I had recently bought a much cheaper ($130) "Hi-Res" player via Amazon and had been horrified by how extremely difficult it was to set up that cheap unit and by how poorly it performed (most artwork was not displayed, it cut off the last few seconds of every song and it playing all iTunes files in mono). So I that "you get what you pay for" and chose to then buy the Sony NW-A306 because it was so well reviewed and because its storage could be expanded via Micro SD card to 2Tb. I installed a 512Gb Samsung EVO Plus card and uploaded all 38,000 320kps tracks from my iTunes library. The Sony NW-A306 was easy to set up and performs perfecly. I am particularly happy to find that, when using Sony's inbuilt Walkman app it plays all consecutive tracks in an album (Such as ... MoreI had recently bought a much cheaper ($130) "Hi-Res" player via Amazon and had been horrified by how extremely difficult it was to set up that cheap unit and by how poorly it performed (most artwork was not displayed, it cut off the last few seconds of every song and it playing all iTunes files in mono). So I that "you get what you pay for" and chose to then buy the Sony NW-A306 because it was so well reviewed and because its storage could be expanded via Micro SD card to 2Tb. I installed a 512Gb Samsung EVO Plus card and uploaded all 38,000 320kps tracks from my iTunes library. The Sony NW-A306 was easy to set up and performs perfecly. I am particularly happy to find that, when using Sony's inbuilt Walkman app it plays all consecutive tracks in an album (Such as Dark Side Of The Moon) with perfectly clean gapless transitions. That's something that none of my audio apps on my PC can do! All of my cover artwork displays properly. It takes at least a minute to start up, but it is well worth the wait.Even though the Sony says it handles up to 20,000 tracks, all 37,000 of my tracks display and play perfecty - I expect that 20,000 might be the limit to the number of tracks that can be found for shuffle play without repetition (and that doesn't bother me at all). The .Sony NW-A306 is certanly superior to my S22 Ultra phone as a music player (using any app) as well as being more compact and having much more control of both volume and tone. Great value and genuine quality for the price.

A very neat little device

I have to admit that I absolutely love Android in this form factor. The fact that I can put other apps from the Play store on here is absolutely amazing. I can have my music player (Spotify), and even emails and WhatsApp (although WhatsApp drained the battery too much for my liking, so it's gone now).I sincerely appreciate that Sony has made this as customisable as Android - the freedom to make it mine, have the wallpapers I choose, players I choose, and an easy memory card slot are all top notch choices.What would I change? A slightly stronger processor would go a long way in making this device a little more responsive. Also the buttons all being along one side of the device is a strange choice, it works fine for both hands, but when held in my left the lower ... MoreI have to admit that I absolutely love Android in this form factor. The fact that I can put other apps from the Play store on here is absolutely amazing. I can have my music player (Spotify), and even emails and WhatsApp (although WhatsApp drained the battery too much for my liking, so it's gone now).I sincerely appreciate that Sony has made this as customisable as Android - the freedom to make it mine, have the wallpapers I choose, players I choose, and an easy memory card slot are all top notch choices.What would I change? A slightly stronger processor would go a long way in making this device a little more responsive. Also the buttons all being along one side of the device is a strange choice, it works fine for both hands, but when held in my left the lower ones are hard to reach - it's also a bit tricky to learn which is which, but maybe that's why it's not symmetrical.Feature requests? I would love it if I could control what the next and previous buttons do - like single tap is advance 10 seconds but double tap is advance 20 seconds, and hold is skip (these are my preferred defaults so I know not everyone would want exactly that, which is why I am asking to be able to customise).I think offering some covers would also go a long way in really "making it mine" - I love a bright orange accent, for example.

Good where it counts, not perfect.

I've had the unit for about a week, invested in a 256GB microSD card. This unit is an audio specific version of a now almost universal technological template - a specialized computer running in this case Android 12. It has Bluetooth and WiFi. I didn't expect a full blown operating system device. If it had SIM capacity it would be also a smart phone. Android 12 takes up about 12GB of the 32GB internal storage. I wasn't too happy about that, but for the functional tradeoff and SD card capacity it's no big deal. The sound is at least as good as my hearing. It's quality is clear. One can have the audio signal pumped directly to output or routed through a number of optional enhancements such as Equalizer, Volume Leveler, a summary "Clear Audio", and a couple of geeky ... MoreI've had the unit for about a week, invested in a 256GB microSD card. This unit is an audio specific version of a now almost universal technological template - a specialized computer running in this case Android 12. It has Bluetooth and WiFi. I didn't expect a full blown operating system device. If it had SIM capacity it would be also a smart phone. Android 12 takes up about 12GB of the 32GB internal storage. I wasn't too happy about that, but for the functional tradeoff and SD card capacity it's no big deal. The sound is at least as good as my hearing. It's quality is clear. One can have the audio signal pumped directly to output or routed through a number of optional enhancements such as Equalizer, Volume Leveler, a summary "Clear Audio", and a couple of geeky adjustments that may only be apparent if using extreme hifi files. For my 320Kb Mp3s makes no difference. I assume more enhancements means more power usage. Nonetheless, battery life is hardly the 30hr. advertised, but plenty long enough for my usages - 10hr. or so. Navigation has a slight learning threshhold, but once mastered powerful. It takes a bit of time to boot, and rebuild the database, which for 100+GB libraries can take some seconds. All in all I'm very happy with the credit card sized machine.Physically it's solidly built, "heavy" in a good sense. Convenient as hell to carry in a pocket.

