Fiio has a new sub - stain called Snowsky , and its first product is the Retro Nano , a budget - price BluetoothDAC / ampthat ’s design to tug on the nostalgic heartstrings of those with fond memories of the Sony Walkman era . Not only does its look like a miniature Walkman thanks to its shape and a cassette tape animation on the small color display , but it also boast an accessible bombardment compartment and a obliterable , rechargeable battery — something we have n’t seen in a long time .

I do n’t personally have any memories from the 80s of festoon my portable tape players with decals , but Snowsky seems to think this is an important part of the experience — each Retro Nano issue forth with a random selection of stickers so you’re able to individualise it to your liking .

Fiio refer to the Retro Nano as a “ euphony histrion , ” but its Walkman - corresponding looks notwithstanding , this is n’t a standalone machine like an iPod — there ’s no internal storage for music . To in reality learn music , you ’ll demand a smartphone , or any source gimmick that can connect via Bluetooth or USB - hundred audio . Still , as a manner to enjoy the many charms of wired headphone / IEM listening , this lilliputian $ 60 dongle has everything you need , including dual phone jacks ( 3.5 mm unbalanced and 4.4 mm balanced ) .

Once you initiate playback on your headphone , microcomputer , or other twist , the Retro Nano ’s side button can be used to play / intermission , track skip , and adjust the volume . There ’s also a built - in mic so you’re able to take claim even if yourheadphonesor IEMs lack a mic of their own .

For Bluetooth connections , the Retro Nano is surprisingly well - equipped codec - wise . In addition to the usual SBC and AAC , you’re able to chooseLDAC , or any aptXflavor except aptX Lossless ( arrogate your root twist is compatible ) . These eminent bandwidth options should give you better result when playinglossless informant of musiclike Apple Music , Amazon Music , or Tidal , but they believably wo n’t do much for Spotify .

But you ’ll get the most out of the Retro Nano by connect it via USB - C. That way you ’ll get act - stark decipherment of PCM up to 24 - bit/96kHz , via the twofold Cirrus CS43131 DACs with incorporate amps . For more control over the sound , you may access EQ preferences via the Fiio app , or via the dongle ’s own connection interface .

When using the dongle in USB mode , you could skip the rechargeable assault and battery , build the Retro Nano even lighter . Just keep in judgement that though the include battery may look like a received AAA cell , it is n’t , and you wo n’t be able to use one or else . However , with up to 7.5 hours on a undivided charge , the need to attain for an alkaline believably wo n’t happen often .

you’re able to purchase the Retro Nano right now in two color ( aristocratic or white)from Amazon . You get the Retro Nano , the electric battery , a USB - C to USB - nose candy cable system , a lanyard , and a portable battery case .

If you like the retro - cheer aim of the Retro Nano but require a more sophisticated and capable DAC / amp , tick out Fiio ’s KA15 — it ’s little than the Nano , yet has the same spinning - tape invigoration , and stick out more digital sound recording formats , including DSD .

Of naturally if you need an actual , tape - playing portable , Fiio has you cover there , too .