GADGETS | FiiO expands lineup with new headphones, Bluetooth receiver, and portable CD player
Source: FiiO
FiiO has completed 2025 in expanding a broad set of releases aimed at budget-minded audio fans who want higher-quality listening without premium-tier spending. The lineup includes two new Jade Audio headphones — the planar magnetic JT7 and the dynamic JT3 — a new BR15 desktop Bluetooth receiver, and the DM15 R2R portable CD player. Each product targets a different segment of the hi-fi chain, from mobile listening to full desktop setups.
Jade Audio JT7: Entry-level Planar magnetic headphones
FiiO’s Jade Audio JT7 is positioned as an accessible entry point into planar magnetic headphones, a category that traditionally sits in the higher-priced tier of consumer audio. The JT7 is an open-back design built around a 95 × 86 mm planar driver developed in-house. The company uses a push-pull magnet structure with symmetrical magnets to reduce distortion and improve driver control — an uncommon engineering approach at this price class.
A notable addition is the FiiO Elastic System (F.E.S.), an embossed diaphragm pattern designed to increase diaphragm excursion and enhance low-frequency response. Combined with the inherent speed of planar drivers, this aims to deliver a blend of clarity and bass extension not often found in the lower price bracket.
Weighing 318 g, the JT7 remains relatively lightweight for a planar model. It includes interchangeable pads, a removable headband cushion, and both 3.5 mm single-ended and 4.4 mm balanced cables. FiiO positions the JT7 as a partner device for its M21 music player, but the headphone’s impedance and sensitivity suggest compatibility with most modern amplifiers and dongles.
Price: $119.99 (₱7,090)
The JT7 is available globally now.
Jade Audio JT3: Affordable open-back dynamic headphones
The Jade Audio JT3 open-back headphones follow the same philosophy as the JT7: prioritizing acoustic engineering over external accessories. The unit uses a 50 mm PEK + PU composite diaphragm dynamic driver paired with a CCAW voice coil, aiming for responsive bass and clear midrange performance. A brass damping ring is added to further reduce distortion and improve detail retrieval.
With a lightweight 330 g frame, velvet pads, and magnesium-aluminum alloy grilles, the JT3 is designed for long listening sessions without excessive clamping force. Dual 3.5 mm connectors allow for cable upgrades or replacements, mirroring the approach used in more expensive headphones.
The JT3 is positioned as an entry-level open-back option for listeners who want a wider soundstage without moving into the costlier planar category. It is marketed as a companion to the FiiO JM21 music player.
Price: $76.99 (₱4,550)
The JT3 is available now.
BR15: Desktop Bluetooth receiver with 24-Bit R2R DAC
As wireless audio adoption increases, FiiO is introducing the BR15, a compact Bluetooth receiver designed for home or desktop systems. It uses Qualcomm’s QCC5181 Bluetooth 5.4 chipset, supporting newer high-resolution codecs such as aptX Lossless and LDAC. The goal is to reduce the common fidelity loss associated with wireless streaming.
The BR15 integrates a fully differential 24-bit R2R DAC, built from precision resistor arrays, to provide what FiiO describes as a more natural tonal character compared with standard delta-sigma DACs. Users can connect devices via Bluetooth, USB (front and rear), or SPDIF, with output routed through two RCA pairs or a balanced XLR port.
FiiO also includes a 10-band parametric EQ accessible through its control app on computers and smartphones. This gives users systemwide tuning capability across amplifiers, active speakers, or headphone setups. A built-in power supply and remote control make the BR15 more aligned with desktop hi-fi components than typical Bluetooth dongles.
FiiO positions the BR15 as an upgrade path for listeners using traditional speaker systems that lack modern wireless inputs.
Price: TBA
DM15 R2R: Portable CD player
FiiO continues its revival of portable CD hardware with the DM15 R2R, an upgraded successor to the DM13. While CD players have largely disappeared from mainstream electronics, niche demand has grown among collectors, hi-fi enthusiasts, and users who prefer physical media. The DM15 R2R attempts to bridge legacy CD playback with modern wireless and USB audio.
The device integrates five primary components: a CD servo, USB DAC, R2R module, Bluetooth transmitter, and an MCU that coordinates playback functions. Output power is significantly increased from the previous generation — 310 mW (single-ended) and 1150 mW (balanced) — allowing the unit to drive more demanding headphones directly.
At its core is a custom 24-bit, four-channel R2R DAC built from 192 precision resistors with tight tolerances. The design is intended to reproduce the tonal qualities associated with older hi-fi systems while still supporting modern high-resolution audio.
Additional features include USB DAC mode with support for PCM 384 kHz/32-bit and native DSD256; Bluetooth transmitter with modern codecs; bass modes and EQ presets including a “Retro” tuning; CD ripping to WAV; and a 7-hour battery with anti-skip ESP support.
Price: $249 (₱14,710)
The DM15 R2R launches in Silver and Red first, with Black and White arriving later in December 2025.
We Are Rewind WE-001 Duran Duran Edition: A modern cassette revival
Cassette culture continues to see renewed interest, and We Are Rewind is adding a special collaboration to the trend. The WE-001 Duran Duran Special Edition pairs a limited-edition cassette player with a newly issued cassette version of the band’s 2000 album “Pop Trash.” The design incorporates chrome and metallic visual elements consistent with the band’s aesthetic.
The WE-001 includes a dedicated cassette-focused headphone amplifier, aluminum chassis, Bluetooth output for wireless listening, and USB-C recharging rated for up to 12 hours. The device can also record from powered microphones or line-in sources, enabling users to create new analog mixtapes — a feature missing from many retro revival players.
Price: $199 (₱11,740)
The limited edition is available through We Are Rewind’s online store.
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