Not been a fan of the last few android music players produced by Sony. I want a device thata small enough to put in my pocket and powerful enough to drive my headphones with decent quality I'm not interested in all the android additions I just want a plain old Audio player for my files with plenty of storage and easy navigation of tracks.
Sony Walkman ZX-300 is the GOAT in my opinion. It an older model but has the best balance of price, usability, audio fidelity and you can hack it extremely easily to add features and improve the audio further. And the battery lasts FOREVER
Great review... I don't know how to reach you for suggestions but I couldn't find your review on the Sony NWWM1AM2 which is very relevant by wayching this one, specially regarding the volume difference between japanese and US versions
I saw a video the other day where you can change the firmware and boost the output level as well as enable the FM radio. Has anyone else successfully tried that?
But Malaysia Sony listed it on the website as 1.1mW too, did we get the uncapped or capped one? I want to drive Sony MDR-Z1R and MDR-MV1, should I get ZX707 or dongle DAC like Questyle M15, CMA18 or something else?
There is no volume cap on the Sony NW WM1am2 at all regardless of region so your fine no matter what area you get it. Not the case for the nw a306 or the nwz707
The Sony NW-ZX707 Walkman does not have internal speakers. It’s designed for personal listening, so you’ll need headphones or external speakers to enjoy the music.
I had freezes and crashes on mine since day one. After the first firmware update it got a bit better but now it will just not power on. $700 down the drain.
@@thesummersaint You are right is not hard to be an adult and adults get facts straight before spewing nonsense. I got my walkman in Japan while on a trip there. I live in Philadelphia and the warranty only applies on Japan so since I am not going back to Japan any time soon is money down the drain. 🙄
did you contact sony? Sometimes warranty is international. Also you could sell it. Probably bricked by firmware which usually can be solved easily if you know what you are doing.
@@MS7.7 I got it replaced when I when back to Japan they were going to send it for repair but I told them I was going to be in Japan for just 8 days so they just gave me a new one. This one has been working perfectly.
@@Audiofied yeah I live in Europe, Sony has a long tradition of delivering here underpowered Dap. :-( and ordering abroad .you get only 1 year instad of the 2 years of European warranty... Also I like the design but not sure it s better than my older fiio M11 pro
Yes, it supports drag and drop for transferring music or videos from a computer, without the need for a specific Sony format . You can easily transfer files directly from Finder on a Mac or from the Music library screen of iTunes to the Walkman’s MUSIC folder
@@Audiofied the Sony NW-WM1AM2 requires a Sony format to transfer songs...even when connect smartphone to transfer songs via pc need that Sony format...which i find rather inconvinent...same goes for the older predecessor 507...if 707 can be used to drag and drop from MUSIC file from PC or connect a USB cable type C to another smartphone to do music transfer...that would be awesome...apart from that...the volume which you mentioned is not that loud does raise some concerned...the good part of it is it can support bluetooth or Android Auto when i drive if i want to listen to music...
Yes, the Sony NW-ZX707 Walkman supports Apple Music along with other popular streaming apps like Spotify, Pandora, and TIDAL1. Since it runs on Android, you can download these apps directly from the Google Play Store. Enjoy your music!
I use my US version with only iems, and it's plenty of power for me. For harder to drive headphones, I use either my Lehmann audio BCL SE or McIntosh MHA200, and it's no issue. The dac is just so smooth to my ears.
Thanks for this review. Funny how I just watched Sony's video for this player on its page on their site and then a thumbnail for this video popped up after that video ended. I will have to look for one from overseas if I decide to buy one. 1st time viewer as well. Thanks again.
really like the build on this. tried my moondrop variations in store in Manila... and i went up to 120 volume and it was still bearable. sad that the power on these are weak.
