My Sony NW-A806 so far…

[LuLu]

I purchased my Sony NW-A806 (Black) on April 21st as soon as it was available on the Sony Style (Canada) web site. It was delivered April 26th. I happened to be in a Sony Store on April 25th and saw the product for sale. I was told by the sales guy that it had arrived that afternoon. This is the second time the store has scooped the web site. It happened when I purchased my NW 407 a few years back.

I was stunned at how small (and thin) it was yet how comparatively large the screen appeared. The display is stunning (much better than my television!). The trailer for the Spiderman film did not appear “small” or cut off on the screen. It showcased the video function quite nicely. Nice choice Sony!

In addition to the player I also bought the CKHNWA800 hard carrying case. I think it provides superior protection without comprising function. You can access all the buttons and the screen is protected. Unlike the leather case (CKLNWA800B) the video screen is protected. Ditto for the clip style (CLPNWA800) device, this also provides no protection for the screen. Although the silicon skins (CKMNWA800) come with a protector sheet I was concerned it was not sturdy enough. I also ended up purchasing a carrying strap.

Video

I’ve been using some video software (AVS Video Tools) to convert videos to a format that could be played on this unit. This product converts to and from a variety of formats including MP4, which works well on the A806. I use this software to convert YouTube clips (they are in .flv or Flash format).

In addition, AVS Video Tools came with another application (DVD to Go) that converts video from a DVD to various formats including Sony PSP, which I assumed would work with the A806. I converted the entire “Alien” film from DVD and transferred it to my A806 using Image Converter. It worked beautifully.

I subscribe to many video podcasts through iTunes (note: I do not have an iPod, I just have the application installed on my computer). This is a great way to get started on podcasts in general. I did not have much luck using the RSS feed feature in Image Converter. Many of the feeds I chose were no longer working or I got error messages. Anyone else tried this out yet?

Other features

I’m quite used to Sonic Stage having migrated over from the MiniDisc players. I haven’t uploaded many of my songs as I’m still using my NW-E005F for music, partially because of the radio function.

Anyone know if there’s going to be an FM adapter for the A80X, perhaps using the WM-PORT?

I uploaded some photos I had taken. I changed the name of the photo directory while it was connected to my computer using Windows Explorer. No problems with that. I haven’t had much use for this feature but I will say the photos also look great.

The battery life is pretty good but it takes forever to charge. I must have been spoiled by my NW-E005F and its quick charge! The charger is not a bad idea if you don’t have your computer on a lot of the time.

BTW, does anyone know what the word “AUTO” that appears beside the battery indicator when the videos are playing means? It appears in the same location that “FULL” appears when the battery is completely charged.

Bluetooth® Accessories

I have the WLANWB1 Bluetooth® Adapter. It pairs perfectly with my CMTU1BT bookshelf unit allowing me to listen to my A806 without using ‘phones. I bought both the DRBT10CX Bluetooth® earphones and DRBT50 Bluetooth® headphones (ya, I have a lot of gear!). Both pair and work beautifully with the A806. I have had some drop-outs but I live in densely packed part of the city where there is a lot of potential for interfering devices. I have used the earphones quite effectively on the street with the A806 tucked away in my pocket.

LOG

[Shinji Ikeda]

BTW, does anyone know what the word “AUTO” that appears beside the battery indicator when the videos are playing means? It appears in the same location that “FULL” appears when the battery is completely charged.

Excellent review. The NW-A800 series does seem to take a long time to get a full charge, but it does have the 3 minute 3 hour charge feature. My NW-S706 charges in what seems to be half the time as my NW-A808.

AUTO means that for video playback that ZOOM video setting is AUTO zoom. Which can be FULL, AUTO or OFF.

[hign n mighty]

and what 's the difference functionally between FULL, and AUTO ,it appears the same

[LuLu]

Thanks Shinji for explaining the FULL, AUTO and OFF. I now see what you mean. It may have taken me some time to have figured that one out

A few other things have come to mind...

