TAKE TWO on Sony's 'NEW WALKMAN' (NW-A306 review follow-up)

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  • Опубліковано 11 кві 2023
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 297

  • @Barry101er
    @Barry101er Рік тому +10

    That rolling cassette screen gets me every time. If I was minted-I would but it for that!

  • @RichardDurishin
    @RichardDurishin Рік тому +5

    Oh! My! God! John, a valve amp?! Yay! I'm marking the day.

  • @leealn
    @leealn Рік тому +7

    loving the attitude of exploring possibilities, much appreciated

  • @minislot1
    @minislot1 Рік тому +5

    I've been using a Walkman A55 and an Ifi Zen Blue as a source/streamer solution with my budget system for a while now. It works really well.
    And I'm happy to accept the compromise of LDAC Bluetooth's lossiness when I get ease of use, at sofa controllability, and the Ifi's internal DAC in return.

  • @alisafoster6238
    @alisafoster6238 Рік тому +12

    If you spent 30 years listening to vinyl, or dancing in front of the stacks at Dead shows this player will rock your world! It sounds right. Tested with wired headphones into the jack, using Qobuz downloads (not streaming) at the highest rate possible (higher than CD quality). Playing Joni Mitchell, Led Zeppelin & Grateful Dead, the notes are clear, harmonics astounding & vocals never distort. The sound is incredibly intricate, the way the artist intended. I've tried every device since my turntable, always disappointed. My brain knows. This thing delivers! I cried. Also, I had no problem with headphones not being loud enough.

  • @thefourthcolor
    @thefourthcolor Рік тому +1

    Great vid. Love the off the cuff nature and just reporting on something you found interesting. Thank you!

  • @sixergixer
    @sixergixer Рік тому +4

    I dig how you find and report on alternative use cases for some products. Good stuff.
    Looking forward to the PrimaLuna review!

  • @ElectroMac74
    @ElectroMac74 9 місяців тому +7

    the great thing about the Sony Walkman is that you can make a playlist suffle it and than save the shuffle order into a new playlist

  • @Alex-xl6gj
    @Alex-xl6gj Рік тому +1

    Excellent functionality!!! Keep posting good stuff man

  • @epi2045
    @epi2045 Рік тому +1

    I’m officially addicted to the intro, where the two eye bllinks make a pop pop noise. Quite pavolovian 😅

  • @TheCharlesAtoz
    @TheCharlesAtoz Рік тому +1

    Great video as I approach buying a new system for my place! Thanks John.

  • @veryannoyingname
    @veryannoyingname Місяць тому

    Excellent video demonstrating the capabilities. Thank you

  • @maestherc
    @maestherc Рік тому +2

    Brilliant Johnny ! What a cracking option for: versatility, compactness and $$$ savings for the frugal/wise audiophile 😁

  • @loyisoblack7616
    @loyisoblack7616 Рік тому

    Hey John
    Loyiso here from South Africa, a big fan of your work! Thank you for this review it's literally what I when I watched the first review.
    I like the possibility!
    Regards

  • @JeffJacquesmd
    @JeffJacquesmd Рік тому +3

    I was due for a DAP update and after your last video, John, I ordered the A306.
    My Sony WM1A will serve as my transport for my desktop and bedside headphone setups. The A306 becomes my travel music device, but I can see using this home network end point for when im visiting friends with crap taste in music or when in an AirBnB.
    Cheers
    Dr Jeff

  • @DARTHGAR
    @DARTHGAR 4 місяці тому +5

    Glad you gave this a second chance. I have one and, I've learned to live with the clunkiness of the Android software. Once you get passed that and explore the potential of the device.....well, I'm really quite surprised. It's almost a one for all. I think it's fairly priced once you get to know it. So far, best results are from a direct, flac for streamed music from Tidal, and direct from cd files on headphones. Am really enjoying this.
    P.S. love the channel 👍🏻

  • @andrewharper4296
    @andrewharper4296 Рік тому +13

    I’m a fairly relaxed individual. I totally get peoples comments who just don’t understand DAP’s and that’s fine. But believe me when you use a nice DAP, with some hi-res files and a nice pair of headphones it’s a great experience. All depends on how seriously you enjoy your music. I took my DAP onto a 7 hour flight recently, just put on the headphones and enjoyed from a selection of 5,000 songs. No need to worry about WiFi, battery, etc. However if you’re phone does it for you, then that’s cool 😊

