Sony Walkman NW-A55 Review

[@samma3afans]

Sony Walkman NW A55 Review If we look at the Sony NW A55 purely based on the merits of a compact standalone portable player, and if that is all you need, then I honestly could not recommend or rate any other player higher than the A55

[@GrimYak]

what about the Fiio M6? It has streaming, better DAC, wifi, Airplay and has higher impedance support than the Sony. but the Sony has better software stability and support, battery life. Which would you pick?

[@elbonja]

Is it better than the ibasso dx120?

[@elbonja]

Please help me up bro. I cant make up my mind between this device and the DX120. Being completely honest and speaking specifically about SOUND QUALITY: Is it better?

[@prabhuteja27401]

Super detailing about the product, thanks a lot, audio enhancement is only through the 3.5mm jack output, or through bluetooth also ??

[@boonematias4131]

instaBlaster

[@ivo4357]

This is how a review should be. Lots of detailed information about the item, going over the positives and negatives, not wasting time opening a box and showing us the warranty card etc... I feel like I know this player now, even though I've never held it in my hands, and I'm buying one because you convinced me. GREAT job, thanks

[@martinkilpert933]

Agree! Never seen before coverage!

[@mikehernandez1511]

I got mine about a month ago and still love it. Just got done playing with some of its features like Vynal records. Its truelly a sweet lil player.

[@raggasan0000]

Very well thought out review... added info on the Sony music center windows app ... converting audio formats ... proper ID3 tagging and album art management... good coverage of the UI and available settings .. this is the best review I've found on the A55 but I think I will end up purchasing the newly announced A105 to over come a few of the A55 shortcomings such as lack of WiFi and now it runs on android 9.0 opening up app usage and streaming ... downside is the A105 is not announced for the U.S. yet so will have to import

[@iu1191]

​@@raggasan0000 - I got the A105 and returned it. It is great to have android and be able to use Spotify, Tidal, Deezer (does anyone actually use Deezer?) and Amazon Music etc. You can even watch Netflix if you want and browse youtube which kind of makes it more than I bought it for. BUT the battery life is just pants. I mean really bad. It looses 50% of its battery overnight when it is NOT being used. The battery lasts a few hours in constant use and most importantly in the UK, the A55 is around 130 UK Pounds and the A105 is 320 UK Pounds. There is simply no justification for this price hike. I want back to using the A55 and I was glad to have its limitations. I must say I set the screen to greyscale and tried to turn off the radios which were not needed - i.e. turning off WIFI when I am not streaming etc. It did not make enough of a difference for me. I think it is a little like those people who love the Kindle paperwhite. It is a reader - it is for reading books and not for surfing the web or watching Netflix or youtube. It is for reading books and at that it is perfect. The A55 - at least in my use - is for listening to music that I already own. Now, it is very possible for me to stream Spotify from my phone through the A55 and listen to it that way and I will probably try that, BUT primarily for me it is a music player for playing my music and I love using it that way. As I said - I have switched back and I feel great about having done so - I have returned the A105. Do I say don't buy it? - No of course not - it is a fantastic player with all the features of the A55 and then some + Android9 and WIFI - what is not to love? but it is more than double the price and the gain for me can not justify that when it lasts not even close to a third as long in real life. A105 for me was a no go! I would love to hear your thoughts.

[@kucen95]

@@iu1191 I totally agree with what you said. I hope Sony doesn't use android on ALL of their DAPs. I understand their decision to move to Android and I'm sure there are folks out there who would appreciate their Walkman running android to listen to Spotify, Tidal, etc but IMO the battery life is just a deal breaker for me. I just hope that in the future Sony will release their Walkman in both flavours - walkman os and android. That way, Sony can keep everyone happy. But one can only hope, I guess.

[@OeStErA1EsCo]

We had a 1st gen Echo in our master bathroom for listening to music in the morning kzbin.infoUgkxABghAEkaIDGZfHRBH3D3rBrlraNmnC71 and while in the shower. I didn't realize how tinny and awful the sound output on the original Echo was until we replaced it with the Studio. It was a sonic upgrade far beyond what I was expecting. Just wow. I love it because it's like having speakers IN the shower. My friend likes it because the music is so loud that she can no longer hear me singing. So that's a win-win.

[@RideronthestormIreland]

I purchased that walkman about 2 weeks ago (after using previous walkman for 11 years) and I'm the same very happy user. Hoping to use it for another several years.

