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

3 жыл бұрын

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

3 жыл бұрын

Is it better than the ibasso dx120?

@elbonja

3 жыл бұрын

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

2 жыл бұрын

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

@boonematias4131

2 жыл бұрын

instaBlaster

We had a 1st gen Echo in our master bathroom for listening to music in the morning kzread.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.

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

4 жыл бұрын

Agree! Never seen before coverage!

@mikehernandez1511

4 жыл бұрын

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

4 жыл бұрын

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

4 жыл бұрын

​@@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

4 жыл бұрын

@@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.

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

4 жыл бұрын

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

@bellamy2041

4 жыл бұрын

@@DVX389 *was

@sisamusudroka3000

4 жыл бұрын

Yup

@fermild3954

4 жыл бұрын

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

4 жыл бұрын

also the lossless audio wars which apple failed at miserably.

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

@yusif.heybatov

4 жыл бұрын

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

@6wim6

4 жыл бұрын

@@yusif.heybatov 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.

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.

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?

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

4 жыл бұрын

What were you ridding the bus of?

@Pianist203

4 жыл бұрын

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

3 жыл бұрын

@@Jute511 best fucking comment:)

@halfcrazyluv1

3 жыл бұрын

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

3 жыл бұрын

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

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.

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

@bratosin1

4 жыл бұрын

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

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

2 жыл бұрын

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

no ipod yes sony Walkman!!

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!

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

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

Got it myself and i love my walkman😍😍

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

@BipinRaviEkka

4 жыл бұрын

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

@fraudsarentfriends4717

4 жыл бұрын

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

@computersxd

4 жыл бұрын

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

@fraudsarentfriends4717

4 жыл бұрын

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

@computersxd

4 жыл бұрын

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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?

Amazing informative and helpful review !

Thanks, been looking for a few DAPs on this price range... your review sold me on the A55.

Hi, does it have good bass? & what mode on equalizer would I need to go on for that option?

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

Does it have an option to adjust Left/Right channels balance? Because my right ear is a bit weaker. 🙁

Might be a stupid question, but could this drive the sennheiser hd 599 SE? Thanks for the good review!

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.

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

@Solitaire001

3 жыл бұрын

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

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

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'?

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

Hi! Do you know if this walkman has an alarm clock function? Preferably one which can play a local song as the alarm sound. Thanks

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,

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

@infernoskyful

4 жыл бұрын

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

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.

I have a question ¡¡¡ The walkman a 55 can support the DAC fiio Q1 mark 2?

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

4 жыл бұрын

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

SQ & power wise, how does it compare with players fm AK, Cowon & Ibasso?

Great review, thanks! I was wondering, with the bluetooth receiver function activated, is it still possible to simultaneously connect to another bluetooth receiver? i.e. bluetooth a laptop to the player, and then bluetooth to a speaker from there? I'm just interested for the sake of optimising my bluetooth use among multiple devices. Thanks!

@afistfulofpimples1745

4 жыл бұрын

He doesn't reply to anyone.

Thanks for the review. Is gapless playback good with mp3 files? Mp3 are often problematic and on my shanling M0 tracks are glitching so maybe it could be worth switching to this model if it plays smoothly

@kevanmcnay3079

4 жыл бұрын

The Sony music App on the phone is gapless if that helps ...

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

@julianndebeleniii9061

4 жыл бұрын

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

4 жыл бұрын

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

4 жыл бұрын

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

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

4 жыл бұрын

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

@ikomu8907

4 жыл бұрын

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

@tonyjuarez6296

4 жыл бұрын

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

Hi. Is the album art or track art visible on the Sony A55 after locking the screen like it's visible in Fiio players?

It's a little late to ask, but does SensMe work on hi-res files (mine are mainly flac)? Having read from other places say it only works on MP3s. Having used Sony players in the past (one of those 32GB's, before hi-res players being the norm) and can definite say it's one of my most favourite featutes. If it does, I guess I'll get it :)

In ur oppinion which one is better fiio m7 or sony 45 or 55 a series media players? In terms of sound quality (answer please)

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

hey, just a question, i’ve been on the line on buying ine if these, and i want to know which would sound better coming out of a computer… using this as a usb DAC or something like an audioquest dragonfly usb dac?

Which setup give me better sound quality. A cellphone + DAC or Sony Walkman?

