FiiO CP15

I don't know much about FiiO, I just assume Willson is the guy in charge of their retro stuff, like their turntable, fm radio, CD players, cassette players etc...

Talking about willson, he just confirmed to me on twitter it will have type 4 EQ :O

 

I’m embarrassed to say that I don’t know what a type 4 EQ is. Would you mind explaining it to me lol.

 

GPT says type 4 EQ is a metal tape setting. Is that what you’re referring to? if so, it’s good in that it signals a generally higher-end device. Problem for me is - in 45+ years I’ve never owned a single metal tape.
Seems NOS metal tapes are getting a little more scarce and pricier these days. Would be great to see a manufacturer set up and make them again at a reasonable price. I’d be all over that!

 

It's not just for metal tapes, it's also for chrome tapes, they use the same EQ on playback.

And yeah I am 25 but my hearing was permanently damaged due to constant ear infections when I was little, I cannot hear past 15khz

 

Heya all,

am an active user of Fiio CP13. The thing has got its problems - only playing well when layed down on a flat surface (as the tape mices quite a bit inside), and auto stop quit working after roughly two weeks of use But I love it, sound us great for my non audiophile ears

anybody has any news on the CP15? Are the Fiio representatives active on this forums? Really looking forward for this to be released..

 

Yeah, that´s sad. I mean - truth is that they got quite beaten on one of the other forums for their lack of proper support on CD player they sell On the other hand - with cassettes we all know the available components are very limited nowadays and at least for me I am really enjoying the CP13 even with its apparently present flaws...

 

I have that same issue with mine. Laying it flat vs on its side affects sound quality. Overall I am happy with it and looking forward to the CP-15 when it’s released.

 

Usually, when the sound quality changes at different positions, it's because the flywheel and capstan shaft's pivot bearing isn't adjusted axially tight enough or has too much play. This causes the tape's position on the playback head to change as the shaft shifts in the bearing. No idea if that also applies to this player, I'll only find out when it's vintage

 

It sounded good, until it didn’t.

I’ve been enjoying my FIIO CP-13. So much so, I wanted an actual working vintage personal cassette player. The Sony’s go for crazy money, so I bought a lower mid-end GE 3-5477, manufactured in 1989. I had terribly low expectations. By the late 80’s a lot of boomboxes and Walkmans were crap.
The difference in sound quality between the GE and the FIIO is night and day. The GE sounds full, rich, and punchy, with great separation and imaging. Sade recorded on a TDK type II tape was spectacular.
As for the FIIO with the same audio cassette - the music was thin, recessed, and lacked clarity, separation and imaging. In a vacuum, I thought the FIIO sounded pretty good. After hearing the GE, I’m feeling a little deflated lol. In 1989 the GE cost about $40. In 2025 money, that’s about $100US. For comparison, I paid $90 for the FIIO.
Anyone interested in a slightly used CP-13? [joking]

 

Wow, the GE of yours also looks great!

Yes, CP13 is definitely not as good as well working vintage unit. But it still brings me back to times when I still had hair on my head

 

Believe it or not, I still like the FIIO. It’s not that it sounds terrible, it’s just that the GE sounds so much better. The FIIO affords worry free listening because it’s brand new, and that in itself makes with worth keeping and enjoying.

 

Have heard from Fiio that they are hoping for an April 2026 release for the CP15, if all goes well. Fingers crossed! I find my CP13 sounds fine but is lacking in bass for anything which is heavy on that.
My 80s mixtape and crooners mixtape sound great on it, but my heavier rock mixes (yep, i have an eclectic taste) lack depth.
I am really exciting for the CP15 release - love that a modern manufacturer are trying to make improved hardware - tapes are so tactile and fun to work with.

 

I really do hope they get it right, or at least much better, this time around with their CP15. Not necessarily because I will get one... but it's just nice somehow to see a decent modern cassette "walkman" released.

 

Good news thay are still working on the new player! Wish them good luck and will definitely grab at least one as soon as they start selling it!

 

Is the rumor that the Fiio cp15 is being released next month in some countries true?

 

I certainly hope so! Haven’t heard, but they did mention a Spring 2026 release, so could make sense….

 

As per CHAT GPT:

There are rumors online about the FiiO CP15, but nothing officially confirmed yet from FiiO themselves:
What people are saying

• Some hobbyist threads and social posts mention hopes or speculation that the CP15 cassette player might begin appearing in late 2025 or early 2026 in some regions, with a few comments pointing to rumors of availability around early December or even into 2026.
• One Reddit thread explicitly says people have heard from others that some releases could happen — e.g., “Some country at the beginning of Dec. like American, Germany, Etc” — but this is unverified community chatter, not an official announcement.
• There are reports that the CP15 is delayed and might instead target a 2026 release, with speculation among enthusiasts that April 2026 could be a goal.

What isn’t confirmed

• FiiO has not publicly announced an official release date for the CP15 on their website or in press releases as of the latest product listings.
• There are no official press statements naming exact dates for country-specific launches next month.

Bottom line

It’s a rumor at this stage.

Community postings suggest enthusiasts expect the CP15 sometime around late 2025 or early 2026, but that’s based on discussion and speculation, not a confirmed schedule from FiiO.

 

I hope they didn't cancel it because I would love a new good quality Cassette player/recorder to record audio with. Cassettes are still perfect for recording audio if you could get a hold of a good quality recorder because if your not satisfied with your recording you made on Cassette. You can simply splice the tape, and try again instead of deleting a entire file.

 

[QUOTE="Jam_On_ItFiiO has not publicly announced an official release date for the CP15 on their website or in press releases as of the latest product listings.[/QUOTE] Fiio Wilson confirmed on X that the cp15 is coming out in May of this year. If it's actually good, it will be going on my Christmas 2026 wish list. Looking forward to VWestlife's review of it.