Sony's NEW WALKMAN hits me right in the feels 🥰 (NW-A306 review)

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Sony NW-A306
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Shanling M3 Ultra podcast review w/ Srajan Ebaen
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[@burnzy3210]

As a former Sony salesman, I have to correct you. NW stands for Network Walkman, not new walkman.

[@ickymouth]

Former is fitting with that attitude.

[@joaquing8933]

Hi John. The output power in this Walkman 306 is 35mW+35mW at 16ohms. And is not capped. The only capped walkmans in Europe are The balanced output of ZX507, ZX707, WM1AM2 and WM1ZM2. Greetings from Barcelona.

[@MikeLindup42]

As an old school Walkman owner back in the day, I so wanted this player to be great and blow the competition out of the water :) However, I’d be more interested in how it competes with an iPhone 13/14 with a lightning adaptor straight out into IEMs/ earphones. What I loved about the Walkman (then the iPods) was being in uninterrupted music world, plus the long battery life of the classic iPod. I hope there might be a further firmware update to the NW that restores that feature? Thanks for the review, and yes, the 80s rock IMHO 😂

[@H3lloSE]

You're one of the only KZbinrs that I initially start complaining about the lengthy video, and end up watching it all 😂

[@bornshamir7792]

Can we just get an exquisite cassette walkman?

[@neilshirley]

Great video, and loved the ending! That screensaver when playing local files is fantastic. I want one just for that!

[@someperson8151]

I still have my Sony CD/mp3 player and Mini Disc player. Both work after 20 years. Their quality back then was top notch. I don't think their quality now is as good as in the past.

[@nightlore000]

I use Sony NWZ-X1050 .. OLED screen .. Not have a problem with it .. I plug it into my amp .. Original battery .. Great sound .. from 2009 :)

[@robicelus]

@@nightlore000 I have the NWZ-X1060 (the 32GB version), use it since 2009 and battery still holds up strong. I think the NWZ-X series was Sony's best digital Walkman yet.

[@sureshmilton]

Loved the visuals, pace and overall quality of this video. Coming back to portable audio insights would be great. Would love the review of the Sony NW-ZX707 (uncapped version)

[@ramacharya7843]

Thank you for finally adressing the power output problem. Ive got the nw a105 and was very annoyed when i wanted to use it with actually all my wired headphones. They were all underpowered. Stil i had to use my Dragonfly red portable DAC to power my headphones. But every review back then was like this player was straight from heaven made by angels.

[@vontaejordan6182]

The 0.4 to 1.1 mW is right and that is EU/ North American capped version most people are getting uncapped Sony dap's from Japan or Hong Kong and these have a higher gain at 35mW+35mW

[@Entertainment-]

Another stupid regulation with “good” intentions that has unintended consequences

[@gregsullivan7408]

"crapped" might be more apt. Absolutely infuriating.

[@Hemshemsems]

This cap is just so stupid.. Some ppl like me might have less efficient iems and you need the extra power to drive them.. I have a older Sony dap from the past and bought the Japanese version to avoid the cap..

[@netako]

And to make things worse, DAPs sold in Europe has a volume cap, they are limited to 85dB. That's the reason why I have imported the Japanese version of the Sony MW-A55 instead of buying an EU one (Japanese models are only available in Japanese however, thought I've managed to add a language option via a simple mod).

[@SaveMeAzathoth]

tbh, even the uncapped version’s power rating is kind of unimpressive. It’s still weaker than the so-called “entry level” (non-android) DAPs currently available.

[@telephonic]

If you want this player, purchase it from Japan, the EU and UK version have a sound limiter.

[@PaulLembo]

Mini review: Ordered mine from Sony US direct. Gets stupidly loud and has plenty of bass. Love the form factor, and the vibe. Unit is noise free with IE600 IEMs at medium volume.

[@aerofart]

Call it tomayto or tomahto, if it’s converting a digital signal to an analog signal, it’s a DAC regardless of where it’s placed in the signal chain.

