Sony NW-A306 (Uncapped Volume & Degoogled) review & walkthrough: My favourite small DAP (5/2/24)
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- Опубликовано: 5 фев 2025
- 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...
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.
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).
This is the only review I watched that actually covered the interface of the device. Seeing how the library and player worked is one of the most important things to me. Thanks.
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!
Thank for the info, I own one myself and your video gave me a me tips to optimize mine as well.
I’ve been really interested in the dap. Have not completely watched the video, but with an hour review, I thank you in advance!
Yours is the only review I've watched that mentioned the Android 12 could be upgraded to 13. Also, thanks for saying you didn't need to associate a Google acct with it and the bit about the Aurora store. I just ordered one from Japan, $70 less than Amazon is selling the capped US version for.
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 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.
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
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.
If they have had provided amoled display it would be gorgeous and also it would provide good battery backup.
Enjoying this with bluetooth
How would one know if it’s capped or not?
As to your Hendrix conundrum. Im not sure where you downloaded your Hendrix albums from but often, depending on the source, there will two categories for Hendrix released albums. The Jimi Hendrix Experience(Are You Experienced, Axis Bold as Love, Electric Ladyland and Smash Hits). Just about everything else is often categorized as Jimi Hendrix(Sometimes there will be a third Band Of Gypsies designation)
Of course in your playlist everything in included under Jimi Hendrix except for Axis Bold as Love which is listed under a separate category. Im not sure what is up with that.
All my Hendrix is in the same folder and has identical artist tag. Only the Sony app/software has this issue.
Great videos. Do you have a written instructions on how to degoogle the Sony player.
Thank you
You'll find some on Head-Fi.
Can you use apps like IG and RUclips on this? Also can you connect to the internet on it with a usb-c to Ethernet adapter
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.
Maybe you should consider use Denon Perl Pro bluetooth TWS. I used it with my A306 more than my Fiio JD7
Sony have such catchy names for their products
I agree. Sony should simplify their device names. Since all of the names for their Walkman digital audio players now start with "NW-" just dispense with that part of the name*. As an example, instead of NW-A306, just name it the A306 as far as the name for the consumers.
*Sony used to use "NW-" for players intended for Japan and "NWZ-" for players intended for the United States.
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.
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?@@w2017guests
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.@@w2017guests
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
The easiest what to make a playlist is to use a music management program. I use MediaMonkey 4 and it is very easy to make playlists for the player. I just create the playlist in MediaMonkey, put the songs in it, sync the playlist to my player, and MediaMonkey will copy the files and the playlist to my player.
You can also create autoplaylist where it creates a playlist based on a criteria. As an example, I have an autoplaylist named "Quicklist" which contains all of the songs rated five stars (the songs that I want to be able to quickly get to whenever I want). When I rate a song five stars it will automatically be added to the playlist and will appear on my player when I sync the playlist.
Three things to mention since it might be applicable (this is the way it is for my Walkman, an A55): (1) Playlists are limited to 999 files, (2) you can't put songs from the internal memory and the memory card in the same playlist and (3) the player has Bookmark Lists which are ten small playlists (each is limited to a maximum of 100 songs) that are preloaded on the player.
For Jimi Hendrix showing up twice, maybe there are two spaces between first and last name or space on the end of the last name of one of them or something like that that the Walkman thinks it is not an exact match?
Metadata is identical. The problem is the Sony. Every other music app I use does not have this issue.
@@PerputuallyCensored I meant the filename not the metadata. The Sony is just a computer obeying rules of its programming. So there is some reason for it and possibly some fix or workaround. Maybe try re-ripping or re-encoding it?
@@arcadesdudeTV Filenames are identical. Everything is identical. The issue is the Sony.
@@PerputuallyCensoredGot it! Sucks that the Sony does that. It isn't enough to stop me from getting one so I ordered a Japanese a307 (waiting on it to arrive). If I run into the same issue and find a fix I'll let you know.
@@arcadesdudeTV Fingers crossed. It isn’t a dealbreaker for me.
