Sony Walkman 32GB Hi-Res A300 Series NW-A306 Audio Player Black

I had recently bought a much cheaper ($130) "Hi-Res" player via Amazon and had been horrified by how extremely difficult it was to set up that cheap unit and by how poorly it performed (most artwork was not displayed, it cut off the last few seconds of every song and it playing all iTunes files in mono). So I that "you get what you pay for" and chose to then buy the Sony NW-A306 because it was so well reviewed and because its storage could be expanded via Micro SD card to 2Tb. I installed a 512Gb Samsung EVO Plus card and uploaded all 38,000 320kps tracks from my iTunes library. The Sony NW-A306 was easy to set up and performs perfecly. I am particularly happy to find that, when using Sony's inbuilt Walkman app it plays all consecutive tracks in an album (Such as ... MoreI had recently bought a much cheaper ($130) "Hi-Res" player via Amazon and had been horrified by how extremely difficult it was to set up that cheap unit and by how poorly it performed (most artwork was not displayed, it cut off the last few seconds of every song and it playing all iTunes files in mono). So I that "you get what you pay for" and chose to then buy the Sony NW-A306 because it was so well reviewed and because its storage could be expanded via Micro SD card to 2Tb. I installed a 512Gb Samsung EVO Plus card and uploaded all 38,000 320kps tracks from my iTunes library. The Sony NW-A306 was easy to set up and performs perfecly. I am particularly happy to find that, when using Sony's inbuilt Walkman app it plays all consecutive tracks in an album (Such as Dark Side Of The Moon) with perfectly clean gapless transitions. That's something that none of my audio apps on my PC can do! All of my cover artwork displays properly. It takes at least a minute to start up, but it is well worth the wait.Even though the Sony says it handles up to 20,000 tracks, all 37,000 of my tracks display and play perfecty - I expect that 20,000 might be the limit to the number of tracks that can be found for shuffle play without repetition (and that doesn't bother me at all). The .Sony NW-A306 is certanly superior to my S22 Ultra phone as a music player (using any app) as well as being more compact and having much more control of both volume and tone. Great value and genuine quality for the price.

A musically engaging portable digital audio player

This is my first android based Walkman and it brings some significant changes to the feature set I was previously used to. The NW-A306 follows the size and shape first introduced with the A30 series (followed by the 40, 50, and 100 series. It’s a very pocketable, solidly built music player but I wish it came with a case and a screen protector.The installed Android 12 operating system comes with the usual collection of Google apps, many of which I found unnecessary for a music player but unfortunately could not remove. Just like any other Android based device a pass code is necessary to keep the music player secure.I found I got sufficient volume with wired headphones (or earbuds) despite the implemented EU volume limit as long as I kept to low impedance ... MoreThis is my first android based Walkman and it brings some significant changes to the feature set I was previously used to. The NW-A306 follows the size and shape first introduced with the A30 series (followed by the 40, 50, and 100 series. It’s a very pocketable, solidly built music player but I wish it came with a case and a screen protector.The installed Android 12 operating system comes with the usual collection of Google apps, many of which I found unnecessary for a music player but unfortunately could not remove. Just like any other Android based device a pass code is necessary to keep the music player secure.I found I got sufficient volume with wired headphones (or earbuds) despite the implemented EU volume limit as long as I kept to low impedance headphones.As for the sound quality, it’s great. I found the audio detailed, rich, and engaging. The better the headphones the better the sound whether playing music stored on the device or via a streaming app.Most of the music I listen to is in the FLAC format and stored on a micro SD card. The internal storage only seems to offer sufficient storage for mp3/aac type compressed files as the available useable storage is about 18GB.To optimise battery life I turned off Wi-Fi when using the main Walkman app. It would have been nice if the Walkman app had a setting to auto shutdown Wi-Fi and any unnecessary apps when it is opened to maximise battery life.Speaking of the battery, the battery care function limits charging to 93% when on to preserve battery health. However I discovered that charging can still reach 100% should the device auto power off while charging or if the device is charged when off.I miss not having a FM radio and the convenience of NFC. The are no noise cancelling wired earbuds for the NW-A306 so wireless earbuds will be necessary if that feature is required.Unfortunately I found the hardware transport buttons to be laggy when the screen was off.I love the the cassette tape UI which changes depending on the music file format being played. ACC/MP3 files are represented by the lowest quality tape whereas DSD files are represented by metal tape animation.All in all the NW-A306 performs where it counts by being musically engaging and having a decent battery life. The included audio enhancements (EQ, DC Phase Linearizer, Vinyl Processor, and ClearAudio+) add what I call additional tonal flavours should I feel the need. I find with the right headphones DSEE Ultimate can add more life to music,

