Hello and thank you for the video, it is great! I havre two particular questions. 1. Does this player has "battery protect" function, like other Sony music players? It stops charging at 90% which triples total lifespan of battery. 2. Does automatic volume restriction gets on your nerves? I know that European version of this model is locked on certain level of volume and if you exceed it beeps and goes down on volume. Thank you so much for answering.
In all my other players I swap a flash drive with a big flac collection. The other players (example Surfans F20, F-35, astell and kern etc) works cross player - So if I just have one folder in the flash drive called "music" that would work in the NW-A306?
@TUXX REVIEWS yeah sony likes to be different. Everything has to be in one "master" folder called Music on the card. Then after you put the card in you'll need to scan for music using the walkman app. If you're using another music app you shouldn't have the whole music folder problem.
@@bak-unin when your music files properly tagged you can store all of them in the root directory and any decent player will sort and display them correctly
It has to scan all the audio files every time it boots up. Put fewer songs if you want it to boot up fast. I have 40,000 songs, so I'm used to waiting for it to boot. It has to scan all the tags so it can show your playlist.
Thanks for mentioning this. I was wondering if the new model had sped up booting at all. I bought the AW-55 a couple years ago and rarely use it because it takes 2-3 min to boot up each time with 168gb/41k songs. Really is a bummer it's so slow compared to my 5th gen iPod.
I've had ipods too and this sound unit sounds better and can play more tpes of music files. Ipods can play MP3, AAC/M4A, Protected AAC, AIFF, WAV, Audible audiobook, and Apple Lossless. The Sony NW-A306 can play MP3: 32-320 kbps (supports VBR)/32, 44.1, 48 kHz, WMA: 32-320 kbps (supports variable bitrate (VBR)/44.1 kHz (STEREO), 32-48 kbps/44.1 kHz (MONO), FLAC: 16, 24 bit/8-384 kHz, WAV: 16, 24, 32 bit (Float/Integer)/8-384 kHz, AAC: 16-320 kbps/8-48 kHz, HE-AAC: 32-144 kbps/8-48 kHz, Apple Lossless: 16, 24 bit/8-384 kHz, AIFF: 16, 24, 32 bit/8-384 kHz, DSD: 1 bit/2.8224, 5.6448, 11.2896 MHz, APE: 8, 16, 24 bit/8-192 kHz (Fast, Normal, High), MQA: Supported... And thats just for starters.
@@TUXXREVIEWS good point, and I am sure that the Sony makes sense for some, maybe a lot, of people. But I use my iPods when I am out and about, either through ear buds or through my car stereo. The Apple Lossless music is more than overkill for such environments. The cost of equipment (head phones and a good amp) for listening to anything with higher fidelity is more than I want to invest. My Sennheiser HD400s are adequate for my uneducated ears, and the 5000 files (plus hundreds of audio books and dozens of movies) are sufficient for my mobile needs. Plus I am used to the iTunes interface, and I still buy music, podcasts, and movies off the iTunes Store on a regular basis. Is my old iPod better than your Sony? Almost certainly not! The Sony just isn’t superior enough to get me to change.
Hi, is the volume normalisation any good? I have a range of MP3's of albums from different decades, and they all play at different volume levels. I am hoping the functionality works well on this device
Great review, ive ordered the WM1AM2 model. I just wondered, can you use the USB-C or wifi/Bluetooth to connect to your PC (PC output to Walkman Input to earphones) so as to use the player as an amplifier for connected headphones for whatever you are listening or watching on your computer? Ie using sound out on your PC?
Yes you can plug into headphone amp but this is plenty loud to power the headphones im using. I dont believe you can use USB-c for headphone out but I have not tested this yet... but I dont think so at this point. Its for charging or file transfer.
Best IEMs for this unit? Looking for a solid all arounder... I don't think the Sony warrants super high end iems. My ideal (simplified) profile would be warm, full and resolute. Would love a few suggestions. Over looked at moondrop, Dunu, Aful, Sennheiser and even truthear hexa... Heck I've looked at KZ. Thank you for your videos!
My favorite IEM (NOT SONY) Under $100 are the Surfans SE01 (16 Ohm) amzn.to/3LEn050 Over $100 but under $500 is the Fiio FH7s (18 Ohm) amzn.to/3Yn8ZQB Abover $1000 is the Technics EAH-TZ700 (19 Ohm) amzn.to/4d0Pm5h The diffrence from 16 ohm to 19 ohm isnt too much but keep in mind The Surfans SE01 will seem just a tad loulder. All thee good choices for the pricepoint.
@@TUXXREVIEWS Love this suggestion, thank you so much! Yes I don't want the 306 to struggle too much trying to power something that requires more power than it can provide. Appreciate you
Nice review but can you tell me if there are any lag or stutters cause it is running android 12 on quite a slow processor compared to fiio m11s which I am also considering
Its very speedy as its tued for this device. Now the one downside is with full access to the google play store withdownloadingtoo many apps I could see that slowing down the unit but I personally have experencedno slow down at all.
