Sony NW-A105 / NW-ZX507: Android, For Better Or For Worse

[@zoltangaspar2790]

I own the NWA-105, and I'm using it with the high-end in-ear model Sennheiser IE 800 S. They just make a fantastic couple, I enjoy every minute with this combo!

[@anejaG55]

i am thinking of buying it. is there a major difference if you use those iem with a iPhone?

[@zoltangaspar2790]

@@anejaG55 I'm sure of it. A better DAP, so a dedicated device has got much better DAC, digital amplifier, etc. The new Sennheiser IE 800 S is the best all-rounder in-ear headphone now on the whole planet. The ideal pair of it would be perhaps the Astell and Kern Norma, but - if you don't plan to use your DAP with a full-sized headphone, which has much higher impedance - the much more cheaper Sony NWA-105 could be enough too, and this device is really a good deal after its price/value ratio.

[@robertturnip7850]

Are you able to try those out before purchasing?

[@zoltangaspar2790]

@@robertturnip7850 I think yes.

[@carldiamond4234]

Have you noticed improved battery life with the recent firmware updates?

[@markreif1]

I own the NW-ZX507 and I'm using it with Fiio's FH7. They make a fantastic couple and I'm enjoying every minute with this combo! I've also owned the ZX300, The Shanling M8, and the Hiby R8. This unit blows them all away.

[@Usernotknown21]

Your kidding right?

[@markreif1]

@@Usernotknown21 absolutely NOT

[@Usernotknown21]

@@markreif1 explain the difference between the shanling m8 and the zx507

[@addicz2]

@@Usernotknown21 maybe similar to a Walkman vs Fiio m11 plus versions. Hearing A well recorded songs vs an open live concert. You can enjoy the details and bla bla bla on those chinese DAPs but you will love hearing a singer sing right before of you on the walkman. Thats why they keep those walkman. Even I read a comment on a chinse channel about Wm1Am2 vs M17. That fiio my be win on almost all of the aspects. But that walkman will win on the vocals. Something made you happy. With those ChiDAPs. You would be too busy seeking those details and some analitycal bullshits. But with walkman you would enjoy the music as one entity. And STRANGELY you hears the details on the Walkman but you unheard on those super duper specs ChiDAPs. At least it is what he says.

[@addicz2]

@@Usernotknown21 After reading the comments now I have no desire to change my ZX300 to buy another chiDAPs soon. But will upgrade it to upper series or maybe Pioneer

[@joshchacko7729]

Just the review I was looking for. Thank you. I think I'll look into the zx-300.

[@rainie229]

Still gonna keep using my zx300, simple and powerful(especially with 4.4 balanced)for mobile listening ✌️

[@aqwandrew6330]

how is this for iem?

[@DenisDamulira23]

But the ZX505/7 beat the A&K Cube in sound at half the price. The latest firmware has improved the sound and power consumption and it'll only get better.

[@akazad8365]

Currently i am using Sony NW-A45 and headphone Sony XBA-A3, Really sound Output very strong then my iphone 6s plus,

[@Carolyne_games]

I got the A105 when visiting japan earlier this year. It’s beautifully made and sounds nice, but I can confirm how bad the battery life is...

[@B4319.]

Does the sound quality of A105 has a significant difference when comparing with Sony smartphone, like xz1? Thanks.

[@monerjoner]

Battery is such a let down for such a great player.

[@RyanLu]

How did you enable OTG USB Audio on ZX507? I've tried multiple cables and adapters and so far none work as shown in 2:30

[@18yearsoldnot]

did you figure it out? Maybe you need to enter android developer mode and then enable it like on my android tv

[@Odyseuss08]

is there a difference in sound between the NW-ZX507 and the A105? does one has better DACs then the other?

[@Repshis]

"A" - budget model, "ZX" - middle model.

[@fei19317]

Run android but it's still music players. Turn on when you need it, and turn it off when you sleep or long time does'nt in use. Just small players both 105, 507

[@frankiepavinato]

Nice DAPs but I'll stick with my NW-Zx300. Battery life is great and I don't care about streaming, i use my phone for that.

