TAKE TWO on Sony's 'NEW WALKMAN' (NW-A306 review follow-up)

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ก.พ. 2025
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ความคิดเห็น • 305

  • @Barry101er
    @Barry101er ปีที่แล้ว +10

    That rolling cassette screen gets me every time. If I was minted-I would but it for that!

    • @minusED
      @minusED หลายเดือนก่อน

      You do know there are plenty of apps that do that for you on any platform?

  • @RichardDurishin
    @RichardDurishin ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Oh! My! God! John, a valve amp?! Yay! I'm marking the day.

  • @andrewharper4296
    @andrewharper4296 ปีที่แล้ว +25

    I’m a fairly relaxed individual. I totally get peoples comments who just don’t understand DAP’s and that’s fine. But believe me when you use a nice DAP, with some hi-res files and a nice pair of headphones it’s a great experience. All depends on how seriously you enjoy your music. I took my DAP onto a 7 hour flight recently, just put on the headphones and enjoyed from a selection of 5,000 songs. No need to worry about WiFi, battery, etc. However if you’re phone does it for you, then that’s cool 😊

    • @hiltonhosannah769
      @hiltonhosannah769 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Biggest problem with the DAP market, IMO, is that later-model iPod Classics (5th-gen or later) are still price and feature competitive. A 160GB iPod is still only like $200 or less on the used market. Not to mention, you can mod them to add more storage and change the OS, so it doesn't even matter if you're in the Apple ecosystem.
      I got a 160GB iPod Classic as a 20th birthday present, and it still works: I have it connected to my stereo using Apple's universal dock. So I can't personally see spending any money on a DAP, let alone thousands on the high-end.

    • @mauchkimberly
      @mauchkimberly ปีที่แล้ว

      Agree with Hilton's points. Personally I don't mind listening to music on a phone when it's just acting as background sound. But when I want to listen to good music and pay attention to it, I do like my DAP and nicer headphones for that.
      This guy (in video) likes high end gear. But my DAP is reasonably nice and a huge step up in sound quality from my phone, but it was also a decent price. And my headphones sound way nicer than my cheap earbuds I don't mind losing, but they're not the most expensive or high end by a long shot. It's relative and you can have a better listening experience for a reasonable cost or you can have a different/improved, better listening experience for a more substantial cost. But they're all better than the phone, if that's what you're after.

    • @noah-j00
      @noah-j00 ปีที่แล้ว

      what headphones do you guys recommend ? i can’t splurge too much money but i want to listen to podcast and musics with better earphone or headphone than my airpods .

    • @ratmouth
      @ratmouth 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@hiltonhosannah769I still have a 6th and 7th gen iPod classic. I still hate the click wheel. Always have, always will. They are no longer compatible with my car stereo either. I use a last gen touch for the car. For headphone use, I want something with physical buttons, expandable memory, and a more standard cable than Apple’s 30-pin or Lightning cables.

  • @leealn
    @leealn ปีที่แล้ว +7

    loving the attitude of exploring possibilities, much appreciated

  • @epi2045
    @epi2045 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I’m officially addicted to the intro, where the two eye bllinks make a pop pop noise. Quite pavolovian 😅

  • @minislot1
    @minislot1 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I've been using a Walkman A55 and an Ifi Zen Blue as a source/streamer solution with my budget system for a while now. It works really well.
    And I'm happy to accept the compromise of LDAC Bluetooth's lossiness when I get ease of use, at sofa controllability, and the Ifi's internal DAC in return.

  • @ElectroMac74
    @ElectroMac74 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    the great thing about the Sony Walkman is that you can make a playlist suffle it and than save the shuffle order into a new playlist

  • @JeffJacquesmd
    @JeffJacquesmd ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I was due for a DAP update and after your last video, John, I ordered the A306.
    My Sony WM1A will serve as my transport for my desktop and bedside headphone setups. The A306 becomes my travel music device, but I can see using this home network end point for when im visiting friends with crap taste in music or when in an AirBnB.
    Cheers
    Dr Jeff

  • @sixergixer
    @sixergixer ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I dig how you find and report on alternative use cases for some products. Good stuff.
    Looking forward to the PrimaLuna review!

