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Sony NW-A45/B Walkman with Hi-Res Audio, Grayish Black
Brand | Sony |
Special Feature | Hi Res Audio |
Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth, USB, NFC |
Memory Storage Capacity | 16 GB |
Color | Grayish Black |
Screen Size | 3.1 Inches |
Compatible Devices | Laptop |
Media Type | SDHC |
Included Components | USB cable, Walkman, Startup Guide, Instruction Manual |
Display Technology | LCD |
About this item
- Truly authentic sound with Hi-Res Audio , Maximum Power Output - 35 Mega Watt + 35 Mega Watt
- S-Master HX digital amplifier for pure sound quality
- DSEE H upscaling restores quality to compressed files
- Easy Bluetooth connectivity with NFC One touch
- Ambient Sound Mode to keep you aware of your surroundings at all times
- You can enjoy up to 45 hours of music play back
- 16GB of memory built in
- In the box: Walkman (1), USB cable (1), Startup Guide, Instruction Manual
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Important information
Visible screen diagonal
4" / 8 cm
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This Item Sony NW-A45/B Walkman with Hi-Res Audio, Grayish Black | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
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Price | — | $39.98$39.98 | $1,398.00$1,398.00 | $79.99$79.99 | $89.99$89.99 | -16% $89.99$89.99 List: $106.99 |
Delivery | — | Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 24 | Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 24 | Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 24 | Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 24 | — |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Sound quality | 4.7 | 4.3 | 4.9 | 4.4 | 5.0 | 4.0 |
Battery life | 4.4 | 4.4 | 3.9 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.2 |
User interface | 3.9 | 3.7 | 4.1 | 4.0 | 4.2 | 4.2 |
Touch Screen | 4.4 | 3.9 | — | 3.0 | — | 4.3 |
Sold By | — | RUNFKJ | Amazon.com | YMSY | Focus Camera LLC | Luoran-USA |
display size | 3.1 inches | 2.4 inches | 5 inches | 2 inches | 1.77 inches | 5 inches |
memory capacity | 16 GB | 64 GB | 128 GB | 64 GB | 8 GB | 32 GB |
supported standards | MP3 | MP3 | MP3 | MP3 | MP3 | MP3 |
connectivity tech | Bluetooth, USB, NFC | Bluetooth, USB | Wireless | USB | USB | USB |
media type | SDHC | Micro SD | SD Card | Micro SD | — | Micro SD |
model name | — | mp3 players with bluetooth | SNNWWM1AM2 | M30 | mdrex15lp,nw-e394 | N2 |
component type | Memory, Display, Amplifier | Speakers | Amplifier | Battery | Memory, Display | Battery, Display |
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Sony Walkman with Hi-Res Audio
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What's in the box
From the manufacturer
Precision engineered for superior sound
New solder maximizes clarity
High-quality, lead-free solder creates a more efficient electronic connection between components, including the S-Master HX amp. Enjoy purer audio playback with enhanced vocal clarity, every time you press play.
New circuit board for pure, solid bass
The circuit board has been optimized to improve electricity flow, making the power supply stable. That means you experience clearer sound and pure, solid bass in your music.
Sony Walkmans
NWA45 | NWZX300 | NWE395 | NWE394
Add to Cart
| NWE393 | |
Customer Reviews
|
4.4 out of 5 stars
1,040
|
4.3 out of 5 stars
34
|
4.4 out of 5 stars
887
|
4.2 out of 5 stars
2,262
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4.2 out of 5 stars
309
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Battery life
| 45 hours | 30 hours | 35 hours | 35 hours | 35 hours |
Internal Memory
| 16GB | 64GB | 16GB | 8GB | 4GB |
Expandable storage
| ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
High-Resolution Audio
| ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
Direct Stream Digital (DSD)
| ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
S-Master HX digital amplifier
| ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
DSEE HX
| ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
Balanced connection
| ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
USB DAC Function
| ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
LDAC function
| ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
MQA support
| ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
Looking for specific info?
