iRiver Mini One (iMP20) desktop CD player launches

The iRiver Mini One (iMP20) was launched internationally on July 7. Developed by Dreamus (formerly iRiver), this desktop CD player draws inspiration from the iRiver AK RIPPER MKII, a model released under the Astell&Kern brand. Its key features include an all-metal chassis, a JVC Kenwood optical pickup, a professional Samsung servo circuit, and an uncompressed Electronic Shock Protection (ESP) system. Below are the full details of iRiver’s latest release.

Mini One (iMP20) features a minimalist all-metal design and versatile connectivity

The Mini One (iMP20) features a fully metal chassis with minimalist physical buttons and a compact front display. The CD player can also be operated via the included remote control, which enables Bluetooth transmission mode. System operation is smooth and responsive thanks to a 32-bit ARM-based MCU (Microcontroller Unit).

Wired connections are located on the rear panel

The rear panel of the Mini One (iMP20) provides both digital and analog outputs. Users can connect the player to external DACs through TOSLINK optical and coaxial digital outputs. In addition, it includes RCA and XLR line outputs, along with 3.5 mm single-ended and 4.4 mm balanced headphone outputs.

Sound tuning by the KMIDO Acoustic Team

iRiver has an in-house acoustic engineering division called KMIDO, founded in 2023. The multidisciplinary team includes recording engineers, acoustic tuning engineers, electronics engineers, and mechanical engineers.

The tuning process for the Mini One (iMP20) took nearly one year to complete. The goal was to recreate the sound signature of flagship Japanese CD players from the 1990s. According to KMIDO, the target sound was:

“A wide and natural soundstage, expressive and engaging mids, and bass that is present yet balanced, without excess.”

Designed with an uncompressed ESP system

Conventional automotive CD players typically apply data compression after reading audio from a CD. Their Electronic Shock Protection (ESP) systems generally rely on compressed pre-buffering to prevent playback interruptions caused by vehicle vibrations and impacts.

Although the Mini One (iMP20) is a desktop CD player, it was engineered to support mobile use as well. It is powered via USB-C and requires only a 5 V / 2 A wall charger or power bank. To preserve audio quality under these conditions, iRiver developed an uncompressed ESP implementation.

In iRiver’s proprietary ESP system, audio data is buffered without any format conversion or bitrate compression, preventing the sound quality degradation typically associated with compressed anti-shock systems.

JVC Kenwood optical pickup and Samsung servo circuit

To ensure accurate CD reading, the Mini One (iMP20) combines a JVC Kenwood automotive-grade optical pickup with a dedicated mechanical shock-absorption structure.

It also incorporates a Samsung professional servo circuit based on the TAMUL S5L8035X01-T081U chip, providing highly accurate optical tracking and disc reading performance.

Supports Bluetooth transmission today and Bluetooth reception in the future

Powered by the Qualcomm QCC3095 Bluetooth chipset, the Mini One (iMP20) currently supports Bluetooth transmission (TX), allowing users to connect wireless headphones and Bluetooth speakers.

iRiver also plans to introduce Bluetooth receiver (RX) functionality through a future firmware update. Once available, users will be able to stream music from smartphones directly to the player. This feature is especially useful for listeners who want to use the Mini One as a complete desktop audio system, taking advantage of its built-in headphone outputs and RCA/XLR line outputs.

Physical Buttons and Connections

To better understand the layout of the physical buttons and input/output connections on the iRiver Mini One (iMP20), refer to the image below.

Mini One remote control

The included remote control allows users to control playback, adjust volume, and activate Bluetooth mode, among other functions. The image below illustrates the function of each button.

iRiver Mini One (iMP20): Specifications

• Bluetooth chipset: Qualcomm QCC3095
• Compatible disc formats: HDCD, MQA-CD, and standard audio CDs
• DAC chips: Dual Cirrus Logic CS43131
• Digital outputs: Coaxial and TOSLINK optical
• Dimensions: 160 × 44.5 × 160 mm (W × H × D)
• Headphone outputs: 3.5 mm single-ended (SE) and 4.4 mm balanced
• Included accessories: USB-C cable, remote control, and screen protector
• Line outputs: RCA and XLR
• Optical pickup: JVC Kenwood automotive-grade optical pickup
• Power consumption: 4 W
• Power supply: 5 V / 2 A via USB-C
• Servo circuit: Samsung professional servo with TAMUL S5L8035X01-T081U
• Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR): 110 dB
• THD+N: 0.001%
• Weight: 978 g

Release, price, and availability

The iRiver Mini One (iMP20) is now available internationally for US$359.10 through the official iRiver store on AliExpress.

About iRiver

Founded in 1999 as ReignCom, Dreamus (formerly iRiver) was established by Duk-Jun Yang, Rae-Hwan Lee, and five former Samsung colleagues. The company owns brands including IRIVER, Astell&Kern, ACTIVO, and KMIDO, all of which develop high-fidelity audio products. Under the iRiver, Astell&Kern, and ACTIVO brands, the company has released numerous Digital Audio Players (DAPs), commonly referred to as MP3 players.

Dreamus has not operated as an independent company for many years. Today, it is a subsidiary of SK Square, which holds a 51.4% ownership stake. SK Square is itself part of SK Inc., the holding company of the SK Group, South Korea’s second-largest family-controlled conglomerate after Samsung.