    • @hiltonhosannah769
      @hiltonhosannah769 Рік тому +1

      Biggest problem with the DAP market, IMO, is that later-model iPod Classics (5th-gen or later) are still price and feature competitive. A 160GB iPod is still only like $200 or less on the used market. Not to mention, you can mod them to add more storage and change the OS, so it doesn't even matter if you're in the Apple ecosystem.
      I got a 160GB iPod Classic as a 20th birthday present, and it still works: I have it connected to my stereo using Apple's universal dock. So I can't personally see spending any money on a DAP, let alone thousands on the high-end.

    • @mauchkimberly
      @mauchkimberly Рік тому

      Agree with Hilton's points. Personally I don't mind listening to music on a phone when it's just acting as background sound. But when I want to listen to good music and pay attention to it, I do like my DAP and nicer headphones for that.
      This guy (in video) likes high end gear. But my DAP is reasonably nice and a huge step up in sound quality from my phone, but it was also a decent price. And my headphones sound way nicer than my cheap earbuds I don't mind losing, but they're not the most expensive or high end by a long shot. It's relative and you can have a better listening experience for a reasonable cost or you can have a different/improved, better listening experience for a more substantial cost. But they're all better than the phone, if that's what you're after.

    • @foxhoundslug
      @foxhoundslug Рік тому +2

      ​@@hiltonhosannah769That's nice until you want to expand your storage, or don't want to convert all of your music into Apple's proprietary format. Lots of people have music libraries spanning decades, well before the iPod was even a thought. Why take the time to convert all that AND all new music you get when you can just buy this, rip your collection to it, add storage whenever you want, and walk out the door?

    • @noah-j00
      @noah-j00 Рік тому

      what headphones do you guys recommend ? i can’t splurge too much money but i want to listen to podcast and musics with better earphone or headphone than my airpods .

  • @johnpischedda6951
    @johnpischedda6951 Рік тому

    I like the exploration of other applications into any product ! thanks John !
    For me the Wiim Mini into external DAC has been a game changer though ! My streaming went higher res ! thanks again JD !

  • @monerjoner
    @monerjoner Рік тому +3

    Fantastic player, definitely worth the money 👍👍👍

  • @erikdegier1983
    @erikdegier1983 Рік тому +4

    Hi John, you can do something similar with an iPad, iPhone and Spotify. The iPad is connected to a USB DAC (via the camera connection kit) and I use the iPhone as a remote to control Spotify. It's quite user friendly!

  • @dianamelamet
    @dianamelamet Рік тому +2

    Been using a dap as a music streamer, as I am not into heavy musical equipment. It just works well for me! Thanks for the tips.

  • @dougcampbell2814
    @dougcampbell2814 Рік тому +1

    I enjoy your diversions! 🙂🎵

  • @matthewhilty4209
    @matthewhilty4209 Рік тому +3

    I didn't even think of using the Sony as a Streamer. What a good idea. This makes a very neat minimalist replacement for a giant turntable and cd player in a space restrained room.

  • @popzeus3000
    @popzeus3000 Рік тому +1

    That’s how I use my DAP sometimes. Run the USB out to the DAC in my living room. Both local files and streaming apps. The sound quality is excellent.

  • @TorToroPorco
    @TorToroPorco Рік тому +2

    I’ve been using my Hiby R5 as a portable music transport for a few years now to play hires music files on a Micro SD card. It’s great for when I visit friends and family when I want to share music on their systems as the Hiby music app can be operated remotely from another device running the Hiby app.

  • @RichardDurishin
    @RichardDurishin Рік тому

    Great video. I think about my own Hi-res journey, which began with an LG phone that had a great DAC. I plugged it into my NAD and went off down the Tidal streaming highway. These players seem a more capable, more advanced way to have both a mobile and home Hi-res experience on the (relative) cheap.

  • @JeffJacquesmd
    @JeffJacquesmd Рік тому +5

    Surreal. Watching this video on the NW A306.