I also still have a 2015 Sony Nw-Zx2... I use a cheap TWS and it can increase the volume to 120% and the sound is 20% better even though the codec format is only AAC😂
I wish I had seen this review before I bought me-zx707 even with balance out it barely enough t for hd598 SE not enough to drive hd6xx using balance cables. My little fiio BTR5 can play both headset at 28 percent volume. I like the Sony but wish I know about the different units. I’m ok with the unit itself. Using Flac files, some dsd files. Apple Music Thank you for all your information. I have told many of my friends. Would the A307 have more power than the Us Nw-zx707? Thank you.
Could you please kindly indicate where we can find the instructions for that? I did an extensive Google search and could not find it. Thank you in advance.
@@josediaz-wj2fr After serveral months using mine, I have had no issues with the volume level (I was very dissapointed and concerned on that regard when I first used it, but it can be easily fixed by tweaking a couple of Sound settings). The real problem with this device is that its Wi-Fi and Bluetooth receivers are incredible weak (I had to buy a Wi-Fi extender for this reason and I do not think that the Bluetooth problem can be fixed). This device also has other annoying problems (it pauses automatically, disconnects itself from speakers, etc.). I bought it out of nostalgia, but would not buy it again, nor recommend it to anyone.
Hey I've only heard the original Mojo before, so can't comment on the 2, but I think the Sony's sound is definitely on the warmer, lusher side while the Mojo was more neutral compared to it
The limited volume/gain seems consistent to what’s being reported by owners of the device. Many have opted to return it for that reason. I’d considered a purchase but I’ll steer clear. Strange that this would be released unknowingly to US buyers.🤔
@@AudiofiedI bought the NW-A306 in France and a month after the ZX707 drectly in Japan and the power is incomparable, the A306 is too limited therefore can only be used in Bluetooth The ZX707 with Fiio intras (FH7) in 4.4 is so powerful that it is difficult to stay at 120 (volume) for more than a few minutes … The same with Focal Celestee Headphones (circum-aural) it’s downright magic in sound quality & super powerfull with an additional 100% copper 4.4 mm cable For 780€ by EBay the ZX707 is the very good deal 👌
I just thought l should ask this again, Compared to your phone, does the sony sound any better really? Would you say the sony sound is an improvement from the sound coming out of your phone? Thank you.
Absolutely. Whether it's from a Bluetooth standpoint (offering LDAC + aptX instead of SBC/AAC) or from a wired standpoint (more power, choice between single-ended and balanced outputs), there's definitely a difference sound-wise. There are even different sound signatures between brands and audio players, and clearly, an audio player is meant to be better at playing audio than your phone is. But of course, all that doesn't matter if you can't hear it yourself, so it would be best to head down to demo and see if you can hear the difference. If you can't, then no point spending money on something that's unnecessary.
@@Audiofied Thank you! I asked because at the moment l went back to my old Samsung s10 phone as my dap. The more l compare the samsung sound to my shanling daps and lotoo ps1 dongle the more l prefer the Samsung way of delivering music. Sounds more natural, organic, musical, less forced, less fatigueing etc. It's hard to explain, but l prefer the sound/music coming out of the Sammy phone,l which it had better dac like the shanling...What l have comcluded, it's either a sony, Astell and kern, ifi, chord, earman, cowon daps/dac amp for me.Their house sound seems to agree with me better. 😂Thanks so much for the response. Cheers.
@@suntanglory Definitely, the sound signature is a major part of the DAP and one that needs to be considered in tandem with your other equipment (earbuds/headphones/etc)!
How about Z1R, is the capped one enough to drive? If the output volume is low and yiu have to increase the volume, does the noise floor become more noticeable too? Hey these headphones that are hard to drive are and made to be hard to drive?
@@NetvoTV The Z1R is relatively easy to drive, it uses only a quarter of the power of my HDVD800 whereas HD800 uses half, even if you turn the power all the way you will hardly hear any noise.
This was a great review. I'm not familiar with all the terms but yes, I have the A306 now and have to always turn to 90 all the time to hear it well.... then they have that annoying "Check audio volume" dialog box which you can't turn off. It's amazing that I need a nag screen like I'm a child like that when I spend $350 on the A306. Now I don't want the ZX707 if it doing the same thing. :/ I might as well just use a phone.
