FiiO M33 R2R portable DAP with 24-bit R2R DAC, Android 13 and strong amplification. Great for streaming, IEMs and headphones. Read more.
The FiiO M33 R2R is a portable digital audio player built for listeners who want one device that makes sense in more than one place. It sits neatly between the M21 and the powerhouse M27, and it follows the M23 with a clear step forward in platform speed, usability and overall maturity. The idea is simple: a carry-friendly DAP that still feels serious when you slow down and actually focus on an album, not just background playback.
At the center is FiiO’s fully differential 24-bit R2R DAC architecture. Rather than a delta-sigma chip approach, the M33 uses a resistor-ladder design aimed at natural timing, coherent dynamics and a calmer presentation without forcing a “colored” sound. A discrete, multi-stage analog amplifier section with quality Texas Instruments components helps keep the output clean and composed. Use the balanced output for more demanding headphones, or pair it with sensitive IEMs and keep the presentation controlled and quiet.
With a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 running Android 13, everyday use is straightforward: install streaming services, swap apps, and keep playback stable without the “DAP lag” some players suffer from. The M33 also doubles as a serious source component thanks to its desktop mode and digital outputs, and it can serve as a USB DAC for a computer-based setup. Add system-wide DSP tools like parametric EQ when needed, or go bit-perfect when you don’t. If you like the concept of one device, multiple roles, the M33’s Retro Box compatibility makes that upgrade path feel genuinely practical.