  • @haroldmessinger1
    @haroldmessinger1 Рік тому +1

    great video, I am obsessed with the digital 'cassette' and need this in my life...

  • @sanjayhne1
    @sanjayhne1 11 місяців тому

    Thank you for your ( calm and relaxed) review! Have you used this in your car? What was the interface like? Cheers!

  • @jimgardner5129
    @jimgardner5129 Рік тому +1

    Hi John. Thanks for the visual shout-out to Gary Numan's The Pleasure Principle. His first four albums are treasures to me.

  • @deadshort5842
    @deadshort5842 Рік тому +2

    I use my Hiby R5 this way probably more than as a mobile music source. The Hiby R5 can output line level signal from its headphone jack which I find very useful.

  • @chrispyp2331
    @chrispyp2331 Рік тому +3

    Always love Darko's videos. One gripe though, just for once it's be nice if he mentioned an amplifier, or any other component that cost less than 7K. 😂

  • @calumniate
    @calumniate 11 місяців тому +2

    LG G8 for me and AKG k702's. Amazing.. the resistance of the AKG's trip the quad dac enabling. I honestly prefer the AKG's like this as compared to my FIIO K5 pro

  • @rikdryepondt9489
    @rikdryepondt9489 Рік тому

    Nice review and intake. I'm currently using apple music, will this also work on the sony? Thanks

  • @FrankBruce
    @FrankBruce Рік тому

    Sometimes a good thing comes out of unplanned versions of things we want to do, this is one of them, nice set up, nice alternative to audio streaming and storage

  • @timfarnsworth2815
    @timfarnsworth2815 Рік тому +4

    4:41 The Tidal Connect is a bummer but if you are using Roon Remote then you’ll have access to Tidal. I’d love to know your thoughts on other portable DAPs that you can do similar at home setup with and how they compare. It seems like a really great solution to having Hi-Fi on the go and at home for one price.

  • @rizalahmad4207
    @rizalahmad4207 Рік тому

    I’m using this kinda setup as well. In my case, I make my Fiio M10 pro as my airplay endpoint connected to my amp. I stream apple music on my apple tv and airplay it to my hifi system. Now I got big screen to look at what music I’m playing. Yes, it’s gapless. Yes, it’s only CD quality but I don’t mind that.

  • @UCs6ktlulE5BEeb3vBBOu6DQ
    @UCs6ktlulE5BEeb3vBBOu6DQ 9 місяців тому +1

    Sound pressure compared to my Sound Blasterx G6 is like half. Those that love loud music, stay clear or defeat the purpose somewhat and plug your loud dac on it.

  • @andrewwebb1911
    @andrewwebb1911 10 місяців тому

    Thanks John.

  • @alfredtolentino8614
    @alfredtolentino8614 Рік тому

    Great video. I do have an older nw-a45. Is it worth upgrading to the A306 if I use an external dac (ifi mirco iDSD)?

  • @austind.5695
    @austind.5695 Рік тому +4

    I still use my old NW A55 that can function as a Bluetooth receiver for my small vintage Sony hifi set up. It can also function as a USB DAC. But yeah, it's not android and it doesn't have a USB C port. Still sounds great though.

    • @martinfox2244
      @martinfox2244 Рік тому

      I have an NW A55. I was intrigued by the IFI Go Blue and almost bought one until my brain kicked in. I already have one!

  • @marks-the-spot
    @marks-the-spot Рік тому +10

    A Raspberry Pi 4 (if you can find one!) with a Hi-Fi Berry DAC hat and Volumio is about half the price of the Walkman. More importantly, it will likely be supported long after Sony stops providing Android updates on the Walkman. In fairness, my five year old LG V30 phones still function as streamers today, but eventually apps will no longer run on the old Android operating system. A Raspberry Pi could theoretically outlast a few generations of Android devices because the Pi operating system continues to be updated. Why not expect our streaming devices to have a lifespan closer to that of our hi-fi gear?

    • @carlosalvarez1709
      @carlosalvarez1709 Рік тому

      Not to mention that if the Pi is enhanced with a HAT such as those from Allo, the sound quality must be far superior.