[@Olando89]

Walkmans were amazing. I had a discman. I remember the feeling of listening to CD’s on the bus and while ridding the bus. It was amazing.

[@Jute511]

What were you ridding the bus of?

[@Pianist203]

In fact I listened Sony Discman in a bus 2-3 years ago. It was real deal, I purchased new album on its release day from shop and went straight to bus. That is rare moment in modern day when portable cd player was *actually* useful and not just nostalgic fun. Great times indeed! Sadly that was the last cd that discman (D-321) played properly, after that it started to have reading problems, aging tech.

[@mirrormirror2718]

@@Jute511 best fucking comment:)

[@halfcrazyluv1]

I still have my discman from 2004 that is capable of playing 490 songs on 1 CD using Atrac 3 plus conversion. The Model is DNE800 with remote and line out functionality. 130hours playback. Still working perfectly. 👌It's a great companion as a student way back.

[@Olando89]

@@halfcrazyluv1 That is so cool. I wish I still had mine. Using an iPhone and computer is not the same.

[@6wim6]

Bought a A45 for only €80 because an employe messed up the labeling. Good guy.

[@Vugar.Ahmadov]

Is it good enough in comparison with Fiio, iBasso and Hiby?

[@6wim6]

@@Vugar.Ahmadov No idea, I don't have those. But even a price tag of €200 is completely justified in the case of the A45. It has very good quality, build and sound. Even after 2 years of use, it feels and looks like new.

[@hardtarget9969]

Most ppl don't know that any Apple products including iPod was not available in many countries. However Sony products was easily available in most part of the world.

[@DVX389]

Not in my country. Easier to find apple product than sony

[@bellamy2041]

@@DVX389 *was

[@sisamusudroka3000]

Yup

[@fermild3954]

And most people don't have any idea that apple music player was down bellow comparing to this kind of music player in term of sound quality

[@luminousfractal420]

also the lossless audio wars which apple failed at miserably.

[@lorddragon5041]

Thank you man. You make me buy this little device and I can't be more happy. All the single points that you mentioned on the video are there, specially the WAV cover problem. The only part that's maybe is missing is the MQA Oficial support, because this Walkman on USB DAC with tidal is so perfect that I can't even imagine how bad the music sounds before of my first DAP. Thanks again, keep the excellent work.

[@CTE-6000EagleVeryHeavyFighter]

Finally, a review that caters to the actual thing the device does (sound) instead if whining about "features" the android users miss. Great review. My advice to people crying about features: why don't you stick with your android then?

[@mikehernandez1511]

Thank you for the detailed review as it was a determining factor in my purchase. Its been about a month and so far absolutely no regrets. My only drawback is turning the device on it takes mine exactly 45 seconds to boot, i'm not sure but i think it is due to having my entire library on the memory stick and not the internal which wasn't big enough so i'm thinking it has to read all of that first. Once its up im on cloud 9.

[@johnblake6500]

You probably have a lots of albums in it. Be aware that the maximum number of songs for the player is thought 20,000.

[@computersxd]

slap a usb c port on this thing and ill take 9 of em.

[@BipinRaviEkka]

Useless product.....Comment from a Sony fan....By the way .....I was born in 1982.......

[@fraudsarentfriends4717]

USB-C has poor sound quality.That's why it's not on the Sony Walkman.

[@computersxd]

Waylen I'm talking about for the charging port, smart guy

[@fraudsarentfriends4717]

@@computersxd The charging port doubles as an audio link to other devices,no different than USB-C...Unsmart Guy.

[@computersxd]

Waylen bro but if the proprietary charging cord dies then you'd have to get a expensive ass replacement from Sony, whereas USB c you can get a cable from anywhere, readily available. you're too old to be on youtube. think outside the box.

[@palexstarks5553]

Love this ...Have owned one for two years . The sound and clarity is awesome. The design is sleek

[@julianndebeleniii9061]

Does it support wireless headphones? I'm planning on getting one. This will be my very first serious purchase for music player. I grew up listening to my phone. I want to try this one.