Product information
Product Dimensions | 3.47 x 1.69 x 5.35 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 7.7 ounces |
ASIN | B0765ZVM6Y |
Item model number | NWA45/B |
Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included) |
Customer Reviews |
4.4 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #203,714 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics) #812 in MP3 & MP4 Players |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | October 29, 2017 |
Manufacturer | Sony |
Feedback
Product guides and documents
Product Description
Enjoy superior sound quality, wrapped up in the colors of your world. High- Resolution Audio lets you hear music as the artist intended. Go wireless with NFC and Bluetooth streaming, and Ambient Sound Mode to keep you aware of your surroundings at all times. Display Type: TFT colour display with white LED-backlight Capacitive touch screen
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers are positive about the quality, bluetooth connectivity, and storage space of the mp3 player. They mention that it feels like a solid piece of metal, works great with a bluetooth speaker, and is worth the price. Customers also like the battery life, sound quality, and music. However, some customers are mixed on ease of use.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers are satisfied with the sound quality of the mp3 player. They mention that the sound is excellent, it supports lots of audio formats, including high-res, and that the playback quality satisfies their needs. They also appreciate the intuitive design and the ability to control the volume on their speaker.
"...better than even the best CD-ROMs can produce, leaving lush, silky smooth sound, and where the recording technology falls so far into the background..." Read more
"...Sound quality, -superb. I have a few DAP's and have tested all including a few smartphones...." Read more
"...The Walkman has a good equalizer built in and I get great sound whether I’m using a wired headset or linking the player to the Bluetooth in my car...." Read more
"...Great sound, and I am only listening to MY music.The display is good, even though the touch screen icons are a tad small for my fingers...." Read more
Customers like the bluetooth connectivity of the mp3 player. They say that it works great with a bluetooth speaker, and the NFC tap-to-connect works excellent with other Sony devices. The shuffle function works perfectly, and it works out of the box. The Sony Music Center is functional enough, but lacks the flexibility of Media Player. The built-in EQ works well, and customers have had no issues with the software and functionality.
"...that is not only stunning in appearance and clarity but works well with the touch function..." Read more
"...playlists, random, continuous play, plays a ton of file formats, bluetooth, FM radio -which is a nice touch, and one really special feature..." Read more
"...The Sony Walkman is awesome. Does absolutely EVERYTHING I wanted. New vehicles don't have CD players anymore, and I was stuck with tons of music...." Read more
"...Everything worked like a charm. All organized, all plays back however you decide to play back the music...." Read more
Customers like the quality of the mp3 player. They say it's a solid little audio player that gets the job done. The sound quality is spot-on, and it doesn't feel cheap like many others on the market. It's heavier and seems more durable, and is a weighty high-tech quality feel. Overall, customers are happy with the quality and functionality of the product.
"...It's not overly heavy, but when you pick it up, it feels like a solid piece of metal, with no squeaks, rattles, mismatched pieces, and so on...." Read more
"...really do this justice, its smaller than you expect but the quality is much better than I was anticipating...." Read more
"...The Sony Walkman is awesome. Does absolutely EVERYTHING I wanted. New vehicles don't have CD players anymore, and I was stuck with tons of music...." Read more
"...It is build solidly and is fairly easy to navigate playback...." Read more
Customers like the music that the mp3 player can play. They say it's a great product that is perfect for this type of playback. Customers also say that it plays mp3, and high-res audio formats.
"...innovations on these Sony devices have been both fun and technologically impressive, generally always the best available from any manufacturer...." Read more
"...(shuffle, playlists, random, continuous play, plays a ton of file formats, bluetooth, FM radio -which is a nice touch, and one really..." Read more
"...file formats a good feature of the Walkman is that you are not limited to loading music on the player from one piece of software such as iTunes...." Read more
"...This player also plays every Hi-Res format you can throw at it: AIFF, FLAC, WAV, DSD. I will discuss that below.BUILD QUALITY..." Read more
Customers like the battery life of the mp3 player. They mention that it has a good battery life and has plenty of battery.