    • @gary5926
      @gary5926 Рік тому +2

      Good luck listening to your Pi set-up when walking around the streets.

    • @FireMunki63
      @FireMunki63 Рік тому +1

      But it’s not portable we are not matching eggs with eggs but trying to match eggs with oranges 😂

    • @adrianinnavan3910
      @adrianinnavan3910 Рік тому +1

      ​@@FireMunki63 I agree but in this video the Sony DAP is not being used as a portable device. In this video the use of the DAP as a client in a system is being investigated. I believe the suggestion of using a Pi and HAT as a client is valid.

    • @adrianinnavan3910
      @adrianinnavan3910 Рік тому +1

      Not just the Pi 4. Any of the series from Zero to 4 can be a client if connected to the network.
      Personally I use a Raspberry Pi 3 and a Justboom Digi HAT to feed a vintage Rotel RDP-980 DAC. Sounds excellent and, as you say, should last a good while.

  • @axeraider21
    @axeraider21 Рік тому

    Great bonus use case for DAPs that’s often missed in their promotion and reviews alike! I use my Fiio M11 Plus ESS this way when I’m at home, it sits on a neat little dock and acts as the streamer and file library for my desktop setup. Hard thing to ever verify, but I would also imagine sometimes you’ll get better SQ from a fancy dap than a comparably priced streamer because the streamer manufacturer is targeting a consumer with an expensive high end stereo looking for a medium sized box rather than a picky on the go audiophile whose looking at his all in one audiophile commute machine. Both are willing to pay up for cool fiddly tech and a clean signal, but I’d imagine the stereo side of things is going to skew up in price elasticity.

  • @richnbel1
    @richnbel1 Рік тому +2

    John, I know you had a LG V30+ phone some time ago. I too have a V30+. How would you compare the sound quality of our old V30+ Vs these new players,while using Tidal Masters (MQA) and Tidal lossless? Thanks . Richard

  • @cynthiarheinschmidt9099
    @cynthiarheinschmidt9099 Рік тому

    Do you get any power supply noise if you listen through the home hifi and charge the unit simultaneously? Would it be practical to leave it on the charger while it's docked at home?

  • @liamporter1137
    @liamporter1137 Рік тому +3

    This fulfill part of my needs only. I just hope DAP brands can come out with their own mobile APP to control the DAP remotely. That will be perfect for my needs.

    • @andrewharper4296
      @andrewharper4296 Рік тому

      Oddly enough it already happened. Onkyo and Pioneer created an app you put on your phone and you’d could control the DAP player from it. As far as I know they were the only companies to do this. This was about 2011 I think, but I’m guessing it just never took off or was needed by users.

  • @jonnymooshoo
    @jonnymooshoo Рік тому

    Do you think the upcoming Dunu SA6 MK2 will be a good pairing? Will it be able to drive these IEMS?

  • @Dudeness1994
    @Dudeness1994 Рік тому +3

    As someone who lives in Europe what is better to buy the nw-306, shanling or for 100 euro more the fiio m11s

  • @MD-ww4bh
    @MD-ww4bh Рік тому +2

    As a luddite, with an ancient but lovely hi-fi system I have been tring to understand why I would need a streamer when I could just buy a DAP to do the same job. It seems baffling to me that there are streamers that you have to use a phone to control when you could just buy a dedicated DAP with a good stream and no interrruption. Very glad you made this video!

    • @pdcragin33
      @pdcragin33 2 місяці тому

      Let me recommend the HiBy line of DAPs because their own software can allow “HiBy Link” to control the DAP from your listening position using your phone. No Plex or Roon needed. If you intend the DAP to function as the DAC, that is using the DAP’s headphone or line out, buy the priciest you can afford. BUT, if you’ll send DAP digital audio out via its USB port into your outboard DAC, then even their lower cost DAOs will do a good job.

  • @rosswarren436
    @rosswarren436 Рік тому +1

    If only it had a bit more output power as you noted in the last video for out and about use. What volume percentage did you set it to feed the Primaluna integrated? I know you likely don't have one, but I wonder if a Windows PC running Tidal might "see" the Walkman if the Walkman was on the same wi-fi network? Just as a data point to have. Hopefully more functionalities will be added to Tidal Connect in the future.