1. Why is there no stop button? Is that because there is an off button?
2. Why can you delete MP3 files and not videos? Does this have something to do with how they are transferred (SonicStage and Image Converter respectively)?

I found it odd that the firmware upgrade is available here but not at Sony's own site for this product.

LOG

[Shinji Ikeda]

Thanks Shinji for explaining the FULL, AUTO and OFF. I now see what you mean. It may have taken me some time to have figured that one out

A few other things have come to mind...

1. Why is there no stop button? Is that because there is an off button?
2. Why can you delete MP3 files and not videos? Does this have something to do with how they are transferred (SonicStage and Image Converter respectively)?

I found it odd that the firmware upgrade is available here but not at Sony's own site for this product.

LOG

The site that you found the firmware upgrade is Sony's Support site. This firmware upgrade was released on Friday May 25th. It address some issues that NW-A800 series owner have been complaining about. I have not had any problems though.

With the 5-way button, the centre button five-directional has a multiple functions. It as a start and pause button. After about 60 seconds the NW-A806 turns off. The unit can be forced off using OPTION/PWR OFF, but holding the button for about 4-5 seconds.

The delete audio files is added to tag files for deletion, then allowing SonicStage to automatically delete these. There seems to be more features missing from video play back other that being able to delete the files. Video files can be manually deleted without causing problems, however this is not the case with audio files. I am not aware of MP3 files, but with ATRAC files more than just the audio file is copied. Also, there are files that need updating. Only one or two files need to be removed for video files. Image Converter is not required to copy files to the NW-A800, but is the best for copying RSS video feeds.

The difference between FULL and AUTO is in how the video is displayed. With FULL the video takes up the complete screen. This may result in black bars at the top and bottom of the screen. However, AUTO is not. I suspect with AUTO the video size on the screen is dependent on the video resolution.

[riceb0i87]

I subscribe to many video podcasts through iTunes (note: I do not have an iPod, I just have the application installed on my computer). This is a great way to get started on podcasts in general. I did not have much luck using the RSS feed feature in Image Converter. Many of the feeds I chose were no longer working or I got error messages. Anyone else tried this out yet?

When you right-click the show in itunes, and go to 'show description', it displays the show URL. Just add this URL to Image Converter's RSS Manager and it should work. Hope this is what you're talking about.

[LuLu]

The site that you found the firmware upgrade is Sony's Support site.

That's the thing. There is no reference to the firmware update at the link I provided (Sony's own support site). I now suspect this is because the site is for US, America Latina, and Canada only. Since the A80X has just been released in Canada and not yet in the other countries (?) I guess they haven't got around to adding the firmware.

The delete audio files is added to tag files for deletion, then allowing SonicStage to automatically delete these. There seems to be more features missing from video play back other that being able to delete the files. Video files can be manually deleted without causing problems, however this is not the case with audio files. I am not aware of MP3 files, but with ATRAC files more than just the audio file is copied. Also, there are files that need updating. Only one or two files need to be removed for video files. Image Converter is not required to copy files to the NW-A800, but is the best for copying RSS video feeds.

Thanks for the explanation. I meant audio files when I wrote "MP3". I have also manually deleted video files without incident. However, when I tried to view videos I had manually copied (or use the upload feature found in the AVS software I mentioned in the first post it did not work. Apparently there were conversion issues.

BTW, I stopped using the Walkman Launcher almost immediately. Instead I created shortcuts for the SonicStage and Image Converer executables.

The difference between FULL and AUTO is in how the video is displayed. With FULL the video takes up the complete screen. This may result in black bars at the top and bottom of the screen. However, AUTO is not. I suspect with AUTO the video size on the screen is dependent on the video resolution.

The problem is no matter what video setting (and video file) I use I cannot see any difference

LOG

[LuLu]

When you right-click the show in itunes, and go to 'show description', it displays the show URL. Just add this URL to Image Converter's RSS Manager and it should work. Hope this is what you're talking about.