"...Another feature of this Walkman I like is the battery life...." Read more
"...Easy to look through settings, after some practice. The battery life is unreal, and they were not joking when they rated at around 43 hours of run..." Read more
"...MINUSES:-- Cannot replace the battery at end of its cycle life: must be sent in for replacement..." Read more
"...The battery life has been good: About 25 hours of use, with the battery-saver option on, and turning the screen off when not using the interface...." Read more
Customers like the storage space of the mp3 player. They say that it has plenty of storage capacity, and can store a large number of lossless files. The product has configurable memory with a microSD card, and has enough for an audio player. Customers also appreciate the ability to hold as much music as they care to put onto the device.
"...works just great, with few missed presses and plenty of real estate for the various, and MANY, functions of the device...." Read more
"...I also added the 128Gig Micro SD, so my storage is virtually unlimited...." Read more
"...enjoy the somewhat higher quality sound of this player, and the added storage space that the SD card slot provides...." Read more
"...built, plays everything you can throw at it, and has the ability to use very large SD cards...." Read more
Customers like the value of the mp3 player. They say it's worth the price, an excellent portable audio device for the money, and has great features for the price. Some customers also mention that the cables aren't too expensive. Overall, customers are satisfied with the value and quality of the product.
"...small, the micro-SD gives you a lot more options/room at a reasonable price.Some have said they have issues finding replacement cables...." Read more
"...- Battery holds a charge for a long time - Great features for the price: Bluetooth, built-in FM radio..." Read more
"...This unit competes with the Cowon Plenue D quite well on price, and is certainly less expensive than a smartphone." Read more
"...This thing is awesome and it's priced just right if you want to get into Hi-Res and FLAC...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the ease of use of the mp3 player. Some mention that the interface is actually remarkably intuitive, with no problems getting around it. The learning curve is fairly short, and playlist creation is easy enough. However, others say that the user interface isn't as friendly as something like an iPod, and the app is a little difficult to use. The screen-size makes using the controls slightly difficult, but this is offset by the physical music. Some find it to be super annoying in practice, and find the instructions provided aren' t terribly helpful.
"...++ Well laid-out screen interface that is actually remarkably intuitive..." Read more
"...I feel the UI is intuitive and very easy to use. Its simple but works effectively.4) Sound quality, -superb...." Read more
"...screen (though it is very clear and detailed) - Interface is a bit confusing and requires training and practice - The user manual is..." Read more
"...and access it as you would an individual song but the ease of subscribing to a podcast and having it managed and easily accessible isn't available..." Read more
Reviews with images
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Top reviews from the United States
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It's not been all bad, however. All the major companies moved to duplicate Sony's early work in psychoacoustic recording (Microsoft, for example, deploying the lossless WMA codec, Apple deploying the lossless ALAC codec, and the open-source movement deploying the FLAC codec), and now we have a wide array of high-quality formats to use. Even the humble MP3 retains a place in today's environment, particularly in podcasting and other voice recordings (and higher bitrate MP3 files can, admittedly, sound pretty good with music, although nothing like the lossless formats). Coupled with that is that the majority of cell phones today carry within them some pretty decent hardware for music reproduction, and you've got an embarrassment of riches when it comes to playing back digital music.
Nevertheless, I've still purchased nearly every variant of Sony digital portable music player Sony developed over these decades, and even put up with the oft-maligned Sony "SonicStage" software because of the sound quality of the ATRAC-encoded files and so I could experience the gorgeous, innovative devices Sony has continued to put out (although, admittedly, to Sony it must have felt like maintaining ATRAC and SonicStage during this period probably felt like throwing leaves into an oncoming wind). I have not regretted doing so, because the sound quality and the mechanical innovations on these Sony devices have been both fun and technologically impressive, generally always the best available from any manufacturer. I won't list all the models here, but there have been plenty of them, believe me.