  • @gtric1466
    @gtric1466 Рік тому +2

    How would you rate or compare the DAC to?

  • @RobinNichols-sj3rt
    @RobinNichols-sj3rt Рік тому +1

    Using the Sony NW-ZX707 (for 2 weeks), with a Dragonfly Cobalt DAC connected to the USB C port, I can easily drive both of my headphones (Focal Elear and Sennheiser HD650). This seems like a reasonable workaround for home listening.

    • @shonen84
      @shonen84 Рік тому

      But that bypasses the entire sound section of the Walkman, right? Why not get an Android phone for the same functionality? I have a NW 507 and I’m increasingly considering selling it.

  • @samirdiwan612
    @samirdiwan612 Рік тому

    Excellent topic to cover for the budget audio enthusiasts. I have been exploring this option since they announced the 306 in Japan and perhaps you could answer this can we chromecast to the 306 as an endpoint?

  • @josemiguelbelloortega7889
    @josemiguelbelloortega7889 Рік тому +3

    I do it with my Fiio M11 Plus Ltd Edit. as the Fiio music player can connect with your phone. For streaming I use Deezer Connect.

    • @psipsitronick9250
      @psipsitronick9250 Рік тому

      Thanks. Didn’t know !

    • @whitehatbob4153
      @whitehatbob4153 Рік тому

      Me too; I connect my FiiO M11 Plus ESS via SPDIF using my 3.5mm out to RCA to my Schiit Bifrost 2/64 and to the rest of my Schiit Stack. The result is a very affordable, convenient streamer/FLAC file player that sounds as good as feeding my Bifrost from USB from Audirvana/iMac. FiiO's new KA5 dongle DAC/Amp can also feed 3.5mm SPDIF out, so you can even use your phone to drive your desktop without being a Roon endpoint.

  • @awaysooner
    @awaysooner Рік тому +1

    That's the beauty of any Android players, not just Sony. You can install any apps you want. It's well suited for a network device due to it's small size. For everyday use I find other players like Fiio M11 with larger screen easier to interact. They have very different sound signature though.

  • @christophermancey3818
    @christophermancey3818 Рік тому

    Just looked up that Thomas Fehlmann album. Great cover art. Did you get it in Köln?

  • @eespinosa64
    @eespinosa64 9 місяців тому

    How did you get Plex Amp to work on the Sony? I installed the app, but after it opened, I i couldn't click on the "continue" button because the navigation buttons are in the way. I can't swipe the screen up, either. I tried rotating the screen to landscape and the "continue" button isn't even shown on the screen.

  • @jafizzle95
    @jafizzle95 Рік тому +1

    Wish Tidal connect worked like the other apps do. Would love to leave my DAP in my pocket and control it from my phone.

  • @ralfdiedrichsen4571
    @ralfdiedrichsen4571 11 місяців тому +2

    Hello! At the moment I use a Samsung S21 Ultra as Audio Player. Now I am thinking about a DAP. Would you suggest the Sony 360 or the Fiio M11s?

    • @walterbkeen
      @walterbkeen 9 місяців тому

      The Fiio has more connectivity options than the Sony, but it's also double the price.
      Just purchased the Sony and awaiting it's arrival from Amazon.
      However, it would be interesting to see a direct comparison of the two...

  • @WhiteKnightDeol
    @WhiteKnightDeol Рік тому +3

    im buying this

  • @anrn5303
    @anrn5303 3 місяці тому

    I love my new A-306...2 issues... first even though all my music is in microsd it's not finding it when I search it using the A-306... also the files/tracks are not arranged lower to highest numerically, please help...

  • @jongottesman1263
    @jongottesman1263 Рік тому

    Nice video, as usual. You might want to share that an old Android phone with a dongle DAC could work like a portable player does. Great use of old phones?