A very neat little device

I have to admit that I absolutely love Android in this form factor. The fact that I can put other apps from the Play store on here is absolutely amazing. I can have my music player (Spotify), and even emails and WhatsApp (although WhatsApp drained the battery too much for my liking, so it's gone now).I sincerely appreciate that Sony has made this as customisable as Android - the freedom to make it mine, have the wallpapers I choose, players I choose, and an easy memory card slot are all top notch choices.What would I change? A slightly stronger processor would go a long way in making this device a little more responsive. Also the buttons all being along one side of the device is a strange choice, it works fine for both hands, but when held in my left the lower ... MoreI have to admit that I absolutely love Android in this form factor. The fact that I can put other apps from the Play store on here is absolutely amazing. I can have my music player (Spotify), and even emails and WhatsApp (although WhatsApp drained the battery too much for my liking, so it's gone now).I sincerely appreciate that Sony has made this as customisable as Android - the freedom to make it mine, have the wallpapers I choose, players I choose, and an easy memory card slot are all top notch choices.What would I change? A slightly stronger processor would go a long way in making this device a little more responsive. Also the buttons all being along one side of the device is a strange choice, it works fine for both hands, but when held in my left the lower ones are hard to reach - it's also a bit tricky to learn which is which, but maybe that's why it's not symmetrical.Feature requests? I would love it if I could control what the next and previous buttons do - like single tap is advance 10 seconds but double tap is advance 20 seconds, and hold is skip (these are my preferred defaults so I know not everyone would want exactly that, which is why I am asking to be able to customise).I think offering some covers would also go a long way in really "making it mine" - I love a bright orange accent, for example.

Good where it counts, not perfect.

I've had the unit for about a week, invested in a 256GB microSD card. This unit is an audio specific version of a now almost universal technological template - a specialized computer running in this case Android 12. It has Bluetooth and WiFi. I didn't expect a full blown operating system device. If it had SIM capacity it would be also a smart phone. Android 12 takes up about 12GB of the 32GB internal storage. I wasn't too happy about that, but for the functional tradeoff and SD card capacity it's no big deal. The sound is at least as good as my hearing. It's quality is clear. One can have the audio signal pumped directly to output or routed through a number of optional enhancements such as Equalizer, Volume Leveler, a summary "Clear Audio", and a couple of geeky ... MoreI've had the unit for about a week, invested in a 256GB microSD card. This unit is an audio specific version of a now almost universal technological template - a specialized computer running in this case Android 12. It has Bluetooth and WiFi. I didn't expect a full blown operating system device. If it had SIM capacity it would be also a smart phone. Android 12 takes up about 12GB of the 32GB internal storage. I wasn't too happy about that, but for the functional tradeoff and SD card capacity it's no big deal. The sound is at least as good as my hearing. It's quality is clear. One can have the audio signal pumped directly to output or routed through a number of optional enhancements such as Equalizer, Volume Leveler, a summary "Clear Audio", and a couple of geeky adjustments that may only be apparent if using extreme hifi files. For my 320Kb Mp3s makes no difference. I assume more enhancements means more power usage. Nonetheless, battery life is hardly the 30hr. advertised, but plenty long enough for my usages - 10hr. or so. Navigation has a slight learning threshhold, but once mastered powerful. It takes a bit of time to boot, and rebuild the database, which for 100+GB libraries can take some seconds. All in all I'm very happy with the credit card sized machine.Physically it's solidly built, "heavy" in a good sense. Convenient as hell to carry in a pocket.