Well, it is now 2018, and we've moved into "High Resolution" sound, or "Hi-Res" for short, and now we can purchase Hi-Res streams online. ("Hi-Res" refers to digital music that had been encoded to a minimum of 96kHz at 24bits, far beyond that of the CD-ROM standard of 44kHz/16-bit sound specified by Sony [Japan] and Philips [the Netherlands] in the early 1980's; often, Hi-Res can go all the way to 192kHz/24-bits.) Hi-Res is remarkably better than even the best CD-ROMs can produce, leaving lush, silky smooth sound, and where the recording technology falls so far into the background that all you are left with is the sound itself. And so Sony and Philips, replaying their Dutch/Japanese collaboration of the 1970's, have been at the forefront of documenting and specifying Hi-Res, and Sony, too, has additionally been producing for a number of years now a range of players capable of pounding out Hi-Res music from portable and home players that were previously not even possible, even from the most expensive sound units.
So, this new Sony NW-A45 player (in series with the A46 and A47 models which are the same except for larger built-in memory, and not for direct U.S. sale) is not the first of Sony's Hi-Res players, but it IS a new entry in the sense that it combines Hi-Res file compatibility with special electronic hardware, including a high-quality digital/audio converter, or "DAC," that allows the sound to be reproduced to its highest levels, and a touchscreen interface much like the Apple devices, but with a bevy of mechanical switches (THANK YOU!) on the side for basic functions.
So, what can I tell you about the Sony NW-A45?
Well, let's start with some basics. This device is visually stunning. I have mine in the blue/grey color, which just oozes a gorgeous look, but you can also get this in greyish black if that's your cup of tea, and the greyish black actually looks nicer in person than it does in the product photos. Next, this thing is mechanically SOLID. And I mean it. It's not overly heavy, but when you pick it up, it feels like a solid piece of metal, with no squeaks, rattles, mismatched pieces, and so on. It feels like it was carved out of a single piece of material. The device's surface has a somewhat matte finish to it which not only adds to its visual appeal but makes it feel very good in the hand. The unit's physical dimensions, too, are just right, making the unit large enough to get a good grip, but not so big as to be cumbersome. Someone got this *just* right.
The 3.1" screen, rated at 800 x 480 pixels or WVGA specification, is simply beautiful. To be honest, I was not expecting the screen to look this good, but the display is so clear and colorful that it far surpasses other players I've had. (The display is a TFT color display with a white LED-backlight, and, of course, a capacitive touchscreen so that you can manipulate the device by touch.) Wow, I have to say I was thoroughly surprised at just how clear this screen is. Beyond that, the touch functionality works just great, with few missed presses and plenty of real estate for the various, and MANY, functions of the device.
Now, onto what is the most important aspect of the player: How does it sound?
Well, let me say that this thing is just incredible in its sound reproduction. I used to own a $1,000 Sony Digital Walkman a year or two ago, and this little device basically-—and shockingly-—meets it in sound quality. Maybe not 100%, but so close that most of us could never hear the difference at all. (I am using mine with a set of Bose SoundSport Bluetooth headphones and Sony's own MDR-NW750N headphones; when you use Sony's MDR-NW750N headphones, the player magically adds ACTIVE noise reduction.) It's truly an achievement on Sony's part to be able to create such a device with this type of sound quality at this price point.
Also of note is the unique Bluetooth technology employed in this player. Although the device connects to any Bluetooth headphone, the player uses Sony's new "LDAC" transmission codec, which transfers data across the Bluetooth connection at up to 990kbps, which is THREE TIMES the bandwidth of traditional Bluetooth players. This permits Hi-Res sound to be transmitted via Bluetooth (traditional Bluetooth does not support Hi-Res data sound streams; if you are using a set of Bluetooth headphones, Hi-Res sound must be downsampled by the player before it is streamed to the headphones). The sound this device rolls out is so amazing that you have to experience it with a true Hi-Res data stream and headphones, like the Bose SoundSports, to experience it. The device also has a series of software and hardware features to improve the sound of non-Hi-Res audio for all your non-HiRes files. I am truly impressed beyond all expectations, and I may remind you that this is coming from a person who has purchased nearly every music device Sony has ever put out.
Running at about $200, this device is a STEAL. And I mean it.
I still listen to music on my iPhone and my computer, but this device will be my device of choice going forward. Its sound quality, its build quality, its features (far too many to list here; see the Sony support site for NW-A45 to read them all, because they are wide-ranging and often unique), its functionality, its screen, and its physical appearance easily make this a SEVEN-Star item of Five, and I rarely say something like that about anything I review. If you like music, *RUN*, don't walk, to get this item.