@@TUXXREVIEWS A306/307. Head-fi forum is following on it with reports of the units affected. Mine unfortunately was affected and did return it to Amazon
Thanks for these reviews. Really find them useful. The one thing I’d like to know is can you delete the apps that come preinstalled with the phone? Hopefully you can otherwise I won’t be purchasing the player. Cheers!
So any apps you download from app store (example google play) can be deleted. Some of the core programs like Sony walkman app are tied into the OS and it may be a bad idea delating. I plan on making a video on memory issues soon.
@@TUXXREVIEWS Thanks for the reply. Yeah i wouldn't want to delete any of the core programmes. Just stuff that i would deem unnecessary. Look forward to your next video. Cheers!
Ok, so, as a motorcycle rider, I like my A17 WAY better because for all the functions, it has actual buttons, which I can manipulate with motorcycle gloves on. In regards to user interface, I like the A17 better. I do NOT like touch screens, especially when trying to wear motorcycle gloves. I think Sony should have a "Sports" model with waterproof case and nothing but rugged physical buttons. I find it a PITA trying to get the menus I want and the A17 had an auto-connect (last device or specific device) setting for bluetooth that I liked. For the A306, while I think the audio is a little better and the bluetooth is definitely better than my aging A17 (I think it's the aging that was causing bluetooth issues) I find that just trying to get the A306 into my tankbag (in a protective ziplock for rainproofing) to be problematic since I can't do it without touching the screen. Touching the screen even with it in a ziplock bag still changes things, so my solution has been to buy small kids socks for it. I get the system paired with my Cardo helmet system and get the music running, CAREFULLY slip the A306 into the sock, then if I accidently touch the screen it's not an issue. Slip that into the ziplock and I'm good to go. As it's broadcasting bluetooth all day, I can't say how long the internal battery would last (from the readout only a few hours) so on my BMW where I haven't been able to run power to it yet, I run a small Anker "brick" battery that I tested and it will last like 14+ hours, so, I'm good to go. The sock thing has worked out so far, so, I think I've got my solution. In summary: It seems like a nice, sturdy unit, great sound, typical Sony performance and quality. I'm sure it's not meant for the use I'm using it for, but I'm making it work, and so far the bluetooth has been 100% trouble free, so, I'm very happy with it aside from my personal dislike of touch screens. I'm sure I'll use it for the next 8+ years like my A17 has lasted. If Sony would make the "Sports" one I mentioned, I'd buy that for riding and find a use for the A306. I might bring the A307 with me the next time I fly, so I have tunes.
Dumb question? Are these DAPs used for Tidal, Qobuz and/or Amazon HD? I would like to have something other than phone to stream music and take with me.
For this player to be a usb dac connect with computer, how to connect with the amplifier if this is no line out I/O on the device ? I also want to know the sound out if it to be a dac with the filter in the player, thank you
One thing I really wonder. Sony A-306 can be connected to Avani dongle via USB-C and I can get very loud volume from Avani 3.5mm port. However, the DAP doesn't make any sound when I connect it to xduoo XD-05 Plus amp. So, do you know which DAC/amp can be used with Sony A-306?
The AVANI ALC5686 HD Type-C to 3.5mm DAC Dongle is not an amp but a converter for USB C to 3.5 but the NW-A306 has a 3.5 on top so I'm not sure why you would want to do that. ALSO some of the audio filters / features are diffrent from 3.5 to usb-c so Im not sure why you would want to do that. Any headphone amp with 3.5 in will work but I cecently used on a cross country flight and it felt plenty lould using my sony NC earbuds th-cam.com/video/4uRPintGlHY/w-d-xo.html
@@TUXXREVIEWS indeed my aim was to check if A306 is able to have digital output via USB C, for hi-fi system of course. The result is so so because it works with some but not with others. That's why I want to know.
@@HaoNguyen-ut9pj The NW-A306 is one of the lower priced Sony options. Its a great player and amazing for the price. You could start there and then go up the product line as it just doesnt say in the tech details. Amazon has a pretty easy return process.
Does it have a gain mode? Tried it at Sony store wanting to get it with the ier-m9 but during my audition I found the m9 to be running in vol. 97.. The salesman wasn't very familar with DAPs as well. He told me there isn't any eq or audio customization choices with this device (which is untrue 😮💨
There is EQ and so many ways to adjust the sound. I will make a video on this later. I keep my NW-A306 at volume 12o to Max and with the headphones I use Its nice and lould but on some high resistance (high Ohm) headphones It may seem low. Typically these (high Ohm) would be $1000+ Full size over ear headphones intended for a full size home amp or at very least a headphone amp.