    • @chungang7037
      @chungang7037 Рік тому

      An old phone would likely be easier to use and better, yea

  • @vnysbossman
    @vnysbossman Рік тому +2

    I am clueless to DAPs. I've watched bits & pieces of reviews but I am intrigued with the Sony-the "cassette" give me the "feels" too. My question is does using the phone to control the Sony improve the music as compared to streaming the phone to the stereo setup using bluetooth??? I hope that's not too basic of a question but I am interested. thanks for the videos

    • @chungang7037
      @chungang7037 Рік тому

      This only makes sense for people that don't want to hook up a DAC with bluetooth or a streamer and who want to own a DAP for on the go music listening. Daps sound the same as a phone, the only difference might be more power on really expensive units, balanced audio jacks in some cases, physical control buttons, and being able to disconnect from the internet for a while (assuming you turn off wifi)

  • @richivan888
    @richivan888 Рік тому +1

    I tried something very similar with a phone and a tablet connected to A USB DAC using tidal. No tidal cannot be used as a remote end point which is very frustrating considering the £20 price (hifi).

  • @bassandtrebleclef
    @bassandtrebleclef Рік тому +2

    Portable players pulling double duty for home and on the go listening is a big win.... especially with the cassette eye candy this one has. Put the Sony on a small stand to show off - I'm such a sucker for this. This would ALMOST make me want to sell the Bluesound Node and separate the streamer/preamp function. Almost. The lack of Tidal connect is a deal killer for my use case.

  • @Ri2ek
    @Ri2ek Рік тому +1

    nice to see promoted PlexAmp 🎉

  • @acolinbb
    @acolinbb 2 місяці тому

    Hi,
    I was very interested in your video on the Sony NW-A306 player, especially when using it as a network streamer. In your demo, you use Spotify, Roon, then Plex.
    My question is: I use Apple Music and I wonder if it is possible to do the same with the Music app, or maybe with the App Remote? This would allow me to listen to Apple Music in Hi-Res by plugging the Sony player into my network drive (Cambridge CXN V2).
    I thank you in advance for your response.
    Yours sincerely,
    Arnaud

  • @mrpositronia
    @mrpositronia Рік тому +1

    Is there a user friendly app that can operate all, or a good selection, of audio sources, like stored files, Roon, Spotify, etc? I just feel that things are getting a bit much, just like TV streaming services. A one-stop-shop would be great for most people who just don't want to deal with loading up different apps to play their music.

  • @Snimeister
    @Snimeister Рік тому +3

    Tidal doesn't have the same capabilities as spotify connect yet. And I have no idea when that is coming.

  • @GjbMcN
    @GjbMcN Рік тому

    The flexibility discussed is really appealing. A lot of android devices can take ethernet in via usb adaptors (streaming sticks chromecast audios etc) have you tried that? Roon might work too.
    BUT for budget, longevity and software reasons of Android, i prefer proprietary software solutions - installable apps on my portables. That means it will usually run til physical failure (most likely battery but still can leave plugged in so a lot longer).
    Cheers

  • @thatchinaboi1
    @thatchinaboi1 Місяць тому +1

    Can I lock the A306 like an Android phone? What about encryption of SD card?

  • @watchchimp3102
    @watchchimp3102 Рік тому +2

    Great, I only just bought the WIIM PRO, and now I find out I coulda just gotten this! 😢

  • @JoseFerreira-zb7wh
    @JoseFerreira-zb7wh Рік тому +1

    Argon Audio Solo, a nice usb dongle and a micro sd card for your phone.

  • @michaelmariani4059
    @michaelmariani4059 4 місяці тому +1

    Question if I may - if the Sony already has special amps etc built in, why do you need to plug into another amp ? I was thinking of doing this exact setup with Spotify into a Sonos era 100 ?

    • @RoseCommander
      @RoseCommander 2 місяці тому +1

      Normally the A306 pushes about 35mW out of the headphone jack. However, since he has the European version of the A306, it only pushes 0.4-1.1mW. An amp is necessary.

  • @pigsydney
    @pigsydney Рік тому +1

    Is that a Leica M 3 on your side table?

  • @markwillems4826
    @markwillems4826 Рік тому +1

    What output level should I set to get the best sound on the external amp and that has still good soundquality without stressed the sound or the DAP?

    • @gregsullivan7408
      @gregsullivan7408 Рік тому +1

      I'd guess 100%, which still isn't reaching line level.