How do I know if my player is converting flac to wav for playback? I have Fiio M11 and I'm wondering if using Wav format will save power.

Hi can you tell me does this mp3 player have left right balancing amd does it work with BLUETOOTH headphones ?

Good vídeo what ohms support ? , I have Sony wh xb900n (50 ohms) support ?

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.

What kind of tier is this? Been thinking about getting a Walkman.

Are you able to sync track play count with music center and scrobble to Last.fm?

loved the 80's ❤️

Can you use wireless headphones with this player.? I have purchased this player but I can’t seem to connect my wireless Sony phones to it.

Thank you an excellent review and set up directions

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.

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?

Very helpful review, thank you.

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.

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

4 жыл бұрын

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

@robovirtuoso1354

4 жыл бұрын

@@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

4 жыл бұрын

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

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

Hi , I am a guitar player and I need this device for playing backing tracks . Does it have a function that it can Stop after each track you play ? Thanks

Hey, how´d you compare this to the fiio m6?

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

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.

May I know which one is better between this NW A55 and iPod Touch 7th gen? maily purpose is for daily listening to flac files

Is this sony dap better than the fiio m6? In terms of sound quality

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

Hi there, I just stumbled upon this video after looking up reviews for Walkman to replace my dying Sony NWZ-E463 from 2012 and I have to say thank you for such an informative video, and I opted for the NW-A56HN that comes bundled with the Sony IER-NW500N earbuds. Also if you don't mind me asking, I'm looking for a second in-ear monitor as my daily driver (coming from Audio-Technica IM50) and I'm torn between the Audio-Technica E50, FiiO FH3, Final Audio A4000, and Sennheiser IE40 Pro. Could you give me some recommendations as to which one you would pick and why?

@samma3afans

3 жыл бұрын

My current favourite overall (non-TWS) IEM is the Etymotic ER2XR. It can take a little bit to get use to the fit, but after a week or so i felt no discomfort with them at all.

I am confused between Sony A55 and Fiio M6. In India both price are nearly same so which one should I choose?

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

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

3 жыл бұрын

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

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

I own the A45 and have similar things that I like about it. The biggest disappointment is the file management. I’m a Mac user and the WM will often create chaos out of albums, even imports of downloaded HD albums. I really wish Sony would hire competent software developers. This shouldn’t be that difficult. Any thoughts or links to file help?

Question: Do any DAPs offer usb type c output for music. As I was thinking of buying one to put in my car and connect it via usb. My ipod has just died on me and looking for something better. Thanks.

@mercyabel1923

3 жыл бұрын

The new Walkman a105 uses usb c I think

What a beauty!

Excellent review 👍 Thank you

Bro one doubt ..sony ericsson mw600 & this model which player best.....???? Answer pls bro

Does this walkman able to drive the TinAudio P1?

Hi i need some help..I just got this..I tried to transfer some music from my pc,the old fashioned way(drag and drop)as i was doing with my previous sony walkman player,and although the music shows on my pc(it shows that its been transfered into the walkman)the music is not actually in the walkman..It doesnt show on the walkman,therefore i cant play it..So..Do i need a specific software to transfer music from my pc cause i am lost..I thought i could just drag and drop music like that..Its so frustrating..

Thanks for your very clear review.

@samma3afans

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching and your kind words, much appreciated.

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

Which one better in sound only.. Nw a55 or nwz zx1.. Thanks

Is the Shuffle/Random play function any good? Both my Walkmans ( different models) keep repeating the same tracks over and over. Thanks for any answers you guys may have.

@dersteppenokani

4 жыл бұрын

It's a little better than in other models ;)

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

4 жыл бұрын

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

@stallio5612

4 жыл бұрын

@@samma3afans what would you go for sony or plenu

@megajago990

3 жыл бұрын

Sadly no my friend

@extrajava9175

2 жыл бұрын

I have a plenue D2. It's great

AWESOME!

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 👍

Best review i ever watched .......👌

The lowest volume on the Bluetooth earphones and headphones I've tried with this is still too loud and the A55L offers little control over this. Could anyone recommend ear-hook earphones that are of a quieter volume, particularly a quieter minimum volume?

Please make a review on razer hammerhead duo. And please suggest one wired earphone for my sony NW-a55. (I'm looking for good mid,highs and decent bass and good for surround effects while watching movies in mobile or pc)