Is it worth getting a NW-HD5 now?

[lymphoz]

in the market for a hdd player dont really like the nw-a3000 (too bulky and built in battery) so my question is is it worth getting an nw-hd5 now?

the cheapest price for the uk i can find is £158 (~$280) but is the price likely to drop dramatically in the next couple months (get rid of old stock like amazon did with the mznh-1 which was reduced to £109) once the nw-a3000 is released or will it just disappear from the shelves like it now has done from amazon.co.uk? If thats the case should i act fast and buy it now or wait?

[Christopher]

Welcome to the forums. With deep knowledge of the new NW-A3000/1000/etc. I would definitely suggest you wait a few months. I know it may seem unreasonable, but Sony has delivered a truly unique player that is fun to wield. Of course, it will be hard to weigh a very low-priced NW-HD5 vs. a new and expensive NW-A3000 when they are both simultaniously on the market.

I wouldn't be worried about stock of the HD5, as they have made quite a few considering it's one of the best selling modern Walkman's to date.

[Guest Stuge]

I really agree with Kurisu as u must keep ur patience before buying either of them.By the time nw-a3000 arrives in the market the prices for nw-hd5 would reduce drastically & then u can compare b/w them & then if still want to buy nw-hd5 then it will be a bounus(as u get nw-hd5 at a reduced price).

Edited October 31, 2005 by Stuge

[mercury_in_flames]

i would also suggest wait if u have the cash for one of the a series walkmans. If you think its worth the extra money, then go for it.

[Ascariss]

I would tend to agree, wait for it to come out, I myself have already decided to picl up the new player reasons being I like to shop from brick and mortor stores rather than online. Somehow I find it easier to go to the store to return the product or exchange it rather than mailing it in. Now I am sure you see the advantages and disadvantages of both players.

you mention you don't like the larger 3000 version, perhaps the smalelr 1000 version? If you really need 20 gigs and are not liking the A3000, then go with the HD5, it is a great product for sure, but looks wise, a bit boring for me. I bought my MZ-N10 in 2003 and got a discount on the 3 year extra warrenty so whatever happens to it, I get something in return at the store.

If the new units don't get here before the end of december, I may have to pick something else up, most likely a HD3 or one of the smaller flash players from sony. Release date for the UK is the 7th supposedly, earlier or the a week later in japan I believe, don't quote me on these dates though. If you think you can wait another 2-3 weeks to check out the new A3000, then hold out on buying that hdd player for now.

It makes sense for amazon to lower the price once the new A3000 comes out, but if they feel they can sell it at the same price as it is now, with no change in demand, they will.

[Tiesto]

Think about a price drop for the HD5 when the A3000 arrives, it's exactly what I thought about the HD3 regarding the HD5, but the price didn't drop, it rose up!

[Guest Stuge]

Think about a price drop for the HD5 when the A3000 arrives, it's exactly what I thought about the HD3 regarding the HD5, but the price didn't drop, it rose up!

←

But the Price of Hd3 do fell by Around $100 in every country after sometime of release of HD5..

Tiesto ..You are living in US, Right ??..As Sony still haven`t released A3000in US ,then how can you expect the price drop regarding HD5.?..In othe countries Price of HD5 will definately will reduce but only after sometime

[Bijl]

The A3000 does have a user-replaceable battery.

[Ascariss]

Nor is it bulky, it is quite comfortable to hold since the edges are rounded over. It looks more organic than either HD5 which looks too old fashioned.

A3000 @ amazon going for £175.33 and the A1000 is £141.00. Suprisingly, the new A series units have moved up on the sales charts on amazon.co.uk, even beating some ipods. Odd are the 2 gig A600s not on sale in the UK?

The 20 gig HD5 black is going for Price: £289.50, but you can get it for a cheaper price, £134.99 used. So I don't think it will drop in price as you see, it was already discounted more or less before the arrival of the A3000 and A1000.

[Tiesto]

But the Price of Hd3 do fell by Around $100 in every country after sometime of release of HD5..

Tiesto ..You are living in US, Right ??..As Sony still haven`t released A3000in US ,then how can you expect the price drop regarding HD5.?..In othe countries Price of HD5 will definately  will reduce but only after sometime

←

yeah, maybe you're right, but I dont expect a price drop immediately only when the A3000 hits stores, perhaps. What I meant was the price for the HD3 today is shocking.

Back to subject, I just ordered a HD5 (red) awared that anytime soon will be released the A3000, but the A3000 isnt full compatible with my 40ELK, it's a bit bigger, a bit heavier, and it seems too much easily scratchable. the feature that I would miss it would be the new Atrac bitrates, but Im happy with 132k so I dont think it is as much as a problem.

Edited December 21, 2005 by Tiesto

[Guest Stuge]

Tiestio,Please post snaps of your HD5(red) in the forum if you can ..

[Tiesto]

As soon as UPS brings it to me (expected for Dec 29), Ill do...

[Tiesto]

Searching the web it looks like if I were the person who bought the last HD5 unit in the States

[sh33p]

The whole not being able to use the EQ with mp3s really put me off my purchase a few months ago. That plus the d-pad issue which seems to have been fixed anyway. But once I saw snaps of the NWA3000 I knew I was right to wait.

The replaceable battery would've been better if it were some sort of standard battery format like the old MD gum-stick batteries than something that (I think) is completely unique only to that player.

[meeekael]

i recently purchased a nw hd5 as even though it is quite boring to look at, it does what i want it to do perfectly.

[Tiesto]

When did you buy it?

[suland]

Hi guys!

I have bought my HD5 a week ago for $279 and very happy with it! A3000 looks like a soapbox comparing to HD5 and the style of HD5 is very attractive! Great product and Great sound!!! If you need one - let me know as they are still available here, in Florida.

[marftarf]

After much wavering between ipod and old/new sony, I bought a nw-hd5 about a month ago, when a local store (in switzerland) was selling them for (equivalent to) $230 USD. At that price, there is no question it was the best deal around and I am extremely happy with the player. The SonicStage software is tough to accept after using itunes for a couple of years, but I am slowly adjusting and it is worth giving up itunes (however reluctantly) for the higher quality of the actual sony player. At this point, if you see one for $200 USD or less, I would say snap it up!

[Tiesto]

Target has the Sony NW-HD5 at $329.99 and there's no sign of the A series. Anyone?

Edited January 7, 2006 by Tiesto

[sh33p]

A-Series is looking at a March lUS aunch I believe. Definitely not this month, CONNECT still has so many wrinkles to be ironed out.

[sbslammer]

u could watch ebay...i picked up a new one for $200 shipped

[spacemanspiff]

same here