I will list some of the devices features here and things I like; I will try to add to this over time, as there are far too many to list on a first review.
PLUSSES
++ Incredible sound quality; *absolutely* best-in-class
++ Plays virtually every sound codec known to man, including all the lossless codecs, including DSD and MQA, new high-quality formats not yet adopted by many (with the only exception being Microsoft's lossless WMA: the unit plays WMA and variable-bit WMA, but not lossless WMA, which must be some type of legal thing with Microsoft. Following in Sony's earlier footsteps on proprietary formats, Microsoft? A STUPID business decision on your part, if that is the real reason!)
++ Excellent build quality (feels like it was built in Japan, but is actually manufactured in Malasia. Trust me on this, I'm very sensitive to build quality, and don't make such statements lightly.)
++ Mechanical buttons on right side of the device (THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU) for basic operational functions
++ Full touch 3.1" 800x480 WVGA TFT screen that is not only stunning in appearance and clarity but works well with the touch function
++ Touchscreen supports basic gestures for "flicking" up, down, and left-right
++ Micro SDXC card slot to expand storage (and have you seen that the 400Gb SanDisk micro SDXC card is now out? 400Gb!!! You can carry nearly half a TERABYTE of solid-state-based digital music on this device if you wish!)
++ Excellent battery life rated at 30 hours of play, depending on the codec being used (and Sony is generally correct with these; assume easily about 25 hours, and your Bluetooth headphone's battery headphones will be out long before the player)
++ Sony-specific Bluetooth technology ("LDAC") TRIPLES the data stream rate over traditional Bluetooth up to 960kbps, supporting wireless transmission of Hi-Res audio (amazing)
++ Traditional 3.5" headphone jack so you can use most any wired headphone you wish (check the manual for any compatibility specifications)
++ When used with Sony's MDR-NW750N headphones, you get ACTIVE sound reduction that works amazingly well
++ A litany of sound control functions are supplied to customize and improve the sound of almost any type of audio file
++ Both Windows and Mac software available from Sony for this device, but you don't need them since this device supports drop-and-drag on both Macs and PCs
++ High-quality DAC that can actually be connected to your computer for improved sound when playing music from your computer (!)
++ Well laid-out screen interface that is actually remarkably intuitive
++ "Language Study" is supported (read the documentation on this: really cool if you are learning a language)
++ Ten bookmark lists now supported (previous Sony devices, even Hi-Res models, supported only five)
++ Can control when the touch interface is and is not active, very nice for when using this device under different conditions
++ While retaining the Sony-unique USB connector cable that so many people grouse about, you can get these anywhere now for five dollars, so it's not an issue like it used to be
++ Physically gorgeous, and the physical dimensions of the device make it naturally fit in the hand
++ Very nice implementation of a strap mount at the bottom of the unit that does not interfere with the shape of the unit
++ NFC (Near Field Communication) supplied for instant connection to other NFC-enabled devices
++ Firmware upgradeable from home (no need to mail the unit in for firmware upgrades!)
++ Want to go a step further? If you have headphones that are "AptX-capable" (do some Googling here), this unit will support AptX transfer of music if the right firmware is installed!
MINUSES:
-- Cannot replace the battery at end of its cycle life: must be sent in for replacement (true of many players and cell phones today, but unacceptable)
-- Must charge using USB: no direct A/C charging is possible (although plugging the USB cable into a USB enhanced speed charger will shorten recharge time)
-- The sheer number of available functions make for some pretty tight finger-touch points at places; not really a big deal, but you have to watch what you are doing to get the function you are wishing
-- Cannot play Windows Medial LOSSLESS files (this may be a restriction Microsoft imposes so that other brands cannot replay their WMAL files, but I do not know that for certain)
-- Battery life, while good, could be longer; 30 hours sounds like a lot, but it isn't. This would certainly add to the weight of the device
-- Only a few colors available (although both the blue and the grey look fantastic)
Note:
More questions? Simply Google "Sony A45 Support," and you will see the Sony support page for this unit where you can download the entire 145-page manual, spec sheets, and help guides. I've tried, however, to touch on most of the high points here.