Great Walkman

I previously had an iPod Touch and was very pleased with that until after 13 years it finally died in that it would run out of juice after 60 to 90 minutes after a full charge. I was looking for a suitable replacement without having to spend lots of money and saw several good reviews for the NW-A306. To be honest, at first I was put off by comments that the bass lacked a lot, but it seems that a firmware update issued before I bought mine has corrected that. I have found that the sound is good, paired with either wired or Bluetooth earphones. My iPod was set up with iTunes on my Windows 11 PC and that synced really well and was a doddle to operate. This is where the Sony falls down hugely though, as the Sony 'Music Center for PC' program which is meant to function ... MoreI previously had an iPod Touch and was very pleased with that until after 13 years it finally died in that it would run out of juice after 60 to 90 minutes after a full charge. I was looking for a suitable replacement without having to spend lots of money and saw several good reviews for the NW-A306. To be honest, at first I was put off by comments that the bass lacked a lot, but it seems that a firmware update issued before I bought mine has corrected that. I have found that the sound is good, paired with either wired or Bluetooth earphones. My iPod was set up with iTunes on my Windows 11 PC and that synced really well and was a doddle to operate. This is where the Sony falls down hugely though, as the Sony 'Music Center for PC' program which is meant to function with this Walkman is frankly worse than useless. It crashes frequently, doesn't import the album artwork (iTunes did with never the slightest problem), and it seems so buggy that I haven't even tried to sync anything with the Walkman. I know iTunes has its detractors, but it looks superb and functions excellently compared to 'Music Center for PC'. On advice I have gleaned from the internet, I am now using the previous Sony program instead, 'Media Go', and that has worked well so far at least. It's been discontinued by Sony for a while so doesn't get any updates now, but at least it works. Shame on Sony for producing such good hardware and such awful software to support it.Anyway, enough of that frustration, this is meant to be reviewing the NW-A306, and I can't fault that. Yes, it's Android and so you get various bits you don't really need if all you want is a music player, but for the most part that's easily sorted. Happy to recommend the player, just be aware that you'll be unable to use the current Sony software with it.

[Rewarded Review] Great-sounding player... but with some issues

I wish I could write a more fully complimentary review of this device, but there are some fundamental issues that make it not really realize its potential. First off: it sounds great for a player at this price point. I paired mine with some nice Grado cans it it's noticeably better-sounding than the same files played over my phone. It's a great size and the buttons/hard UI stuff is all well-placed and intuitive.On the other hand... there are some not-so-great features of this player and most of them have a common root: Android. This player runs on a full Android install, which causes a number of problems: (1) it's slow/laggy at times. I disabled a bunch of non-essential stuff and that helped some, but you really shouldn't have to do this to get a well-functioning ... MoreI wish I could write a more fully complimentary review of this device, but there are some fundamental issues that make it not really realize its potential. First off: it sounds great for a player at this price point. I paired mine with some nice Grado cans it it's noticeably better-sounding than the same files played over my phone. It's a great size and the buttons/hard UI stuff is all well-placed and intuitive.On the other hand... there are some not-so-great features of this player and most of them have a common root: Android. This player runs on a full Android install, which causes a number of problems: (1) it's slow/laggy at times. I disabled a bunch of non-essential stuff and that helped some, but you really shouldn't have to do this to get a well-functioning player, (2) it's a security risk--I really don't want another Google device that I'm logged into that can be stolen, (3) distractions: since it's a full install, there's email, etc. coming in while you're trying to listen to music. Again, you can disable/uninstall this, but why should you have to? This should be an out-of-the-box dedicated music player, and (4) Android takes up around half of the supposed 32G of storage. I bought a 500G SD card and put my whole music collection on it, but just be aware that this machine really only has about 16G available for music.

