Sony launches the new NW-A306 from the Signature series. Anyone who now thinks of the portable cassette players from days gone by is now on the wrong track. Rather, it is a modern media player with Android as the operating system, Wi-Fi and DSEE Ultimate for improved quality when streaming music. Sony calls the battery life up to 36 hours.
The Sony NW-A306 weighs 107 grams and also offers a 3.6-inch touchscreen. However, that operating option is supplemented by physical media control via buttons. The frame of the device is made of aluminum. As for the sound, Sony still advertises the S-Master HX digital amplifier technology, which is compatible with the native DSD audio format. It reduces distortion and noise over a wide frequency range. Just like its predecessor, the NW-A306 also uses reflow solder with gold content, which helps to improve sound localization and enlarge the sound space, if you believe Sony.
In order to optimize the sound experience of the music player, a double clock, a film capacitor and a register for fine sound were also installed in the Walkman. Compressed digital music files can also be upscaled via the above-mentioned DSEE Ultimate (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) in order to play them back in higher quality. The algorithm also supports lossless encoded music in CD quality (16 bit 44.1/48 kHz). The advancement of DSEE Ultimate also makes it possible to add value to music tracks regardless of whether they are streamed via Wi-Fi or downloaded. Finally, the benefits of DSEE Ultimate can now be enjoyed with wireless headphones.
Ultimately, however, Sony is targeting a fairly narrow and rather audiophile target group with its Walkman NW-A306. Because the price is then a proud 399 euros. On the product page you will receive further information. The new music player for on the go will be available in stores in February 2023 – in the colors black and blue.
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