I wanted to double check the official link to see if they changed there tune (lol) but it doesnt really advertise the higest you can do. Keep in mind the bigger memory you put in it the harder it will need to work to find a song in search. I would suggest 256 -512 gig. can be higher imo.
This depends on the microSd capacity with number of files it wanted to load. Even a 256gb with some Flac files takes like 15 seconds on A55. The player need to build database everytimes when loading up the microSD. This included when switch from USB mode to Walkman player.
@Dinodog Jr it was quite circumstantial with that line up. Back on my wm1a the build up time took at least 4-5 minutes for my 500gb 15,000 songs. At one point with an older firmware version the longest i was able to clock was aroung 15 minutes. The line up i was referring to is with a105 and zx507.
@Cobaltico such a major drawback. Thought a modern processor would make snappy performance. Any Ipod players is instantly loading indeed. Another thing which bother me in Sony Walkman is not allow to play imported playlist. I wish I could create my playlist on computer first and drag into the player just play it right on.
Tuxx or anybody else have any issue with the battery on this walk man. 100% Full charge I only have battery of 5 to 5 and half hours playback? Faulty battery?
I really want to make a video on this - with stop watch to track time. But there is variables like wired or unwired headphones, wifi on or off, music steamed or file on device, screen saver on or off, music volume , amount of button pressing, other apps on device using juice etc
I have a Walkman NWZ-A17 I bought in 2015 to replace one (forget the model) that got destroyed in a violent rainstorm in Denver (producing a tornado!) when I was riding my new motorcycle home from the dealer, and the battery on that has been going South for a couple years now. I power it with a brick battery in my tankbag, but noticed that lately, my Bluetooth connectivity to my Cardo motorcycle headsets completely sucks, it keeps dropping the connection. It still functions and sounds great aside from that, I just can't have it keep dropping the connection. So, I'll use it in my cars hardwired to power and (via the headphone output) audio, and I'll use this new one for riding. Hopefully the Bluetooth connection will work better. Bummer it's backordered. I'm a HUGE fan of Sony products, especially Walkman's. I have one of the first cassette Walkmans, still in good shape. I don't use it, so I'll be selling it. I'm sure someone will want it.
@@sandydennylives1392 In regards to user interface, I like the A17 better. I do NOT like touch screens, especially when trying to wear motorcycle gloves. I think Sony should have a "Sports" model with waterproof case and nothing but rugged physical buttons. I use the A17 exclusively in my car now, connected to USB power and connected via the headphone out into my car's audio.
@@kx8960 It sounds great with the Dac/amp on 320 kbps, but it can't really do Opera or most classical. Or flac. I need to know if the 306 can do Opera etc on flac and no one will tell me.
While the ZX707 is double the price I dont fully believe the slow boot up on the NW-A306 is hardware related. I'm very tempted to delete all apps on the 306 and see if that makes a faster boot. Anyone have a ZX707? I would love to see a quick video of its boot up, email me at tuxxtoys@gmail.com and I will give you a cell phone to text a short video to if too large to send to the email. I may purchase a ZX707 to test and compare later.
My ZX707 takes about 30 second to fully boot up from being totally shut off. I highly recommend buying the uncapped versions of these Walkman DAPs. Importing it from Japan saved me money and got me the uncapped ZX707. I've been using it for over a month and a half and am very happy with it.
MQA is a useless format that makes hardware more expensive for no actual audio benefit. Its a leftover from a time when network bandwidth was a concern. It should be abandoned by thinking audiophiles.
MQA is an easy way to quickly build a better quaility music file collection. Tidal better than many if not all other music subscription services. If starting your music file collection over from mp3s I would suggest it as a starting point for busy adult. What music format do you like, where do you get your files... be honest.
I personally think Spotify at max quality is more than enough for portable use especially for this player since it can't drive high power headphones that potentially could convey those subtle differences
@@hcastro35 So when your using the NW-A306 UI you can search by artist, song, quality and more. So your saying if you look up by artist (example ABBA) it would be in the wrong order (Example Killers "K" before Abba "A")?
@@TUXXREVIEWS No No, let’s say the following as an example. Let’s say I have 20 albums under Johnny Cash. I expect to click Johnny Cash under Artist & look at all his albums. It’s not doing that at all it’s putting certain songs under different artist.
Io ho una collezione di oltre 23000 brani mp3 e flac in una SD da 256Gb, il software è in grado di catalogare per Brano, Album, Artista, Genere correttamente nel suo data base? Dovresti respirare ogni tanto…😳
There is a nerve wrecking noise every 30 seconds or so. It is really embarrassing. Why do you put this kind of sound that is so annoying in the background? Example at 8:11
dude wtf is that noise going on regularly in the video, is this some kind of gimmick or something? horribly annoying and distracting. i have no clue what you said for most of the vid cause i just kept listening for that sound trying to figure out if i was losing my mind.