Do you know if this device can act as a Bluetooth receiver, or only transmit? I'm pretty disappointed that Sony, a major consumer electronics company makes this information so hard to find for all their players. I think after some googling and forum scrolling it seems the WM1AM2 can't do it and there's nothing saying this can. It's a pretty valuable feature for me since at work I'd need to stream from my phone instead of the wifi. It's in the ZX300 from years ago so I have no idea why they'd abandon it here. This plus the different powers make these devices really confusing and borderline makes me feel like Sony is trying to hide information about basic features.
Le ZX707 fait émetteur + récepteur Bluetooth, et on peut aussi écouter la musique pendant qu’il charge … En revanche faut impérativement l’acheter au Japon, la puissance n’a absolument rien à voir j’ai acheté le A306 en France et le ZX707 au Japon dans la foulée car déçu du volume sonore, via EBay pour 780€ tout compris et livré en 5 jours, c’est une excellente affaire la puissance est au moins 3 fois supérieur et la qualité du son magique avec un bon casque (Focal Celestee) en rajoutant un cable symétrique 4.4 mm 100% cuivre
You mentioned it does an MQA unfold using Sony music app but what about with Tidal? No information on whether it will do a full unfold or render using say the Tidal app as the Core unfold. Few questions here but hopefully you can help.
Well that’s funny I bought mine in Singapore but took it back in Australia. Put my big pants on and spoke to the other adults at Sony here in Sydney and they exchanged for me…but I guess I don’t live in a 3rd world country like you do.
Not been a fan of the last few android music players produced by Sony. I want a device thata small enough to put in my pocket and powerful enough to drive my headphones with decent quality I'm not interested in all the android additions I just want a plain old Audio player for my files with plenty of storage and easy navigation of tracks.
for power just skip the sony
Try the A55
Sony Walkman ZX-300 is the GOAT in my opinion. It an older model but has the best balance of price, usability, audio fidelity and you can hack it extremely easily to add features and improve the audio further. And the battery lasts FOREVER
I got mine in KL , and it have a high gain mode. The sound is superb. If you live in SG just drove to Malaysia and bought it here.
in sony centre malaysia have high version model?
TY your reviews are very detailed and great information!
Thanks for watching! We really appreciate it
My fellow aussies. Minidisc sells the uncapped version.
Any official Australian seller sells the uncapped version because they don't have the cap here at all. Very nice
Can the audio get a boost by using the Poweramp application?
Poweramp can enhance audio, but the NW-ZX707 already offers high-resolution sound.
Your earphones name please
noble audio iem's not sure on the model
Great review... I don't know how to reach you for suggestions but I couldn't find your review on the Sony NWWM1AM2 which is very relevant by wayching this one, specially regarding the volume difference between japanese and US versions
Great question
Thank you for bringing this our attention!
I saw a video the other day where you can change the firmware and boost the output level as well as enable the FM radio. Has anyone else successfully tried that?
Thank you for your review kind sir! Ill be sure to watch which version im purchasing!
But Malaysia Sony listed it on the website as 1.1mW too, did we get the uncapped or capped one? I want to drive Sony MDR-Z1R and MDR-MV1, should I get ZX707 or dongle DAC like Questyle M15, CMA18 or something else?
Questyle M15 or CMA18 will be better.
But Malaysia Sony listed it on the website as 1.1mW too, did we get the uncapped or capped one?
Nice video ty
Thanks for watching!
Is the wifi quality good?
Should the Sony NW WM1am2 also not be purchased in the US?
There is no volume cap on the Sony NW WM1am2 at all regardless of region so your fine no matter what area you get it. Not the case for the nw a306 or the nwz707
It doesn't support bit perfect audio from apple music?
Nope. Only upsampling
Thank you for your video. I went with the FIIO instead
Friends, does this walkman emit sound to the outside, that is, does it have internal speakers? I ask those who know, please write.
The Sony NW-ZX707 Walkman does not have internal speakers. It’s designed for personal listening, so you’ll need headphones or external speakers to enjoy the music.