Great Walkman

I previously had an iPod Touch and was very pleased with that until after 13 years it finally died in that it would run out of juice after 60 to 90 minutes after a full charge. I was looking for a suitable replacement without having to spend lots of money and saw several good reviews for the NW-A306. To be honest, at first I was put off by comments that the bass lacked a lot, but it seems that a firmware update issued before I bought mine has corrected that. I have found that the sound is good, paired with either wired or Bluetooth earphones. My iPod was set up with iTunes on my Windows 11 PC and that synced really well and was a doddle to operate. This is where the Sony falls down hugely though, as the Sony 'Music Center for PC' program which is meant to function ... MoreI previously had an iPod Touch and was very pleased with that until after 13 years it finally died in that it would run out of juice after 60 to 90 minutes after a full charge. I was looking for a suitable replacement without having to spend lots of money and saw several good reviews for the NW-A306. To be honest, at first I was put off by comments that the bass lacked a lot, but it seems that a firmware update issued before I bought mine has corrected that. I have found that the sound is good, paired with either wired or Bluetooth earphones. My iPod was set up with iTunes on my Windows 11 PC and that synced really well and was a doddle to operate. This is where the Sony falls down hugely though, as the Sony 'Music Center for PC' program which is meant to function with this Walkman is frankly worse than useless. It crashes frequently, doesn't import the album artwork (iTunes did with never the slightest problem), and it seems so buggy that I haven't even tried to sync anything with the Walkman. I know iTunes has its detractors, but it looks superb and functions excellently compared to 'Music Center for PC'. On advice I have gleaned from the internet, I am now using the previous Sony program instead, 'Media Go', and that has worked well so far at least. It's been discontinued by Sony for a while so doesn't get any updates now, but at least it works. Shame on Sony for producing such good hardware and such awful software to support it.Anyway, enough of that frustration, this is meant to be reviewing the NW-A306, and I can't fault that. Yes, it's Android and so you get various bits you don't really need if all you want is a music player, but for the most part that's easily sorted. Happy to recommend the player, just be aware that you'll be unable to use the current Sony software with it.

Great powerful Hi-rez audio in a small package

The NW-A306 is a compact hi resolution sound media player. The shape is remeniscent of a small Sony Mobile phone.It's a small form factor device with a ridged back which is quite nice to hold and doesn't feel slippy. On the right hand side there are the usual media play sound controls just like the original Walkmans and a hold button to lock the device so things don't change whilst in your pocket.Its runs the android operating system so you go through the setup like a modern mobile phone and it can copy data from an existing android device like the excellent Sony Xperia 1 iii.It has a 3.5 audio socket and supports Bluetooth with codecs which include the Hi-Res Audio LDAC. ITs simple to pair with bluetooth headphones and if they support LDAC that's the best ... MoreThe NW-A306 is a compact hi resolution sound media player. The shape is remeniscent of a small Sony Mobile phone.It's a small form factor device with a ridged back which is quite nice to hold and doesn't feel slippy. On the right hand side there are the usual media play sound controls just like the original Walkmans and a hold button to lock the device so things don't change whilst in your pocket.Its runs the android operating system so you go through the setup like a modern mobile phone and it can copy data from an existing android device like the excellent Sony Xperia 1 iii.It has a 3.5 audio socket and supports Bluetooth with codecs which include the Hi-Res Audio LDAC. ITs simple to pair with bluetooth headphones and if they support LDAC that's the best setting to have. If using Sony Headphones the Sony App can control this as well.Once setup you can use your familiar android music player of taste from the Google play store.At first I wasn't sure why you would want a device like this as all modern mobile phones can play music but not all support Hi-res audio and the difference is noticeable.This digital media player can scale up any audio using its DSEE Ultimate technology and with its S-master HX audio amp sounds much better with deeper sounds and highs without distortion.The audio chipset is the Qualcomm APTX-HD and Sonys use of quality components does make a quality shift in music listening.Its comes as a 32GB but once operating system is taken into account there is about 18 gb for music and apps. However there is a MicroSD slot which is getting rare on mobile phones now to increase your capacity of music storage on the move.Having a separate media player is a good idea and saves your battery on mobile device and gives you a great audio experience. When paired with suitable bluetooth 5.2 head phones you can be connected to a supported mobile phone and this device so you don't have to compromise the ease of listening out for your phone at the expense of great Hi-rez audio.