  • @christian2123
    @christian2123 Рік тому

    Very cool. The cassette screen is brillant! I remember back in the day I had a dock for my iPod (30 pin) that had RCA outs that I used to connect to my amp. It was useful kept it charged and could play at home minus the remote capabilities. Are you (or anyone out there) aware of any sort of dock for this device?

  • @artemario7116
    @artemario7116 Рік тому +1

    ¡¡¡Uaooo!!! is sony a swiss army knife? ¡Great work!

  • @buz5678
    @buz5678 10 місяців тому +1

    Please compare the A306 with the new Surfans F28!!

  • @GlennGhouled
    @GlennGhouled Рік тому

    I didn't know you could use USB DACs with the Sony. I can use my Dragonfly then. Yes John, this is exciting news.

  • @ShlomirBareket
    @ShlomirBareket Рік тому

    been running my Pono, EchoBox Explorer and RiPi4 with IQAudio DAC+ into my PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium for years! SO now I have to buy one of these SOny's, which I reckon are the absolute BEST DAPs for price, quality, battery life since Fiio turned into Ansell and Kern! Can you stream music from the Android PowerAmp app, as thats the best Android player for HiDef?Looking forward to your Fiio R7 review!

    • @chungang7037
      @chungang7037 Рік тому

      Dude, no. I've owned many daps and can say that the Sony's look good on paper but do not perform. Battery life is horrific, they are slow and you have lag like a smartphone from 2011, and if you use FLAC files expect half or less the battery life they advertise, so for the 306 and smaller devices I'd be amazed if you made it to 10 hours playback time, the previous generation of this line of daps was so bad mine gets about 3 hours now with flac, and I have wifi and bluetooth off. They have zero standby as well, you have to power off the unit entirely or the battery will go negative within 12 hours. They sound ok though ,but so do most daps these days. Check out Hiby or Cowon or iBasso, although Cowon has gone the way of the dodo recently but you might be able to get one of their last products on the cheap if you look around like the D2 or D3

  • @kaneda7katsuragi
    @kaneda7katsuragi Рік тому

    Thanks for this! I've been debating getting the nx707 for sony's extra's like dsee and dsd remastering ... just want to try something different than my ares ii ouput... I don't want to buy a ta-z1es just to get these features....

    • @18yearsoldnot
      @18yearsoldnot 10 місяців тому

      I don’t know about zx 707, but I have a 507, a mojo 2 and used to have an ares 2. It really really depends on what headphones you will use. Can’t stress that enough… I find if you have smooth sounding headphones that respond well to more power (like even my b&o h6), the mojo 2 sounds way better than the 507. On other headphones, the Sony sounds better…

  • @antonioalvarez5253
    @antonioalvarez5253 Рік тому

    I would like to point out that UAPP app on Android implemented long time ago that UPNP endpoint feature, allowing any Android phone with a USB DAC connected to it to play songs from your home server in a bit-perfect way using their protocol to bypass Android operating system sound engine.

  • @SynthpoploverbyJohnOrie
    @SynthpoploverbyJohnOrie Рік тому +1

    Thanks for shaaaring uh sharing.😀

  • @kipjohannsen2932
    @kipjohannsen2932 Рік тому +5

    You mention the WiiM mini... And you mentioned that it doesn't have a good DAC. But it if use the optical out and plug that into a DAC, you can go straight to the WiiM from your phone rather than through a DAP.
    You probably know that already but the WiiM is less than $100 vs the Sony's $400.

    • @mikeg2491
      @mikeg2491 Рік тому

      I have a WiiM connected to my Sony Tazzy, it’s been a godsend as the USB input stopped working and I just use Spotify connect or Airplay. The 1-2 second delay is annoying though but that’s on Spotify/Apple not the hardware.

  • @great100m
    @great100m Рік тому +1

    interesting device but worth the price ?

  • @gregsullivan7408
    @gregsullivan7408 Рік тому

    I find it a bit odd that you'd consider using a very low level headphone signal in such a high quality setup as that. But, I suppose if it sounds good, it is good. Personally though, I'd be wanting to use a player that either has a line out, or a headphone output that could achieve levels in that ballpark.