Please, nobody speaks about the CN1 - chinese version. Is it capped or not? Answer please 🙏🏻 thanks! ❤
I had freezes and crashes on mine since day one. After the first firmware update it got a bit better but now it will just not power on. $700 down the drain.
What do you mean money down the drain? Take it back and get a refund if it’s not working. It’s not hard to be an adult.
@@thesummersaint You are right is not hard to be an adult and adults get facts straight before spewing nonsense. I got my walkman in Japan while on a trip there. I live in Philadelphia and the warranty only applies on Japan so since I am not going back to Japan any time soon is money down the drain. 🙄
did you contact sony? Sometimes warranty is international. Also you could sell it. Probably bricked by firmware which usually can be solved easily if you know what you are doing.
@@MS7.7 I got it replaced when I when back to Japan they were going to send it for repair but I told them I was going to be in Japan for just 8 days so they just gave me a new one. This one has been working perfectly.
@@opiapr that's good to hear! Enjoy it.
Thanks for this vid, I just purchased the japan version , I hope I can figure out how to switch the interface to english..
it is very ease .. when you turn on the device for the first time it will give you language options and you will see english as a choice.
sold out in Sony Malaysia eStore.
Do you have any experience with Cowon players? I wonder how the sound signature compares.
Actually im going to buy the JP version
Thank you for the warning
Absolutely needed, in this case!
@@Audiofied yeah I live in Europe, Sony has a long tradition of delivering here underpowered Dap. :-( and ordering abroad .you get only 1 year instad of the 2 years of European warranty...
Also I like the design but not sure it s better than my older fiio M11 pro
What about the ones they sell in India? Are they capped?
Hey, looks like there's no cap in India!
is it user friendly as one can drag and drop music or videos convienently without any Sony format on a computer...?
Yes, it supports drag and drop for transferring music or videos from a computer, without the need for a specific Sony format . You can easily transfer files directly from Finder on a Mac or from the Music library screen of iTunes to the Walkman’s MUSIC folder
@@Audiofied the Sony NW-WM1AM2 requires a Sony format to transfer songs...even when connect smartphone to transfer songs via pc need that Sony format...which i find rather inconvinent...same goes for the older predecessor 507...if 707 can be used to drag and drop from MUSIC file from PC or connect a USB cable type C to another smartphone to do music transfer...that would be awesome...apart from that...the volume which you mentioned is not that loud does raise some concerned...the good part of it is it can support bluetooth or Android Auto when i drive if i want to listen to music...
Hi, do you know how to media scan with microSD? i didnt find a single one video that could help me to figure it.. Thanks
What IEM are you using in this demo?
I was hoping to hear if Apple Music can be played here. I guess since it has play store, it can be..
Yes, the Sony NW-ZX707 Walkman supports Apple Music along with other popular streaming apps like Spotify, Pandora, and TIDAL1. Since it runs on Android, you can download these apps directly from the Google Play Store. Enjoy your music!
I use my US version with only iems, and it's plenty of power for me. For harder to drive headphones, I use either my Lehmann audio BCL SE or McIntosh MHA200, and it's no issue. The dac is just so smooth to my ears.
How would I know if the one I’m buying is US / Singapore / Canada etc. version? Thanks
Thanks for this review. Funny how I just watched Sony's video for this player on its page on their site and then a thumbnail for this video popped up after that video ended. I will have to look for one from overseas if I decide to buy one. 1st time viewer as well. Thanks again.
Great review.. Thanks for your help
It looks like so beautiful. I love it but I can’t find it. Can I find it to Europe ?
YOU MUST WATCH BEFORE YOU BUY
really like the build on this. tried my moondrop variations in store in Manila... and i went up to 120 volume and it was still bearable. sad that the power on these are weak.
I also still have a 2015 Sony Nw-Zx2... I use a cheap TWS and it can increase the volume to 120% and the sound is 20% better even though the codec format is only AAC😂
yeah i bought one for my variations and they just didnt sound that good with this..