[@bigtom1001]

Bought this and the Sony Nw-A105 to compare,the sound on my mate 10 pro is superior with poweramp!!,put poweramp on the 105 and it sounds almost as good!!i thought excellent,i can take it into work,then i tested the battery run time, without poweramp,it gets over 20 hours,with it i got less than 9 hours!!i'm only listening to mp3!!WTF!!that is with everything dumbed down on it,(no wi fi etc),i thought all the poor reviews about the battery life were exaggerated!!sadly they were not!! someone suggested taking a powerbrick as a companion to it!!crazy talk!the 55L possibly woulld have fitted the bill,if only i could put poweramp on it!! So needless to say,they're both going back!!can't believe i deliberated so long about getting one!!i thought if my phone sounds this awesome,a DAP will blow my mind!!it was not to be!!poweramp is epic!! (Wired IEMs btw)

[@Joaza998]

Nice music taste. Respect ✊

[@afistfulofpimples1745]

No he hasn't

[@TiagoToons]

I want a DAP to replace my phone+Mojo combo, to pair with my Mdr Z1R. What would be a a good fit if I don't care about streaming services? I was waiting for this video to decide, but now I have even more doubts. Thanks

[@LegioScientia]

I paired the MDR-Z1R with the WM1A, and the pair works like a dream. Highly recommend! However, I would always recommend you try out different combos and find the one that suits your tastes the most :). Hope this helps and good luck with your search!

[@TiagoToons]

@@LegioScientia Thanks, but unfortunately I can only buy based on others opinions. I've been wordering how much better the wm1z would be compared with the wm1a, and some people prefer the wm1a, others praise the wm1z... I wondered if the nx500 would compete with them sound wise.

[@alexandrstansislavski8042]

@@TiagoToons fiio M15 gonna be great

[@frankiepavinato]

If you have the money go for the WM1Z, if you don't want to spend so much money go for the WM1A..if you want portability go for the NW-ZX300. I have the latest and it sounds fantastic.

[@sunnysunshine9016]

Sound a bit disappoint with the battery life. Thank you for the review!

[@cleanerpath94]

i agreem battery life is a disgrace. Plus doesn't even include fast charging, even though it has USC-C LMFAO

[@d1n01988]

Yea, I have both the NW105 and the ZX507 for a month. I returned both and got the FiiO M11. I am much happier with this DAP. Better Battery life, faster SoC, bigger Display, no EU volume limit and cheaper than the ZX507! BR

[@andao9188]

@@cleanerpath94 Fast charging will damage the parts inside

[@temskee]

I can feel that lachlan was very disappointed with the battery life :D

[@faizfrez2729]

Awesome review! Subscribed!

[@terneuv]

J'ai acheté , en reconditionné , le Sony NW-A105 , en connaissance de cause sur l'autonomie 😉. Mise à jour vers la 1.21 , bien passé ! Avec Deezer HiFi , c'est trés correct sur mon Sony WH-1000XM3 . En tout cas bien meilleur qu'avec mon Samsung Note 10+ 🤔. L'affichage de la qualité du morceau sur une cassette audio de l'époque , c'est trés sympa ! Aprés une heure d'écoute , Wifi et blutooth activé , j'en suis à 85% . Pour un premier Walkman numérique , j'en suis trés satisfait 👍. Merci pour cette vidéo , son état d'esprit 👏👏.

[@afistfulofpimples1745]

No

[@narcisse3872]

Bonsoir xavier. Tu en sais quelques choses sur les restrictions de volume ? J'aimerais acheter un nw-zx507 sur eBay mais j'ai peur que le volume soit limité. Merci de me donner donc avis

[@terneuv]

@@narcisse3872 Oui , il est bridé par rapport à la réglementation européenne 😉. Comme le NW-A105 , non débridable , mais est-ce que cela trop faible , non 😉. C'est le couple avec le casque , qu'il ne faut pas négliger 😃 . Ayant la casque Sony WH-100XM3 , j'ai privilégié un baladeur Sony 👌. Je viens de profiter en reconditionné du casque Technics EAH-A800 , c'est encore mieux 👍. Si tu peux y associé un Focal Elegia , sur le prise 4.4mm , tu vas te régaler avec la ZX507 👌