  • @matthewhilty4209
    @matthewhilty4209 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I didn't even think of using the Sony as a Streamer. What a good idea. This makes a very neat minimalist replacement for a giant turntable and cd player in a space restrained room.

  • @DARTHGAR
    @DARTHGAR 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    Glad you gave this a second chance. I have one and, I've learned to live with the clunkiness of the Android software. Once you get passed that and explore the potential of the device.....well, I'm really quite surprised. It's almost a one for all. I think it's fairly priced once you get to know it. So far, best results are from a direct, flac for streamed music from Tidal, and direct from cd files on headphones. Am really enjoying this.
    P.S. love the channel 👍🏻

    • @thegasli
      @thegasli หลายเดือนก่อน

      Hi, would you still recommend this after some time? My “music phone” (an old android phone i was using with a Fiio bar-5) pooped itself recently, and was looking for a more convenient solution. Since for me it doesn’t need to be the top of the top, this Sony seemed like a good choice, but there are so many DAPs that my head is exploding. Potentially the occasional use of bluetooth, but I’m planning on mostly using it for on-the-go with my wired IEMs, Tidal, and my personal library on Plex. Cheers!

  • @thefourthcolor
    @thefourthcolor ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great vid. Love the off the cuff nature and just reporting on something you found interesting. Thank you!

  • @TorToroPorco
    @TorToroPorco ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I’ve been using my Hiby R5 as a portable music transport for a few years now to play hires music files on a Micro SD card. It’s great for when I visit friends and family when I want to share music on their systems as the Hiby music app can be operated remotely from another device running the Hiby app.

  • @erikdegier1983
    @erikdegier1983 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Hi John, you can do something similar with an iPad, iPhone and Spotify. The iPad is connected to a USB DAC (via the camera connection kit) and I use the iPhone as a remote to control Spotify. It's quite user friendly!

  • @Alex-xl6gj
    @Alex-xl6gj ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Excellent functionality!!! Keep posting good stuff man

  • @MD-ww4bh
    @MD-ww4bh ปีที่แล้ว +2

    As a luddite, with an ancient but lovely hi-fi system I have been tring to understand why I would need a streamer when I could just buy a DAP to do the same job. It seems baffling to me that there are streamers that you have to use a phone to control when you could just buy a dedicated DAP with a good stream and no interrruption. Very glad you made this video!

    • @pdcragin33
      @pdcragin33 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Let me recommend the HiBy line of DAPs because their own software can allow “HiBy Link” to control the DAP from your listening position using your phone. No Plex or Roon needed. If you intend the DAP to function as the DAC, that is using the DAP’s headphone or line out, buy the priciest you can afford. BUT, if you’ll send DAP digital audio out via its USB port into your outboard DAC, then even their lower cost DAOs will do a good job.

  • @alisafoster6238
    @alisafoster6238 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    If you spent 30 years listening to vinyl, or dancing in front of the stacks at Dead shows this player will rock your world! It sounds right. Tested with wired headphones into the jack, using Qobuz downloads (not streaming) at the highest rate possible (higher than CD quality). Playing Joni Mitchell, Led Zeppelin & Grateful Dead, the notes are clear, harmonics astounding & vocals never distort. The sound is incredibly intricate, the way the artist intended. I've tried every device since my turntable, always disappointed. My brain knows. This thing delivers! I cried. Also, I had no problem with headphones not being loud enough.

  • @maestherc
    @maestherc ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Brilliant Johnny ! What a cracking option for: versatility, compactness and $$$ savings for the frugal/wise audiophile 😁

  • @dianamelamet
    @dianamelamet ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Been using a dap as a music streamer, as I am not into heavy musical equipment. It just works well for me! Thanks for the tips.

  • @FrankBruce
    @FrankBruce ปีที่แล้ว

    Sometimes a good thing comes out of unplanned versions of things we want to do, this is one of them, nice set up, nice alternative to audio streaming and storage

  • @popzeus3000
    @popzeus3000 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That’s how I use my DAP sometimes. Run the USB out to the DAC in my living room. Both local files and streaming apps. The sound quality is excellent.