[@palexstarks5553]

Yes but I would stay with the Sony brand so you don't have any issues. With the sd card it didn't work until I used a Sony brand

[@palexstarks5553]

I agree .For some reason MP3's excite more than phones

[@iu1191]

Duuuuude, Great vid. I have the A55 and had been planning to try out what you said but never got round to it. I usually use it with Bluetooth headphones. This time I connected it to my HD650s and got some quiet moments with it. I played it normally at first and played around with the preset sound settings to see how they sounded. To be honest I prefer the out of the box sound. THEN I tried the ClearAudio+ effect. I thought mI was going to listen to a few tracks and compare sound quality but what happened was that I just listened to the track all the way through. I tried going back and comparing to how it sounded without the effect on but I found that I simply didn't want to go back. I kept playing more and more music with the clearaudio+ on until I was no longer comparing - I was just getting lost in my music. I really heard things I had never heard in a way I had never heard them. It was like it increased the soundstage or something - It gave my music warmth and accessibility which I simply didn't hear before. It was just more immersive than I had ever expected. I was blown away. I am not easily blown away!! I do not know what exactly they did with this setting - I take your word for it that it is the application of a W shaped equalisation but I do know it makes me want to listen to music from this player on my HD650s more and more. It is incredible and my player now has added respect form me. I was thinking of replacing it for something like AFiio or something else - I don't think I will be replacing it at all and I actually don't think I will be even looking for an alternative for some extended period of time - I am just so interested to find out how other parts of my music collection sound and how I can immerse myself in those tracks. Amazing. Thanks for sharing your experience and allowing tome to have mine! Once again - Great vid!

[@tonyjuarez6296]

Same bro I always have it on clearaudio+ I never have it off the difference is there

[@ikomu8907]

Iyare Umweni Hi Can I ask if ClearAudio+ or EQ works with your BT Headphones or wired only Thanks :)

[@tonyjuarez6296]

iko mu unfortunately clearaudio+ doesn’t work with Bluetooth :(

[@dashwerks]

Language study can be used for audiobooks, you can even adjust the read speed

[@Solitaire001]

I've been using it for that, and also to separate music files from non-music files.

[@meowchat6175]

I owned a Sony Walkman II back in 1985

[@robovirtuoso1354]

Whatever the "Studio" DSP effect does, it certainly makes the sound bigger and bolder. And doesn't seem to add artificial reverb/echo to the sound. To be honest, with this effect turned on, I enjoy my A55 much more than my "reference" desktop headphone setup. Even the 300 ohm HD 800 never sounded thin on this tiny DAP, especially with "Studio" effect turned on. Then the STELLAR battery life makes it my favorite DAP. Btw, excellent review. Very comprehensive. I think you're the only one who ever covered the issue about embedded album art images.

[@fermild3954]

Hello sir, how this A55 sound quality compare to others dap like fiio M7 or Hiby r3?

[@robovirtuoso1354]

@@fermild3954 I was only able to compare it with my previous DAP, the fiio X5iii. That one was definitely more powerful (it has bigger amplifier) but the A55 sounded more detailed for some reason. The fiio X5iii was very smooth sounding, so maybe to make it "safe" sounding with less than ideal quality recordings, some details are probably being glossed over. And I can't emphasise enough that I quite enjoy the "Studio" DSP mode on the A55.

[@noorazimah9443]

I'm torned between a45 and a55. Which would you recommend?

[@adnan-aumi]

Which one had the bigger impact on our culture between Walkman and iPod? Walkman outranks iPod. Hands down.

[@bratosin1]

Walkman will live 4 ever , ipod is already dead , most people use the iphone instead , for sony u cannot find a serious replacement

[@MrNorcal81]

Thanks for your review. I've had a Fiio X3 2nd Gen player for a number of years that's used with a pair of older Sony side inserting earbuds that are among the best that Sony ever made. The overall sound has been excellent but I recently got a stereo receiver that has Bluetooth connectivity which the Fiio doesn't have. I got a new NW-A55 a few days ago ($219 from Focus Electronics via Amazon) and really liked the Clear Audio + sound but, like you, I found it a bit thick on the low end at times. I made the equalizer/Surround-Studio adjustments that you came up with and it did yield an audio result that almost completely matched the Clear Audio + setting. I did make some equalizers changes (decreasing the bass and bringing up the mid range a bit) and ended up with a sound that was outstanding. I didn't think that anything could match my Fiio but after making the settings changes, I actually like the Sony A55 more, It's audio just just has more depth and smoothness than the Fiio's. It's definitely a keeper.

