The portable CD player continues its comeback in the hi-fi world. At the 2026 Paris Audio Video Show (PAVS), held on October 24 and 25 at the Palais des Congrès, attendees got a first look at the FiiO DM11, a new compact model that combines audio CD playback with Bluetooth connectivity. With its circular design, wireless connectivity, headphone outputs, and replaceable batteries, this DAP rounds out the manufacturer’s lineup alongside the DM13 and DM15 R2R. It also stands out for its more affordable price point.
A compact, portable CD player with a circular design
First unveiled last September at the Beijing International Headphone Exhibition, then presented to the French public at PAVS 2026, the FiiO DM11 marks an aesthetic evolution in the manufacturer’s line of CD players. While the DM13 BT and DM15 feature a square design, this new model returns to the circular shape characteristic of players from the 2000s.
Its aluminium alloy chassis features a tempered glass lid that allows you to see the disc as it spins. With a thickness of just 25 mm and a weight of 263.5 g, the DM11 is compact enough for on-the-go use. By way of comparison, the DM13 weighs 450 g, and the DM15 weighs 471.5 g.
This compact design required a reorganisation of the internal components and the vibration-damping system. After several prototypes, FiiO says it has found the ideal layout to combine a hi-fi architecture, a full range of connectors, and a patented anti-vibration system in a format barely larger than a CD. The FiiO DM11 portable CD player also features a disc-holding mechanism that uses springs and steel balls to stabilise the disc’s rotation.
FiiO DM11: replaceable batteries that extend the lifespan
One of the unique features of the FiiO DM11 portable CD player is its power supply. The new device from the Chinese manufacturer runs on two rechargeable and replaceable lithium-ion batteries, each with a voltage of 3.7 V and a capacity of 1,000 mAh, accessible via a compartment located beneath the player. This allows users to replace them themselves when they reach the end of their life. These batteries can also be replaced with LR6 batteries.
The DM11 also features an electronic protection system against playback interruptions—known as a buffer—called ESP (Electronic Skip Protection). This system temporarily stores part of the audio signal to maintain playback when vibrations interfere with the laser’s tracking of the disc. This feature is particularly useful for listening on the go, whether on the street or in the car.
Bluetooth 5.4, USB DAC, and headphone outputs
The FiiO DM11 CD player offers several listening options. It features an unbalanced 3.5 mm mini-jack headphone output as well as a balanced 4.4 mm jack output. The latter delivers up to 500 mW into 32 ohms and can power a variety of compatible headphones and earbuds.
For digital-to-analog conversion, FiiO has selected two Cirrus Logic CS43198 chips, paired with SGM8262 amplifier components. The DAP also features a Bluetooth 5.4 transmitter for streaming music from a CD to headphones, a wireless speaker, or a compatible car stereo.
Its USB-C connectivity allows the DM11 to be used as an external DAC with a computer or compatible digital source. Optical and coaxial digital outputs via a 3.5 mm mini-jack make it easy to integrate into a hi-fi system equipped with an external converter. Finally, the player offers a feature for ripping CD tracks to a USB flash drive, as well as seven EQ presets: pop, jazz, rock, hip-hop, dance, classical, and retro.
FiiO DM11: price and availability
Unveiled to visitors at the 2026 Paris Audio Video Show, the FiiO DM11 will be added to the manufacturer’s catalogue on November 11, 2026. Three colour options have been announced: sky blue, black, and orange. Its estimated price is approximately $119, or about 110 euros, though the exact price has yet to be confirmed.
With the DM11, FiiO is expanding its range of portable CD players, emphasising a compact design, a variety of connectivity options, and an easily replaceable power supply. Its public debut at PAVS 2026 highlighted this new reference, which combines the traditional uses of CDs with the capabilities of Bluetooth and digital audio.