Thanks for the video. Do you know the output impedance and /or the noise floor of the Sony A306? I could not find that info online. Would it be able to drive a very sensitive IEM like the Campfire Audio Fathom without a "humming" noise? Thanks
I don't have the information unfortunately. Might be worth contacting Sony directly. Outside of that look online or somewhere like Head-Fi.
Does the Japanese version support the Italian language? And it can be charged with a regular European/American charger? And, also, does the Japanese version support Tidal/Apple Music etc.? Thank you very much!
Not sure but upon startup of the device you can select different languages. I think you're overthinking things. The device isn't from another world, it works fine anywhere. The only thing different about the "Japanese Uncapped" version is that it isn't volume limited and comes in Japanese by default on the device. It is an Android device so obviously you can use Tidal/Apple Music.
can we add the sense me function from NW-A4x series to this A306 version?
No sensme on the A306 I'm pretty sure.
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.
Hey, what's up! Can you believe I can't find a video on downloading from Tidal to a computer? Can you make a video on that?
I don't use Tidal I'm afraid
Do you know where my best I can find
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.
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
Did you just upload an hour long video?🤔
Where do you guys get high rez. Songs?
Qobuz
Does DSEE still work using an external DAC?
I don't know.
does it have spotify or apple music
are u retarded?
Is there a FM tuner receiver ?
Don't know
I have a question is it possible to be completely offline?
Yes
I am just beginning a dive into DAPs....I want my podcasts downloadable but loathe Google (odd seeing as this is on RUclips, but I operate a de-Googled Android phone and am trying to get further and further away from Google) and when I saw the 'degoogled' title I was keen to know more....a nice review video but it did not give the 'how to de-Google your A306' that I was dead keen to learn about.
I hate Google....
Check some of my other videos where I go into it more directly.
There is very good reason to suspect that you have no use for Bluetooth!
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.
iBasso DX 180 best of the best❤
I hate how they put google crap in everything now.....thank's for the vid
can you play games on it? Asking for a friend
I'll be playing games with yo mama tonight😆
It’s not Sony that limits units outside of Japan.
It’s because of hearing protection guidelines in the west.
I hate that s...t , of course there will be no lawsuits because of hearing issues. I play a lot of my own music that is not compressed and mastered and I guess the unit doesn't read the volume of the file, only the volume setting on the output, not giving a real reading... FWIW
@@boddumblues
If you buy the Japanese versions they have no power limiter.
You have to buy them from a Japanese source though.
Not all countries have that restriction. Australia, Japan and Hong Kong? Don't have it I think. USA and Singapore I know have the restrictions though
@@Haydos From what I understand, if a country has a volume restriction then the audio player companies must comply with the restriction to sell their players in that country. It is like with FM radio on some models, my understanding is that in the U. K. you can't have an FM radio on the player. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
@@Solitaire001 yes. It's because they sell the product in stores. They are the only company that has to do this though because other dap brands get around this by selling from china or online. Sony can't really do that because they would lose money and it's not how their business works. That's why it's only a problem with Sony players. The FM radio thing is a stupid law in the UK because they want people using dab digital radio. I think that is a bit different and more stupid. Even though the loudest restriction is also stupid because it doesn't account for what headphones you use.
Please add time stamps
Haven't worked them out yet. If/when I do I will.
when u said dont use bluetooth you got me susbscribed.
I really hate how much bloatware they put on their stuff, there's just no need for any of it it's infuriating.
From what I understand, if a device uses the Android Operating System those apps have to be there as part of the requirements to use Android on the device. That's why I purchased a Sony Walkman A55: It was the last Walkman Digital Audio Player without Android (it uses Sony own Operating System and User Interface).
He Says He Never Does Lol 👍
So
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.
If auido quality is all that matters to you you won't choose bluetooth earphones
If you know anything about audio, you'd avoid bluetooth like the plague.
Any bluetooth is trash at sound quality compared to wired headphones/earphones
Lol Megaman liking Bluetooth
Can this device recieve bluetooth from phone without delay if i want to listen on youtube on my phone? Thanks
Sorry, I don't use bluetooth.