[@wawricioescaloe3107]

I'm looking for something with 10 band eq, usually I use poweramp on my smartphone, but i have the sony nwz s774 and i love the Sony sound in general, but i dont know wich one could I get x.x (i Just use IEMS)

[@paolochicco7200]

Hallo. Sorry for the silly question. Is it possible to download the music from streaming services like spotify or youtube in the device or it can only been used as a streaming device? Cannot find anywhere this answer :(

[@hetewei]

hi. great review. it is possible to update the android system? do apps like tidal need to be updated to have acces to new music?

[@jondonnelly3]

Really shame about the batterylife. I have the awesome a45, but thing is I don't buy my tracks or cd's anymore and have moved to Tidal. Tidal is expensive and to get the value out of it I want Tidal on my mobile player as well my Hifi. The other issue is that apparently Tidal on the 105 is limited to only 48KHz. Not a big deal but that means it's not High Res and even worse is that the a45 can be easily flashed to USA firmware for MUCH more power output turning of the nanny EU notices to boot. I don't know what to do. Small phone instead?

[@SpartanCharlton]

Thanks for this guy's, what do you think about the new walkman?

[@rockyescape8989]

quick question. Can the NWA105 or any of these DAPs be used as an amp/dac for your pc or laptop?

[@afistfulofpimples1745]

No

[@xnigel]

Does anyone know whether Spotify can be installed on both? Since they are Android based OS, I assume they could support Spotify.

[@GSNLYT]

They do

[@B4319.]

Does the sound of A105 more dynamic and a distance better quality when comparing with Sony smartphone, like XZ1? Thanks.

[@geraldopacheco99]

Those green headphones are awesome!

[@Castingdreams]

I just got my and I'm very impress

[@simranbindra4369]

How is the sound quality if we compare it with smartphone like S9 plus?

[@olexandrs6639]

did u use high gain on zx500/zx300 to drive hd820 through balanced output?

[@Austin-ey8dx]

How do you feel the Cowon Plenue D fares against the Sony A55 for people like you mentioned in this video who simply want something that will play downloaded music files well. Using Etymotic ER3SE currently with a Fiio x3 gen1, sounds great with 0 hiss, but the battery is abysmal.

[@biscuitdingus]

I know this is a year late, but for anyone else who finds this, in my opinion after using a lot of the machines in the same 200-250$ price range, the NW A55 is uncontested in the field of a casual music player, battery life being a massive bonus to it, easily pulling 20-30 hours with flacs. Easy to use, no major issues. However it’s just got a regular stereo mini jack and struggles with anything that demands a bit of power, some higher end iems even will be held back a bit by it. I’ve got Thieaudio monarch MK II’s plugged into mine and playing DSD256 you need to bring the volume all the way to the 110-120 range to get things loud enough. But I don’t think most people are playing DSD through 1000$ iems out of the A55, for anything less it’s a fantastic machine.

[@214deathgod]

If it is android, is there any way to get the built in player of it? To be used in other android phones,

[@TheFijianGuy]

I'm curious if you used the high gain on via balanced connection. When I run my hd800S on my wm1a via balanced 4.4 the Walkman gets it to ear piercing levels.

[@MinidiscAu]

Yes, we used high gain. Again this is only for classical music recordings or similar, for a studio recording we found listening levels could be achieved at around 90/120

[@TheFijianGuy]

@@MinidiscAu that seems accurate thanks for responding man stay safe out there.

[@tristarsilver6052]

Is A105 relevant now? I want something from Sony, but not at an insane price. I found the device at a good price. How will it work with Sony 1000mx4?

[@Bula]

Battery life of 24 hours battery life should be a minimum on all daps. What good is a high-end dap if you can't use it on the go?

[@michaelswitzer3186]

I have and very much like my 507 which I use with headphones some of which are easy and others more difficult to drive. Would an external amp make a meaningful difference in the sound? An external dac? Thank you.

