FiiO and Shanling DAP prices are increasing

FiiO and Shanling have announced that they will increase the prices of their Digital Audio Players (DAPs). The reason for this decision is the same one stated by Hiby in December 2025, as reported by Hi-Fi Hub. The semiconductor industry has experienced significant fluctuations in its parts inventory, leading to increased production costs for various electronic products. The culprits behind this are artificial intelligence data centers.

FiiO and Shanling DAPs to undergo price increases

At the end of last year, FiiO initially absorbed the increase in memory chip costs, as reported by Hi-Fi Hub. However, the Chinese DAP manufacturer has now reached its limit and announced price increases for the DISC, JM21, M21, and M33 models.

At the same time as FiiO’s announcement, Shanling issued a statement regarding its most recent release, the M3 Plus Master. The company launched its new DAP for 2,998 yuan (about US$435) in mainland China, but in the international market it will cost US$559. The reason is the same as that stated by its competitor.

FiiO to increase the price of multiple DAPs starting in April

On March 25 (China Standard Time), FiiO published an official statement on its website, stating:

“Since last year, the global semiconductor industry has been experiencing ongoing fluctuations in the supply chain. In particular, the cost of memory chips has continued to rise sharply, significantly exceeding our company’s capacity. To continue providing stable and reliable products and services, we have decided, after careful evaluation, to adjust the retail prices of certain released products.”

FiiO’s founder and CEO, James Chung, told Hi-Fi Hub that in 2025 the company absorbed the increase in chip costs. However, he stated that if prices continued to rise, the company would increase the prices of its DAPs.

“We have already internally absorbed the increase in memory chip prices, taking into account user affordability. However, if prices continue to rise, we will have no choice but to increase our supply prices. If distributors are unable to absorb this increase, it will ultimately result in higher retail prices for end consumers.”

According to the FiiO statement, starting April 1, 2026, the suggested retail price in the international market will change. Below are the new prices for the DAPs.

• Snowsky DISC: USD 89.99 (international) / EUR 97.99 (EU) / GBP 86.99 (UK) / USD 97.99 (USA)
• FiiO JM21: USD 239.99 (international) / EUR 259.99 (EU) / GBP 219.99 (UK) / USD 259.99 (USA)
• FiiO M21: USD 339.99 (international) / EUR 369.99 (EU) / GBP 319.99 (UK) / USD 369.99 (USA)
• FiiO M33: USD 639.99 (international) / EUR 699.99 (EU) / GBP 599.99 (UK) / USD 699.99 (USA)

Shanling to launch the M3 Plus Master at a higher price in the international market

The Shanling M3 Plus Master was launched in mainland China on March 23 and is expected to reach the international market by the end of the month. However, pricing differences will apply.

While in China the M3 Plus Master will be sold for 2,998 yuan (approximately US$435), its international price will be US$559 and €599 for the European Union. According to Shanling, the reason for this is “the cost of memory components” which “has been driven to new levels” due to the expansion and construction of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers.

The original M3 Plus entered the market at USD 469 and, at the time of writing, can be found on AliExpress for approximately USD 393. This value is likely to change at the beginning of April, as will the DAPs from FiiO.