€129.00*
Instant delivery, delivery time: 1-3 days
- Ultra-low jitter
- Oversized pure copper flywheel for smooth playback
- Special balanced amplifier head
- 100% pure analogue sound
- Classic audiophile operational amplifier
- JRC5532 High-voltage motor power supply for high synchronisation
- Two-colour aluminium alloy housing
- Long battery life of up to 13 hours
General Specifications | ||||||
Name/Model | CP13 | Hardware solution | op amp: JRC5532 | |||
color | Sky blue/Black and white | Weight | About 310g | |||
Dimensions | About 120x88.3x31.8mm |
| Volume knob | |||
Jitter | ≤ 0.2% | Flywheel | Φ30.4mm oversize pure copper flywheel | |||
Motor |
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Supported cassette types: |
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Adaptive impedance |
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Buttons and Ports | ||||||
Buttons | Physical buttons (Play*1+Rewind*1+Fast ward*1+Pause*1) |
| Type-C USB (charging port) | |||
Headphone output | Standard 3.5mm |
| Volume adjustment knob | |||
Power Supply Parameters | ||||||
Power Supply | Supports DC 5V/≥2A |
| 1800mAh polymer battery | |||
Charging time | About 3H (5V 2A adapter) |
| >268 days | |||
Battery life and test conditions | ||||||
3.5mm headphone out: ≥13 hours | ||||||
Audio input | Native cassette playback | Gain | N/A | |||
Volume | 40mV output | charging switch |
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Loading | 32 Ω | |||||
Audio Parameters | ||||||
Parts of performance and parameters of headphone output (3.5mm) | ||||||
output amplitude | L+R≥250mV+250mV (32Ω) | THD+N & Noise | ≤ 3.5% | |||
Output power 1 | L+R≥1.3mW+1.3mW (16Ω) | SRN | ≥55dB (A-weighted) | |||
Output power 2 | L+R≥2mW+2mW (32Ω) | Noise floor | <0.55mV (A-weighted) |
1.The hardware configuration, parameters and accessories of CP13
1.1 What is the wow and flutter rate?
The wow and flutter rate of most CP13 will be within 0.2%.
But since the core is mechanical, there may be error difference in some CP13. But the wow and flutter rate will not be higher than 0.25%.
1.2 Will a protective case be included?
According to our survey, some users find it inconvenient to use a protective case when changing tapes. Therefore, a protective case will not be included.
You could order the leather protective case if you need it.
1.3 Will headphones be included? What headphone is recommended to use with?
The headphones will not be included. It is recommended to use earbuds like FF1,FF3 and FF5 with the CP13.
1.4 Why not use an electronic control logic core?
The primary reason is that there is no stable supply of electronic control logic cores for portable products in the current supply chain. Electronic control logic cores for portable use have been entirely discontinued, leaving mechanical cores as the more stable option.
1.5 Does CP13 use a mechanical or logic core?
In the current cassette player supply chain, particularly for portable cassette players, only mechanical cores are available, and the choices are very limited. After careful comparison and selection, we had to choose a mechanical core from leading manufacturers to ensure product stability. We also made some customizations and improvements to this core.
1.6 Does CP13's core include a copper flywheel?
Yes.Besides,high-voltage driven motor,customized balanced amplification magnetic head and thickened magnetic head cover are included.
2.1 Design Background of CP13:
Our initial motivation for creating a cassette player was to harness existing technology and develop a device that would be more appealing to younger individuals. However, as our understanding deepened, we discovered challenges in the current cassette player supply chain, with many components no longer available, making it impossible to compare with products from over two decades ago.
Given these circumstances, we had to make choices. Prioritizing stability and overall quality over products mass-produced in recent years seemed more crucial. Thus, CP13, as FiiO's inaugural cassette player, was initiated, designed, and manufactured. On one hand, CP13 serves as a means to test market acceptance; on the other hand, it allows us to accumulate experience for producing more feature-rich and professional cassette players in the future.
2.2 Why isn't there a recording function?
After our investigation, we found that high-quality blank tapes are scarce in the current market, making it challenging for ordinary consumers to record high-quality tapes. Moreover, the performance of currently available recording heads is subpar. Attempting to include a recording function could lead to numerous customer complaints. Therefore, recording functionality is not present in CP13, but it is under consideration for the next product.
2.3 Why isn't Bluetooth included?
There are three main reasons:
Firstly, the Bluetooth solutions used in cassette players with Bluetooth transmitters currently on the market are relatively poor, supporting only the SBC format, which our current users would not approve of.
Secondly, CP13 emphasizes "analog" audio, while Bluetooth operates digitally, lacking the same feel.
Finally, due to inherent limitations in cassette players, introducing Bluetooth transmission would further reduce signal-to-noise ratio, resulting in poor audio quality.