[@wilburgonsalves7741]

The music centre feature was present in the PSP where the music was categorised based on various moods. It's nice how this is an actual in-depth review, well done.

[@VeerMaharaj]

Yeah, clearaudio+ on my sony reciever and even on the walkman apps on sony phones are just addictive as hell. It just makes the audio pop in ways most other DSP systems try to, but never quite manage to reach,

[@abuanwp]

18:20 - Thanks for sharing this setting because the clear+ really is a good feature but laking the wide perception of VPT. - Using Sennheiser IE80s my settings are: ( 60Hz=+6) (400Hz-0) (1kHz=+3) (2.5kHz=0) (6.3kHz=-3) (16kHz=+6) - The setting really replicated the clear+ but with bigger sound. lol! Thank you soooooO much!!! - But honestly this nw-a55 is a bit low powered, I go up to 67% volume, I'm Thinking of adding a Q1m2 or just Fiio A1 just to elevate the DB.

[@DarinDep]

Excellent review. I am a kid totally from the 80s with the Walkman cassette onto their Walkman CD player with a battery and finally moving away to a iPod and zune. I now have the A45 and the clearaudio completely ruined me...in a good way as I had to chuckle when you gave your impressions on it. I was thinking since I received this player “why is nobody talking about this effect”. Early on I was messing with the equalizer and other effects trying to adjust for my cheap in ear Bose headphones and naturally clicked on the clearaudio and WOW. As for the the connector, complete confusion, WHY? Really. I had the same proprietary type connector when my world was with the Zune. Still the Price/enjoyable level couldn’t be better.

[@albertocabezas282]

For me, the Clear Audio makes the music to sound very shrill. I prefer the equalizer.

[@lloid6619]

Kane Kramer is a British inventor and businessman. He is credited with the initial invention of the digital audio player, in 1979. Apple admitted that Kramer is the inventor of the iPod.

[@charlesjmei]

Thank you so much for this. I was deeply concerned about the stereo imaging as I quite enjoy listening to music with my B&W PX cans and wanted to extend my enjoyment beyond the confines of my home. Cannot thank you enough for clearing this one up. You're a legend.

[@johnblake6500]

Straight away, very clear review with the important details about the DAP's cons and pro. What can I say more....THANK YOU! I already ordered one!

[@pyrojinn]

If you ever need motivation to ever consider this music player, Hideo Kojima use one of these Walkman every now and then.

[@infernoskyful]

He actually uses the Sony NW- ZX1, not this one lol

[@justanotheryoutubeuser5029]

Got these a week ago and i love this thing. I wish it had an option for line out.

[@brnardm9273]

Inspired by your thorough appraisal I recently bought this player and applied your recommended enhancements. I could send you a bottle of wine, my musical experience is the best it has ever been!

[@宮城良樹-d9s]

no ipod yes sony Walkman!!

[@andrehenri4219]

I have the A45 & it's really superb, great review by the way.

[@hap9936]

I can get this or the fiio m7 which do I get?

[@chilly6470]

Walkman was and always will be King!

[@user-hejwihfwwjdfk]

I wouldn't call the design outdated or not modern design. I love the design by Sony. I'm not always into those higher screen to body ratio display. I love good design. If the walkman be a little thinner. It will be just perfect for me ❤️

[@andersoncosta4770]

Great review man! I just love a dedicated music player to carry in my pocket and listen to my music without interruption while walking or just relaxing.

[@RichM0410]

Excellent review! I love ALL the detail and I believe more like that than those who may oppose it. Superb and many thank yous👍 My only problem is small I’m sure to some but a good case or arm band to be able to use in the gym! I’ve searched high and low and since that would be the main use I won’t buy unless a case is available! Crazy the nobody has done so in today’s consumer market.

[@tijpete_and_the_magic]

Thanks internet's god I found this review... apparently the only full and satisfying. Great job.

[@merouby]

13:55 describes the sound

[@luminousfractal420]

the clear audio tweaking path reminds me so much of us cowon users some years ago lol. if only my j3 had a ten band eq with more fidelity on the effects id be lost in it for many years. the only reason i havent upgraded for so long is the excessive price tags on more recent devices. any j3 owners found a decently priced upgrade yet?