  • @loyisoblack7616
    @loyisoblack7616 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hey John
    Loyiso here from South Africa, a big fan of your work! Thank you for this review it's literally what I when I watched the first review.
    I like the possibility!
    Regards

  • @chrispyp2331
    @chrispyp2331 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Always love Darko's videos. One gripe though, just for once it's be nice if he mentioned an amplifier, or any other component that cost less than 7K. 😂

  • @haroldmessinger1
    @haroldmessinger1 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    great video, I am obsessed with the digital 'cassette' and need this in my life...

  • @johnpischedda6951
    @johnpischedda6951 ปีที่แล้ว

    I like the exploration of other applications into any product ! thanks John !
    For me the Wiim Mini into external DAC has been a game changer though ! My streaming went higher res ! thanks again JD !

  • @TheCharlesAtoz
    @TheCharlesAtoz ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video as I approach buying a new system for my place! Thanks John.

  • @jimgardner5129
    @jimgardner5129 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hi John. Thanks for the visual shout-out to Gary Numan's The Pleasure Principle. His first four albums are treasures to me.

  • @austind.5695
    @austind.5695 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I still use my old NW A55 that can function as a Bluetooth receiver for my small vintage Sony hifi set up. It can also function as a USB DAC. But yeah, it's not android and it doesn't have a USB C port. Still sounds great though.

    • @martinfox2244
      @martinfox2244 ปีที่แล้ว

      I have an NW A55. I was intrigued by the IFI Go Blue and almost bought one until my brain kicked in. I already have one!

  • @marks-the-spot
    @marks-the-spot ปีที่แล้ว +10

    A Raspberry Pi 4 (if you can find one!) with a Hi-Fi Berry DAC hat and Volumio is about half the price of the Walkman. More importantly, it will likely be supported long after Sony stops providing Android updates on the Walkman. In fairness, my five year old LG V30 phones still function as streamers today, but eventually apps will no longer run on the old Android operating system. A Raspberry Pi could theoretically outlast a few generations of Android devices because the Pi operating system continues to be updated. Why not expect our streaming devices to have a lifespan closer to that of our hi-fi gear?

    • @carlosalvarez1709
      @carlosalvarez1709 ปีที่แล้ว

      Not to mention that if the Pi is enhanced with a HAT such as those from Allo, the sound quality must be far superior.

    • @gary5926
      @gary5926 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Good luck listening to your Pi set-up when walking around the streets.

    • @FireMunki63
      @FireMunki63 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      But it’s not portable we are not matching eggs with eggs but trying to match eggs with oranges 😂

    • @adrianinnavan3910
      @adrianinnavan3910 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      ​@@FireMunki63 I agree but in this video the Sony DAP is not being used as a portable device. In this video the use of the DAP as a client in a system is being investigated. I believe the suggestion of using a Pi and HAT as a client is valid.

    • @adrianinnavan3910
      @adrianinnavan3910 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Not just the Pi 4. Any of the series from Zero to 4 can be a client if connected to the network.
      Personally I use a Raspberry Pi 3 and a Justboom Digi HAT to feed a vintage Rotel RDP-980 DAC. Sounds excellent and, as you say, should last a good while.

  • @liamporter1137
    @liamporter1137 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    This fulfill part of my needs only. I just hope DAP brands can come out with their own mobile APP to control the DAP remotely. That will be perfect for my needs.

    • @andrewharper4296
      @andrewharper4296 ปีที่แล้ว

      Oddly enough it already happened. Onkyo and Pioneer created an app you put on your phone and you’d could control the DAP player from it. As far as I know they were the only companies to do this. This was about 2011 I think, but I’m guessing it just never took off or was needed by users.

  • @RichardDurishin
    @RichardDurishin ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video. I think about my own Hi-res journey, which began with an LG phone that had a great DAC. I plugged it into my NAD and went off down the Tidal streaming highway. These players seem a more capable, more advanced way to have both a mobile and home Hi-res experience on the (relative) cheap.

  • @JeffJacquesmd
    @JeffJacquesmd ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Surreal. Watching this video on the NW A306.

