JRA

Stuge, I returned the player as the salesman there didn't see it as a fault or problem with the player. I am currently still doing research on if the noise is to be expected on it as I really do want it and have been waiting for months for the a608 to come out.

With normal listening volume, or a bit louder if there's everyday noise around, I hardly notice it. Though when using it in quiet environment e.g doing dishes, doing repair work in tool shed etc it is very clear to me and very annoying that it's there at all considering the price and brand. That just don't cut it. /Eric.

So, sinice I already decided it's time to treat myself to an mp3 player anyhow, I went ahead and got the Shure e2c in-ear headphones. Tried them with my, what I suspect, faulty player and to my disappointment the hissing sound was still there. Will be returning the unit and probably be buying the same model elsewhere since the salesman I talked to there gave me a doubting, oh-great-another-whiny-bastard look. If the hissing is still there in another unit then sorry sony, two strikes make an out here. Other thoughts on the a608. Very nice design, knob very pratical, the other two buttons somewhat small. Comes in a very nice package, square black box, you'd almost think it was some form of jewelery inside. Interface easy to understand, haven't used the instruction manual much more than looking up a few things, the rest pretty explains itself. Radio reception is not that great but then again, maybe part of the problem with my specific unit. One small annoying 'feature' is that the radio stations order themselves up according to the frequency. Not that big a deal perhaps but still, I can't have the stations I listen to the most next to eachother. Just a few observations from my one week owning the nw-a608. /Eric.

kurisu: will have to rumble around for a pair to check. Stuge: kinda doubt it since the noise is from the player itself. Besides, a player at that price and brand shouldn't require extra equipment to come to it's rights. I'll get back to you on what turns up.

Thanks kurisu. I use the ones included in the package. Stuge, what headphones you use? I called Sony support here in Sweden and the guy there said that he had tried the A1000 and heard no noise. I have an order pending on a pair ofShure e2c but am unsure if I shouldget them if the static might still be there, problably even louder with the in-ear model...

So I picked up the new NW-A608. Been looking forward to it for weeks, part of the reason I found my way to this place Very nice, sleek, heavy some might say, sturdy say I. Anyways, I noticed static noise on it, not deafening but still there and audible whenever the volume isn't too high. In fact, if I turn down the volume to zero I can hear when the player is 'playing' or not due to the static. This goes for both mp3 and radio mode. Now, this is my first mp3 player ever. Correct me if I'm wrong but shouldn't I be able to expect absence of of static noise on a digital player, especially at this price range? I went back to the store where it was bought but the salesman there said (after some convincing it was even there) that it was to be expected wether it was a player a third of the price or double what I paid. Let's just say that my faith for salespeople at electronics chains are so-and-so. Like I said, he didn't find anything wrong with it and offered to buy it back, so be it. Now, is it true what he said? Can I expect the noise on any player? Am I just gifted/cursed with "exceptional hearing" and/or just a whiny git? I went on a bit further than expected but hope there are still ppl reading and would take their time to answer. Have a good one! /Eric.