[@samma3afans]

Funnily enough, this Sony prompted me to go back to Cowon too... Got the Plenue R, loving it

[@stallio5612]

@@samma3afans what would you go for sony or plenu

[@megajago990]

Sadly no my friend

[@extrajava9175]

I have a plenue D2. It's great

[@tobosillo1]

I used to have a similar player like this one. Incomplete. The language study mode allows you to slow down or speed up the track. Also si very useful for musicians and karaoke lovers. You can transpose the music to a tone more adequate to your own range of voice, also you can speed or slow the music without changing the tone. The study mode is for repeating a phrase for you to repeat it a lot of times if you need it. This is an awsome feature if you know how to use it and the track is good Quality

[@teneshalauer5312]

yup. . ..i love to fill up the device with songs and education audio for study during travelling. For that I use "ZillaTube". You can find it when you google for ZillaTube

[@taahdaah3813]

$29.87

[@keithb5612]

Have you listened to the Sony nw zx2 dap or Sony nw wm1a dap.? You may like the audio signature and audio tweeks on these. More expensive +++ however.

[@tomcrawford3733]

Very nice work on the review. It help make my mind up about which player to play. Good Job!

[@Turbodelusional]

I'm still use nwz-e463 for 7 years, doesn't has any problem except home button that can spin freely (but its not broken)

[@callumbrowns]

Can you please show how to put the SD Card in, i can't make mine read please help thanks ?

[@supriyodas9661]

Great review. Which kind of iem or headphones would be best synergy with this? Please mention some recommendations.

[@geoffreylotz3661]

And I would guess that in the '80's you grew up listening to Radio5.....one Saffer to another. Great video....thanks, man...

[@Countravendark]

Got it myself and i love my walkman😍😍

[@saishashank4397]

total video is 21mints but their is no minute that has boring info in it

[@enginerbasi8215]

heey. great review man. thank you so much. im still on decision phase for purchasing :) as i remember there is no fm radio on nw55 series or maybe just in my country. also this language learning tab seems interesting. greetings from İstanbul

[@mercyabel1923]

The a55 has fm radio, you just need to use earbuds to use it.

[@sianjackson9502]

does it have the tape screensavers

[@johnroo9647]

Your reviews are awesome, Samma3a. Listen to this person people and learn a lot. Keep up the good work.

[@vijendrainjetyinjety859]

Person is die hard fan of Sony Walkman...😉

[@LincolnRon]

A bit more expensive but I personally prefer the Pioneer XDP-100R-K (black) and the Pioneer XDP-100R-S (Silver). But I've been a big Pioneer fan since my first pair of Pioneer CD players (CDJ-500) back in the mid-1990s.

[@miguelyarce2012]

That pioneer is a little bit different, the sound is very analytic and the Walkman is too much warm. Something to mention is that it have a very good android implementation but the battery is a mess. I had a xdp-300r with twin dac and amp thru the balanced output and its it's just amazing. Now I have a xdp-30r that have native dsd and mqa full capacity and a Sony wm1a and I can't find a big difference between them, they are very close in details. Very important to use the balanced output!

[@DeftonesFan1982]

is worth to buy the NW A55 (don't want the android system of a100) having and iPod touch? has this sony walkman better chip sound than my iPod so my music will sound better (all my music is in high quality)? got a great IEMS for my music listening but i think that this IEMS demands more "output power" cause it sounds low comparing to other IEMS i´ve got like a senheiser ones, so will this sony walkman be able to move this IEMS without lowering the volume??? is it true that has a limitation on volume that makes this device sound lower that it should to? Thanks

[@Canadian789119]

My iems are super low impedance. Problem with that anything with too much power will actually shock my ears as the housing is aluminum. Super High Impedance you need a external amp as I doubt the A55 has enough Juice.

[@sumanchhetri1809]

Ur video made me purchase this product. I was about to buy Fiio M6 and then i saw this video and made my purchase... Hope i made a gud choice

[@AruLcomments]

I am with the same thought. Are you happy with NW-A55

[@lewismackay9533]

The reason Sony still uses the WM port is because of Japan, in Japan their devices have a huge ecosystem of docks, speakers and other accessories and they aren't going to produce a differen't device for overseas just for USB-C as it would cost too much. It's not really that confusing really, since their Walkman business is by no means a large portion of their consumer profits it's not a concern for them. Their Walkman linup is more popular in Japan than overseas.

