route when it comes to technology. Many small but sonically outstanding details find their way into the new FiiO CP13 to revive the analogue sound. 

Achieving extremely low jitter through custom-parts made from high quality materials -Tailor-made like clockwork 

After much trial and error, FiiO has carefully selected between the scarce materials in the supply chain, and finally developed a technology that represents what is currently feasible in this field. The recording and auto-reverse functions were deliberately omitted. The main focus during development was on maximising sound quality. 

Oversized flywheel made of pure copper 

The FiiO CP13 features an oversized flywheel made of pure copper with a diameter of 30.4 mm and a thickness of 4 mm. The size of the flywheel helps to ensure that the reel moves as smoothly as possible during playback, thus minimising jitter. This results in synchronisation at the highest level. This results in a more authentic and better sound of the cassette being played, just as we remember it. 

Power supply of the high-voltage motor 

The motor of the FiiO CP13 is supplied with a high voltage of 4.2 V, i.e. more than the 1.8 V or 3 V that is usual in today's cassette players. This power supply works in conjunction with a motor speed stabilisation circuit that increases the resistance of the motor as required to ensure stable movement speeds - reducing unwanted pitch changes and allowing the FiiO CP13 to handle more cartridge types. 

Superior choice - customised cartridge head 

Regardless of cost, Fiio has negotiated with its supplier that only cartridges of sufficiently high quality are selected. Only 40% of the cartridges produced by the manufacturer meet FiiO's specifications after a total inspection of all units. In addition, the manufacture of the CP13 is strictly controlled to ensure minimal differences in output between the left and right channels, which are far less than in current cassette players. The magnetic head also utilises a thickened head cover that better shields the head from external interference. This also significantly reduces wear and tear on the magnetic head during playback, making it last longer. 

In contrast to single-ended signal acquisition, which is common in current cassette players, the CP13 uses a differential circuit for symmetrical acquisition of the signals from the head. This results in more stable signal transmission, a higher signal-to-noise ratio and less distortion during playback. 

Fully analogue circuitry - 100% pure analogue sound 

For truly analogue playback, analogue devices are used throughout the FiiO CP13's audio circuitry - from the magnetic tape head to the signal amplification. The result is a classic, unmistakably analogue sound. Tape drive, LTA8092 primary signal amplifier, analogue volume control, JRC5532 power amplifier, adapted high-voltage motor, LDO- LDO+ circuit to stabilise the motor speed, boost circuit, 3.7 V lithium battery, Charging and overvoltage protection, USB Type-C 

The comeback of a classic - audiophile op-amp JRC5532 

The FiiO CP13 uses the renowned JRC5532, which some call the classic "king of operational amplifiers". This op-amp is used in a fully analogue audio circuit that delivers a familiar, pleasing sound. 

Fusion of squares and curves - Two-tone all-aluminium alloy chassis 

The FiiO CP13 features a carefully crafted two-tone all-aluminium chassis. The "0" screw concept, which perfectly complements the square yet round design, makes the CP13 an example of beauty in harmony with ergonomics. The buttons of the CP13 are hard oxidised in a high-quality process. This makes them more resistant to wear and corrosion. Behind the aluminium alloy volume control is a large analogue volume potentiometer which, compared to the flat potentiometers commonly used in cassette players, is not only more reliable and provides a more stable sound, but also simply feels better. 

Long playing time - up to 13 hours 

The FiiO CP13 uses a 1800mAh battery. In fact, the CP13's battery allows for 13 hours of playtime and 268 days of standby time. 

Dual-mode power supply - Continuous good sound 

The CP13 is powered by a lithium battery that can be charged via the USB Type-C port when connected to a 5V USB power adapter. FiiO's extensive experience in developing safe charging circuits with protection mechanisms ensures that you can use the CP13 without worry while charging. 

Small yet big 

Although the size of the cassette player's disc drive limits the possibilities, FiiO engineers have taken great care to make the CP13 as compact as possible. By integrating manufacturing and structural design, the CP13 is ultimately only 31.8 mm thick, making it thinner and more compact than most cassette players currently in production. 

Scope of delivery 

Manual, USB-C cable, protective film for viewing window 

Specifications 

• Available colours: Sky blue/silver; Black/white; Transparent 
• Supported cassette types: All types I to IV) 
• Output: 3.5mm jack / 2-track stereo playback 
• Dimensions: Approximately 120*88.3*31.8mm 
• Output Level: Greater than 250mV 
• SNR: ＞55dB 
• Weight: Approximately 310g 
• Battery: 1800mAh 
• Battery Life: ＞13 hours@40mV 
• Standby Time: ＞ 268 days 
• Aluminium body / Aluminium knobs and controls 
• Mechanical Logic-Core 
• Copper flywheel