The Paris Audio Video Show (PAVS) 2025 took place on October 25 and 26 at the Palais des Congrès, bringing together the leading brands in the hi-fi and home theater sector. This year’s show highlighted the latest audio trends, and FiiO was one of the most talked-about exhibitors, with a full range of products from portable CD players to open-back hi-fi headphones. The Chinese manufacturer took advantage of the show to present its new products for both confirmed audiophiles and users looking for a high-end listening experience.
FiiO DM13 BT CD player and FiiO M21 DAP
At FiiO’s PAVS stand this year, visitors were able to see two flagship models in the section dedicated to audio sources: the FiiO DM13 BT and the FiiO M21. The DM13 BT is a portable CD player that combines several functions: a DAC, headphone amp and Bluetooth transmitter. It features a dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC and two SGM8262 amplifiers, ensuring precise, dynamic reproduction. Thanks to its 3,750 mAh battery, it has a battery life of up to 10 hours. This model can play commercially available or burned CDs, provide random or repeat playback, and even rip discs to WAV files. Power output reaches 660mW into 32 ohms on the 4.4mm balanced output, and 180mW on the 3.5mm unbalanced output. Bluetooth aptX HD compatible, it lets you listen to CDs via wireless headphones, True Wireless earbuds or in the car, connected to the car radio.
The FiiO M21 digital audio player, meanwhile, adopts a titanium design and a Cirrus Logic CS43198 quad DAC architecture, capable of decoding 32-bit/384kHz and DSD256 streams. It runs on Android 13, providing access to streaming services such as Qobuz, Tidal, Apple Music, Spotify and Deezer. Amplification power reaches 950mW into 32 ohms (balanced) and 405mW (unbalanced). Connectivity includes Wi-Fi, bidirectional Bluetooth compatible with aptX HD, LDAC and LHDC, as well as the AirPlay 2 protocol. Battery life ranges from 12h30 h to 15h, depending on the output mode, and a desktop mode enables stationary use without draining the battery.
FiiO K17 and FiiO K11 headphone amplifiers
FiiO also presented two headphone amplifiers at the 2025 PAVS show: the K17 and the K11, two models with different positioning. The FiiO K17 stands out for its high-end approach. It combines a DAC, a hi-fi preamplifier and a headphone amplifier in a single device. Equipped with a dual AKM AK4499EX DAC driven by an AK4191 chip, it handles PCM streams up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512. Its power output reaches 4,000mW into 32 ohms through the balanced connection, and 1,850mW unbalanced. Connectors include XLR, RCA, optical and coaxial outputs, while Bluetooth 5.1, AirPlay 2 and Roon compatibility enhance the model’s versatility. The 3.93″ (10cm) touchscreen provides direct access to settings, including a 31-band equalizer. A balanced design and separate power supplies for the analog and digital stages guarantee high-precision audio processing.
The more compact FiiO K11 headphone amplifier features a simplified architecture while maintaining Hi-Res Audio quality. It incorporates a Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC, supports 32-bit/384kHz and DSD256 streams, and offers 1,400mW amplification into 32 ohms via the balanced output. The device features a front-panel display, three levels of adjustable gain, and full connectivity: a USB-C input, optical and coaxial inputs, as well as 6.35mm, 4.4mm and RCA headphone outputs. It’s a versatile solution equally suited to a desktop or home hi-fi installation.
FiiO FT5 and FiiO FT1 headphones
The headphones section of the FiiO stand at PAVS featured two models that are representative of the brand’s expertise: the FiiO FT5 and the FiiO FT1. The FT5 are open-back headphones equipped with 90mm planar-magnetic transducers. These use a 6µm diaphragm and aluminum-silver alloy coils, guaranteeing a detailed reproduction from 7Hz to 40kHz. Their open structure and 20 N52 neodymium magnets ensure a wide soundstage and high sensitivity (110 dB/1 Vrms at 1kHz). The aluminum-magnesium alloy design is lightweight and robust. The headphones are supplied with a 1.5-meter silver-plated single-crystal copper cable, accompanied by four interchangeable plugs (3.5mm, 6.35mm, 4.4mm and XLR-4), as well as two pairs of ear pads, in leatherette and velvet.
The FiiO FT1 are closed-back, circum-aural headphones with 60mm drivers and an impedance of 32 ohms for a sensitivity of 98 dB. They cover a frequency response of 10Hz to 40kHz, suitable for all-purpose use. Their closed design guarantees good isolation, while their lightweight build makes them comfortable for extended listening sessions. These headphones are an affordable entry point into FiiO’s hi-fi range.
With a comprehensive range on display at PAVS 2025, FiiO confirmed its position as a major player in affordable hi-fi. Visitors were able to discover products combining technical performance and meticulous design, from the DM13 BT CD player to the M21 DAP, K17 and K11 amplifiers, and FT5 and FT1 headphones. The Paris Audio Video Show 2025, which took place on October 25 and 26 at the Palais des Congrès in Paris, was the perfect opportunity for audiophile brands to showcase their expertise and for visitors to discover a comprehensive panorama of the latest audio technologies.