Great-sounding player... but with some issues

I wish I could write a more fully complimentary review of this device, but there are some fundamental issues that make it not really realize its potential. First off: it sounds great for a player at this price point. I paired mine with some nice Grado cans it it's noticeably better-sounding than the same files played over my phone. It's a great size and the buttons/hard UI stuff is all well-placed and intuitive.On the other hand... there are some not-so-great features of this player and most of them have a common root: Android. This player runs on a full Android install, which causes a number of problems: (1) it's slow/laggy at times. I disabled a bunch of non-essential stuff and that helped some, but you really shouldn't have to do this to get a well-functioning ... MoreI wish I could write a more fully complimentary review of this device, but there are some fundamental issues that make it not really realize its potential. First off: it sounds great for a player at this price point. I paired mine with some nice Grado cans it it's noticeably better-sounding than the same files played over my phone. It's a great size and the buttons/hard UI stuff is all well-placed and intuitive.On the other hand... there are some not-so-great features of this player and most of them have a common root: Android. This player runs on a full Android install, which causes a number of problems: (1) it's slow/laggy at times. I disabled a bunch of non-essential stuff and that helped some, but you really shouldn't have to do this to get a well-functioning player, (2) it's a security risk--I really don't want another Google device that I'm logged into that can be stolen, (3) distractions: since it's a full install, there's email, etc. coming in while you're trying to listen to music. Again, you can disable/uninstall this, but why should you have to? This should be an out-of-the-box dedicated music player, and (4) Android takes up around half of the supposed 32G of storage. I bought a 500G SD card and put my whole music collection on it, but just be aware that this machine really only has about 16G available for music.

It is okay

I just lost my best one Sony player (Sony NW-A55) on the airplane to Japan last year. I feel so bad, because it is one of the best that I own so far. Furthermore, I bought this one to replace the lost one. I am happy but also quite disappointed with this NW-A306. I only need to listen music while confine in my seat for 10 to 16 hours, because I travel quite often and always for longs trip to Europe as well as to Asia.With my old Sony NW-A55 when I turn it on I can listen to music right away, but with this one it is too complicate. First, this one is like an iPad or tablet. It can play music but also video, and YouTube video as well, which I do like it too.I have to spend almost 3, to 4 hours to find out how it works (there is no manual, Sony why?) Since it is ... MoreI just lost my best one Sony player (Sony NW-A55) on the airplane to Japan last year. I feel so bad, because it is one of the best that I own so far. Furthermore, I bought this one to replace the lost one. I am happy but also quite disappointed with this NW-A306. I only need to listen music while confine in my seat for 10 to 16 hours, because I travel quite often and always for longs trip to Europe as well as to Asia.With my old Sony NW-A55 when I turn it on I can listen to music right away, but with this one it is too complicate. First, this one is like an iPad or tablet. It can play music but also video, and YouTube video as well, which I do like it too.I have to spend almost 3, to 4 hours to find out how it works (there is no manual, Sony why?) Since it is Android OS, it is quite slow to move around inside the system. One thing it confuses me, once using Android to open the music folder to listen to music, you can not control those songs. You should go into its system (Sony not Android) to listen to music, then you can control with the buttons.One more thing, its battery life is extremely SHORT. While I tried to find out how it works from 100% of battery it went down to 40% after only 3, 4 hours. Luckily, Sony allows you to charge while listening to music, so it is okay. Soon, next month I will take a trip to Tokyo, I will see how long the battery would last.One last comment, since I only use this Sony player to listen to music while on a long trip oversea on the airplane, it also means I use it only about 3 to 4 times a year, I can just buy an used one from Ebay to save some money, but who knows how bad is the battery, therefore I have to buy a new one, and only B&H is the most reliable store for me to rely on.