[@aubiejazz]

The movement of your hands is very distracting to me. I think it would be FAR better to show the device larger on the screen and your hands would be out of the picture. I was able to make it through the review and you did give me some super info that helped me see the features in the device. It may not be what I am looking for since I would still have to manage the music files with the Sony Music software to get files on the device. My main goal in leaving Apple is to get away from iTunes and the confusing new Apple music app on my Mac. Great review, thanks!!!

[@merouby]

ClearAudio + effect = author loves this

[@gilbs72]

There actually is a small WM Port "ecosystem" but didn't become popular outside of Japan. Sony has recently moved to Type C. You can now just find some of these audio products in eBay.

[@PhazeyBlur]

Does it have visualizer? i really miss the visualizer in the old walkman app :(

[@RAGINxxXxxCAJUN]

You made up my mind to buy this. Thanks

[@franrocker]

did you tested with SACD or dsd audio? as far as i know, the DAP extracts DSD and then convert it to PCM. I would like a native DSD player, what do you think?

[@marcosalmeidaperes9551]

I have 3 questions: 1st Question: Can I insert the songs in folders and subfolders on the memory card? 2nd Question: During random play, does the device play between folders, that is, play a song in a folder, then another folder, or play only within the folder? 3rd Question: How would the audio quality be compared to smartphones, connecting it to a stereo receiver via p2 / RCA cable?

[@AlekAEMCRaven]

1) Yes, you can drag and drop in Folders inside the Inner memory or MicroSD Card (2 Tb's tops) while connected to your PC. (You can use Music Center from Sony, but i find it really slow, don't know why) 2) Got 1 month using this device and man, didn't think about it, i was just enjoying my tracks, but i believe IT DOES play tracks at Random mode from Album to Album. 3) Smartphones are for Messaging, Calls, Google Maps, GPS, or looking for the latest News on the Web. Your inner Ear and subconscious mind will enjoy more using a Walkman or dedicated music player device. Better to connect to your Stereo a Player, rather than your cellphone which it is in my understanding that IT DOES have a DAC system but of course a Walkman or a Fiio, etc, will have the best chipset to reproduce Music (256 kbps - 320 kbps mp3, FLACS, WAV, ACC, among other formats).

[@StevenBudijanto]

As how you described it, it sounds like a Wolfson's chip sound signature to me. Let's say 1st gen iPod Touch for example. Am I right? By the way, thanks for the review. Such a great and enjoyable review that makes 21 min long video like nothing 👍

[@dustinvannoy6680]

How do you get to the clear audio + effect? I've been trying to find it for 30 minutes.

[@craiggallagher4461]

I know you said no "direct" access to streaming but being able to stream from your smart phone to the A55 in bluetooth receiver mode has to be the next best thing no? Great review nonetheless and it's sold me on the final 5% of decision I was dithering over before splashing out on one :)

[@samma3afans]

Yup, that is why I said no "direct access", streaming via BT to the device is indeed the next best thing.

[@miguelyarce2012]

Using ldac technology you can have CD quality 16 bits 44.1 hz with some services like tidal or deezer

[@thezogs95]

Does anybody know If there is a way to access the album you want to listen to from the all songs menu on the walkman? IE an apple ipod touch has the little icon in the top right corner to access the full album from one song. Walkman doesnt do this?

[@aaronignacio4652]

Which is better? A-55 or Hiby r3 pro?

[@RobertSmith-bh5cv]

Really great review! Thanks. 2 questions: 1. What do you mean when you say it lacks a proper Line Out? I'd like to connect one to my analogue stereo system to hear music I have saved on my computer - can't I just use a 3.5mm to RCA cable to do the connection, or will this not work? 2. Is the lack of a USB-c connection vs the Sony proprietary cable a big problem? Isn't it just used for charging?

[@samma3afans]

A line out means that the player would completely bypass the headphone amp circuitry and pass out the analogue signal directly from the DAC chip(s). The less components are in the way, the "purer" the signal. The Walkman doesn't have this lineout function. But yes, you can still use a 3.5mm to RCA cable to connect it to your stereo system. Regarding the charging connection... The only real issue here is that you'd have yet another specific cable. If you travel you'll need to remember to take the cable with you. If you lose the cable, it's more pricey to replace than just a generic USB-C cable. So no, it's not a problem per se, it can just be a little inconvenient.

