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We were overjoyed when Sony revealed that they were developing a new Walkman earlier this year. The flagship, high-end Sony NW-WM1ZM2 player costs £3299, which is equivalent to $3699 and AU$4999. The Sony NW-A306 model, which comes with high-resolution music playback and several extra features, can be seen of as a scaled-down version of that player.
And then there’s the price, which is so low that it’s almost irresistible. The A306 is one of the more reasonably priced high-resolution players that we have come across in recent years. Its price of £349 / $350 / AU$499 undercuts by a significant margin the outstanding Astell & Kern models that have dominated this category in recent years.
Sony NW-A306: Specificaions
Early this year, Sony surprised everyone by announcing a brand new Walkman. The Sony NW-A306 is essentially a more affordable version of the company’s flagship model, as it is capable of playing high-resolution audio and has many of the same other capabilities.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | NWA306/B |
| Storage Capacity | 32 GB |
| Battery Life | 36 Hour |
| Display | 3.6 Inches |
| Audio Formats Supported | MP3, FLAC, WAV, AAC, WMA, etc. |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Dimensions | 3.56 x 1.81 x 6.5 inches |
| Weight | 3.99 ounces |
| Link | Check Price |
Sony NW-A306: Usability and Setup
You’ve probably already set up a top-tier Android phone. The NW-A306 follows a similar procedure during setup. You’ll be guided through the process of connecting to your home Wi-Fi network, syncing from an existing Android smartphone, linking your Google accounts, etc. Setting up the NW-A306 can be done in as little as a few minutes or as long as a few hours, depending on how similar you want it to be to your Android smartphone.
Even though the Sony’s TFT touchscreen is incredibly brilliant and legible, it isn’t the most responsive option out there. When you push a button on a screen, wait for a reaction that never comes, press it again, and discover that you’ve actually delivered two orders, it’s frustrating. This is the kind of irritation that the NW-A306 is known to dish out frequently. Keep in mind that the process doesn’t take long, and that once it’s over, it’s finished.
Sony NW-A306: Build and Design
If you’re looking for a compact music player, go no further than the NW-A306. The player is conveniently portable, fitting comfortably in your hand or pocket. The scalloped pattern on the back makes it comfortable to hold, and despite its high price tag, it doesn’t feel too delicate to use without protective clothing. It looks less like a piece of art and more like a functional music player.
We had the A306 in our backpacks and pockets for a good month with keys, wires, and mints, and it survived unscathed. This Walkman seems very robust for normal usage, although we wouldn’t drop it or submerge it in water. There are sharp edges that can make the more expensive Astell & Kern players uncomfortable to hold. The Sony, on the other hand, has softer, more approachable curves.
Sony NW-A306: Sound Quality
To begin, the Sony NW-A306 is not going to impress you if you typically listen to compressed music files (the kind of 256 / 320kbps stuff that Spotify deals in, for instance) with some regular wireless headphones. At this volume, it doesn’t sound any better than a mediocre Android smartphone, thus it would be silly to buy it.
If you use it properly, with CD-quality digital audio files (try Apple Music or Qobuz) and high-quality wireless (or ideally cable) headphones, this digital audio player can produce a satisfying listening experience. It can produce sound quality that belies its low cost in the correct setting.
Final Words
The Sony NW-A306 provides a high-quality listening experience across a number of different audio file types. With its intuitive touchscreen interface and built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, it’s a snap to navigate and enjoy your favorite tunes. The battery life guarantees plenty of time with the device, and its mobility and good looks are bonuses.
However, the touchscreen’s sensitivity to fingerprints, occasional connectivity difficulties, and little storage capacity are all possible downsides. It’s important to remember that there is no room for expansion in terms of storage, and that the price may be higher than that of competing items.
Sony NW-A306 review: The good and The bad
The phrase “small can be beautiful” also has the potential to sound “big.”
The Good
- User-friendly touchscreen for easy navigation.
- Long battery life for extended listening sessions.
The Bad
- No expandable storage option.
Qestions and Answers
Never attempt to replace the battery on your own. A special, rechargeable battery powers the Walkman. Standard store-bought batteries won’t work. Get in touch with your local authorized Sony retailer or Sony Service Centre to arrange for a battery swap.
Each Walkman is refurbished after comprehensive testing and servicing. Models like the TPS-L2 and WM-3 require extensive examination and repair work to ensure success. After all, these Walkmans are several decades old and have been used in a wide variety of ways by their previous owners.