Amazon Music?
How can I buy this from Japan?
Go to the Sony Japan website and find the Sony NW-ZX707 Walkman1 :)
I wish I had seen this review before I bought me-zx707 even with balance out it barely enough t for hd598 SE not enough to drive hd6xx using balance cables.
My little fiio BTR5 can play both headset at 28 percent volume.
I like the Sony but wish I know about the different units.
I’m ok with the unit itself. Using Flac files, some dsd files.
Apple Music
Thank you for all your information. I have told many of my friends.
Would the A307 have more power than the Us Nw-zx707?
Thank you.
Very happy with ZX100
Regulations protecting our hearing is BS 😂 cheers Cheryl for the lovely review.
Thanks Joey, glad you liked it!
You can reset this Player to Japan Region like other Sony Walkman too. Just Google
Could you please kindly indicate where we can find the instructions for that? I did an extensive Google search and could not find it. Thank you in advance.
@@alexmartin-schael7556 Yeah not true
@@josediaz-wj2fr After serveral months using mine, I have had no issues with the volume level (I was very dissapointed and concerned on that regard when I first used it, but it can be easily fixed by tweaking a couple of Sound settings). The real problem with this device is that its Wi-Fi and Bluetooth receivers are incredible weak (I had to buy a Wi-Fi extender for this reason and I do not think that the Bluetooth problem can be fixed). This device also has other annoying problems (it pauses automatically, disconnects itself from speakers, etc.). I bought it out of nostalgia, but would not buy it again, nor recommend it to anyone.
Thank you.
Thanks buddy!
Thank you for great review !
Thanks for watching!
How does it compared to mojo 2 then soundwise? Nice review. Thanks.
Hey I've only heard the original Mojo before, so can't comment on the 2, but I think the Sony's sound is definitely on the warmer, lusher side while the Mojo was more neutral compared to it
@@Audiofied Cheers!
Great review Cheryl!
Thank you!
The limited volume/gain seems consistent to what’s being reported by owners of the device. Many have opted to return it for that reason. I’d considered a purchase but I’ll steer clear. Strange that this would be released unknowingly to US buyers.🤔
You'd have to dig into the specs sheet to realise that it's limited gain, which is ridiculous in my opinion!
@@AudiofiedI bought the NW-A306 in France and a month after the ZX707 drectly in Japan and the power is incomparable, the A306 is too limited therefore can only be used in Bluetooth
The ZX707 with Fiio intras (FH7) in 4.4 is so powerful that it is difficult to stay at 120 (volume) for more than a few minutes …
The same with Focal Celestee Headphones (circum-aural) it’s downright magic in sound quality & super powerfull with an additional 100% copper 4.4 mm cable
For 780€ by EBay the ZX707 is the very good deal 👌
I just thought l should ask this again, Compared to your phone, does the sony sound any better really? Would you say the sony sound is an improvement from the sound coming out of your phone? Thank you.
Absolutely. Whether it's from a Bluetooth standpoint (offering LDAC + aptX instead of SBC/AAC) or from a wired standpoint (more power, choice between single-ended and balanced outputs), there's definitely a difference sound-wise. There are even different sound signatures between brands and audio players, and clearly, an audio player is meant to be better at playing audio than your phone is. But of course, all that doesn't matter if you can't hear it yourself, so it would be best to head down to demo and see if you can hear the difference. If you can't, then no point spending money on something that's unnecessary.
@@Audiofied Thank you! I asked because at the moment l went back to my old Samsung s10 phone as my dap. The more l compare the samsung sound to my shanling daps and lotoo ps1 dongle the more l prefer the Samsung way of delivering music. Sounds more natural, organic, musical, less forced, less fatigueing etc. It's hard to explain, but l prefer the sound/music coming out of the Sammy phone,l which it had better dac like the shanling...What l have comcluded, it's either a sony, Astell and kern, ifi, chord, earman, cowon daps/dac amp for me.Their house sound seems to agree with me better. 😂Thanks so much for the response. Cheers.