[@RobertSmith-bh5cv]

@@samma3afans Thanks! But that's bad news since this seems like such a great player. I don't want to use it portably, just want to hook it up to my stereo to play all the music files I have. Can you suggest an alternative? Sound is the most important factor. Re the USB-C, from looking at Sony's website, it looks like it now has USB-C. Hey, maybe it also has a true Line Out now? How would I know?

[@samma3afans]

Well, in that case, why are you looking at getting a portable player? A network streamer would perhaps make more sense.

[@RobertSmith-bh5cv]

@@samma3afans Just want to play my own collection, for now. I don't have a computer or tv or anything else digital in my listening room. I just bought a nice used Fiio X5 so we'll see how it works for this purpose.

[@samma3afans]

Fair enough. The only problem with using a portable player is that you'd likely need to keep it plugged into the charger for the majority of the time. Keeping it on charge for extended periods will degrade the battery and in some cases even make the battery expand and damage the rest of the product.

[@schreds8882]

I'm looking to ditch my iPod after getting angry with Apple for the umpteenth time. Will this play my .m4a files from iTunes or do I have to convert them all to mp3's?

[@muizzuddinmuzaini1396]

Yep.It support m4a audio codec

[@PetersonBlanc]

great review, ver in depth. I don't believe you touched on it but how is music transfer and or importing handled, is it a simple copy + paste and or is Sony requiring you use a software of theirs'?

[@touchingpeopleonthetrain1779]

Even the new a100 series though being more expensive can't touch the a55. Sick battery life, USB DAC mode and BT bridge is amazing. Definitely does not defeat the objective of having a separate hardware player. Sound is ass spanking great to boot.

[@Zomby1Woof]

Thanks for the review. How good is the blue-tooth? Is the connectivity good or will by earbuds be cutting on and off sometimes or even too much. And does the blue-tooth connect with a car audio system? Thanks.

[@KOZ-k1p]

Amazing informative and helpful review !

[@vrod2144]

what headphones are you mentioning at 16:42 pls

[@samma3afans]

Hd58x

[@vrod2144]

@@samma3afans tnx

[@vrod2144]

what wireless headphones you like the most? is sony nw a55 still your favorite mp3 player? im looking for good player and headphones to buy. .

[@samma3afans]

If you're using wireless headphones, then the player doesn't really matter (unless you like specific DSP effects). I'm not really into wireless headphones much, but the last ones I used that I really enjoyed was the 1000XM3. I think the A55 is still a good player, but I'd love to be able to check out the new A105. The Hiby R3 Pro and R5 also seem quite interesting.

[@debbiefeke7729]

Can music be easily transferred from Windows Media Player to this Sony device? All of my music is in WMP and I really don't want to take the time to move it to another program. I returned an iPod because my music wouldn't transfer to iTunes after spending 5 hours on the phone with Apple support.

[@theprince08853]

Is the SQ really that much different to a smartphone? I have a external DAC hooked up to a tube amp as my Desktop setup. I can't say the SQ using my phone + bluetooth headphones using LDAC is that much different.

[@davidhacala6449]

Nice Review Sony Phones Have Same Audio Quality As The A55 Walkman Will This Be Available In Canada ? My Walkman A17 sounded Great To But It Broke Awesome Sound

[@dhilsiva]

I'm using my A25 Walkman which I got in 2017. I'm thinking of getting either this or the upcoming A100 series Walkman after seeing its reviews.

[@samma3afans]

Yeah the A105 looks super interesting

[@dhilsiva]

@@samma3afans yes it does but it's also twice the price of the A55. So I'm waiting for proper reviews to come in.

[@lordhalo003]

Can u use the player like a router in a way so u can use ur bt headphones to listen to ur tv or desktop?

[@Richardsumilang]

Is the Sony still the best if you can copy your Clear Audio+ Equalization setting to any device?

[@jyexe525]

Hello ! I don’t know between this or the Bluetooth dac ifi go blu… And do you think all this is useful if I listen to 1411kbps music on my smartphone, I mean will I see the difference ? Thank you for your help.

[@marlonsalugao6272]

How long does your nw a55 walkman plays music? Mine is short Does it have any heating issues Thank you

[@mercyabel1923]

If you use clear audio+ settings for your music then the battery life lasts about a day and I haven’t had any issues with the device heating up.

[@jerome5969]

Great review. I’m currently planning to get one. Is there any other alternative for this walkman for cheaper price?