[@ThomasZander]

It'd be so cool if this cassette screensaver could be configured by the owner, e.g. using own cassette images. I have very fond memories of some BASF and TDK tapes ... oh, and Maxell, and Fuji, and ... 🙂

[@Another_Audiophile]

The European volume cap is what ruins this dap. The AVLS do nothing for the imposed volume cap. I bought one from Korea and it’s a fantastic player and much louder (70 instead of 100 for the same volume). Also deactivating background apps helped a lot with the Dap’s responsiveness

[@CamdenBloke]

I have a Sony Experia 1 iii telephone which I selected because it still takes microSD cards, still has a headphone jack, and isn't made by Samsung (I used to be a Samsung fan, until they changed direction in several ways). It has very good sound quality for both headphones and earbuds. I don't actually purchase digital music any more. I stream digital music. If I hear an artist I especially like, I purchase their album on vinyl. I actually stuck with mainly cassette format until about 2000, when I was forced to switch to CDs because music shops stopped selling cassettes. It wasn't long after that that I got an mp3 player (iomega hipzip, later a 1st gen shuffle, later a 4th gen nano) and started torrenting music, and now I do what I described above - streaming music and purchasing vinyl. The only place that I use digital music is stored on my watch for running music (so I can leave my phone at home).

[@bandario]

My comments are based on ownership of one of the previous models: NW-A40 which does not have android and was significantly cheaper. The NW-A40 has since received custom firmware which give it the exact sound signature of one of Sony's more ridiculous $1000+ models. The entire point of a dedicated device is to separate your music listening experience from your online world and all the distractions (and battery drain) that come with it. I love android, but making your dedicated player an android device not only eliminates the battery life advantage, it goes against pretty much the only use-case to own one of these things. For reference, my NW-A40 gets 40+ hours of battery life. The A306 gets 15. More to the point, if you are already having an android experience with your dedicated player, why wouldn't you just use a phone with great battery life and LDAC/APT-X HD codec. I thought I would get a lot more use out of my walkman player than I do. The fact is, there are so few scenarios where I will choose wired headphones for the now tiny, almost imperceptible sound quality advantage over just using high quality bluetooth headphones. Pretty much the only time this thing has ever had enough use to justify its existence is when I'm doing lots of travel on planes or trains. I'm glad such devices still exist but for 99% of people, you are just throwing your money away.

[@LOUDERthanU]

Making my own mix tapes was how i got my music fix way, way back. I spent hours making mixes and sharing music with my friends this way. Good times😎🕺🏻

[@craigm9133]

Sony should make a phone like this.

[@bobgaskins]

John, since the Sony will be in your pocket during use, the cool cassette screensaver won't be visible to you for longer than the few seconds while it's in your hands. So it may be cool, but... for only a few seconds? Hope you find a set of earphones that suit! And thanks for another fine video!

[@zeus.edwards2662]

i have never used my phone to play music, as soon a si plug my headphones into my ears with my player, from that moment on i know a call wont interrupt cause i know i'm not on my phone.... also with a player it keep my phone charge and i dont have to worry about going around with a power bank , music player takes the place of a powered bank . and also more reasons why i use a player

[@2a4me96]

Love my A306 paired with my WF-1000 XM5 earbuds..very very, very crisp...especially when listening to live music. You hear every detail

[@tdmduc]

I bought it's bigger brother the Sony NW-ZX707 (limited Japan edition Hatsune Miku) It is simply amazing. What a piece of kit.

[@felipemendozar]

No more digital crap, I want analog back

[@GhostPirateEntertainment]

They still sell a bunch of cassette portable players just not Sony brand

[@Erwinhooi]

Interesting video! You exactly describe what I didn’t / don’t like from Sony audio equipment. That feeling that the Japanese designer have different hearing. I always found that their equipment have a thin sound, just like the old ‘good years’ Technics stuff. When I bought my first expensive Harman Kardon ‘good years’ amplifier I was shocked about the difference and the full spectrum rich sound of the Harman Kardon had…

[@adrianinnavan3910]

As someone who still owns an LG V30 and, for that matter, a Cowon D2, I remain unconvinced. And you think you're old school John !!

[@polygimik]

That cassette tape screensaver looks very cool!

[@leealn]

absolutely loving the attitude of exploring the possibilities and unknown

[@skeelo69]

Portable audio never left my life..my i-River H140 is an incredible player.

[@alexbrown8552]

I use the previous version of the Sony, I downloaded a tool that removed the volume limit and it also added a radio. I still find a separate player useful for home,car and travel.

[@fabriglas]

Tool name?

[@ukkev7290]

@@fabriglas SonyNWDestTool Only works on the following models NWZ-A10 NW-A20 NW-A30/40/50 NWZ-A810 NWZ-A840 NWZ-A850 NWZ-A860 NWZ-E450 NWZ-E460 NWZ-E470 NWZ-E580 NW-WM1 NW-ZX100 NW-ZX300/300A NWZ-S750

[@makarone]

Where is the tape huh?

