Sony NW-A306 (Uncapped Volume & Degoogled) review & walkthrough: My favourite small DAP (5/2/24)
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- čas přidán 4. 02. 2024
- Update: Following further testing after the video. The A55 does not have a higher noise floor/hiss level than the A306, they are roughly the same. There is some barely detectable hiss/noise floor with the Fiio JD7 on the A306 and A55. As I stated in the video, the noise floor will vary/disappear on both the A55 & A306 depending on your equipment (IEMs, Headphones).
My thoughts on the Sony A306 DAP.
A good UK based seller for a new Japanese uncapped volume Sony NW-A306: www.ebay.co.uk/usr/neetex
Covered in the video (in no particular order):
A306 does gapless with AIFF format via native app
A look at the physical device (button layout, etc)
Comparisons with the Sony A55
Comparisons to the Hiby R3 ii, M300
Walkthrough of the Sony OS/Music playback app
Screen
Boot up time
What I like and dislike about Sony OS/Music playback app
Speed, fluidity, responsiveness of the A306 and software/UI
Ergonomics/one handed use
Battery life (at least 31 hours tested)
Degoogling the device, as best possible
System settings to optimise battery life
Restricting the preinstalled google bloatware/apps
This is an uncapped volume Japanese model
Some models are volume capped, based on your region
Noise floor/level of hiss
Ability to drive my IEMs (FH3, JD7, IE600) & headphone (DT 700 Pro)
Qobuz degoogled, offline playback
Brave browser degoogled
Aurora Store degoogled
Runs on Android 13 once updated, ships with Android 12
A306 is the best small DAP that I have used
Battery test was done using the Fiio FH3 with the volume at 66 mostly playing 16bit, 44.1kHz AIFF files on the Sony native music player app. - Hudba
Update following further testing after the video: The A55 does not have a higher noise floor/hiss level than the A306, they are roughly the same. There is some barely detectable hiss/noise floor with the Fiio JD7 on the A306 and A55. As I stated in the video, the noise floor will vary/disappear on both the A55 & A306 depending on your equipment (IEMs, Headphones).
I’ve been really interested in the dap. Have not completely watched the video, but with an hour review, I thank you in advance!
Enjoying this with bluetooth
Thank for the info, I own one myself and your video gave me a me tips to optimize mine as well.
Just ordered a Japanese version A307 and can’t wait until it arrives.
I do use Bluetooth and wired and want to use the LDAC when I’m out and about. I think I’ll post a small clip with the differences as I’m not an audiophile like most users. Not having to use my phone was the primary factor for me going with this
Hope it works well for you.
Same brother! I just want to drag and drop old MP3's and CD"s and have enough amps to pump my corded earbuds! I ordered the same 307 so we'll see!
Luke! Thank you for your in-depth reviews. Truly nothing like it on the youtubes. Just purchased Japan model a307. Any more insightful and useful tips to degoogle this beast? By the way will be rocking this with simgot ea1000 iems. 27k plus ALAC songs 🔈🤩
Covered it in one of the 2 videos I have done on the A306.
Thanks a lot!! Your video answers all the questions I had. And you are quite right about crinacle - he is just one person. I bought the Zero:Red but it seems more hype than substance, very mediocre sounding.
Thanks, man, Many helpful tips you gave to interested enthusiasts! Side note: I have noticed you using a custom cable for the IE600. How do you like it? Where did you get it from?
Linsoul.
Sorry, I haven't seen the whole video but did you manage to test it with a power hungry headphone. Since even the uncapped version has a modest output of 35mW substantially less than the Hiby M300. Thanks for your reviews!!
Yes. It is also in the description. I have no idea what constitutes "power hungry" for you but it drove everything I tested no problem.
Thanks for your reply!!@@PerputuallyCensored
If they have had provided amoled display it would be gorgeous and also it would provide good battery backup.
Maybe you should consider use Denon Perl Pro bluetooth TWS. I used it with my A306 more than my Fiio JD7
Hi buddy. Hard long watch but informative. I have 55 but not once did you mention sound quality comparisons. That’s why I buy a player. The new Sony is so expensive for a Dap and yes so many more expensive. I can’t criticize you having so many as I’m same with 4 iPods classics (3 modded) have 55 and a Hibby too and 43 pairs of headphones. I need therapy!!
That would be because I did a specific comparison video between DAPs...
Also, there is no "sound quality" difference, they all sounds pretty much identical. Only real difference is power and noise floor.
Great videos. Do you have a written instructions on how to degoogle the Sony player.
Thank you
You'll find some on Head-Fi.
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...
You need to organise your folders differently on your SD card if that is happening.
Hi, just wondering about the noise issue while trying IEMs, is this issue still there and how bad is it? is it only when wifi on?
This is the only thing stopping me from buying it.
There are 2 noise issues. I'm not sure which one you're referring to. The noise floor or the added noise due to no EMI shielding. Unfortunately you can't do anything about either. It won't really be an issue unless you aren't playing music, at that point you will hear the noise floor and other noise when using the processor.
I still use an A17 walkman with the Sony dac/amp made for it and it can handle my iem's and 150 ohm Senn's with ease and sounds fine with 320kbps. I only get 4-6 hours of play after nearly ten years age which is OK I guess. The UK 306 will definitely need a dac/amp which will push it near or at Astell and Kern pricing, and attachment may be tricky with the touch screen.
That sounds like a lot of hassle but to each his own. We all have different requirements.
