Well, as promised, my review of the FiiO M33 R2R DAP! There have been a bunch of things that went right with the launch of the M33 for me, subjectively. For starters, it helps to have already tested out cheaper models and more expensive models alike. I don’t have to wonder about things. I don’t have to look over my shoulder. I know what expensive DAPs sound like, as do cheap models, and I also know what a musical DAP is versus a reference DAP. Most importantly, I know which I like the most.
It was really hard to explain why I could never relate to or get into the iBasso DX260 mk2. I knew it was an amazing DAP and I knew it was very revealing, but I could never connect with its sound. I loved the size, but the sound was always lacking something vital that I had heard in its younger brother, the DX180. The DX180 was an immediate attachment because it was a musical DAP versus a reference DAP like the DX260 mk2. Nothing is wrong with seeking reference and exact sound. My ears, though, were used to more coloration and warmth.
So I found the Cayin N6III, which gave me the sound I wanted, but it came with a cost I thought I could pay, and I’m not talking about the money, which was still a lot. The sound came with huge demands on the player, which caused way too much heat. And God forbid you charge it while playing it. Then, after the heat, came the weight and bulk. This resulted in a hate-filled relationship with the DAP. I hated picking it up, I hated holding it, and I hated putting it inside my pocket (when I could, that is). So what happens to a device that you hate holding, carrying, or bringing along with you? Sooner or later, you stop picking it up. And that’s what happened with me and the Cayin N6III. Don’t get me wrong, the Cayin N6III is a work of art in looks, material, and sound. This is the building block for most people’s hunt for a DAP.
But for me, I sought a different direction, and it was something I couldn’t fully understand until I got the Fiio M33. For me, sometimes you outreach your needs and find that what you have is overkill for what truly connects you to a product. Most people assume having the most expensive items will place you in the best position to succeed in your direction or needs. For me, I discovered that having just what I need is more enjoyable than having more than what I need.
With the FiiO delivering on weight, it being lighter yet having just enough density for that quality feel meant I didn’t mind taking it with me. Having a thinner design meant I could put it in my back pocket or front pocket easily. And finally, not having heat meant I could get back to enjoying the feel of it in my hands. This meant even the navigation through the screen and typing on it or swiping on it felt natural and like a cellphone. Its speed made sure I didn’t have any lag, and the screen, even with an IPS screen versus an AMOLED, didn’t skip a beat in quality and looks.
So then, what? If all of this is handled, what about the most important thing, SOUND? Surely going from a $1400 DAP to a $699 DAP had to destroy my enjoyment of sound. And look, I’m not going to pretend that the sound quality is the same or better than the Cayin’s. But I will say if the Cayin is a perfect 10 in sound, this is a 9.5! And that’s freaking amazing to have that along with better weight, a better interface, no overheat issues (not even during charging), and a thinner design.
At the end of the day, I’m using this thing, and it feels so good to hold and listen to. I take it with me to bed or on walks, and it’s just a euphoric feeling every time. In fact, I’ve grown more attached to this thing with each day that passes. It’s so amazing to feel, use, and listen to with that R2R sound. The warmth, details, and smoothness of the sound are exactly what I love, and this is without any EQ’ing, which is available, the universal kind in fact. It’s so amazing; even my Crinacle Red earphones sound amazing. I don’t even have to use my Valhalla or 64 Solos to get amazing sound. But when I do, it’s just in another universe.
So if you are in the market for an R2R DAP, it’s truly something you might want to consider. This thing pretty much checks all the boxes. It even has good battery life at 12 hours. So if you’re tired of overheating DAPs, overweight DAPs, or just overpriced DAPs, look no further than FiiO’s M33 R2R. It’s such a good DAP player that I literally regret getting the Cayin N6III. Not that it’s not great sounding, but I thought great sound came at the cost of heat and bulk. But this unit proves that’s all wrong. And because of this, this unit with my Thieaudio Vahalla and Solos are superior and are my Endgames.
Tech-N-Things 