Yes, that's it! Thanks for sharing this tip. It works no problem (except there is no way to copy the URL from "Podcast" information). Since you only have to type it out once this shouldn't be an issue.

I will still keep using iTunes, if only to find out about new audio and video podcasts.

LOG

[Old skool D]

I purchased my Sony NW-A806 (Black) on April 21st as soon as it was available on the Sony Style (Canada) web site. It was delivered April 26th. I happened to be in a Sony Store on April 25th and saw the product for sale. I was told by the sales guy that it had arrived that afternoon. This is the second time the store has scooped the web site. It happened when I purchased my NW 407 a few years back.

I was stunned at how small (and thin) it was yet how comparatively large the screen appeared. The display is stunning (much better than my television!). The trailer for the Spiderman film did not appear “small” or cut off on the screen. It showcased the video function quite nicely. Nice choice Sony!

In addition to the player I also bought the CKHNWA800 hard carrying case. I think it provides superior protection without comprising function. You can access all the buttons and the screen is protected. Unlike the leather case (CKLNWA800B) the video screen is protected. Ditto for the clip style (CLPNWA800) device, this also provides no protection for the screen. Although the silicon skins (CKMNWA800) come with a protector sheet I was concerned it was not sturdy enough. I also ended up purchasing a carrying strap.

Video

I’ve been using some video software (AVS Video Tools) to convert videos to a format that could be played on this unit. This product converts to and from a variety of formats including MP4, which works well on the A806. I use this software to convert YouTube clips (they are in .flv or Flash format).

In addition, AVS Video Tools came with another application (DVD to Go) that converts video from a DVD to various formats including Sony PSP, which I assumed would work with the A806. I converted the entire “Alien” film from DVD and transferred it to my A806 using Image Converter. It worked beautifully.

I subscribe to many video podcasts through iTunes (note: I do not have an iPod, I just have the application installed on my computer). This is a great way to get started on podcasts in general. I did not have much luck using the RSS feed feature in Image Converter. Many of the feeds I chose were no longer working or I got error messages. Anyone else tried this out yet?

Other features

I’m quite used to Sonic Stage having migrated over from the MiniDisc players. I haven’t uploaded many of my songs as I’m still using my NW-E005F for music, partially because of the radio function.

Anyone know if there’s going to be an FM adapter for the A80X, perhaps using the WM-PORT?

I uploaded some photos I had taken. I changed the name of the photo directory while it was connected to my computer using Windows Explorer. No problems with that. I haven’t had much use for this feature but I will say the photos also look great.

The battery life is pretty good but it takes forever to charge. I must have been spoiled by my NW-E005F and its quick charge! The charger is not a bad idea if you don’t have your computer on a lot of the time.

BTW, does anyone know what the word “AUTO” that appears beside the battery indicator when the videos are playing means? It appears in the same location that “FULL” appears when the battery is completely charged.

Bluetooth® Accessories

I have the WLANWB1 Bluetooth® Adapter. It pairs perfectly with my CMTU1BT bookshelf unit allowing me to listen to my A806 without using ‘phones. I bought both the DRBT10CX Bluetooth® earphones and DRBT50 Bluetooth® headphones (ya, I have a lot of gear!). Both pair and work beautifully with the A806. I have had some drop-outs but I live in densely packed part of the city where there is a lot of potential for interfering devices. I have used the earphones quite effectively on the street with the A806 tucked away in my pocket.

LOG

Nice Review. Any chance of pics of your carrying case?

[LuLu]

Nice Review. Any chance of pics of your carrying case?

Thanks. Here's a pic from the Sony Style (Canada) web site:

I will take some of the case on the Walkman and post them soon.

LOG

Edited June 4, 2007 by LuLu

[Old skool D]

Nice. I wish they would have put the hold button on the front or side of the unit. I have to take the unit out of it's case to switch it on & off. Is yours black?