For me the A306 is to use as a portable, easy device that requires no additional connections or equipment. I only use it as a Walkman with IEMs exclusively.
It's all in the dac/amp dude, and I can go for walk's etc with iems. Got a really ancient walkman with closed back v.v easy to drive Sony h/phones for more convenience and holidays when SQ isn't so paramount. Fudge cakes forever to a tiny Sony volume level, it will need a dac/amp or I'm going crying home to mummy. It's either that or an A&K brick with a seamless Dac or just amp, or neither, which will match my hi fi. And be cheaper...than my hi fi. I'm still kinda interested in the 306 mind, but you never go back to raw walkman when you have dac-ied, esp with 120 Ohm and above h/phones and planar iem's. A deeper sound floor will always beat a low volume walkman on it's lonesome own.@@PerputuallyCensored
Whatever works for you, go with it.
Hello Luke, as I've noticed, it appears that you have changed the device's accent color to yellow instead of the default blue used since Android 12.
I'm glad it has dark theme, but does the Walkman A306 have such options?
I know this is a standard Android feature for most devices, but I would like to know if it's present on the Walkman.
I can't remember if I did change the theme colour but I don't remember doing it. I think I also have dark mode on to save battery.
Thanks for the reply, but is it present on the device though.
It should be in the wallpaper settings.
Think you've answered your own question so not sure why you've asked. Do you have the device?@@dwanie24
No but I’m interested in buying it, I just want to make sure the option is present.
Just because it is stock Android doesn’t necessarily mean the everything is there, Sony removed the multiple users option that is also on most Android devices, ofc it makes sense since it’s a Walkman.
Ok. I've just had a look on the device and gone through the settings and there is no option to change the general system theme colour. The only colour you can change is on the App icons to change from their normal colour to the Sony gold colour. As I said, I have made no changes to colours. It looks like that as standard I think.@@dwanie24
Hi Luke, what’s the easiest way to create a playlist without having going through individual songs and adding them to a playlist. I have downloaded the Sony Music Centre for PC. It recognises the player and made a playlist but all it did is copy the songs to my sd card. So same results as drag and drop.
I have playlists on my iTunes if that helps.
Thanks
I don't use it, sorry.
A DAP collection is cheaper then therapy. x3
I hate how they put google crap in everything now.....thank's for the vid
Did you just upload an hour long video?🤔
hello, how do you know how much volume require to drive your IEMs? For example i have a SeeAudio Rinko, how much volume requires my nw-a306 to drive those headphones? please
I don't have those so I don't know. Can't comment on things I have never used.
@@PerputuallyCensored oh I understand, but how do you know how much volume needs your NW-a306 to drive an IEM? Only listening music and testing with your ears?
When your IEM sounds sufficiently loud or full. You'll know. Like when you know it is too quiet.@@arnaldo.mk7
@@PerputuallyCensored thank you ✌️
I bought it to test the hi res Lossless because my samsung s20 ultra with the fiio k3 and fh3 drains all my battery while listening to high res audio. But it doesn't support dolby atmos on apple music and there's no so much pop/rock music from the 80's to 2010's in high resolution Lossless.
So i can use it outdoor or at the gym saving my phone battery.
Do you know where my best I can find
Does DSEE still work using an external DAC?
I don't know.
I have a question is it possible to be completely offline?
Yes
Possible to connect a portable amp to it with usb-c?
Use it how? As a DAC, yes.
@@PerputuallyCensored so usb-c output audio from the a306 to usb-c input (on portable DAC amp i.e fiio Q3)? ...I got a pair of Sennheiser 660s and they need lots of power to perform great...
I've no idea about that.
@@dudeiusmannigast1543 don't know if you have found an answer yet but it is definitely possible. I paired my A-306 with Fiio Q11 with no problem
Is there a FM tuner receiver ?
Don't know
can you play games on it? Asking for a friend
I'll be playing games with yo mama tonight😆
when u said dont use bluetooth you got me susbscribed.
Please add time stamps
Haven't worked them out yet. If/when I do I will.
I wonder if this guy has ever used bluetooth....
Indeed, people who have never used bluetooth mention stuff like bluetooth codec and bluetooth connection stability all of the time. Thanks for your amazing take.
Probably too paranoid.
If auido quality is all that matters to you you won't choose bluetooth earphones
@@davispatterson7093 They have their place.
If you know anything about audio, you'd avoid bluetooth like the plague.
I HAVE THE NW A55 AND NW A306. I'M IN THE USA. MY SUGGESTION IS TO BUY THE NW A55 AND BUT THE MR WALKMAN FIRMWARE ON IT. IT WILL VERY MUCH OUT PERFORM THE A306.
But the firmware?? Was that a typo? If so I’m interested in what to do.
@@jonnyhuckins on your computer, Google "Mr Walkman firmware". Follow the directions and install the firmware. I really does improve the sound of the player. You will loose the FM radio. So make sure you read the instructions. It's not hard to do. If, for any reason you don't like it, you can easily revert back to the stock firmware. Give it a try. It's free, but I donated a few dollars. Just make sure you grao the firmware to match your player.
*put
@@jonnyhuckins no typo. Google "Mr Walkman firmware". Find the firmware package for the 50's series players and follow the very easy instructions. If you're not happy with the firmware, it's very easy to revert back to the stock firmware. You will loose the ability to use the FM radio with Mr Walkman firmware, but I never used it anyway. This upgrade really makes a huge difference.