With its rich, analogue sound and sleek style, the FIIO CP13 gives you the perfect excuse to dust down your cassette tape collection, or start hunting the shops for ‘new’ ones.

A classic made modern
Back in the 1980s and early ‘90s, portable cassette players were a mainstay product here at Richer Sounds. With the odd exception, the format fell out of favour, replaced first by portable CD, then MP3 players and the iPod and finally by the ubiquitous smartphone. Now, thanks to the time, money and passion lavished by senior FIIO executives, the portable cassette player is back once more, with the FIIO CP13. And, with its transparent lid, this one is funkier than ever.

More than just a retro novelty
With its meticulously designed electronics and quality components, the CP13 is designed for top quality sound rather than simple nostalgia. Using an oversized, copper flywheel and high voltage motor, FIIO have reduced the infamous wow & flutter to the lowest levels possible, giving improved pitch stability. The cassette head has been carefully selected, with just 40% of those produced making it through to FIIO’s product.

Smooth, analogue sound
Continuing the high quality, analogue sound theme, the CP1 uses a classic electrical component. Known as the “King of op-amps,” this device helps give the CP13 its rich and mellifluous sound. Connect your choice of wired headphones (there’s no Bluetooth here) via the 3.5mm socket and be transported back to the days of mixtapes and single-digit Now That’s What I Call Music™!

Easy control
Just like portable cassette players of the past, the controls are simple. Play, stop, rewind, fast forward and volume pretty much cover it. A nice contemporary touch is the knurled metal volume dial (similar to those used by FIIO’s Hi-Res portables and so much nicer to use than the fiddly plastic sliders of portables of old.

Modern battery technology for longer lasting playback
Since the dawn of the first Walkman™, battery technology has moved on by leaps and bounds. With the CP13, there’s no need for a constant supply of AA batteries. Instead, the player uses a rechargeable lithium battery, with a USB charging point. Once charged, you get up to 13 hours of continuous playback and an incredible 268 days of standby time!

Get a clear view of your tapes
Featuring a transparent lid, you get a clear view of your cassette, letting you see precisely how much tape is left to play. You also get to watch the intricate mechanism spring into live, making you feel more connected with the music’s playback. The aluminium chassis and back panel don’t just look good but they also help reduce the player’s weight, too. The player’s ‘face’ is little larger than a cassette itself and the depth is under 32mm, making it easier than most old school portables to pop in your pocket.

Enjoy the warm analogue sound of cassette once more, with the FIIO CP13.