Published On: January 23, 2025

The FiiO Snowsky Retro Nano Is a Tiny Retro Gadget That Looks Like a Walkman — But Does So Much More!

Published On: January 23, 2025
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The FiiO Snowsky Retro Nano Is a Tiny Retro Gadget That Looks Like a Walkman — But Does So Much More!

Inspired by the cassette players of the ‘90s, the FiiO Snowsky Retro Nano delivers modern sound in an ultra-portable, nostalgic package.

The FiiO Snowsky Retro Nano Is a Tiny Retro Gadget That Looks Like a Walkman — But Does So Much More!

FiiO has introduced the Snowsky Retro Nano—a tiny, retro-styled audio device that brings high-quality sound to your fingertips. With nods to the cassette players of the ‘90s, this portable gadget isn’t just about looks. It’s a versatile headphone amplifier and DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) that aims to improve your listening experience, whether you’re an audiophile or just someone who appreciates good sound on the go.

The Snowsky Retro Nano's design takes direct inspiration from 1990s cassette players, complete with physical buttons and a small 0.96-inch TFT display that mimics the movement of a cassette tape when a song is played. It’s a fun, nostalgic detail that adds a bit of charm to the device.

But while the design screams retro, the size is anything but. Measuring just 55.1 x 37.5 x 13.7mm and weighing a mere 28 grams (including the battery), it’s smaller than a credit card and light enough to carry in your pocket or on a lanyard. Whether it’s for travel or daily use, the Snowsky Retro Nano is effortlessly portable.

Snowsky Retro Nano with removable and rechargeable battery.

However, don’t let its playful design fool you—this device is all about modern audio performance. Inside, the Snowsky Retro Nano features two CS43131 DAC chips, allowing it to process music at up to 16-bit/96kHz. This means it can deliver crisp, detailed sound far beyond what most smartphones or laptops can manage.

The device has two headphone outputs: a standard 3.5mm jack and a balanced 4.4mm output for audiophiles who want to use high-end headphones. With its high-power amplification and a high-gain mode, the Nano can handle everything from basic in-ear headphones to demanding over-ear models.

Prefer to go wireless? The Retro Nano has you covered with Bluetooth 5.1 and support for advanced codecs like aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, and LDAC. These enable high-resolution audio streaming from compatible devices, ensuring you don’t have to compromise quality when you ditch the wires. It can also connect to your laptop or desktop via USB-C, acting as a DAC and amplifier to improve your computer’s sound quality.

Snowsky Retro Nano in two different colors, blue and white.

The Snowsky Retro Nano isn’t just about playing music—it’s designed to be a daily audio tool. For those who love their wired headphones but want the freedom of wireless, the Nano acts as a Bluetooth amplifier, letting you add playback controls and improve sound quality.

Physical buttons on the device allow you to adjust the volume, skip tracks, and navigate menus without fiddling with your phone. It even includes a built-in microphone, so you can make and take calls when paired with your smartphone.

The FiiO Control app—available for both iOS and Android—adds another layer of convenience. Through the app, you can customize settings and control the device seamlessly, making it an easy extension of your smartphone or tablet.

Snowsky Retro Nano in hand.

Another standout feature of the Snowsky Retro Nano is its removable 3.7v 10440 battery, which can be recharged using a USB-C cable. The replaceable design is a thoughtful touch, ensuring the device can be used for years without worrying about battery degradation.

Even with the battery installed, the device is incredibly lightweight, making it ideal for commuters, travelers, or anyone wanting portable, high-quality sound. The combination of Bluetooth connectivity, wired DAC functionality, and dual headphone outputs means the Retro Nano is ready to handle almost any audio scenario.

Technical Specifications:

  • DAC: CS43131 x 2.
  • USB/Bluetooth chipset: QCC5125.
  • Color: Blue/White.
  • Volume control: Physical button.
  • Weight: 28.3g (with battery).
  • Dimensions: 55.1 x 37.5 x 13.7mm.
  • Driver-free mode (switch mode): Yes.
  • Microphone function: Supports Bluetooth voice calls, built-in omnidirectional microphone and supports in-line control for CTIA mic.
  • Channel balance: < 0.2dB.
  • Gain levels: L/H
  • Bluetooth codecs: AAC/SBC/aptX/aptX LL/aptX Adaptive/aptX HD/LDAC
  • Display: 0.96-inch TFT (80 x 160) bezel-less display.
  • Firmware upgrade: OTA upgrade, via FiiO Control.
  • Adaptive impedance
  • Max supported sampling: PCM: Up to 96kHz/16-bit.

The Snowsky Retro Nano is available now at Amazon for $59.99 in two different colors, blue and white.

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