[@tonskimojster]

Great review John, thank you. Sony is back on the audio game big time. For the first time in what seems like an eternity, I feel like going all Sony. I'm a multichannel music lover. I know, not very popular in these circles. But I just have to mention that this Sony Walkman comes along now, when Sony seems to be giving Atmos a bit of a competition with their own approach at multichannel music. I hear great things about their 360° sound profiling, dual center channels (above and below the screen, if you're into movies), which creates a vertical virtual image (crazy stuff!), their Ultra HD 4K bluray players supporting SACD and DVD-Audio (2 channel and multichannel), native DSD support and decoding... Their TVs offering new levels of integration with the rest of the electronics and having some is the best picture... And now this Walkman? I think I'm becoming a Sony fan again! Thanks for your thorough and focused review. It's much appreciated.

[@pepeshadilay]

I want a Walkman that can record tapes off my Spotify stream like i used to do off the radio

[@SaidAlSeveres]

That is what it does lol

[@mikescarborough9196]

A Walkpirate!

[@scyfox.]

I fell on the Doom Scroll of KZbin and landed on this video and through it I found Robert Leiner - Visions Of The Past. And now I'm so happy to be given this ride. Its 03:32am here and I just can't stop listening to that record. I want to know more. I really wish you could do (i don't know if you do) share the name or ID's of more of this amazing electronic music artists from your experience. I'm in shock. Many, many thanks for giving me this gift :)

[@motonomads7412]

dearJohn, I will quote your own words regarding this device, or the shangling.... a salute to LG ( I believe there was even a video, wasn´t there ;-) ) .. and I am happy that my v30 and v50 ( because I actually am one of the guys who went and bought used ones) are fully functional... aynway, I love your videos, your music tips and I especially love your attitude towards people who leave ignorant comments 🙂... and no, 80s music does not need the RHCP button, lass die 99Luftballons fliegen und flieg mit Major Tom herum.. regards

[@anonymousdonor8084]

One essential quality of a portable device is the rating for moisture/water. Does the €400 go poof if you get caught in the rain or spill something on it?

[@drew8235]

Where does the tape go in though?

[@gklinger]

I am posting this comment at the 0:30 mark and I'm standing by it no matter what. I have loved Walkmans since I first saw them in 1981 or 1982 (old brain can't remember details) and as a result am an unabashed Sony 'fan boy'. Therefore you had me at "NEW WALKMAN" and I suspect that by the end of this video I'll have to own one. That is all. :)

[@dougmorato]

Thank Zeus I waited till 19:20... I was already giving up getting this DAP :)

[@timbaker4879]

One of the very few channels I like 👍🏽 before even watching the content - bravo 🙌

[@corsinivideos]

Nice player, price is totally insane.

[@netako]

It's one of the cheapest Android DAPs on the market though, the Fiio ones are 2x more expensive.

[@danelectr]

Luvin my A306. Currently using it as a player for my CA AXR100 + Dali Oberon 1’s

[@NeilNTR]

I still use the older version NW-A100 series. I agree with the cassette tape animation. One of the reasons I chose it.

[@ozzyprogdomino8815]

I still use a Sony WM-EX506. The tape hiss complements my tinnitus ringing 🙂

[@MeasureOnce]

I'm a middle aged guy writing a comment before the video is done... I like that you're honest about the ad support, plus I like it's related (well targeted). It makes me feel good about WhatHiFi, B&W as well.

[@superdananderson1382]

The sound output is very clean!

[@jips123]

Is it better to have an extra device next to your phone or to have something like a dragonfly?

[@ste1bro]

Help! I got an NW A306 today, and I love it. But the vaunted battery life is baffling me - I charged the battery until it was 100%, but after setting it up, transferring some music, and having a listen, it's now on 96%, and saying that there's 4 1/2 hours charge left. Four and a half hours?!? I'm not naive enough to fully expect the promised 30-35 hours, but I figured it'd get to 20-odd at least! Five hours battery life is what my last Walkman had after six years, when the battery was depleting. So, anyone know what's going wrong here?

[@mikemcdonald7149]

Great review. It really does take a turn at the end. Kinda fun.