[LuLu]

Nice. I wish they would have put the hold button on the front or side of the unit. I have to take the unit out of it's case to switch it on & off. Is yours black?

Yes, mine is black.

With this particular case there is an opening in the back for the hold button. In fact all the buttons, including the reset, are operational using this case.

I haven't had much need for the hold button with this unit. I think each device I have ends up being used in a different way. For example, my MD players were stored in their cloth case and carried my bag or pocket. I operated them by using the remote on the earphones. I think I had the hold button "on" for the main unit but “off” on the remote so I could operate it quickly. It has been a while since I used it If someone starts talking to me I usually take the earphones out of my ear rather than stop the player.

I definitely have not used the hold button since moving over the flash players. In essence the unit functions as the remote.

Which case are you using?

LOG

[Old skool D]

Yes, mine is black.

With this particular case there is an opening in the back for the hold button. In fact all the buttons, including the reset, are operational using this case.

I haven't had much need for the hold button with this unit. I think each device I have ends up being used in a different way. For example, my MD players were stored in their cloth case and carried my bag or pocket. I operated them by using the remote on the earphones. I think I had the hold button "on" for the main unit but “off” on the remote so I could operate it quickly. It has been a while since I used it If someone starts talking to me I usually take the earphones out of my ear rather than stop the player.

I definitely have not used the hold button since moving over the flash players. In essence the unit functions as the remote.

Which case are you using?

LOG

Please see link below:

http://www.atraclife.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=3536

[markey]

Nice. I wish they would have put the hold button on the front or side of the unit. I have to take the unit out of it's case to switch it on & off. Is yours black?

Picked up the NW-A806 in black yesterday and am very pleased with it so far. Although the hold button would have been better on the side or the top like the NW-A3000/A1000.

Edited June 1, 2007 by ANGRYBADGER

[LuLu]

Nice Review. Any chance of pics of your carrying case?

Here ya go!

Front:

Back:

Side with volume control:

Bluetooth adapter:

LOG

Edited June 4, 2007 by LuLu

[LG1_]

How much did the bluetoth cost you, do you think it is worth while to get it

[LuLu]

How much did the bluetoth cost you, do you think it is worth while to get it

It retails for $79.99 CAD but after I registered my NW-A806 I received a $20.00 off coupon that I reimbursed when I purchased it. So I got it for $59.99 CAD.

To me it is worth it. I can use it and not be tethered to or stuck using earphones. Once I started listening to podcasts along with all the music I already listen to it really increased the amount of time I was using my Walkman. I don't mind wearing earphones when I'm out but at home I would rather stream it to the bookshelf unit or have the option of using headphones to give my ears a break.

So I would consider it for the above listed reasons: it gives you option of walking around your home with ear/headphones and without carrying your Walkman (perhaps something to consider given its delicate viewing screen) or if you can stream it to bookshelf unit/Bluetooth compatible speakers. I haven’t tried to pair it to my Bluetooth capable laptop yet but that’s another option to consider.

LOG

Edited June 2, 2007 by LuLu

[Old skool D]

Great Pics. I may think about getting a similar case. Do you like/use the supplied Headphones?

Edited June 2, 2007 by GQ Smooth

[Richard]

Glad you are enjoying the unit - I use the same case with my A808 - I will try and set up a pictorial later this week of the unit and it's accessories.

[pomj]

What material is it built in. I guess that the chromed rim is metal, but the black (colored) surface. Is it also metal?

[LuLu]

Great Pics. I may think about getting a similar case. Do you like/use the supplied Headphones?

Thanks. I was using the supplied earphones at the beginning. They are ok. The sound is good but I much prefer the MDREX71SL because of the shape. But since I'm still using my NW-E005 I have been leaving those 'phones with that unit.

Recently I've been using the Bluetooth earphones (DRBT10CX) with my NW-A806. The ear piece with these is closer in design to the MDREX71SL.

What about yourself? Do you like the earphones that came with it? What have you been using your unit for?