[@MinidiscAu]

Our general rule of thumb is, if you find for the difficult to drive headphones you are reaching 70% + of the volume output, you may want to consider getting an external amp as the amp may be reaching its limit. You may find this to be especially the case for classical recordings which tend to be recorded at lower levels and have very large swings in dynamic range.

[@Oscar-eo8mg]

I just want it because of the case

[@thunderlips350]

It's amazing how little gimmicks like this can make us want something. The case and the fancy cassette tape image is exactly why I want it. The only thing stopping me is the poor battery life.

[@Oscar-eo8mg]

@@thunderlips350 true, Sony knows how marketing works

[@JoseMendoza-rd1lz]

You said the m11 is better but then also keep in mind google play store, Google and iTunes is not available on the fiio so there's that.

[@himanshumalik2012]

Difference between zx300 n zx500 which is worth buying? Can any1

[@montryeolout]

zx300 is the predecessor to the zx500, if you care for battery life and not so much into streaming or getting new features, zx300 is more than sufficient for your needs (also the cheapest option leaving money to buy a decent pair of IEM which is a higher priority). According to the spec sheets, the zx 507 has a new capacitor which "improves the bass" but requires 200 hours of playing for the capacitor to burn in for it to work. Honestly, i would buy the NW-WM1A it recently got a price drop, its got better specs but honestly my budget at the time was not large enough for the purchase (brand new). If you are wondering I am currently rocking the zx507 with final audio e5000 and they have their magical moments.

[@himanshumalik2012]

Which player is better in terms of great bass n loudness?

[@creatorbydefault]

Thank you

[@davejones538]

will they run android auto ?

[@andreaaaaaaa574]

Anyone know if it is able to use the USB audio player pro app? so i can also use dongles

[@18yearsoldnot]

someone on headfi said they managed

[@paulok2153]

do you guys manage to actually sell stuff? To honest for a salesman :)

[@jukumariiramuri1557]

I need information about the expandable memory ,I hope is 1tb.thanks.

[@zoltangaspar2790]

With micro SD XC it's 2 TBs.

[@Bootrosgali]

FLACS ? HI Res ? MQs ? What kind of files are you packing there buddy? My big Q is,, do I need one of these things to give a so called Sony tech boost to my 320s!?!?

[@slepoir27]

Hello, what do you think, if i buy zx300, will be battery life short? It was released in 2017, 3.5 years ago.

[@montryeolout]

In my opinion it should have a longer battery life unless it’s second hand. This is due to missing the wifi feature.

[@goodnightmoon]

if brand new, you'll have no problem with it

[@capitanlevi203]

Sony 507 vs Ibasso dx7 vs fiio m11s?

[@joepup8348]

If this were a little bigger and a phone, it'd be a hit. A compact phone with sound that packs a punch. It surprises me that Sony likes to spend all its R&D on products that will only make a few sales.

[@SillySkid]

HOW CAN YOU ADD MUSIC?

[@numeric.alphabet]

Bener2 .. Aing mah di tingali!

[@bobcat2938]

Lachlan!!! ❤️

[@flamangofluff8355]

Bob Cat ?

[@bobcat2938]

@@flamangofluff8355 The bloke in this Video's name is Lachlan. He used to have a KZbin channel called Lachlinlikesathing. Similar to this channel. He's a good guy :)

[@dhanabhijeet]

Does it play video? KZbin?

[@mmmmmmaki549]

To anyone who owns this walkman: how is the battery life?

[@montryeolout]

It lasts a day on full charge, the problem is what you are listening to. Usually it lasts 20 hours of non stop flac 24bit using 3.5mm. This is the zx507 as I only have this model.

[@hurilux41]

Does one them has A-B Repeat function???

[@ArmadaPejuang]

Or just download 3rd party app on google store for walkman a105

[@lahiruchandimal8533]

How to hard reset by buttons

[@Floridarollin]

Man.. does Sony not make any DAP for high impedance?? Sadly disappointed. Good review.

[@borjok536]

because pure android and android in general was designed as battery eater..