Backwards masking? Mind control? JOKE! Its my pet dove. I'm very sorry about the choo choo for you! In all seriousness I will try to make my video choo free. Thank you for the feedback
@@TUXXREVIEWS lol mostly glad i’m not having hallucinations…super cool you’ve got a little pet dove! i was enjoying your notes on the Walkman from what i did hear tho, keep it up :)
Mainly to have a pure music player without all of the distractions of a multi-purpose device. One of the reasons I use an A55 Walkman is because it is not Android. One of the things I don't like about the Android Walkman players is that it seems like being a music player is just an afterthought, with the Walkman part of the player just being an app.
@TUXX REVIEWS Because people are buying based on brand name not actually what the player off 1. This player does not have anywhere the power rating is state or the noise floor or if its balanced or not People are buying off of nostalgia of Sony Walkman
And people dont just buy apple because its apple? If your going to make vague points on "power raiting" or "noise floor" show me the real numbers. The Sony is plenty loud and clear. Explain more and Im open minded on this but need more than vague flexing.
@TUXX REVIEWS Apple dongle is clear but can it power a planar iem to listening level and potential? NO! That's why Daps show show specifications bout the output power, noise level, dynamic range what dac and amplifier they're using. They hide these cos it's sucks and they wanna sell these overpriced shit for the same price as a much powerful budget ones
Hello and thank you for the video, it is great! I havre two particular questions. 1. Does this player has "battery protect" function, like other Sony music players? It stops charging at 90% which triples total lifespan of battery. 2. Does automatic volume restriction gets on your nerves? I know that European version of this model is locked on certain level of volume and if you exceed it beeps and goes down on volume. Thank you so much for answering.
For the SD card issue everything has to be in a Music folder. Within that you can have folders for albums, artists, etc
In all my other players I swap a flash drive with a big flac collection. The other players (example Surfans F20, F-35, astell and kern etc) works cross player - So if I just have one folder in the flash drive called "music" that would work in the NW-A306?
@TUXX REVIEWS yeah sony likes to be different. Everything has to be in one "master" folder called Music on the card. Then after you put the card in you'll need to scan for music using the walkman app.
If you're using another music app you shouldn't have the whole music folder problem.
You don't have to create any folders on the card.
@@bak-unin when your music files properly tagged you can store all of them in the root directory and any decent player will sort and display them correctly
@@bak-unin Ordered a new card to test this.
It has to scan all the audio files every time it boots up. Put fewer songs if you want it to boot up fast. I have 40,000 songs, so I'm used to waiting for it to boot. It has to scan all the tags so it can show your playlist.
Thanks for mentioning this. I was wondering if the new model had sped up booting at all. I bought the AW-55 a couple years ago and rarely use it because it takes 2-3 min to boot up each time with 168gb/41k songs. Really is a bummer it's so slow compared to my 5th gen iPod.
I’m so glad you mention a high count library. I have around 28k flac songs and I can’t wait for my device to arrive! Bravo!🎉
@@chevymusclecar1970 This is a great device!! You won't be disappointed
Thanks for posting! Nice review. But none of the reviews of the Sony mp3 players have given me any reason to ditch my re-built 128GB iPod video.
I've had ipods too and this sound unit sounds better and can play more tpes of music files. Ipods can play MP3, AAC/M4A, Protected AAC, AIFF, WAV, Audible audiobook, and Apple Lossless. The Sony NW-A306 can play MP3: 32-320 kbps (supports VBR)/32, 44.1, 48 kHz, WMA: 32-320 kbps (supports variable bitrate (VBR)/44.1 kHz (STEREO), 32-48 kbps/44.1 kHz (MONO), FLAC: 16, 24 bit/8-384 kHz, WAV: 16, 24, 32 bit (Float/Integer)/8-384 kHz, AAC: 16-320 kbps/8-48 kHz, HE-AAC: 32-144 kbps/8-48 kHz, Apple Lossless: 16, 24 bit/8-384 kHz, AIFF: 16, 24, 32 bit/8-384 kHz, DSD: 1 bit/2.8224, 5.6448, 11.2896 MHz, APE: 8, 16, 24 bit/8-192 kHz (Fast, Normal, High), MQA: Supported... And thats just for starters.
@@TUXXREVIEWS good point, and I am sure that the Sony makes sense for some, maybe a lot, of people. But I use my iPods when I am out and about, either through ear buds or through my car stereo. The Apple Lossless music is more than overkill for such environments. The cost of equipment (head phones and a good amp) for listening to anything with higher fidelity is more than I want to invest. My Sennheiser HD400s are adequate for my uneducated ears, and the 5000 files (plus hundreds of audio books and dozens of movies) are sufficient for my mobile needs. Plus I am used to the iTunes interface, and I still buy music, podcasts, and movies off the iTunes Store on a regular basis.