LOG

[markey]

Glad you are enjoying the unit - I use the same case with my A808 - I will try and set up a pictorial later this week of the unit and it's accessories.

Hi Richyhu

Do you use the supplied phones? To be honest I don't think much of them. Mids and treble seem fine but hardly any bass for this type of phone. Tried my MDR-EX71's and even though they aren't the greatest pair of phones, in some ways sounded better. Sounded extremely good with the Sennheiser PX100's.

What do other A8xx owners think of the supplied phones, and if you don't use them what do you use instead?

GQ Smooth Posted Today, 10:02 AM

Great Pics. I may think about getting a similar case. Do you like/use the supplied Headphones?

Hi GQ Smooth

Your thinking of getting a new case? Is it because the screen still gets dirty with the leather case?

How much does this case sell for and who makes it? Also, do the buttons on the case work the original buttons ok and without any fuss?

Edited June 2, 2007 by ANGRYBADGER

[Richard]

Hi Richyhu

Do you use the supplied phones? To be honest I don't think much of them. Mids and treble seem fine but hardly any bass for this type of phone. Tried my MDR-EX71's and even though they aren't the greatest pair of phones, in some ways sounded better. Sounded extremely good with the Sennheiser PX100's. What do other A8xx owners think of the supplied phones?

How much does this case sell for and who makes it? Also, do the buttons on the case work the original buttons ok and without any fuss?

The supplied phones are not too bad I find (just use the EQ for the bass) - I had some EX71's but they were way too muddy if I recall and suffered from the poor cabling. I haven't really tried too many other phones yet with the unit (only had it a few days) - just the NC22's for on the plane. I will try my other phones with it over the weekend.

I bought the hard case as indeed it was the only one that protects the screen - I could have got 2 silicon cases for the same price but they don't cover the screen either. This case cost me 24GBP which is pretty expensive (from the Sony Centre in Reading UK). However the case works great and the incorporated buttons work very well, including volume button on the side.

Edited June 2, 2007 by richyhu

[markey]

The supplied phones are not too bad I find (just use the EQ for the bass) - I had some EX71's but they were way too muddy if I recall and suffered from the poor cabling. I haven't really tried too many other phones yet with the unit (only had it a few days) - just the NC22's for on the plane. I will try my other phones with it over the weekend.

I bought the hard case as indeed it was the only one that protects the screen - I could have got 2 silicon cases for the same price but they don't cover the screen either. This case cost me 24GBP which is pretty expensive (from the Sony Centre in Reading UK). However the case works great and the incorporated buttons work very well, including volume button on the side.

Thanks Richyhu

Not a great lover of the EX71's myself, as you said way too muddy. I hardly ever use them. I find the NC022's (supplied with the S7xx range & practically the same as your NC22's) are much better than the MDR-EX82's that come with the A8xx range. I shall have a little play with the eq again by just fine tuning the bass and see how it sounds.

At 24GBP that is expensive, but as it fully protects the unit it's probably the best one to go for.

[Shinji Ikeda]

I have been quite content with the EX71 until I got the NW-S706 with the NC022 headphones. I have used the EX71 once and will never use them again. The MDR-EX85 are about the same as the NC022, but without the Noise Cancellation design.

Lulu thanks for the pictures and review.

[Old skool D]

Thanks. I was using the supplied earphones at the beginning. They are ok. The sound is good but I much prefer the MDREX71SL because of the shape. But since I'm still using my NW-E005 I have been leaving those 'phones with that unit.

Recently I've been using the Bluetooth earphones (DRBT10CX) with my NW-A806. The ear piece with these is closer in design to the MDREX71SL.

What about yourself? Do you like the earphones that came with it? What have you been using your unit for?

LOG

I don't like the supplied headphones. Much prefer my CX300's. To my ears, more bassier, and better all round sound. I use my A806 for the daily commute to work, but will soon start using it on my runs. What strap have you got?