[Rewarded Review] It is okay

I just lost my best one Sony player (Sony NW-A55) on the airplane to Japan last year. I feel so bad, because it is one of the best that I own so far. Furthermore, I bought this one to replace the lost one. I am happy but also quite disappointed with this NW-A306. I only need to listen music while confine in my seat for 10 to 16 hours, because I travel quite often and always for longs trip to Europe as well as to Asia.With my old Sony NW-A55 when I turn it on I can listen to music right away, but with this one it is too complicate. First, this one is like an iPad or tablet. It can play music but also video, and YouTube video as well, which I do like it too.I have to spend almost 3, to 4 hours to find out how it works (there is no manual, Sony why?) Since it is ... MoreI just lost my best one Sony player (Sony NW-A55) on the airplane to Japan last year. I feel so bad, because it is one of the best that I own so far. Furthermore, I bought this one to replace the lost one. I am happy but also quite disappointed with this NW-A306. I only need to listen music while confine in my seat for 10 to 16 hours, because I travel quite often and always for longs trip to Europe as well as to Asia.With my old Sony NW-A55 when I turn it on I can listen to music right away, but with this one it is too complicate. First, this one is like an iPad or tablet. It can play music but also video, and YouTube video as well, which I do like it too.I have to spend almost 3, to 4 hours to find out how it works (there is no manual, Sony why?) Since it is Android OS, it is quite slow to move around inside the system. One thing it confuses me, once using Android to open the music folder to listen to music, you can not control those songs. You should go into its system (Sony not Android) to listen to music, then you can control with the buttons.One more thing, its battery life is extremely SHORT. While I tried to find out how it works from 100% of battery it went down to 40% after only 3, 4 hours. Luckily, Sony allows you to charge while listening to music, so it is okay. Soon, next month I will take a trip to Tokyo, I will see how long the battery would last.One last comment, since I only use this Sony player to listen to music while on a long trip oversea on the airplane, it also means I use it only about 3 to 4 times a year, I can just buy an used one from Ebay to save some money, but who knows how bad is the battery, therefore I have to buy a new one, and only B&H is the most reliable store for me to rely on.

[Rewarded Review] Not What I Expected - Device Has Issues

I always have been a fan of Sony electronics and over the years owned many of their excellent equipment. I unfortunately cannot say the same for the NW-A306 Walkman. While the device is clearly well-constructed feeling solid in hand, the audio quality playback is good, but not great, for both lossy and loss-less music. Sony’s sound enhancements, though, are a nice touch and do work well depending on the type of music formats. I found the Android OS to be clunky, cumbersome and slow like several other reviewers noted. Sony, why Android and not your own OS? I also found the touchscreen was not especially responsive and the device heated up fairly quickly without much use. Moreover, the battery life is no where on par with purported specs when connected to a Bluetooth ... MoreI always have been a fan of Sony electronics and over the years owned many of their excellent equipment. I unfortunately cannot say the same for the NW-A306 Walkman. While the device is clearly well-constructed feeling solid in hand, the audio quality playback is good, but not great, for both lossy and loss-less music. Sony’s sound enhancements, though, are a nice touch and do work well depending on the type of music formats. I found the Android OS to be clunky, cumbersome and slow like several other reviewers noted. Sony, why Android and not your own OS? I also found the touchscreen was not especially responsive and the device heated up fairly quickly without much use. Moreover, the battery life is no where on par with purported specs when connected to a Bluetooth headset or set of speakers. The deal-breaker for me and why I returned the NW-A306 though is the fact that the U.S. version limits (i.e., “restricts”) audio output to 50% when streaming audio to a Bluetooth headset (in my case a decent Sony BT headset) while the Japanese version does not. Can someone please explain the logic behind that decision, Sony? If the restricted audio is purely a software fix, then Sony, please release a patch fixing the issue for the U.S. version. I so wanted to keep this little digital music player but could not justify the cost in relation to the lack of noted benefits. As a result, I returned the NW-A306 and at this time cannot recommend the music player to others under the current configuration.

[Rewarded Review] Superb Sound - Opaque Interface

On quality of sound alone, I would give this 5-stars. Sony delivers amazing sound quality even at a (relatively) low price for Hi-Res.However, using it is not a pleasant experience. Here are some examples.- There is no really useful documentation.- An album isn't treated as its own playlist so if you want to listen to "Julian Bream Plays Bach", the next thing you might hear could be whatever follows it alphabetically rather than just stopping and letting you choose.-- Android is costly with respect to space occupied and then you end-up with all of the Google nonsense so if you have a largish library of Hi-Res recordings, you'd better use a very high capacity card and then remember to use the Walkman accordingly. 32 GB may sound like a lot, but realistically ... MoreOn quality of sound alone, I would give this 5-stars. Sony delivers amazing sound quality even at a (relatively) low price for Hi-Res.However, using it is not a pleasant experience. Here are some examples.- There is no really useful documentation.- An album isn't treated as its own playlist so if you want to listen to "Julian Bream Plays Bach", the next thing you might hear could be whatever follows it alphabetically rather than just stopping and letting you choose.-- Android is costly with respect to space occupied and then you end-up with all of the Google nonsense so if you have a largish library of Hi-Res recordings, you'd better use a very high capacity card and then remember to use the Walkman accordingly. 32 GB may sound like a lot, but realistically you have less than 24 GB before you add your first song.- It is always worth remembering that if you're not careful, Google will know everything there is to know about you since ALL of the stuff that you may not want to share will be unless you make the effort to disable.If you can live with the Android experience, and all of a phone-like experience, it might be suitable, but since it's not a phone, why bother with all of that stuff.