  • @JanStraube
    @JanStraube Рік тому

    One nitpick would be asking about Android file resampling. Android does this on nearly every phone, except when the manufacturer explicitly bypasses this or you use an app like USB audio player pro. My Pixel 6 Pro does this, no matter what I throw at it - unless using compatible apps, Tidal can bypass as well. My FiiO M11S does send every audio stream through its own wiring, so there we don't have the Android file resampling. But how about the Sony?

  • @pdcragin33
    @pdcragin33 2 місяці тому

    A DAP in your lap that feeds a chairside DAC/Amp setup means I’m freed of the need for a computer and a desk. Just add slippers.

  • @skeelo69
    @skeelo69 Рік тому +4

    I would say .... take Grace Jones....
    Slave to the Rhythm to really really test out this device and let us know your thoughts.

    • @JeffJacquesmd
      @JeffJacquesmd Рік тому

      Paired with the 64Audio U4S, beautiful timbre, excellent instrument separation, enveloping soundstage. What a beautiful musical piece. Thank for suggesting it, I hadn't thought of this song in years.

  • @beefsflat7426
    @beefsflat7426 Рік тому

    I did get Dap's. I don't get them now. Nice nostalgia with the cassette. Thats all.

  • @doctorhobel
    @doctorhobel Рік тому

    I am using this "kind of thing" with my Poly Mojo, which is probably the besser sounding but pricier and more clunky solution for outdoors. Ordered the 306 anyway. I wonder if it reaches the line level, and wha about the problems with android? I remember Android always sending sound to the mixer and resampling everything? Could Sony prevent this? You can see a turquoise light in the roon app, not a uncompressed indicator, what is happening there? But a nice solution for using an existing device you already have in your living room as a transport with a DAC attached. There is something about this device... The reason I would carry it around is probably to preserve battery in the phone and not having to use dongles (on iPhone). Donno ,I like it... Amazon can't tell shippig date rn / waiting...

  • @nickronin
    @nickronin Рік тому

    Could the Sony also act as a networked storage device? So I can use it as a streamer AND to store/play my music files?

    • @chungang7037
      @chungang7037 Рік тому

      It has an SDcard slot if that is what you mean.

  • @kostasjezuz4846
    @kostasjezuz4846 Рік тому

    Judging by the quality of the Bluetooth audio on Sony smartphones, I bet it sounds better than the 3.5mm Jack to RCA connection (you'll have to use a quality Bluetooth receiver as well obviously). This way you can use it from your couch instead of using it as an endpoint etc...

  • @JogieGlenMait16
    @JogieGlenMait16 Рік тому +1

    I do this with my LG G7 now.

  • @littleafterall
    @littleafterall Рік тому +3

    It's so funny at the beginning when John said "he doesn't have script". Look at his hairstyle, like he spent all night awake testing Walkman even more. 😆💛

  • @michaelmariani4059
    @michaelmariani4059 Рік тому +7

    Ok so, the most versatile app that allows a 2nd device to be it’s controller is Spotify, which is pumping 320kb of goodness to your awesome sound system ? Or… is the lower quality not highlighting with the Sony as the hardware is making up for the low res files ?
    Is the sony hardware actually doing anything with the streaming service file given the fact it’s coming straight out of a server ?

  • @P0WERMIC
    @P0WERMIC Рік тому +1

    I really didn't know I can use an external DAC just by connecting to a USB-C port of a DAP running Android, thus it probably returns oversampled stream.

  • @Oso430
    @Oso430 11 місяців тому +2

    For me the most important is to know how much Gigabites of RAM does the player has. I’ve been through dap’s with 2 or 3 Gbs Ram and it has been an assle

  • @tonskimojster
    @tonskimojster Рік тому +2

    Great ideas, John!
    I keep missing the reason why you call the next track button the Red Hot Chili Peppers button. Sorry. I'm curious.
    Thank you for your informative and creative take on the hobby.
    Gabe

    • @dubiousricardo
      @dubiousricardo Рік тому

      Skip the tracks he likes most! To save for later. Emmm

    • @AnotherAnonymousMan
      @AnotherAnonymousMan Рік тому

      He's mistaken the next track button for the "like" or "add to favourites" button and nobody has the heart to tell him...