Hi GQ Smooth

Your thinking of getting a new case? Is it because the screen still gets dirty with the leather case?

How much does this case sell for and who makes it? Also, do the buttons on the case work the original buttons ok and without any fuss?

Hey ANGRYBADGER

The case I have is OK, but the screen gets greasy, like a unprotected mobile phone screen. I ilke the case that LuLu has, and would consider this. The case I have at the moment, the buttons on the case do work the original buttonsfine, and I do like the clip on option.

Edited June 3, 2007 by GQ Smooth

[LuLu]

I don't like the supplied headphones. Much prefer my CX300's. To my ears, more bassier, and better all round sound. I use my A806 for the daily commute to work, but will soon start using it on my runs. What strap have you got?

I have used my 806 to watch stuff while on the subway. With the warmer weather I ride my bike or walk a lot more. I don't think I will try to walk/ride and watch at the same time!

The strap seen in the picture is the one that came out when the E-00X units were released. There were two sets of different colours (Black/Blue/Green and Pink/Violet/Clear). I have the clear strap on my 806 and the black one on my E-005. See pics:

Although I consider my 407 to be superior to my E-005 I've stopped using it. It is heavy and doesn’t have the radio. I think it is better because of the way SS handles playlists on the 407. It allowed you to delete files from the playlist rather than moving back to the Artist or Album view. It also allowed you to move the order of the files in the playlist around AFTER you transfer. The older version of SS called playlists something else (anyone remember?) and it worked a lot better! I'm not sure if this is another case of "feature removal" or the hardware in the E-00X series (and the 80X) does not allow this.

LOG

[LuLu]

How much did the bluetoth cost you, do you think it is worth while to get it

I've realized something else. If you are using an 80X to watch videos the Bluetooth is not as useful. You need to have the unit close to you to view the screen anyway so its not going to matter that much if you use wired 'phones. I have watched videos and streamed the audio to my bookshelf unit while at home. While on the subway I've watched videos using wired 'phones.

On the rare occasion I've used it for music (I'm still using my E-005 for that) I've used the Bluetooth earphones. This is useful if you need to put the Walkman in your bag/pocket (yes, it still streams the audio) to protect it (if you are running) and won't need to adjust the volume, change playlists etc.

LOG

[DSP]

I think supplied IEM's of NW-A80x are very good compared to other standard earphones...

But I don't use them. 'till recently I used my CX300's. They have excellent sound.

But since a week I have a whopping pair of V-moda vibes. Now THAT are good IEM's.

greetz

[markey]

I have just tried the MDR-EX82's that came with my A806 with my NW-S706. They sound extremely good with this unit. In my opinion they sound better with the S706 than they do with the A806. The S706 packs more of a punch when it comes to bass.

Edited June 3, 2007 by ANGRYBADGER

[Shinji Ikeda]

I have just tried the MDR-EX82's that came with my A806 with my NW-S706. They sound extremely good with this unit. In my opinion they sound better with the S706 than they do with the A806. The S706 packs more of a punch when it comes to bass.

Wow . As being another owner of both units, what was the setup you had for both units?

[markey]

Wow . As being another owner of both units, what was the setup you had for both units?

Clear bass & clear stereo, on. CB:- 3 & eq set to:- 2-1-0-1-1, and various other settings. Listening to the same tracks on both units at both Atrac3plus 192 & 256 kbps. To my ears the phones sound better on the S706. In my opinion, the S706 has the edge on bass response though a little muddy. The A806 has a much crisper and detailed sound. I'm happy with both units though.

Edited June 4, 2007 by ANGRYBADGER

[duh2k]

Hi everyone, first post here though I've been lurking for a long time

Just got my A805 a few days back and I'm loving it!

What do other A8xx owners think of the supplied phones, and if you don't use them what do you use instead?