  • @monerjoner
    @monerjoner ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Fantastic player, definitely worth the money 👍👍👍

  • @deadshort5842
    @deadshort5842 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I use my Hiby R5 this way probably more than as a mobile music source. The Hiby R5 can output line level signal from its headphone jack which I find very useful.

  • @timfarnsworth2815
    @timfarnsworth2815 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    4:41 The Tidal Connect is a bummer but if you are using Roon Remote then you’ll have access to Tidal. I’d love to know your thoughts on other portable DAPs that you can do similar at home setup with and how they compare. It seems like a really great solution to having Hi-Fi on the go and at home for one price.

  • @hotsummernight289
    @hotsummernight289 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Can it play TDK cassettes???

    • @eespinosa64
      @eespinosa64 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Only the 120 min tape.

  • @dougcampbell2814
    @dougcampbell2814 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I enjoy your diversions! 🙂🎵

  • @richnbel1
    @richnbel1 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    John, I know you had a LG V30+ phone some time ago. I too have a V30+. How would you compare the sound quality of our old V30+ Vs these new players,while using Tidal Masters (MQA) and Tidal lossless? Thanks . Richard

  • @bc8Sooners
    @bc8Sooners ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That's the beauty of any Android players, not just Sony. You can install any apps you want. It's well suited for a network device due to it's small size. For everyday use I find other players like Fiio M11 with larger screen easier to interact. They have very different sound signature though.

  • @veryannoyingname
    @veryannoyingname 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Excellent video demonstrating the capabilities. Thank you

  • @axeraider21
    @axeraider21 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great bonus use case for DAPs that’s often missed in their promotion and reviews alike! I use my Fiio M11 Plus ESS this way when I’m at home, it sits on a neat little dock and acts as the streamer and file library for my desktop setup. Hard thing to ever verify, but I would also imagine sometimes you’ll get better SQ from a fancy dap than a comparably priced streamer because the streamer manufacturer is targeting a consumer with an expensive high end stereo looking for a medium sized box rather than a picky on the go audiophile whose looking at his all in one audiophile commute machine. Both are willing to pay up for cool fiddly tech and a clean signal, but I’d imagine the stereo side of things is going to skew up in price elasticity.

  • @acolinbb
    @acolinbb 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Hi,
    I was very interested in your video on the Sony NW-A306 player, especially when using it as a network streamer. In your demo, you use Spotify, Roon, then Plex.
    My question is: I use Apple Music and I wonder if it is possible to do the same with the Music app, or maybe with the App Remote? This would allow me to listen to Apple Music in Hi-Res by plugging the Sony player into my network drive (Cambridge CXN V2).
    I thank you in advance for your response.
    Yours sincerely,
    Arnaud

  • @rizalahmad4207
    @rizalahmad4207 ปีที่แล้ว

    I’m using this kinda setup as well. In my case, I make my Fiio M10 pro as my airplay endpoint connected to my amp. I stream apple music on my apple tv and airplay it to my hifi system. Now I got big screen to look at what music I’m playing. Yes, it’s gapless. Yes, it’s only CD quality but I don’t mind that.

  • @calumniate
    @calumniate ปีที่แล้ว +2

    LG G8 for me and AKG k702's. Amazing.. the resistance of the AKG's trip the quad dac enabling. I honestly prefer the AKG's like this as compared to my FIIO K5 pro

  • @PlanBCrew
    @PlanBCrew ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I do it with my Fiio M11 Plus Ltd Edit. as the Fiio music player can connect with your phone. For streaming I use Deezer Connect.

    • @psipsitronick9250
      @psipsitronick9250 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks. Didn’t know !

    • @whitehatbob
      @whitehatbob ปีที่แล้ว

      Me too; I connect my FiiO M11 Plus ESS via SPDIF using my 3.5mm out to RCA to my Schiit Bifrost 2/64 and to the rest of my Schiit Stack. The result is a very affordable, convenient streamer/FLAC file player that sounds as good as feeding my Bifrost from USB from Audirvana/iMac. FiiO's new KA5 dongle DAC/Amp can also feed 3.5mm SPDIF out, so you can even use your phone to drive your desktop without being a Roon endpoint.