Is my old iPod better than your Sony? Almost certainly not! The Sony just isn’t superior enough to get me to change.
Hi, is the volume normalisation any good? I have a range of MP3's of albums from different decades, and they all play at different volume levels. I am hoping the functionality works well on this device
It works but as a personal choice I leave it off. I worry about louder music files being lowered in volume
Great review, ive ordered the WM1AM2 model. I just wondered, can you use the USB-C or wifi/Bluetooth to connect to your PC (PC output to Walkman Input to earphones) so as to use the player as an amplifier for connected headphones for whatever you are listening or watching on your computer? Ie using sound out on your PC?
Yes you can plug into headphone amp but this is plenty loud to power the headphones im using. I dont believe you can use USB-c for headphone out but I have not tested this yet... but I dont think so at this point. Its for charging or file transfer.
New video yea!!
Dude I keep watching your review, still haven’t pull the trigger yet tho.
Its a really great player! Thanks for watching!
whats the experience with apple music? can you save songs in the microsd from apple music?
whoo hoo............who hoo...................whoo hoo...............who hoo............ who hooo..............whoo hoo.............who hoo.......
Best IEMs for this unit? Looking for a solid all arounder... I don't think the Sony warrants super high end iems. My ideal (simplified) profile would be warm, full and resolute. Would love a few suggestions. Over looked at moondrop, Dunu, Aful, Sennheiser and even truthear hexa... Heck I've looked at KZ. Thank you for your videos!
My favorite IEM (NOT SONY) Under $100 are the Surfans SE01 (16 Ohm) amzn.to/3LEn050 Over $100 but under $500 is the Fiio FH7s (18 Ohm) amzn.to/3Yn8ZQB Abover $1000 is the Technics EAH-TZ700 (19 Ohm) amzn.to/4d0Pm5h The diffrence from 16 ohm to 19 ohm isnt too much but keep in mind The Surfans SE01 will seem just a tad loulder. All thee good choices for the pricepoint.
@@TUXXREVIEWS Love this suggestion, thank you so much! Yes I don't want the 306 to struggle too much trying to power something that requires more power than it can provide. Appreciate you
For Power the A&K Alpha is the most powerful dap I've tested. It can use high ohm headphones. Thanks for the suggestions too.
i have a sony wm1am2 and it takes about 1 minute to boot up and i have about 8000 songs on the 1tb sd card. Walkman memory is free
Sometimes memory speed can slow down a boot up but in the case of the NW-A306 its boots slower like a cell phone
Nice review but can you tell me if there are any lag or stutters cause it is running android 12 on quite a slow processor compared to fiio m11s which I am also considering
Its very speedy as its tued for this device. Now the one downside is with full access to the google play store withdownloadingtoo many apps I could see that slowing down the unit but I personally have experencedno slow down at all.
So luckily you are not affected by the bass issue FR affecting many units….waiting for a fix from Sony 😣
was the bass issue with the A306 or just A305? No bass issue here. Bass isamazing.
@@TUXXREVIEWS A306/307. Head-fi forum is following on it with reports of the units affected. Mine unfortunately was affected and did return it to Amazon
An update that fix the issue is already available
Thanks for these reviews. Really find them useful. The one thing I’d like to know is can you delete the apps that come preinstalled with the phone? Hopefully you can otherwise I won’t be purchasing the player. Cheers!
So any apps you download from app store (example google play) can be deleted. Some of the core programs like Sony walkman app are tied into the OS and it may be a bad idea delating. I plan on making a video on memory issues soon.
@@TUXXREVIEWS Thanks for the reply. Yeah i wouldn't want to delete any of the core programmes. Just stuff that i would deem unnecessary. Look forward to your next video. Cheers!
Ok, so, as a motorcycle rider, I like my A17 WAY better because for all the functions, it has actual buttons, which I can manipulate with motorcycle gloves on. In regards to user interface, I like the A17 better. I do NOT like touch screens, especially when trying to wear motorcycle gloves. I think Sony should have a "Sports" model with waterproof case and nothing but rugged physical buttons. I find it a PITA trying to get the menus I want and the A17 had an auto-connect (last device or specific device) setting for bluetooth that I liked. For the A306, while I think the audio is a little better and the bluetooth is definitely better than my aging A17 (I think it's the aging that was causing bluetooth issues) I find that just trying to get the A306 into my tankbag (in a protective ziplock for rainproofing) to be problematic since I can't do it without touching the screen. Touching the screen even with it in a ziplock bag still changes things, so my solution has been to buy small kids socks for it. I get the system paired with my Cardo helmet system and get the music running, CAREFULLY slip the A306 into the sock, then if I accidently touch the screen it's not an issue. Slip that into the ziplock and I'm good to go. As it's broadcasting bluetooth all day, I can't say how long the internal battery would last (from the readout only a few hours) so on my BMW where I haven't been able to run power to it yet, I run a small Anker "brick" battery that I tested and it will last like 14+ hours, so, I'm good to go. The sock thing has worked out so far, so, I think I've got my solution. In summary: It seems like a nice, sturdy unit, great sound, typical Sony performance and quality. I'm sure it's not meant for the use I'm using it for, but I'm making it work, and so far the bluetooth has been 100% trouble free, so, I'm very happy with it aside from my personal dislike of touch screens. I'm sure I'll use it for the next 8+ years like my A17 has lasted. If Sony would make the "Sports" one I mentioned, I'd buy that for riding and find a use for the A306. I might bring the A307 with me the next time I fly, so I have tunes.