[@pongtrometer]

I’m surprised it doesn’t have a Lo-fi retrostalgia filter , for additional noise with wow and flutter 😂 that would seriously warm up one’s memories with tape screensaver ( 4king genius ) …. should definitely have dictaphone mic/line input for recording in keeping with the great Japanese culture of Karaoke. Great overview, will definitely have a look at one, whilst listening to my Walkman I just got from eBay 👾. Battery life game 💯 🔋 ( I wish my lecky bill had that tariff)

[@cgmonkey]

I got the A50 coming from Japan without android and DAC functions. I love it

[@MichaelCDavis1]

Still using the A55 and love it. For some reason the Android Sony players always have battery issues.

[@summerrr1]

Eazy E approves of the model number.

[@angel77lopez]

Maybe you should revisit this Dap after the recent android 13 update. I use my nw-a306 with my status audio bt ones and status audio between buds. I will say this Dap is better sounding at Bluetooth audio. I also fine tuned it with the wavelet app which allowed me to add gain output along with better eq.

[@cliph6068]

I heard you talking about this on your podcast. It's volume capped. A bunch of regions are capped on the new ZX707 and A306. I have a 707 imported from Japan and it sounds great, but heard a US volume capped 707 at CanJamNYC, it could barely drive anything and sounded thin.

[@tdmduc]

My limited Japan edition (eBay) drives almost anything effortless. From my Focal Radiance to my Audeze Euclid and Sennheiser IE900. There are special gain adjustable settings per output.

[@JeffJacquesmd]

​@@tdmduc do you have a LE 707 or 306?

[@cliph6068]

@@tdmduc Yeah, the Japanese models aren't capped which is why I imported one.

[@RogerBergqvist]

I had a Sony Walkman DDII (Dolby NR) in black. Loved it! The one that played cassettes. You know...

[@psikey]

You had one with the bass issue (now fixed) and a UK/EU/US volume crippled one. Get a Japanese/HK/AUS version without the stupid capping, and you get about 25 volume steps more power, so instead of being at 100/120 for the Sen you would be at 75/120. I've had the Japanese import A307 version since launch without the volume issue or capping, and its a perfect tiny DAP.

[@hnafiem]

oh they have fixed the bass issue on the no capped one? havent been reading the headfi forums about it

[@Hey1234Hey]

Thanks for the review. I think I'll go for the sony. I just don't like Chinese brands. Most Chinese brands have little to no presence for after service sales in my country. I have had bad experiences with Fiio earphones a couple times. But i have a small portable fiio k1 dac that's been working fine since 2014 too

[@Morvont]

I want one, I honestly hate having a phone!

[@christopherrogers9243]

I've no issues with my Sony NW ZX300, this despite it being a dumb player, one where you can change the firmware. That said, a new battery replacement from Sony costs USD100 if you can now get a replacement, otherwise its landfill. If only companies would produce DAPs with batteries we can change ourselves, you know, something like the original Walkman.

[@dogproposal]

John, is there any way you can get hold of one of these from outside Europe for comparison? Despite what the settings are telling you, the European model is neutered due to Sony’s insistence on adhering to an EU rule on volume limitation. I have a Japanese NW-WM1AM2 (wonderful player) and have compared it to the European model and the difference in gain is staggering. The Japanese model has so much more drive and headroom. Sony have been doing this for years and I’m not sure why, when other brands don’t.

[@dgmr22]

I just bought the Japanese model of the a306 which has like 60x higher power output than the UK version of the a306. I'm gonna get a hiby r4 when it comes out of pre order. I'm upgrading from a Surfans f20 to the Japanese a306 (which arrives tomorrow)

[@HoMeLaNdEr276]

Is the Japanese model number same?

[@Ye110wjacket]

I am not so sure about that. They said the same thing about the A105. I bought the Japanese A105 for that reason. Recently I purchased a UK A105, and I found the volume to be the same. I played a track, put the volume up and it got to around deafening levels by the point I hit 85, and it got louder all the way up to 120. I then compared it to the Japanese and it was the same. I didn’t think the Japanese one was louder. Neither unit is modded. I am not sure if Sony ever confirmed that there is a volume cap. It is just clueless “audiophiles” making assumptions. Most of the people online who claim the Japanese version is better either never owned the EU version (because they already assumed it was capped). They never directly compared them. I mean, if my UK one and Japanese A105 are the same, the volume in the NW-A306 is no louder l. I have the Japanese version of A306 and it is no louder than the other two. If you have the opportunity do an actual comparison.

[@lancelot222]

The tape player screensaver is fully cool :D

[@Uniongamers]

The Sony is one of very few options for me. I won't touch mainland Chinese brands like FiiO and Shanling.