[@MuhammadKharismawan]

battery drain is the worst part of this android implementation, if only it at least stay on as long as the ZX1/ZX2 did, they'd be mighty fine, but this hell naw. people on forum has noted that using only the Sony Walkman Player actually increase the music playback time to nearing the stated spec, someway or another it seems Sony unlocked some bypass or sm ething that make it able to both play hi res natively and be easier on battery, have you tried to just use the Sony Walkman app Lachlan?

[@MinidiscAu]

On my personal A105 I only use the standard Walkman app. Battery life is still underwhelming.

[@MuhammadKharismawan]

@@MinidiscAu ah, you change out from your ZX300?

[@MinidiscAu]

I still own both thankfully.

[@sankarpun5733]

Ho much price

[@ii2654]

Can NW-A55 run 80ohm headphones???

[@MinidiscAu]

It depends on both the impedance AND the sensitivity of the headphone. If it was say, the DT770 which has 80 ohms and 96dB sensitivity, it might not be very loud since the sensitivity is relatively low. But if something was 80 ohms and had 105+ dB sensitivity, the A55 will not struggle nearly as much.

[@ii2654]

@@MinidiscAu I never knew about the sensitivity thing. Thank you very much for answering

[@miui2640]

其实这个新版的505没有想象中那么好，不合适的充电口位置，较贵的售价，缺失的USB DAC,不耐用的电量,臃肿的安卓系统

[@lucielwu2978]

价格跌的也快，不知道什么时候会突破3000。300已经经常2000以内了

[@afistfulofpimples1745]

No

[@afistfulofpimples1745]

Rubbish

[@mechpade]

So, if I mainly use sensitive IEMs that needs a bit more power, I go with M11 PRO? Got ya!

[@WDemon]

Do they bypass hi res restriction on android when using apps like Spotify and tidal

[@MuhammadKharismawan]

no onky the Sony Walkman player play actual hi res files direct.

[@afistfulofpimples1745]

Yes

[@alexandrstansislavski8042]

105 won the nomination the worst dap for his price

[@goodnightmoon]

alvvays 😍

[@naviddivan]

Can I install spotify on them? While at it what's the best mp3 player for running/exercises ability to install spotify with good output sound quality?

[@baha2046]

Yes you can, and i believe spotify is already pre-installed. But remember spotify only have 320kbps source, so you need Amazon Music HD for real Hires source (2000kbps+)

[@pajdaniel1543]

Hi everone hi minidisc I buyed this SONY NW-A105 Walkman about 2,5 years ago. Honestly i think this is the best walkman what i can spend money for. BUT i made a mistake after 5 month of using this walkman. I setup a pattern password(you know the 9 circles), because my brothers always install stupid games on it. But beacuse sometimes i forgetting thinks fast i didnt remember to my pattern password anymore. Its the second year trying to do something with it.I dont want to put it in the trash.I HOPE that is possible the hard reset or factory reset the device without loggining in it. I still have warranty of it but beacuse i live in Hungary there are no Sony services so nobody can not help me. Can you help me please.?:) I find something:--- I find a method but without video tutorial i cant do it..IM STUPID i cant do a little thing like this without help: - Press and hold the skip forward button, and while continuing to hold that button, press and hold the Power button for several seconds. - When the WALKMAN logo appears, let go of both buttons. Then Android system recovery utility appears. - Use the Volume Down (-) button to highlight the wipe data/factory reset option. - Quickly press the Power button. - Use the Volume Down (-) button to highlight the YES -- delete all user data option. - Quickly press the Power button. Data will be wiped, and factory reset will be performed. - Quickly press the Power button when reboot system now is highlighted. Can i contact you in some way please.Maybe you can help me with my problem.IF you can please reply to my comment with some of your social media or anything else.

[@HARDESTBOOM]

So does these have Line out?

[@goodnightmoon]

check the cayin n3pro, which have a tube on the inside!

[@ainasuraya]

I saw alvvays and I like

[@daniellikahong]

So you saying: still decent sony players, but unplayable after a while...