Your referring to this A17 phone? amzn.to/3qkZgMj
@@TUXXREVIEWS No, it's a Sony (digital )Walkman I bought in 2015
Can you confirm that using the Walkman player with local files, you’re able to adjust the gain in that settings?
Do you get background noise and clicking/poping sound issue when streaming music? Like interference from the wifi signal or something.
On wifi streaming sometimes but I think the issue was more my poor signal andnot the player.
Dumb question? Are these DAPs used for Tidal, Qobuz and/or Amazon HD? I would like to have something other than phone to stream music and take with me.
yes, modern daps stream Tidal, Qobuz, and more. This walkman can be used for streaming also.
Correct - This sony unit is andriod based so you can download your streaming music source.
For this player to be a usb dac connect with computer, how to connect with the amplifier if this is no line out I/O on the device ? I also want to know the sound out if it to be a dac with the filter in the player, thank you
So the start up time is the only real issue? Is the audio quality better than the NWA55?
No
@@dyslexicbien is it good for everyday use?
One thing I really wonder. Sony A-306 can be connected to Avani dongle via USB-C and I can get very loud volume from Avani 3.5mm port. However, the DAP doesn't make any sound when I connect it to xduoo XD-05 Plus amp. So, do you know which DAC/amp can be used with Sony A-306?
The AVANI ALC5686 HD Type-C to 3.5mm DAC Dongle is not an amp but a converter for USB C to 3.5 but the NW-A306 has a 3.5 on top so I'm not sure why you would want to do that. ALSO some of the audio filters / features are diffrent from 3.5 to usb-c so Im not sure why you would want to do that. Any headphone amp with 3.5 in will work but I cecently used on a cross country flight and it felt plenty lould using my sony NC earbuds th-cam.com/video/4uRPintGlHY/w-d-xo.html
@@TUXXREVIEWS indeed my aim was to check if A306 is able to have digital output via USB C, for hi-fi system of course. The result is so so because it works with some but not with others. That's why I want to know.
@@HaoNguyen-ut9pj The NW-A306 is one of the lower priced Sony options. Its a great player and amazing for the price. You could start there and then go up the product line as it just doesnt say in the tech details. Amazon has a pretty easy return process.
Does it have a gain mode? Tried it at Sony store wanting to get it with the ier-m9 but during my audition I found the m9 to be running in vol. 97..
The salesman wasn't very familar with DAPs as well. He told me there isn't any eq or audio customization choices with this device (which is untrue 😮💨
There is EQ and so many ways to adjust the sound. I will make a video on this later. I keep my NW-A306 at volume 12o to Max and with the headphones I use Its nice and lould but on some high resistance (high Ohm) headphones It may seem low. Typically these (high Ohm) would be $1000+ Full size over ear headphones intended for a full size home amp or at very least a headphone amp.
Hi, I'm just wondering if you know if Audible is available on the app store?
yes
@TUXX REVIEWS thank you so, so much.
@@kpdrrn32 Sure, more DAP reviews coming up. Including the New sony phone with some of the features from the NW-A306
What brand of earplugs are you using?
in ear monitors: amzn.to/3RFfGbN
Earbuds: amzn.to/48eQYWG
Over the ear headphones: amzn.to/3RNczyO
Batterylife?
I keep mine plugged in when not in use and it never really runs out. Even flying from CA to FL using off and on It never went to zero power.
How did u get it to recognize the sad card. I’m having same problem.
IMO the best way is to just start with a new card or let the Sony NW-A306 format the card.
@@TUXXREVIEWShow can I get it to recognize the FLAC songs?
@@duskmike8526 It should just see flac, no special tricks needed. Its a supported format.
How much extra storage can you get?
I wanted to double check the official link to see if they changed there tune (lol) but it doesnt really advertise the higest you can do. Keep in mind the bigger memory you put in it the harder it will need to work to find a song in search. I would suggest 256 -512 gig. can be higher imo.
