With the JM21, FiiO has achieved a feat: that of creating an affordable, modern, high-performance audiophile portable player capable of competing with much more expensive models. Today, the Chinese manufacturer is capitalizing on this success with an MKII version that doesn’t overhaul the formula but improves on it, with 64 GB of memory and smoother performance.
An unchanged philosophy: accessibility and performance
Since its first generation, the FiiO JM21 has set the benchmark for DAPs priced under €200. In a category where competing models often make do with modest screens and limited amplification, FiiO has chosen a resolutely audiophile approach. The JM21 features a fully balanced architecture and the integration of components usually reserved for high-end devices.
With this MKII version, FiiO retains the foundations that made the original model such a success, while making some targeted adjustments. The main change concerns the internal memory, now increased from 32 GB to 64 GB. Without reaching the very generous capacities of a model like the FiiO M27 and its 256 GB, this increase in storage nevertheless offers greater freedom to enjoy an extensive music library and take full advantage of the offline functions of streaming services. As before, this capacity can be greatly expanded thanks to a microSD card reader compatible up to 2 TB.
4 GB RAM: a smoother, more responsive interface
The other major evolution concerns the RAM, now increased to 4 GB, a choice that has a direct influence on the day-to-day user experience. On a modern DAP, interface fluidity has become an essential criterion: menu navigation, management of large libraries, use of streaming apps and multitasking constantly demand system resources, and RAM in particular. With its 4 GB, the FiiO JM21 MKII gains in responsiveness. Loading times are reduced, transitions are smoother and the whole system gains in stability. This improvement is particularly noticeable when using third-party apps, such as high-quality audio streaming services.
An audio section as convincing as ever
The audio architecture tried and tested on the previous model has been retained unchanged, with a fully balanced design. Conversion is entrusted to a dual Cirrus Logic DAC supported by an FPGA chip with DAPS (Digital Audio Purification System) technology to optimize signal integrity. This package supports the majority of audio formats up to 32-bit/384 kHz, as well as DSD files up to DSD256.
To preserve signal integrity, FiiO has taken particular care to isolate the various circuits, separating the amplifier stage from the rest of the electronics. This design effectively limits interference and helps keep noise levels very low. As a result, the amplification can deliver comfortable power, reaching 700 mW into 32 ohms via the 4.4 mm balanced output and 245 mW into 32 ohms from the 3.5 mm mini-jack unbalanced output. Combined with three levels of gain adjustment, this power reserve enables a wide variety of headphones and earbuds to be powered, from the most sensitive models to the most demanding references. The versatile FiiO JM21 MKII also allows line-level configuration of its outputs, enabling it to be used as a DAC or network source on the living-room hi-fi system.
Android and streaming
Like the brand’s other digital audio players, the FiiO JM21 MKII is based on a full Android system with access to the Google Play Store. It offers a high degree of freedom of use, allowing you to install the majority of streaming services such as Qobuz, Apple Music, Tidal, Spotify and Deezer, so you can enjoy your music both locally and online. The player also features a bi-directional Bluetooth controller, capable of both receiving wireless audio from a smartphone and transmitting it to Bluetooth headphones or true wireless earbuds. Compatibility with aptX, aptX HD, LDAC and LHDC codecs guarantees high bit rates for maximum listening quality. Last but not least, the battery life reaches 12.5 hours, enough to accompany the user throughout the day without constraint.
With this MKII version, FiiO offers a modest overhaul of its entry-level model, concentrating on improvements directly perceptible to the user. This makes it an even more attractive gateway to the world of portable hi-fi, while offering sufficiently solid performance to satisfy more experienced users.
