SYITREN RM1

Most CD players keep the mechanism out of sight. The SYITREN RM1 does the reverse. According to the maker, its double transparent acrylic frame leaves the whole playback mechanism exposed: the rotating disc, the optical pickup reading it, and the small components on the internal board, framed in a way the maker likens to a piece of contemporary art.

Desk or wall

The maker says the frame supports two setups. Attach the included removable legs and the RM1 stands on a desk or shelf. Remove them and mounting holes on the back let it hang on a wall like a picture or poster. A built-in 2000mAh 18650 rechargeable battery is said to deliver about 6-8 hours of continuous playback on a full charge, and it charges over USB-C. The maker presents this as a way to keep power cables from trailing down the wall.

Because CD players are usually designed to lie flat, the RM1 includes what the maker calls an anti-shock playback function. It is intended to keep data reading stable when the unit is vibrated, so minor bumps, such as someone brushing against nearby furniture, should not interrupt playback. Supported media include commercial audio CDs and data CDs holding MP3 or WMA files.

No speakers, no buttons

The RM1 has no built-in speaker. The maker's reasoning is that a speaker would add size and weight to a wall-mounted device. Audio goes out instead over Bluetooth 5.3 to paired headphones or external speakers, or through a 3.5mm AUX jack for wired headphones or an existing audio system. There are also no buttons on the front or sides. Play, stop, track skip and volume are all handled by a dedicated remote, which keeps the frame visually uncluttered.

Set inside the frame is a 12×8-pixel yellow LED matrix display. It shows the track number, elapsed time and volume, along with occasional simple animations.

• Double transparent acrylic frame with an exposed mechanism
• Removable legs for standing use; rear mounting holes for wall hanging
• 2000mAh 18650 battery, about 6-8 hours of playback (maker's figure), USB-C charging
• Anti-shock playback function
• Plays audio CDs and MP3/WMA data CDs
• Bluetooth 5.3 transmission and 3.5mm AUX output; no built-in speaker
• Remote-only control; 12×8-pixel yellow LED matrix display
• In the box: remote, USB-C charging cable, manual, dedicated packaging