  • @RobinNichols-sj3rt
    @RobinNichols-sj3rt ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Using the Sony NW-ZX707 (for 2 weeks), with a Dragonfly Cobalt DAC connected to the USB C port, I can easily drive both of my headphones (Focal Elear and Sennheiser HD650). This seems like a reasonable workaround for home listening.

    • @shonen84
      @shonen84 ปีที่แล้ว

      But that bypasses the entire sound section of the Walkman, right? Why not get an Android phone for the same functionality? I have a NW 507 and I’m increasingly considering selling it.

  • @michaelmariani4059
    @michaelmariani4059 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Question if I may - if the Sony already has special amps etc built in, why do you need to plug into another amp ? I was thinking of doing this exact setup with Spotify into a Sonos era 100 ?

    • @RoseCommander
      @RoseCommander 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Normally the A306 pushes about 35mW out of the headphone jack. However, since he has the European version of the A306, it only pushes 0.4-1.1mW. An amp is necessary.

  • @mariodrv
    @mariodrv ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Where does the cassette go in?

    • @ronaldweed6103
      @ronaldweed6103 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Ha!! Good one,have a awesome day

    • @rebbel67
      @rebbel67 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Through the 3mm jack

  • @tonskimojster
    @tonskimojster ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great ideas, John!
    I keep missing the reason why you call the next track button the Red Hot Chili Peppers button. Sorry. I'm curious.
    Thank you for your informative and creative take on the hobby.
    Gabe

    • @dubiousricardo
      @dubiousricardo ปีที่แล้ว

      Skip the tracks he likes most! To save for later. Emmm

    • @AnotherAnonymousMan
      @AnotherAnonymousMan ปีที่แล้ว

      He's mistaken the next track button for the "like" or "add to favourites" button and nobody has the heart to tell him...

  • @Snimeister
    @Snimeister ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Tidal doesn't have the same capabilities as spotify connect yet. And I have no idea when that is coming.

  • @WhiteKnightDeol
    @WhiteKnightDeol ปีที่แล้ว +3

    im buying this

  • @rosswarren436
    @rosswarren436 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    If only it had a bit more output power as you noted in the last video for out and about use. What volume percentage did you set it to feed the Primaluna integrated? I know you likely don't have one, but I wonder if a Windows PC running Tidal might "see" the Walkman if the Walkman was on the same wi-fi network? Just as a data point to have. Hopefully more functionalities will be added to Tidal Connect in the future.

  • @bassandtrebleclef
    @bassandtrebleclef ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Portable players pulling double duty for home and on the go listening is a big win.... especially with the cassette eye candy this one has. Put the Sony on a small stand to show off - I'm such a sucker for this. This would ALMOST make me want to sell the Bluesound Node and separate the streamer/preamp function. Almost. The lack of Tidal connect is a deal killer for my use case.

  • @UCs6ktlulE5BEeb3vBBOu6DQ
    @UCs6ktlulE5BEeb3vBBOu6DQ ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Sound pressure compared to my Sound Blasterx G6 is like half. Those that love loud music, stay clear or defeat the purpose somewhat and plug your loud dac on it.

  • @Dudeness1994
    @Dudeness1994 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    As someone who lives in Europe what is better to buy the nw-306, shanling or for 100 euro more the fiio m11s

  • @dabatchko
    @dabatchko 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    do all audiophiles nowadays have such great openminded taste?

  • @littleafterall
    @littleafterall ปีที่แล้ว +3

    It's so funny at the beginning when John said "he doesn't have script". Look at his hairstyle, like he spent all night awake testing Walkman even more. 😆💛

  • @christophermancey3818
    @christophermancey3818 ปีที่แล้ว

    Just looked up that Thomas Fehlmann album. Great cover art. Did you get it in Köln?