Most burdensome audio player ever

I bought the NW-A306 based on reviews, although even the reviews are mixed, there aren't many options are a good price point. I spent 3 days figuring out how to import my music library from my computer. I called both Sony and Apple and neither could help me. I tried a zillion things until I found a way to transfer music. The storage space ran out half-way through the import process because the usable storage space is much less thank what advertised--the system and other software take half of the storage space. Then I tried to delete the music and start again, but the instructions I found mentioned a trash can icon that does not show up anywhere on my device. Then I realized that most of my music collection is in mp3 files, so I would not be able to enjoy the higher ... MoreI bought the NW-A306 based on reviews, although even the reviews are mixed, there aren't many options are a good price point. I spent 3 days figuring out how to import my music library from my computer. I called both Sony and Apple and neither could help me. I tried a zillion things until I found a way to transfer music. The storage space ran out half-way through the import process because the usable storage space is much less thank what advertised--the system and other software take half of the storage space. Then I tried to delete the music and start again, but the instructions I found mentioned a trash can icon that does not show up anywhere on my device. Then I realized that most of my music collection is in mp3 files, so I would not be able to enjoy the higher resolution sound. I decided to erase all my personal information and music. Again, I can to call Sony support because the information is either not online anywhere or very well hidden. I'm returning this gadget. Save yourself headaches and days of frustration.

it plays music but i don't need android

I sincerely dislike the fact that this device is no longer simply a music player but it has now incorporated the android software system which allows you to browse the web and use youtube. I am using a mac and it's honestly a nightmare transferring music to it. I had to get android file transfer installed but it does not seem to like loads of songs transferred at the same time: it stops everything and asks me to change it to MTP mode or something. No one online has actually deciphered what that it is and I am forced to use my battered PC to transfer files. You are provided with a lightning cable so the transfers are super fast.I am not happy with the android and google apps being added. some of you might enjoy it but I already have a phone for those things, or my ... MoreI sincerely dislike the fact that this device is no longer simply a music player but it has now incorporated the android software system which allows you to browse the web and use youtube. I am using a mac and it's honestly a nightmare transferring music to it. I had to get android file transfer installed but it does not seem to like loads of songs transferred at the same time: it stops everything and asks me to change it to MTP mode or something. No one online has actually deciphered what that it is and I am forced to use my battered PC to transfer files. You are provided with a lightning cable so the transfers are super fast.I am not happy with the android and google apps being added. some of you might enjoy it but I already have a phone for those things, or my computer, ipad etc.I wanted exclusively a music player with bluetooth capabilities but now the android system takes about 14gb of the player and I am given about 12gb or so for my music which is not a problem because you can extend the memory by purchasing an sd card but it really bothers me that dead weight, it has no reason for being there.I am happy with the music player, it's pretty good, but I feel like the battery life is not as good as my old walkman - I suppose it's the android apps running in the background and all this other stuff I do not need draining it faster. I lost my precious old walkman and knew what I was getting when i bought this, this music player looks better than any other in the market, which is why I bought it. I suppose I might look around in the future for an exclusive dedicated music player because while I enjoy having a dedicated player, I do not enjoy vocal recognition starting off every now and then, the hold button not affecting the touching features, quite easily accidentally opening other apps, accidentally rewinding songs without really knowing why