Things I was considering when I purchased this player:
1) Was concerned that it was under-powered (a few reviewers mentioned that this player had about the same power as a smartphone (referring to the power to drive a pair of over the ear headphones). This concerned me as my smartphone (a Galaxy S9 cant adequately power my Acoustic Research Mx40's).
2) Was concerned about getting music onto this device (a few reviewers mentioned having a difficult time loading CD's onto the player.
Pros:
1) Size and Quality of the device are superb. It fits perfectly in your hand, buttons are easy to reach and depress w/ one hand, rounded edges make for holding very comfortable. The weight is perfect, feels like a quality piece of equipment. Photos don't really do this justice, its smaller than you expect but the quality is much better than I was anticipating.
2) Screen is beautiful, easy to read and has controls to adjust contrast.
3) UI, here is one that had some negative reviews from other users. I feel the UI is intuitive and very easy to use. Its simple but works effectively.
4) Sound quality, -superb. I have a few DAP's and have tested all including a few smartphones. This Walkman hands down has the best sound. There are quite a few controls to adjust the sound as well, and I notice that each album I play lends itself a bit better to various fine tune sound adjustments. Its easy to adjust once you start to get the hang of it.
5) Features, has all the basics (shuffle, playlists, random, continuous play, plays a ton of file formats, bluetooth, FM radio -which is a nice touch, and one really special feature (SenseMe). -more on SenseMe below.
6) Awesome desktop application (for PC and/or Mac) -works great and easy to use. Create playlists, import your CD collection (uses Gracenote to gather album info) and sync to your Walkman device.
What this is, is a purpose built audio player.
Negatives:
1) ..this is more of a wish, but wish there was a bit more customization allowed. But I suppose Sony realizes this could slow performance and/or cause problems (I look to Fiio which allows a lot of customization and ability to download app's to their device, yet it causes issues and crashes).
----
SenseMe!!
This is the feature that no one talks about nor I had heard nothing about. I feel is worth discussing as it is an awesome feature. This feature really comes to life after you import music to your Walkman via the desktop application. You need to go through the import process, either import purchased digital files or import CD's ...but don't drag and drop to your SD card, reason being is when you import your music using the desktop application all kinds of song information is included which is used in the SenseMe feature on your Walkman. SenseMe is a smart playlist feature. It auto-creates playlists based on your music collection. More SenseMe playlists channels are created based on the amount of music you have in your collection. I currently have about a dozen SenseMe playlists, they are labelled "energetic", "lounge", "morning", "day", "midnight", etc... each has a unique set of songs that match some algorithm Sony has created to group songs that have similar "feel" together. I did a little research online and the software behind this feature is fairly substantial, as a result SenseMe does a great job pairing songs you'd not consider to create pleasing playlists. I actually love this feature and feel that between the desktop application and the SenseMe app that is included on the Sony Walkman this is worth purchasing over other players simply for these features.
There are many great sounding DAP's out there, the Walkman rises above the others because of its simplicity, the thought out desktop software, and this SenseMe application.
Top reviews from other countries
However, the PCM-100 is too large, and clumsy as a player. I love that it runs on AA batteries, and has micro USB - but I just couldn't carry it around. I put up with my phone and low quality rips for a few years.
Finally, for Father's Day I picked up the NW-A45.
I want to start with what I'm disappointed with - and what I think was a huge missed opportunity for Sony. With the HAP-S1, it comes with software for the Mac (Windows too) and it's great for transferring every format of music. You can even select if you install it on the internal HDD or external etc. Why, Sony couldn't incorporate a Hi-Res device like the A45 to work with that music transfer program that's already installed on your computer. And, why not have it able to plug into the USB in the back of the HAP for transfer of music? Much like to can rip CD's etc directly into the HAP using USB. There's just so much potential.