  • @vnysbossman
    @vnysbossman ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I am clueless to DAPs. I've watched bits & pieces of reviews but I am intrigued with the Sony-the "cassette" give me the "feels" too. My question is does using the phone to control the Sony improve the music as compared to streaming the phone to the stereo setup using bluetooth??? I hope that's not too basic of a question but I am interested. thanks for the videos

    • @chungang7037
      @chungang7037 ปีที่แล้ว

      This only makes sense for people that don't want to hook up a DAC with bluetooth or a streamer and who want to own a DAP for on the go music listening. Daps sound the same as a phone, the only difference might be more power on really expensive units, balanced audio jacks in some cases, physical control buttons, and being able to disconnect from the internet for a while (assuming you turn off wifi)

  • @Oso430
    @Oso430 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    For me the most important is to know how much Gigabites of RAM does the player has. I’ve been through dap’s with 2 or 3 Gbs Ram and it has been an assle

    • @thewheelieguy
      @thewheelieguy ปีที่แล้ว

      The player has 32GB, with about half that free after Android and apps, but it will take a microsd flash card of 512GB or more.

    • @franciscopostigogarcia2694
      @franciscopostigogarcia2694 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@thewheelieguyhe’s asking about it ram

    • @franciscopostigogarcia2694
      @franciscopostigogarcia2694 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      It has 4GB ;)

  • @johnpeskey4519
    @johnpeskey4519 20 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    How much capacity will this be able to use in a sd card? I have close to 500Gigs of music!

    • @WindyMcshovel
      @WindyMcshovel 18 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Micro SDXC up to 1TB, standard SD is 128gb. Source: Sonys own site

  • @artemario7116
    @artemario7116 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    ¡¡¡Uaooo!!! is sony a swiss army knife? ¡Great work!

  • @skeelo69
    @skeelo69 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I would say .... take Grace Jones....
    Slave to the Rhythm to really really test out this device and let us know your thoughts.

    • @JeffJacquesmd
      @JeffJacquesmd ปีที่แล้ว

      Paired with the 64Audio U4S, beautiful timbre, excellent instrument separation, enveloping soundstage. What a beautiful musical piece. Thank for suggesting it, I hadn't thought of this song in years.

  • @samirdiwan612
    @samirdiwan612 ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent topic to cover for the budget audio enthusiasts. I have been exploring this option since they announced the 306 in Japan and perhaps you could answer this can we chromecast to the 306 as an endpoint?

  • @juliangreaves4727
    @juliangreaves4727 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Was that a valve amp lurking behind you. Yes please. Before it gets too hot in Germany 😁😁

    • @slyfondle1885
      @slyfondle1885 ปีที่แล้ว

      The one he mentioned several times in the video?

  • @jongottesman1263
    @jongottesman1263 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice video, as usual. You might want to share that an old Android phone with a dongle DAC could work like a portable player does. Great use of old phones?

    • @chungang7037
      @chungang7037 ปีที่แล้ว

      An old phone would likely be easier to use and better, yea

  • @gtric1466
    @gtric1466 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    How would you rate or compare the DAC to?

  • @watchchimp3102
    @watchchimp3102 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great, I only just bought the WIIM PRO, and now I find out I coulda just gotten this! 😢

  • @ralfdiedrichsen4571
    @ralfdiedrichsen4571 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Hello! At the moment I use a Samsung S21 Ultra as Audio Player. Now I am thinking about a DAP. Would you suggest the Sony 360 or the Fiio M11s?

    • @walterbkeen
      @walterbkeen ปีที่แล้ว

      The Fiio has more connectivity options than the Sony, but it's also double the price.
      Just purchased the Sony and awaiting it's arrival from Amazon.
      However, it would be interesting to see a direct comparison of the two...

  • @kipjohannsen2932
    @kipjohannsen2932 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    You mention the WiiM mini... And you mentioned that it doesn't have a good DAC. But it if use the optical out and plug that into a DAC, you can go straight to the WiiM from your phone rather than through a DAP.
    You probably know that already but the WiiM is less than $100 vs the Sony's $400.

    • @mikeg2491
      @mikeg2491 ปีที่แล้ว

      I have a WiiM connected to my Sony Tazzy, it’s been a godsend as the USB input stopped working and I just use Spotify connect or Airplay. The 1-2 second delay is annoying though but that’s on Spotify/Apple not the hardware.

