With the Snowsky Echo Nano, FiiO is launching a compact hi-res MP3 player that strongly resembles Sony’s Network Walkman from the 2000s. For 55 euros, you get a Cirrus Logic DAC, DSD256 playback, and a USB DAC function all packed into a case the size of a lighter. The player is now available in green, pink, sky blue, and white.
Key Features at a Glance
- Compact Hi-Res MP3 player from FiiO’s budget brand Snowsky, featuring a retro design in the style of the Sony Network Walkman
- Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC, Sony Hi-Res Audio certified, DSD256, and FLAC/WAV/APE up to 192 kHz/24-bit
- Can also be used as an external USB sound card for PCs, smartphones, tablets, and consoles
- German list price: 55 euros in the official FiiO store
Designed in the style of the Sony Network Walkman
The Echo Nano measures just 83.5 x 23 x 14 mm and weighs 33.5 grams. FiiO CNC-mills the housing from an aluminum-magnesium alloy, which is intended to give this tiny device a premium feel. At one end is a protected metal scroll wheel that lets you control the volume, power on/off, and wake up the display with one hand. At the other end, you’ll find the 3.5-mm headphone jack.
On the side, FiiO has installed a 0.91-inch OLED display that shows track information and lyrics. This design is deliberately reminiscent of Sony’s Network Walkman series, the NW-S600 and NW-S700F, from 2006—only with modern technology inside.
Cirrus Logic DAC and Hi-Res Formats
At its heart is the Cirrus Logic CS43131 MasterHIFI D/A converter. This means the Echo Nano is Sony Hi-Res Audio certified and delivers 32 mW per channel at 32 ohms via the 3.5-mm jack. According to FiiO, the total harmonic distortion is less than 0.0003 percent, and the signal-to-noise ratio exceeds 129 dB. You can load music onto the player via a microSD card with up to 256 GB of storage. Via USB, the device can also be used as an external sound card with computers, smartphones, tablets, and consoles that support UAC.
| Specifications | FiiO Snowsky Echo Nano |
|---|---|
| DAC | Cirrus Logic CS43131 MasterHIFI |
| Dimensions / Weight | 83.5 x 23 x 14 mm / 33.5 g |
| Display | 0.91-inch OLED (side-mounted) |
| Formats | MP3, M4A, OGG, DSD256, WAV/FLAC/APE up to 192 kHz/24-bit |
| Output power | 32 mW per channel (32 ohms) |
| THD / SNR | < 0.0003% / > 129 dB |
| Storage | microSD up to 256 GB |
| Battery / Runtime | 360 mAh / up to 7 hours |
| Connections | 3.5-mm jack, USB (UAC / USB-DAC) |
| Price | 55 euros |
Price and Availability
The FiiO Snowsky Echo Nano is listed at a suggested retail price of 55 euros in the official FiiO store. In the U.S., the player is priced at $49.99. The model hasn’t appeared on Amazon.de yet—you can check availability here. If you’re also looking for compatible headphones, check out our guides for the best open-ear headphones and an overview of TWS in-ear headphones we’ve tested.
Frequently Asked Questions About the FiiO Snowsky Echo Nano
How much does the FiiO Snowsky Echo Nano cost?
The German list price is 55 euros; in the U.S., the player starts at $49.99.
What file formats does the Echo Nano support?
The player supports MP3, M4A, OGG, and DSD256, as well as WAV, FLAC, and APE at up to 192 kHz and 24-bit resolution.
Can the Echo Nano be used as a USB DAC?
Yes. Via USB, it functions as an external sound card for PCs, smartphones, tablets, or consoles with UAC support.
Overview
The Echo Nano strikes a chord: retro styling, true hi-res technology, and a price that’s easy on the wallet. For anyone who wants to take the strain off their smartphone while exercising or commuting and values clean sound, this little FiiO is a charming secondary player. However, the 7-hour battery life and lack of Bluetooth support do limit its appeal—those who want to listen wirelessly are better off choosing one of the Snowsky models with wireless connectivity.