But if you don't have a HAP then all of that is meaningless to you. Let's talk about the A45. The size is practically identical to that of a business card and the thickness of any normal smart phone these days. So pretty thin, and pretty small. One of the deciding factors for me to buy this as opposed to all the others I saw, is the buttons on the side. Physical buttons, laid out in a practical way. I listen to music every night, falling asleep to it. I need to be able to control my music without looking at a screen. Just clicking buttons. Perfect. I'd been using a Xduoo2 for a few years now at night. No more. Oh, and the Sony has an easy to flick Hold button too! perfect.
So, a proprietary cable? That's fine. I bought an extra for $5 on Amazon. Plus all my Apple gear uses proprietary cables and it's never been an issue. Otherwise, not much to see. 3.5mm audio jack.and a lanyard anchor.
For testing I had to play material that I've heard hundreds of times before on my other Sony DSD gear. Pink Floyd's WYWH in DSF format. Also, my own music as I've been recording and producing music for years, recording in 24/192. As with any portable audio - a huge part of your experience comes from your headphones. I've seen people say DAP xyz has no power, or lacks bass etc - but with another set of headphones all of a sudden the sound is great.
VOLUME - I just wanted to quickly add - that one of the best things here is that the device has 120 clicks of volume. You can get any level you desire which is important to me especially late at night falling asleep. The small increments are a great help. Don't miss the volume shortcut by tapping the volume level at the top of the screen!
SOUND & POWER - My headphones are 24ohms. I put on Shine On You Crazy Diamond and I found volume at 100/120 was about the highest I could go without it hurting my ears. However, 75/120 is perfect for me. So while the amp in the device isn't the most powerful, it's perfect for its size and should do you well even in noisy environments. Now, I'm listening to DSD and perfectly mastered material - but even at full volume (I put volume to 120/120 for the intro of Shine On You Crazy Diamond, and there is no hiss, no noise at all. It's dead quiet except for the music. Fabulous stuff!
Lots of audio options. Preset or manual equalization, Clear+ audio, DSEE HX, phase linearizer, normalizer etc.
INTERFACE - Very easy to use and understand. You can customize which features are on the home screen. Everything is legible and easy to read. Screen will show you if you are listening to Hi-Res material. You only need to learn 4 swipes. One in every direction. And the volume shortcut I mentioned earlier. You can delete your songs directly from the player if need. You can create playlists on the device.
For the $, I think it's an excellent value. Very portable, easy to use, sounds fantastic with good headphones (and maybe even without). Interface is fast and responsive. Really, there is nothing more I would want on this player.
UPDATE: I just wanted to come back to this review for some thoughts, and I have uploaded some photos too compared with a iPhone SE for size comparison.
This player is fantastic. The battery life is great. I play mostly DSD and high bitrate FLAC and the player goes forever. There's an option in settings called battery saver - where the device, when charging will never charge higher than 90% full. I've been using this and still fabulous battery life.
If you look at the photos, I am playing a DSD album. I just wish the display would show the format/bit-rate of the song being played.Instead it will only show as HR or nothing at all for lower resolution files. However, you can get extremely detailed information on every song that is playing, including all the specifications easily from the play screen.
I've (don't laugh) been testing this at night with some $2 in-ear phones. See, I fall asleep with my music device every night - and I learned over the years that what I wear will eventually get broken from being tugged or crushed etc. So, I wear cheapie at night. Still - while the sound is obviously not as good - I can accept that - and it's the form factor of the device that's perfect for me. fits in my hand, every physical button easily identifiable by touch.
If the build quality of this wasn't so good, and it didn't seem like it would last forever, I might buy a spare - but as it is - I think this is going to stay around and last for a long, long time. Get it while you can.
Reviewed in Canada on June 19, 2018
However, the PCM-100 is too large, and clumsy as a player. I love that it runs on AA batteries, and has micro USB - but I just couldn't carry it around. I put up with my phone and low quality rips for a few years.
Finally, for Father's Day I picked up the NW-A45.
I want to start with what I'm disappointed with - and what I think was a huge missed opportunity for Sony. With the HAP-S1, it comes with software for the Mac (Windows too) and it's great for transferring every format of music. You can even select if you install it on the internal HDD or external etc. Why, Sony couldn't incorporate a Hi-Res device like the A45 to work with that music transfer program that's already installed on your computer. And, why not have it able to plug into the USB in the back of the HAP for transfer of music? Much like to can rip CD's etc directly into the HAP using USB. There's just so much potential.