@@suntanglory Definitely, the sound signature is a major part of the DAP and one that needs to be considered in tandem with your other equipment (earbuds/headphones/etc)!
Sony headphones or IEMs are relatively easy to drive, therefore Sony didn't bother to add a lot of power in their DAPs or Amps.
How about Z1R, is the capped one enough to drive? If the output volume is low and yiu have to increase the volume, does the noise floor become more noticeable too? Hey these headphones that are hard to drive are and made to be hard to drive?
@@NetvoTV The Z1R is relatively easy to drive, it uses only a quarter of the power of my HDVD800 whereas HD800 uses half,
even if you turn the power all the way you will hardly hear any noise.
These aren't compelling reasons to buy a separate mp3 player in addition to my already pricey smart phone.
your smartphone has a bad DAC inside.. it doesnt do high resolution audio.. does not have amplifier inside
This was a great review. I'm not familiar with all the terms but yes, I have the A306 now and have to always turn to 90 all the time to hear it well.... then they have that annoying "Check audio volume" dialog box which you can't turn off. It's amazing that I need a nag screen like I'm a child like that when I spend $350 on the A306. Now I don't want the ZX707 if it doing the same thing. :/ I might as well just use a phone.
Johnston Place
Is it ok to get the US version and connect it to an external amp? Will it work?
Do you know if this device can act as a Bluetooth receiver, or only transmit? I'm pretty disappointed that Sony, a major consumer electronics company makes this information so hard to find for all their players. I think after some googling and forum scrolling it seems the WM1AM2 can't do it and there's nothing saying this can. It's a pretty valuable feature for me since at work I'd need to stream from my phone instead of the wifi. It's in the ZX300 from years ago so I have no idea why they'd abandon it here.
This plus the different powers make these devices really confusing and borderline makes me feel like Sony is trying to hide information about basic features.
Le ZX707 fait émetteur + récepteur Bluetooth, et on peut aussi écouter la musique pendant qu’il charge …
En revanche faut impérativement l’acheter au Japon, la puissance n’a absolument rien à voir j’ai acheté le A306 en France et le ZX707 au Japon dans la foulée car déçu du volume sonore, via EBay pour 780€ tout compris et livré en 5 jours, c’est une excellente affaire la puissance est au moins 3 fois supérieur et la qualité du son magique avec un bon casque (Focal Celestee) en rajoutant un cable symétrique 4.4 mm 100% cuivre
Par contre il est vrai que le WM1AM2 ne peut que faire récepteur contrairement au 707 qui lui fait les deux
Brown Skyway
Hackett Hollow
You mentioned it does an MQA unfold using Sony music app but what about with Tidal? No information on whether it will do a full unfold or render using say the Tidal app as the Core unfold. Few questions here but hopefully you can help.
Rutherford Ridge
Vivianne Shores
Raynor Crossing
Kelley Vista
Darien Mission
Randall Camp
Rohan Lodge
Just wondering when Sony will stop doing stupid things and put their game together.
Their game division is on fire of being a massive fuck up
This probably because of them taking esg money
Kelvin Mills
Prosacco Prairie
Swift Haven
Walker Mount
Fidel Radial
Brisa Plaza
Kautzer Tunnel
Mitchell Village
Deckow Road
Dameon Canyon
Millie Camp
Danielle Vista
Stiedemann Camp
Alexandra Well
Kassandra Way
Johnston Lane
Stracke Court
McGlynn Track
Terry Prairie
Well that’s funny I bought mine in Singapore but took it back in Australia. Put my big pants on and spoke to the other adults at Sony here in Sydney and they exchanged for me…but I guess I don’t live in a 3rd world country like you do.
Jennifer Fork
Cant buy even on Sale
Dawn Squares
Satterfield Shoal
Damion Freeway
Yeah these totally suck for the money. Hell any money if you are in the US
Emmerich Loop
Gusikowski Lodge
Giuseppe Highway
Cynthia Valleys
Can I have that one if you don't use.
Alaina Green
Johns Ramp
Wolf Fort