Is there a volume cap like on the nwa-55?
120
Im surprised by the long boot up time. Its pretty quick on the older line up.
This depends on the microSd capacity with number of files it wanted to load. Even a 256gb with some Flac files takes like 15 seconds on A55. The player need to build database everytimes when loading up the microSD.
This included when switch from USB mode to Walkman player.
Wonder why its so long of a boot... Sony if you read this please fix!
@Dinodog Jr it was quite circumstantial with that line up. Back on my wm1a the build up time took at least 4-5 minutes for my 500gb 15,000 songs. At one point with an older firmware version the longest i was able to clock was aroung 15 minutes. The line up i was referring to is with a105 and zx507.
@Cobaltico such a major drawback. Thought a modern processor would make snappy performance.
Any Ipod players is instantly loading indeed.
Another thing which bother me in Sony Walkman is not allow to play imported playlist. I wish I could create my playlist on computer first and drag into the player just play it right on.
the long boot up time is still there?? Damn..... the older ones do also suffer from that. It's annoying AF!
Hello everyone! With streaming services can users download songs or podcasts to the mini-card for offline listening? Thanks!
Kinda a mixed bag for me -heres a video with my expereinces on Tital th-cam.com/video/2cmUAp2qT54/w-d-xo.html
Ive had mine a week and the battery life is ass. It says up to 36 hours but i get like 10.
Probably 36 hours for low res mp3's. What file format are you using
@@Psyclonus7 mine are all mp3 files.
Tuxx or anybody else have any issue with the battery on this walk man.
100% Full charge I only have battery of 5 to 5 and half hours playback?
Faulty battery?
I really want to make a video on this - with stop watch to track time. But there is variables like wired or unwired headphones, wifi on or off, music steamed or file on device, screen saver on or off, music volume , amount of button pressing, other apps on device using juice etc
Yes, mine lasted like 10 hours. I took a shower with it playing on my speaker, and it went down 6%.
I have a Walkman NWZ-A17 I bought in 2015 to replace one (forget the model) that got destroyed in a violent rainstorm in Denver (producing a tornado!) when I was riding my new motorcycle home from the dealer, and the battery on that has been going South for a couple years now. I power it with a brick battery in my tankbag, but noticed that lately, my Bluetooth connectivity to my Cardo motorcycle headsets completely sucks, it keeps dropping the connection. It still functions and sounds great aside from that, I just can't have it keep dropping the connection. So, I'll use it in my cars hardwired to power and (via the headphone output) audio, and I'll use this new one for riding. Hopefully the Bluetooth connection will work better. Bummer it's backordered. I'm a HUGE fan of Sony products, especially Walkman's. I have one of the first cassette Walkmans, still in good shape. I don't use it, so I'll be selling it. I'm sure someone will want it.
The good old A17, me too, with the Dac/amp Sony sold for it, which sadly won't work with the 306.
@@sandydennylives1392 In regards to user interface, I like the A17 better. I do NOT like touch screens, especially when trying to wear motorcycle gloves. I think Sony should have a "Sports" model with waterproof case and nothing but rugged physical buttons. I use the A17 exclusively in my car now, connected to USB power and connected via the headphone out into my car's audio.
@@kx8960 It sounds great with the Dac/amp on 320 kbps, but it can't really do Opera or most classical. Or flac. I need to know if the 306 can do Opera etc on flac and no one will tell me.
How about the power to drive hifiman sundara
Are your IEMs better than the truthear Hex?
Better than these? amzn.to/3zgrWXw
can you tell me what walkman apk version is it?
How is FM does it have rds display
Will this device arrive to Mexico?😊
click amazon link for shipping options
For me the long wait before the player is even usable is a deal breaker. Is the ZX707 equally slow does anybody know?
While the ZX707 is double the price I dont fully believe the slow boot up on the NW-A306 is hardware related. I'm very tempted to delete all apps on the 306 and see if that makes a faster boot. Anyone have a ZX707? I would love to see a quick video of its boot up, email me at tuxxtoys@gmail.com and I will give you a cell phone to text a short video to if too large to send to the email. I may purchase a ZX707 to test and compare later.
My ZX707 takes about 30 second to fully boot up from being totally shut off. I highly recommend buying the uncapped versions of these Walkman DAPs. Importing it from Japan saved me money and got me the uncapped ZX707. I've been using it for over a month and a half and am very happy with it.
man this thing is sold out everywhere in my country. Everywhere I mean Sony Centers.
Its super hot, with features of a $1000+ player you cant beat it. Scalpers have it but I suggest you just checp checking my link and everywhere.
will it stream Tidal over WiFi?
YES!
It's like the a-105 with better battery life and a-105 is half the price..
New Sony NW-A306 comparasion video coming up. I talk further on the battery and big price.
can this play videos?
yes
Is it a lot better than the NW a105?