[@stage666]

Is there a access led indicator near the micro sd port? I remeber there is one on the A17

[@milnky]

Is there a UK/Europe release date?

[@samma3afans]

Hmmm, not sure why it's taking so long for the device to reach the UK, but its on Amazon for 180 quid as a preorder

[@sergzhurba1612]

Thx for the great review! I'm a long-time owner of the fiio products. Now I have Fiio x5 mk3 and it disappointed me every day about its UI and some bugs. I look for AK Norma to upgrade but it costs a lot... I am interested if Sony a55 is a player in fiio x5 sound quality range or it 'simpler' in sound. Thank you for any response)

[@samma3afans]

Honestly, I didn't really like the sound of the X5iii.... But i did enjoy the Sony. Perhaps also have a look at the Cowon Plenue R (I've got a review for it) which is heavily discounted on Amazon right now (there's a Plenue R2 as well but not on Amazon yet)

[@sergzhurba1612]

@@samma3afans Sorry but my question was a little bit different. I doubt between AK Norma and A55. Will Norma be better sounding more than twice as a55))?

[@samma3afans]

Ooooh right, sorry I missed that. Umm, I haven't heard the SR15, but it's likely that you would enjoy the A55 with the sound effects more than just the SR15. But it will depend on your headphones as you can get quite a bit more power from the AK since the A55 isn't particularly powerful.

[@virtualoftheday]

Лучше поскачи

[@Chris09978]

Have a question if I have an iPhone and I paired it with this Walkman, am I able to convert my Spotify playlist that’s on my phone to this Walkman or no

[@ikomu8907]

None of the Sound Effects or ClearAudio+ works over Bluetooth FYI !

[@Arialight]

Does this work with bluetooth speakers? I would like to see how it sounds.

[@davidcampbell8667]

Hope it does I just ordered one, if it can power wireless head phones then speakers or car car hi if should be no problems. ..

[@urbigbutt]

@@davidcampbell8667 Yes it does, it can also act as a reciever, meaning it can connect to your phone as Bluetooth headphones and output sound from your phone.

[@dersteppenokani]

It works but in my case I cannot use the effects in Bluetooth mode, what about you ?

[@Indrajit9191]

Hi. Can this sony Walkman drive a Sennheiser HD 598 to its full potential?

[@bratosin1]

No , u need a serious stand alone dac amp , this will play fine but not at full potential of that headphones

[@Indrajit9191]

@@bratosin1 Thanks

[@tedtimmis8135]

Great review. My thought is that the lack of WiFi is a deal killer.

[@rsdno]

Thank you an excellent review and set up directions

[@CloudMountainJuror]

This review is super helpful. I’m considering getting this. Do you know if it plays M4A files from iTunes gaplessly? I’ve had a lot of apps on my Android phone struggle to do that consistently (only foobar was able to pull it off).

[@samma3afans]

Sorry, my interaction with iOS devices is very limited, and have even less experience with iTunes

[@arjoyacueza9457]

If only this walkman is affordable and not price i would love to own one :(

[@luminousfractal420]

check the cowon s9 and j3 devices. old now so finding one in mint condition may be problematic (mines a bit glitchy and slow these days) but this sony seems like a replica of those.

[@phaniqu]

Can anyone help me which bluetooth headphones has the ability to use the Equalizer on the nw a55?

[@andyben87]

So, the only way to pair with a Stereo is through the 3.5mm jack or the proprietary port if there even is a cable that supports that?

[@samma3afans]

... Or Bluetooth. But yeah, those are your only options.

[@youretheslow4237]

Would you say that it would be a better upgrade from the A45? Saw the A45 selling for really cheap but I'm not certain to jump on the A55 instead.

[@samma3afans]

No, I don't reckon the price difference is worth it... However, check out the new A105. Roughly $100 more than the A55, but waaaay more functionality

[@philipcooper8297]

Just like Sony headphones, the Walkman has characteristic ''Sony sound'', you either like it or you don't. Also LDAC and AptX-HD.

[@nickxcore74]

I love that "Sony Sound” I think it sounds absolutely superb.

[@abuanwp]

I'm using this now as transport for my Mojo. The mojo does all decoding and the mojo lasts 10hrs while this as transport only loose 1bar until the mojo dies. lol! Sadly any of the sony effects are bypassed by the mojo, and cannot use bluetooth while on transport mode. But seems the RMT-NWS20 will work as controller.