  • @mrpositronia
    @mrpositronia ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Is there a user friendly app that can operate all, or a good selection, of audio sources, like stored files, Roon, Spotify, etc? I just feel that things are getting a bit much, just like TV streaming services. A one-stop-shop would be great for most people who just don't want to deal with loading up different apps to play their music.

  • @jafizzle95
    @jafizzle95 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Wish Tidal connect worked like the other apps do. Would love to leave my DAP in my pocket and control it from my phone.

  • @anrn5303
    @anrn5303 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I love my new A-306...2 issues... first even though all my music is in microsd it's not finding it when I search it using the A-306... also the files/tracks are not arranged lower to highest numerically, please help...

  • @NYC86
    @NYC86 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank you for clearing that up I have been lost in this spaghetti bowl of DAC players, portable players,integrated new amplifiers with the best DAC in it and on and on and on I'm getting a migraine, I can't think straight anymore, I just recently purchased the Yamaha R 800 A receiver because it has all this crap built into it but I think I might send that back,keep my NAD c338 because I love it the idea of a portable player with high-end technology it's easier to upgrade, after all I am a teenager of original Walkman 80s and the simplicity of that era, I miss, so I'm glad I'm glad I'm glad I'm glad I landed on your video not sure how it happened but thank you I appreciate the fact that you think out of the box, so I'm going to return everything except for my Warfendale 4.2 Evo which I really like for some reason, it seems like updating a Sony Walkman as the neverEnding evolution of DACs becomes more frequent amplifier, and I've never liked the sound of the wiim, or node,. Now back to the speaker cable bowl of spaghetti..

  • @andrewwebb1911
    @andrewwebb1911 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks John.

  • @eespinosa64
    @eespinosa64 ปีที่แล้ว

    How did you get Plex Amp to work on the Sony? I installed the app, but after it opened, I i couldn't click on the "continue" button because the navigation buttons are in the way. I can't swipe the screen up, either. I tried rotating the screen to landscape and the "continue" button isn't even shown on the screen.

  • @pigsydney
    @pigsydney ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Is that a Leica M 3 on your side table?

  • @brunoserwaczek5232
    @brunoserwaczek5232 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Can it download content from a cd or cassette deck?

    • @rrt08
      @rrt08 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      You will need to put music on your computer, then move to micro SD card, put card in Sony player to listen to your music.

  • @orangedan5424
    @orangedan5424 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    306 strength it's very pocketability so just keep it simple when you are on the go. Keep it in your pocket and use the bluetooth headphones. I'm pretty sure that's what SONY intended it to sound 👍

    • @paulodelgado6281
      @paulodelgado6281 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      "pocketability"... that's a fun word to say quickly 3 times in a row.

  • @markwillems4826
    @markwillems4826 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What output level should I set to get the best sound on the external amp and that has still good soundquality without stressed the sound or the DAP?

    • @gregsullivan7408
      @gregsullivan7408 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I'd guess 100%, which still isn't reaching line level.

  • @H3lloSE
    @H3lloSE ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Can't you do this with any phone though? Is it just because it has an aux out?

    • @paulleggett9735
      @paulleggett9735 ปีที่แล้ว

      I'm guessing you won't find the same sound processing hardware In a phone. Otherwise, yes.. Just use and old phone or even better, a tablet so you have a bugger screen.

  • @jayabbey5141
    @jayabbey5141 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I am always looking for ways to make my phone or tablet essentially a remote control to my hi-fi system. The best I could come up with was to run USB c to c to ifi xdsd gryphon 3.5mm out to 3m unbalanced into my receiver. This has been the only way I could insure gapless, hi-res output to my end point(yes I am rather frugal with my funds). You have given me something to ponder using a DAP in multiple scenarios without having a cable running to my stereo sweet spot. If anyone has additional ideas, please share. Must be able to stream Apple Music 24/192 in gapless. Thank you John and Olaf for another insightful video.

  • @pdcragin33
    @pdcragin33 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    A DAP in your lap that feeds a chairside DAC/Amp setup means I’m freed of the need for a computer and a desk. Just add slippers.

  • @cynthiarheinschmidt9099
    @cynthiarheinschmidt9099 ปีที่แล้ว

    Do you get any power supply noise if you listen through the home hifi and charge the unit simultaneously? Would it be practical to leave it on the charger while it's docked at home?