[@BrenttttttMCMXC]

😂why i both owned shanling and fiio.... don't compare this generation in making audio chips they are way getting better than Sony...most of materials from sony are made in China 😂

[@Mickice]

If you are simply playing local audio files the NW-A25 I believe is still Sony's peak walkman. Like you said in the video a cheap android like my Vivo Y33s with 128gb rom and 8gb ram 6.58" display would blow this Walkman out of the water. Especially if all things are equal and you are using bluetooth headphones on both. For a wired local experience the NW-A25 and a 400gb MicroSD is a dream to use, no silly android, 40hr playback and high bit flac support.

[@chevymusclecar1970]

What makes this better than an iPod Classic? Asking for a friend…

[@station-7]

SD cards. Drag and drop…

[@Solitaire001]

Not having to use iTunes.

[@austinfleming]

I got so excited when I saw the thumbnail. I thought it was a new tape deck 😢.

[@fcf8269]

Where does the tape go?

[@AnsonChiu]

Nostalgia just won it for me 😂

[@fynn1202]

Your sound description sounds shockingly similar to the Headphone output from my Xperia 5ii. I wonder if they used the same circuit

[@rahulshah1408]

Your warning about commenting too early was well warranted.

[@musicloveunity]

6:22 You’re listening to Robert Leiner I guess u already have been listening to his techno project The source experience, Robert is living here in Gothenburg Sweden working at Pioneer Dj nowadays😊

[@lotuslissi]

Hi John. What happened to your Audio Technica 60th Anniversary AT-LP2022 Turntable. Did you miss out on getting one? I continue to enjoy my Pro-Ject X2 with Ortfon 250 LVB cartridge. I really enjoy your channel. Thank you. LotusLissi

[@urbanguy2k]

Great video...I have the Sony NW-A55 and thinking of upgrading. Side note, what brand of glasses are you wearing? Sharp!

[@DejanTesic]

The Red Hot Chili Peppers button LMAO

[@delukxy]

If the Shanling only needs about 25-30% on average phones what's the point of having all of the extra amplification available. That must mean more physical space for the amp and less battery life. Means there is potential for a smaller and more efficient unit with no loss in audio quality.

[@sonywalkman334]

"NW" stands for Network Walkman. It was introduced when Sony first introduced its digital audio player just before y2k.

[@Superabound2]

It actually stands for a Networks With Attitude

[@Solitaire001]

At one time it was also used as an indicator of why geographic area the player was intended for. "NW" players were intended for Japan, while "NWZ" players were intended for the United States, although it looks like that is no longer the case. Also, the letter before the number originally indicated which type of player it was. An "A" player was top of the line, "S" indicated a mid-range, and "E" was an economy player, although like with the above it is probably no longer the case.

[@kw_awards]

I thought it was a new casette player.

[@barkovurur3043]

nice m night shyamalan twist .... agree a dedicated device for personal audio isn't a clear up/down decision. i have several and go through phases of always listening to music on dedicated portable DAP and other times it's weeks of phone only listening for portable audio.

[@sixergixer]

Popping direct into the comments halfway through the video to say... I love Thomas Fehlmann a lot! Good stuff, John. 👌🏻

[@lorcazola]

btw IT DOES NOT PLAY CASSETTES.

[@MacXpert74]

Me with the bald patch was just going to start typing. "What's that? That's not a walkman!, it doesn't even use tapes..." Okay I'll stop typing now if you insist!

[@joelmulder]

I love the idea of this. If it had a swappable battery, I might’ve considered it.

[@djjohnnymusic]

That cassette display and the word "walkman" were actually what made me stop to watch your video. That is such a cool digital retro feature.

[@F102js]

11:27 Hey John, Great album recommendation! Thanks a lot for this, besides your inspiring content about high-end audio. Although I have been - and still are - in 80s New Wave and Post-Punk, this compilation is really great, with a lot of „new“ or rediscovered songs and artists. I believe it is not the first time I bought music because of you recommending it 😂

[@fairmania]

Great video, loved my old Walkman and might even try a newer one over my Android phone. With battery life like this though, I would take 15 hours with a fuller sound any day. Nice work!

[@MaxwellsUnearthly]

Cool concept, it’s kinda like retro meets modern. I’m one of those that likes to play my music from a different device, but I’m not so concerned about the tiny details, but it’s nice that they addressed the issues with firmware updates in time for the video. I’m not so sure this would beat the itouch for me, although the ability to put in an SD card is really nice. So far, it’s really cool, but for my money, I’m more inclined for the itouch, it has more that I can do with it, I guess it all comes down to preference, great video.

