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The cassette revival continues apace with the launch of FiiO’s CP13 tape player. The company says that the entirety of the CP13’s audio circuit uses analogue devices – from the magnetic tape head all the way through to the signal amplification – with a motor powered by a high-voltage 4.2V power supply: “more than the 1.8V or 3V typically found in portable cassette players. The power supply works in tandem with a custom motor speed stabilisation circuit, increasing the drag on the motor necessary to ensure stable movement speeds – which mitigates unwanted pitch changes and also allows the CP13 to be able to handle more cassette tape types.”

Unlike the single-ended signal acquisition typically found in current cassette players, the CP13 employs a differential circuit for balanced acquisition of signals from the custom head in a bid to ensure more stable signal transmission, higher signal-to-noise ratio and lower distortion.

The CP13 weighs 310g, measures 120 x 88.3 x 31.8mm (WxHxD), which FiiO says makes it: “thinner and more compact than most portable cassette players”. It’s powered by a lithium battery, which can be charged through the USB Type-C port. The battery is lighter than original AA batteries in previous players and is claimed to last for 13 hours per charge.

Available to buy now for £100, you can find out more about the Rega Nd5 here.