  • @sanjayhne1
    @sanjayhne1 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for your ( calm and relaxed) review! Have you used this in your car? What was the interface like? Cheers!

  • @JogieGlenMait16
    @JogieGlenMait16 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I do this with my LG G7 now.

  • @leegranite2920
    @leegranite2920 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Sweet setup

  • @HiFiInsider
    @HiFiInsider ปีที่แล้ว +1

    yes, technically you can use ANY portable music player as the source via analog or USB out to DAC for your Hi-Fi system but the sound quality is not great IMHO. If you care about sound quality, don't use a portable music player.

  • @richivan888
    @richivan888 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I tried something very similar with a phone and a tablet connected to A USB DAC using tidal. No tidal cannot be used as a remote end point which is very frustrating considering the £20 price (hifi).

  • @Ri2ek
    @Ri2ek ปีที่แล้ว +1

    nice to see promoted PlexAmp 🎉

  • @rikdryepondt9489
    @rikdryepondt9489 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice review and intake. I'm currently using apple music, will this also work on the sony? Thanks

  • @gregsullivan7408
    @gregsullivan7408 ปีที่แล้ว

    I find it a bit odd that you'd consider using a very low level headphone signal in such a high quality setup as that. But, I suppose if it sounds good, it is good. Personally though, I'd be wanting to use a player that either has a line out, or a headphone output that could achieve levels in that ballpark.

  • @karlooo79
    @karlooo79 22 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    Hello, due to you owned 55 and 306 i have a few questions to ask,
    Does 306 and 55 sound is different? Can you tell any differences ?
    On 306 after disabling apps you dont want will battery last longer ? Disabling google apps will also means no background functions will be on?
    Have you deleted apps you havent used? There is some tutorial how to do it but not sure if that works due to tutorial is for nwa55.
    Thanks

  • @midisax
    @midisax ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Can you just attach a Bluetooth receiver to your hifi and hold the Sony on your couch? Would the quality suffer? Great video

    • @pascalkrzeminski7341
      @pascalkrzeminski7341 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      It depends on the quality of the bluetooth receiver

    • @Chao-chao
      @Chao-chao ปีที่แล้ว +3

      If you want a Bluetooth receiver that support LDAC (Sony's proprietary bluetooth codec) then there is the Fiio BTA30 Pro. I don't know of any other Bluetooth receiver that support LDAC and appart from Sony, it is generally not implemented by other manufacturers.

    • @Xetarine
      @Xetarine ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Chao-chao Kinda sad it's a proprietary one, maybe we'd see more of it otherwise.

  • @great100m
    @great100m ปีที่แล้ว +1

    interesting device but worth the price ?

  • @nickronin
    @nickronin ปีที่แล้ว

    Could the Sony also act as a networked storage device? So I can use it as a streamer AND to store/play my music files?

    • @chungang7037
      @chungang7037 ปีที่แล้ว

      It has an SDcard slot if that is what you mean.

  • @kostasjezuz4846
    @kostasjezuz4846 ปีที่แล้ว

    Judging by the quality of the Bluetooth audio on Sony smartphones, I bet it sounds better than the 3.5mm Jack to RCA connection (you'll have to use a quality Bluetooth receiver as well obviously). This way you can use it from your couch instead of using it as an endpoint etc...

  • @antonioalvarez5253
    @antonioalvarez5253 ปีที่แล้ว

    I would like to point out that UAPP app on Android implemented long time ago that UPNP endpoint feature, allowing any Android phone with a USB DAC connected to it to play songs from your home server in a bit-perfect way using their protocol to bypass Android operating system sound engine.

  • @christian2123
    @christian2123 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very cool. The cassette screen is brillant! I remember back in the day I had a dock for my iPod (30 pin) that had RCA outs that I used to connect to my amp. It was useful kept it charged and could play at home minus the remote capabilities. Are you (or anyone out there) aware of any sort of dock for this device?

  • @Jonathanpaulm
    @Jonathanpaulm ปีที่แล้ว

    A valve amp and a door stop! All in the one video! What’s not to like? 😂