[@aounay]

I miss the Sony walkman Minidisc player

[@PeterYannick]

My main thought during watching this video was - did he put a custom firmware? did he put a custom firmware? - I have never put a custom firmware on my Sony NW (mostly because I'm afraid of loosing the wireless features) but from what I have red on the forums, it gives you better sound and more battery life. I hate the android software on NW, why oh why the battery runs out so quickly when I don't use my mp3 player and it seats at idle on the desk? What I need from my pocket music player is good audio, buttons (wheel for the volume would be big plus) and text. Monochromatic display like e-ink for even better battery life. No album art, touchscreens and gimmicks. Sony advertises it's NW can be used as a laptop DAC. I tried this once and it introduces so much lag that it's unusable.

[@graphicsgod]

I still cant find anything that beats my ten year old FiiO portable player!! I have a bunch of Apple iPods and I use my phone for audio playback. But my FiiO with a good pair of headphones, takes the same music to another level!! Like hearing the same song, but really hearing it for the first time! Even low quality 10mb mp3's sound amazing compaired to anything else I've used. So I doubt Sony's Walkman will give me that same quality as my FiiO! Also LinusTech Tips did a review on this device and said it was trash compaired to other options out there. Depressing..

[@danieljimenez1989]

Linus tech tips said some absolutely wrong stuff there in that review.

[@CosmicKnight1]

I would really liked to gave heard how well it worked with bluetooth and how long it lasted. The idea of a lightweight player, a separately powered device vs my phone, and no wires is very intriguing. Out and about my need for audio quality drops, to a point, while my need for simplicity (no wires) goes up. For me, the A306 wireless is a very appealing use-case. Thank you for sharing this exists and what it can do wired.

[@JonizocktSG]

Great Review! How does the Sony sound compared to an LG V70 or G8 with Quad DAC, each via the headphone jack? Thank you!

[@ZR1Terror]

I don’t know why manufacturers don’t focus a little more on bass. There is a lot of us who love strong bass. Very disappointed if the iPhone has better base than this Walkman.

[@erikzakis8764]

You can turn on and adjust the e.q for the Sony. The iPhone has no such control.

[@Maj0rTac0]

Awesome I was waiting for this! Did the update improve the screen / system response?

[@CaptainZuurpruim]

The fun part is that while manufacturers are trying to make super great audiophile devices, at the same time modern music is being mastered to shit (loudness war). The mastering distortion is however, very accurately reproduced with the Sony. ;-)

[@LittlePixelTM]

Visions of the Past - Robert Leiner - there's a throwback classic :)

[@bsame]

Lmao I was just going to make a comment about how the Walkman was too expensive before you stopped me and told me to complete the video. Ok, I will watch it but I will comment again if it feels too expensive to me

[@dantealighieri4258]

I find I've been on the same trajectory re: dongles and DAPs. There's no doubt dongles come close for (usually) a fraction of the price of a DAP. But there's just a sense of fullness and space I get with the DAPs I've owned that isn't present with a dongle. I'll still keep one for how handy and small they are, and they double as a means of improving my PC's sound quality, but I think it's DAPs for music for me for the foreseeable future.

[@FastHatTrick]

I am barely 1 minute in and all I need to know is will it work with my car audio. If so, I am in.

[@walterzoomie]

Yes it will. I just got one as a father's day gift as a replacement for my beloved (and dying) iPod Touch 4. Bluetooth works great in my 2022 Toyota Corolla. It doesn't appear to be able to playback using a USB port on older car stereos without Bluetooth, but I'm just now learning this thing and maybe I haven't figured it out yet. It WILL playback using a mini stereo plug from the Walkman's headphone jack to the f aux of your older car stereo head unit if so equipped.

[@GamingAndTechHQ]

@@walterzoomie Does it have a speaker in it?

[@rsolsjo]

I'm looking at my first ever DAP and now I'll certainly consider this and compare it to more expensive options. Thanks for clarifying that a firmware update is essential.

[@Hemshemsems]

I don't use daps anymore - just my phone and wired iems. But cutting the output on an expensive unit like this just defeats the purpose of going for smth more "hifidelic". The EU and US regulating this for adults is ruining the experience, and your getting so much less for your money.. Regulation is fine for a hello Kitty player - but not for units like this..