But if you don't have a HAP then all of that is meaningless to you. Let's talk about the A45. The size is practically identical to that of a business card and the thickness of any normal smart phone these days. So pretty thin, and pretty small. One of the deciding factors for me to buy this as opposed to all the others I saw, is the buttons on the side. Physical buttons, laid out in a practical way. I listen to music every night, falling asleep to it. I need to be able to control my music without looking at a screen. Just clicking buttons. Perfect. I'd been using a Xduoo2 for a few years now at night. No more. Oh, and the Sony has an easy to flick Hold button too! perfect.
So, a proprietary cable? That's fine. I bought an extra for $5 on Amazon. Plus all my Apple gear uses proprietary cables and it's never been an issue. Otherwise, not much to see. 3.5mm audio jack.and a lanyard anchor.
For testing I had to play material that I've heard hundreds of times before on my other Sony DSD gear. Pink Floyd's WYWH in DSF format. Also, my own music as I've been recording and producing music for years, recording in 24/192. As with any portable audio - a huge part of your experience comes from your headphones. I've seen people say DAP xyz has no power, or lacks bass etc - but with another set of headphones all of a sudden the sound is great.
VOLUME - I just wanted to quickly add - that one of the best things here is that the device has 120 clicks of volume. You can get any level you desire which is important to me especially late at night falling asleep. The small increments are a great help. Don't miss the volume shortcut by tapping the volume level at the top of the screen!
SOUND & POWER - My headphones are 24ohms. I put on Shine On You Crazy Diamond and I found volume at 100/120 was about the highest I could go without it hurting my ears. However, 75/120 is perfect for me. So while the amp in the device isn't the most powerful, it's perfect for its size and should do you well even in noisy environments. Now, I'm listening to DSD and perfectly mastered material - but even at full volume (I put volume to 120/120 for the intro of Shine On You Crazy Diamond, and there is no hiss, no noise at all. It's dead quiet except for the music. Fabulous stuff!
Lots of audio options. Preset or manual equalization, Clear+ audio, DSEE HX, phase linearizer, normalizer etc.
INTERFACE - Very easy to use and understand. You can customize which features are on the home screen. Everything is legible and easy to read. Screen will show you if you are listening to Hi-Res material. You only need to learn 4 swipes. One in every direction. And the volume shortcut I mentioned earlier. You can delete your songs directly from the player if need. You can create playlists on the device.
For the $, I think it's an excellent value. Very portable, easy to use, sounds fantastic with good headphones (and maybe even without). Interface is fast and responsive. Really, there is nothing more I would want on this player.
UPDATE: I just wanted to come back to this review for some thoughts, and I have uploaded some photos too compared with a iPhone SE for size comparison.
This player is fantastic. The battery life is great. I play mostly DSD and high bitrate FLAC and the player goes forever. There's an option in settings called battery saver - where the device, when charging will never charge higher than 90% full. I've been using this and still fabulous battery life.
If you look at the photos, I am playing a DSD album. I just wish the display would show the format/bit-rate of the song being played.Instead it will only show as HR or nothing at all for lower resolution files. However, you can get extremely detailed information on every song that is playing, including all the specifications easily from the play screen.
I've (don't laugh) been testing this at night with some $2 in-ear phones. See, I fall asleep with my music device every night - and I learned over the years that what I wear will eventually get broken from being tugged or crushed etc. So, I wear cheapie at night. Still - while the sound is obviously not as good - I can accept that - and it's the form factor of the device that's perfect for me. fits in my hand, every physical button easily identifiable by touch.
If the build quality of this wasn't so good, and it didn't seem like it would last forever, I might buy a spare - but as it is - I think this is going to stay around and last for a long, long time. Get it while you can.
Having come from Apple's iPod series, their application and everything is so much simpler. Definitely will not be using another mess of an MP3 player from Sony (what happened to the old easy to use drag and drop from the original MP3 players?
Also really expensive for what it does.