[@5433D]

0:45 Evangelion II

[@fajarkurniawan9434]

somehow I prefer the matte glass

[@chronometa]

The search function for album, artist, songs was huge lol.

[@TheMaux64]

a walkman with wifi, bluetooth and android, of course will have a bad battery life. NW A50 series is a better option

[@Zhen-Lin-CHN]

耗电速度太快☹️

[@ZakiSp]

Why someone buy this player where you can have all those feature in a smartphone ? still can't get it

[@himanshumalik2012]

Theres alot diff between a simple smartphone sound n walkman thts y ppl buy it.clarity with imersive bass effect

[@sengtry3244]

the same reason you don't take your wedding photo/video with 148 mega pixels smartphone because a dedicated camera with ,say, 24 mega pixels smokes the fuck out of any 148 mega pixel smartphone cameras picture quality

[@himanshumalik2012]

@@sengtry3244 yaa true

[@n3lls81]

You don't get it because you only listen to Spotify.

[@denzeldimarucut8825]

RINA SAWAYAMA YES!

[@TONYSTARK-ot8mm]

Sony is great

[@Bootrosgali]

Sony statement : Sony DSEE HX™ software upscales your existing sound source (those lossy MP3s or AACs) to near high-resolution sound quality. This means that the technology injects more life into your music by upscaling compressed files. So it restores the subtleties of the original song recording. Thats a potentially 100 million dollar claim. If enough people start seeing it and the placebo gets passed on around town.. "hey man is that a walkman!¿" "Yeah bro, I carry this around with me . MY GIANT MP3 320 COLLECTION HAS BEEN REVOLUTIONSED AND I WILL *NEVER* GO BACK TO LISTENING WITH MY PHONE" ..... because somewhere in the Sony HQ they are waiting out there by the consumer fishing grounds waiting for that hook to catch on big time.

[@Lp-ze1tg]

Android is a deal stopper. Unless the OS won't prompt for unable to update after years of use.

[@fysl305]

Sony should just stop the idiotic naming schemes.

[@drkinferno72]

Something that ipods already had

[@Sjsgdjsb]

I can feel that Sony players are like toy beside of serious players of market. They are small, yet weak with lack of power and functionality. For instance look at Hiby R5 or iBasso DX160. Chinese players do not stand in place and make great players. I have ordered iBasso DX220 and believe that it is much stronger player than any Sony.

[@alexandrstansislavski8042]

Stronger right but 4,5 hours battery life

[@Sjsgdjsb]

@@alexandrstansislavski8042 now I have iBasso DX300 with huge screen, incredible sound and endless playing time (12 hours!) 😉

[@andersonz8117]

Overpriced for me. I end up bought FIIO BTR5 . Problem solved.

[@N3ukenInD3K3uken]

*I stay Away*

[@RodneyLuo]

NW-A105 worse, NW-ZX507 better

[@valentinla1305]

Hopefully Sony don't switch to Android completely!

[@HiFiInsider]

I don't get why people want a $$$ Walkman to play streaming music. Just use a cheap Android phone like the Samsung A50. IMHO, Android is garbage.

[@SuperReview]

Hi-Fi Insider I’m not into streaming, but I do like Android on the A105 for two reasons: (1) Smoother touch and scroll performance, and (2) Google Drive syncing my music library to the device.

[@aditroitz]

They use android, bcoz they work with Tidal.. its will take a lil bit time if they made new os just for Tidal. And those streaming apps is able to give you a lossless quality music.. But if you not an audiophile pretty sure mid-range android phone is enough for spotify 🤙🏽 sorry bout my english

[@himanshumalik2012]

samsung is cheap as u said thts y ppl buy a walkman for much much clarity n powerful bss effect which a conventional smartphones cant produce

[@richarddcrossley]

I just bought a new boxed HTC 10 with 24bit DAC for £150. This android player is £300 in UK. Shame as I wanted just music player to switch off but will just install music apps and nothing else.

[@kineticuncertainty]

good gawd your using in ear headphones(terrible sound quality). No wonder your not hearing a difference. Try using something like WH-1000XM3 or M4. Good grief