I looked into both players before purchase and I would say yes! Better features, amazing sound and much much better battery life.
MQA is a useless format that makes hardware more expensive for no actual audio benefit. Its a leftover from a time when network bandwidth was a concern. It should be abandoned by thinking audiophiles.
MQA is an easy way to quickly build a better quaility music file collection. Tidal better than many if not all other music subscription services. If starting your music file collection over from mp3s I would suggest it as a starting point for busy adult. What music format do you like, where do you get your files... be honest.
I personally think Spotify at max quality is more than enough for portable use especially for this player since it can't drive high power headphones that potentially could convey those subtle differences
@@Benesyed What quality does spotify use?
@@TUXXREVIEWS The highest they have is mp3 @ 320
@@TUXXREVIEWS I have both but because I trained them for different genres in the discover weekly hahaha
Does anyone know how to reorganize the Walkman player? My artist folders are all over the place. I find it quiet annoying
When lookin gat music on the player or hooked to a computer?
@@TUXXREVIEWS player
@@hcastro35 So when your using the NW-A306 UI you can search by artist, song, quality and more. So your saying if you look up by artist (example ABBA) it would be in the wrong order (Example Killers "K" before Abba "A")?
@@TUXXREVIEWS No No, let’s say the following as an example. Let’s say I have 20 albums under Johnny Cash. I expect to click Johnny Cash under Artist & look at all his albums. It’s not doing that at all it’s putting certain songs under different artist.
@@hcastro35 You need to fix the tags.
Io ho una collezione di oltre 23000 brani mp3 e flac in una SD da 256Gb, il software è in grado di catalogare per Brano, Album, Artista, Genere correttamente nel suo data base? Dovresti respirare ogni tanto…😳
It will display your song files as they are tagged. I use Mp3tag (link to my video th-cam.com/video/10D9aCOTc54/w-d-xo.html ) to tag my collection
Why dose he sound like Chris from family guy
I hear people say that in you tube comments, but dont hear it myself. Is it a phrase I say or one certain word?
You sound like Jason Funderburker
I dont know who that is, Ill look it up!
There is a nerve wrecking noise every 30 seconds or so. It is really embarrassing. Why do you put this kind of sound that is so annoying in the background? Example at 8:11
It a pet dove,
Can it play flac 192k/24b file?
Yes
dude wtf is that noise going on regularly in the video, is this some kind of gimmick or something? horribly annoying and distracting. i have no clue what you said for most of the vid cause i just kept listening for that sound trying to figure out if i was losing my mind.
Backwards masking? Mind control? JOKE! Its my pet dove. I'm very sorry about the choo choo for you! In all seriousness I will try to make my video choo free. Thank you for the feedback
@@TUXXREVIEWS lol mostly glad i’m not having hallucinations…super cool you’ve got a little pet dove! i was enjoying your notes on the Walkman from what i did hear tho, keep it up :)
Just get a cell phone screen protector
true
Mad cringe at 400 dollar alienwares.
You could get a superb headphone for that money instead of pure garbage.
i use Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones HERE ON AMAZON: amzn.to/3LPDFUq
This is a joke right
@@dontbeedgy Your user name?
WTF is that barking sound
Its a dove!
It is so annoying the yu-ho on your video...
Sorry - Pet dove likes to be in video.
You can play music on literally any device. Why buy this then
HD Audio - Phones like Iphone and Samsung cant play HD Audio (Note: top models of Sony and ASUS can)
@TUXX REVIEWS there is literally like 1% difference. That difference you can also enjoy on a pc, and also very important what headset you have.
Mainly to have a pure music player without all of the distractions of a multi-purpose device. One of the reasons I use an A55 Walkman is because it is not Android. One of the things I don't like about the Android Walkman players is that it seems like being a music player is just an afterthought, with the Walkman part of the player just being an app.
what's that WHOHOO in tbe back?!
Homer Simpson lives next door
Useless players
This player is selling out over and over... Far from "useless". AMAZING is more like it
@TUXX REVIEWS Because people are buying based on brand name not actually what the player off
1. This player does not have anywhere the power rating is state or the noise floor or if its balanced or not
People are buying off of nostalgia of Sony Walkman
And people dont just buy apple because its apple? If your going to make vague points on "power raiting" or "noise floor" show me the real numbers. The Sony is plenty loud and clear. Explain more and Im open minded on this but need more than vague flexing.
@TUXX REVIEWS Apple dongle is clear but can it power a planar iem to listening level and potential? NO! That's why Daps show show specifications bout the output power, noise level, dynamic range what dac and amplifier they're using.
They hide these cos it's sucks and they wanna sell these overpriced shit for the same price as a much powerful budget ones
@@sleazymiguel6882 Nonsense.