[Rewarded Review] Wonderful Digital Audio Player!

I purchased my Sony NW-A306 at my local BestBuy about six months ago. I upgraded from the NW-A105, which was a good player but had disappointing battery life.The player has 32 GB of internal memory, half of which is used for the Android 12 operating system (which can be upgraded to Android 13 when firmware upgrades are performed). Micro SD cards can expand the memory up to 2 TB. At the moment, I'm using a Samsung 512 GB Micro SD card, which has over 250 GB of music on it.Sound quality is incredible with the right IEM or earbuds. Of course, you can playback HD music files or CD-quality FLAC files. You can also pair Bluetooth earbuds. For the best sound quality on Bluetooth, I recommend earbuds that use the LDAC codec.Remember that this is an Android device, so ... MoreI purchased my Sony NW-A306 at my local BestBuy about six months ago. I upgraded from the NW-A105, which was a good player but had disappointing battery life.The player has 32 GB of internal memory, half of which is used for the Android 12 operating system (which can be upgraded to Android 13 when firmware upgrades are performed). Micro SD cards can expand the memory up to 2 TB. At the moment, I'm using a Samsung 512 GB Micro SD card, which has over 250 GB of music on it.Sound quality is incredible with the right IEM or earbuds. Of course, you can playback HD music files or CD-quality FLAC files. You can also pair Bluetooth earbuds. For the best sound quality on Bluetooth, I recommend earbuds that use the LDAC codec.Remember that this is an Android device, so you can download apps using the Google Store app. I downloaded Spotify to listen to music streaming via Wi-Fi.One thing that I didn't like was that the Android interphase included a Google search bar on the top portion of the screen. Since the bar couldn't be removed or moved, selecting wallpaper images was difficult. I'm an Apple user, and I wasn't familiar with the Android infrastructure. I learned that you can download a launcher app (like Nova Launcher), which changes the UI and lets you customize the look of the Walkman. This is fantastic! Now I have the Walkman set the way I want to use the DAP, and it looks amazing!So, if you want high-quality sound in a very customizable little device, then this is the device for you!

it plays music but i don't need android

I sincerely dislike the fact that this device is no longer simply a music player but it has now incorporated the android software system which allows you to browse the web and use youtube. I am using a mac and it's honestly a nightmare transferring music to it. I had to get android file transfer installed but it does not seem to like loads of songs transferred at the same time: it stops everything and asks me to change it to MTP mode or something. No one online has actually deciphered what that it is and I am forced to use my battered PC to transfer files. You are provided with a lightning cable so the transfers are super fast.I am not happy with the android and google apps being added. some of you might enjoy it but I already have a phone for those things, or my ... MoreI sincerely dislike the fact that this device is no longer simply a music player but it has now incorporated the android software system which allows you to browse the web and use youtube. I am using a mac and it's honestly a nightmare transferring music to it. I had to get android file transfer installed but it does not seem to like loads of songs transferred at the same time: it stops everything and asks me to change it to MTP mode or something. No one online has actually deciphered what that it is and I am forced to use my battered PC to transfer files. You are provided with a lightning cable so the transfers are super fast.I am not happy with the android and google apps being added. some of you might enjoy it but I already have a phone for those things, or my computer, ipad etc.I wanted exclusively a music player with bluetooth capabilities but now the android system takes about 14gb of the player and I am given about 12gb or so for my music which is not a problem because you can extend the memory by purchasing an sd card but it really bothers me that dead weight, it has no reason for being there.I am happy with the music player, it's pretty good, but I feel like the battery life is not as good as my old walkman - I suppose it's the android apps running in the background and all this other stuff I do not need draining it faster. I lost my precious old walkman and knew what I was getting when i bought this, this music player looks better than any other in the market, which is why I bought it. I suppose I might look around in the future for an exclusive dedicated music player because while I enjoy having a dedicated player, I do not enjoy vocal recognition starting off every now and then, the hold button not affecting the touching features, quite easily accidentally opening other apps, accidentally rewinding songs without really knowing why