The enduring appeal of vintage audio equipment is unmistakable. Recently, a user on the MySKU forum delved into a detailed comparison between the modern Fiio CP13 portable cassette player and the classic Sanyo M4440 from the 1980s. The results? Quite eye-opening, especially for the staunch supporters of Chi-Fi (Chinese Hi-Fi).
The review begins by questioning some bold claims made by Fiio’s marketing team. For instance, the CP13 boasts of a “high-voltage 4.2 V power supply,” supposedly a benefit for consumers. However, when considering that the revered Sony WM-10 functions perfectly with just a 1.5 V supply, one wonders if the extra volts genuinely enhance the performance. Both the Sanyo and Fiio units feature a single motor, making this comparison quite intriguing.
Next, the reviewer evaluates the haptics and controls. The Sanyo M4440 impressively features essential buttons like Play, Stop, Forward, and Rewind. Additionally, it offers controls for pitch, volume, treble (vital for various cassette types), and L/R balance. Even the Stop button doubles as an Eject button. The controls are described as intuitive and comfortable to use. In contrast, the Fiio CP13 falls short, lacking a channel balance adjustment and treble control. The volume knob is criticized for protruding excessively, making it cumbersome for daily use. Furthermore, the design choice of a red Play button is considered counter-intuitive, given that red is typically associated with the Record function. Also, popping open the cassette compartment requires using nails, which isn’t ideal. The overall design prioritizes aesthetics, but the buttons are stiff, noisy, and the angular case isn’t ergonomically friendly.
When it comes to sound, the Fiio CP13 misses a “track search” mode, a feature present in the Sanyo player. The Sanyo M4440 is much quieter in operation compared to the Fiio, which generates noticeable mechanical noise during playback.
For sound comparison, the review includes the Technics RS-M24 full-size cassette player, known for its superior sound quality and a quieter mechanism. Using ATH-M50xBT2 headphones, the Fiio CP13 underperforms in the bass department and overemphasizes the treble. Both Type 1 and Type 2 cassettes sound almost indistinguishable on the Fiio. On the other hand, the Sanyo M4440 provides richer bass and allows treble adjustments, making finer audio details more discernible. Unsurprisingly, the Technics RS-M24 excels with a balanced sound profile and no apparent deficiencies.
The final part of the review tests the frequency response range of each player using various audio signal frequencies. The Fiio CP13’s performance leaves much to be desired. Surprisingly, the reviewer still appreciates the sound quality of most digital products from Fiio despite the shortcomings of the CP13.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the playback speed and frequency response range for each player:
Fiio CP13: Playback speed: -0.8%, Frequency response: 70 to 11,000 Hz
Technics RS-M24: Playback speed: -1.4%, Frequency response: 40 to 14,000 Hz
Sanyo M4440: Playback speed: +0.5%, Frequency response: 60 to 12,000 Hz
As the age-old adage goes, sometimes older really is better. The Sanyo M4440 proves that, despite being over four decades old, it still holds its ground against modern competitors.