2.4 Why is the product so thick compared to older models?
The primary reason lies in the mechanical core.
Despite our efforts during the design phase to reduce product thickness, even discussions about a 0.1mm reduction could last for an extended period. However, the volume of the core determines the minimum thickness achievable. Currently, among portable cassette players in production, CP13's thickness of 31.8mm is the thinnest.
2.5 Why not use AA batteries?
While alkaline batteries are convenient to replace, their charging and battery life cannot compare to lithium batteries. Using alkaline batteries would prevent the device from achieving a thinner profile and necessitate a battery compartment, diminishing overall aesthetics. For user convenience, CP13 is equipped with a large-capacity built-in lithium battery, utilizing a standard Type-C interface. A single charge provides usage for over ten hours and supports simultaneous charging and use.
2.6 Why doesn't CP13 support Dolby noise reduction?
Dolby noise reduction technology is widely recognized and popular on cassette players, and we would love to support it. However, since the discontinuation of cassette players primarily focused on audio quality, the relevant chips are no longer available. Unfortunately, this makes it impossible for us to offer Dolby noise reduction support.
If we can identify a stable source for bulk supply, we will certainly consider incorporating it into future models. We also welcome any leads or suggestions.
3. Frequently asked questions of CP13
3.1 What classes of tape are supported by the CP13?
Class I, II, III, and IV tapes can be played by the CP13.
It is recommended that to use Class I tapes in CP13.
3.2 What headphones fit the CP13 well?
Comparing with the MP3 or player, the cassette’s noise floor is much larger. It is recommended to use with earbuds like FIIO FF1, FF3 and FF5.
3.3 Why are the buttons so protruding?
This is primarily due to limitations in the structure of the core. The travel distance of the core buttons is already quite long. In comparison to a more aesthetically pleasing appearance, we prioritize addressing issues like button sticking and enhancing the overall button experience. The protrusion of these buttons is almost at the limit of our design.
3.4 The gap between the buttons is rather large?
The core button lever swing is big inside so the swinging of buttons is big after installing as well.
In order to avoid the scratching by aluminum alloy shell , we have increased the gap and added plastic lining inside the machine.
We have made our efforts to control the gaps. If the gaps need to be smaller still, we could only reopen the core mold!
3.5 Why doesn't CP13 support Dolby noise reduction?
Dolby noise reduction technology is widely recognized and popular on cassette players, and we would love to support it. However, since the discontinuation of cassette players primarily focused on audio quality, the relevant chips are no longer available. Unfortunately, this makes it impossible for us to offer Dolby noise reduction support.
If we can identify a stable source for bulk supply, we will certainly consider incorporating it into future models. We also welcome any leads or suggestions.
3.6 The left and right channels imbalanced? (one side is louder than the other)?
In order to pursue full-link analog flavor, the CP13 uses analog potentiometers but not digital potentiometers. Users who have used amplifiers will know that amplifiers will also have this imbalanced problem in left and right channels. One of the main reasons is the analog potentiometer.
The other main reason is the magnetic head. Although we use differential circuit, the imblance is still large. After discovering this problem, we discussed with the supplier of magnetic head many times, and finally persuaded the supplier to select the magnetic head with less imbalance for us. The CP13's magnetic head, in terms of index, is more than twice as strict as the normal magnetic head standard. So its imbalance degree , as well as consistency, is much better than the other mass-produced products.
3.7 The charging indicator does not light up?
The CP13 is hardware-recognized for battery voltage. The battery indicator recognition bases on hardware recognition so there is a zone. When you get the machine for the first time, the machine is fully charged generally. So plugging in the USB cable may not charge it. Please use it for some time before charging.
The specific judgment and condition of charging:
Low battery and power off: ≤ 3.0V ,
Charging: 3.0 ~ 3.89V (red light),
Fully charged: 3.90 ~ 4.2V (green light)
If your CP13 can not be charged or the charging indicator doesn't light, please use 5V 1A adapter for charging. If the issue remains, please contact support@fiio.com for help.
3.8 Attention of case usage
The case contains magnets that may magnetize the cassetteif placed too close. Please keep the cassette away from the magnetized area.
3.9 The button can not be popped up when fast forward or fast reverse to the end?
It is normal phenomenon. The core used in CP13 are having this phenomenon. Besides, most other cores also require to press pause manually when fast forward or fast reverse to the end.
3.10 The tape got caught while playing in CP13?
When playing tapes, the tape may get caught due to dirty pressure wheels or damp tapes. Generally, it is not related to the CP13 itself.
You could try the following methods for help:
1.Check whether there is dirt or moisture on the pressure wheel. If yes, please clean it in time.
2. Check whether the tape is damp, and whether there is adhesion with the pressure wheel during playback
3. Make sure that the CP13 has enough battery and it is not recommended to play tape when CP13 is out of battery.