I think the supplied phones are above average compared with other bundled phones for portable players...the isolation they provide is ok, was using em the other day at home during the rain and they blocked out the rain sounds pretty well. I don't use em that much though...I use my fave E888's

[markey]

Hi everyone, first post here though I've been lurking for a long time

Just got my A805 a few days back and I'm loving it!

I think the supplied phones are above average compared with other bundled phones for portable players...the isolation they provide is ok, was using em the other day at home during the rain and they blocked out the rain sounds pretty well. I don't use em that much though...I use my fave E888's

Never listened to the E888's but have heard very good reports on them. Personally I don't think the A8xx's supplied phones (MDR-EX82) provide very good isolation. Not a bad set of stock phones though.

[Old skool D]

Never listened to the E888's but have heard very good reports on them. Personally I don't think the A8xx's supplied phones (MDR-EX82) provide very good isolation. Not a bad set of stock phones though.

I'd agree with this statement. I find my CX300's better in this aspect.

[NOiPod]

Hey all, just got my Japanese NW-A808, and to be honest I find the sound a bit to low lol. Not loud enough for my taste, even at the loudest volume I can hear some form of background noise, the noise cancelling on the highest volume for my ears is not effective enough. My w810i mobile phone is louder than this unit. On flat it does sound a bit louder but then sound quality is not as good as the custom equalizer I got on. The sound quality is excellent but not loud enough for me, I think the maximum is 5mw?? The headphones are good for stock phones, sound 100 times better than the Nokia in ear headphones, and my w810i headphones. I think Im so use to loud volume, that I find the volume on this unit low, if I can hear background nosie in my house when people are talking, then I wonder how it will be like in the tube which is noisy!! Ill find out tomorrow.

The screen is amazing, colours look fantastic and it is bright,even some of the youtube videos look fantastic on the 2" screen. Pictures look nice and bold and detailed.

I wish it had gapless playback for mp3s maybe future firmware can solve this if we haggle Sony. The search feature is very easy to use and effective. I like the recent transfers option, whereby I can see the songs Ive added recently, 2nd, and 3rd recently.

Sonicstage is easy to use, not ahd any problems with it apart from it taking ages to connect to the player, and slow transfer speeds, other than that not much of a problem using SS.

Overall, a great little player, better looking and sounding than the nano, the only downside for me is the low volume output as personally I'm use to louder output, maybe better IEM's will sort this out, any recomendations? I doubt that the UK version will have a volume limit on it.

[markey]

Hey all, just got my Japanese NW-A808, and to be honest I find the sound a bit to low lol. Not loud enough for my taste, even at the loudest volume I can hear some form of background noise, the noise cancelling on the highest volume for my ears is not effective enough. My w810i mobile phone is louder than this unit. On flat it does sound a bit louder but then sound quality is not as good as the custom equalizer I got on. The sound quality is excellent but not loud enough for me, I think the maximum is 5mw?? The headphones are good for stock phones, sound 100 times better than the Nokia in ear headphones, and my w810i headphones. I think Im so use to loud volume, that I find the volume on this unit low, if I can hear background nosie in my house when people are talking, then I wonder how it will be like in the tube which is noisy!! Ill find out tomorrow.

The screen is amazing, colours look fantastic and it is bright,even some of the youtube videos look fantastic on the 2" screen. Pictures look nice and bold and detailed.

I wish it had gapless playback for mp3s maybe future firmware can solve this if we haggle Sony. The search feature is very easy to use and effective. I like the recent transfers option, whereby I can see the songs Ive added recently, 2nd, and 3rd recently.

Sonicstage is easy to use, not ahd any problems with it apart from it taking ages to connect to the player, and slow transfer speeds, other than that not much of a problem using SS.

Overall, a great little player, better looking and sounding than the nano, the only downside for me is the low volume output as personally I'm use to louder output, maybe better IEM's will sort this out, any recomendations? I doubt that the UK version will have a volume limit on it.

The NW-A8xx does not have the noise cancelling feature, and the supplied phones don't offer passive noise cancellation either. However, I do find the volume loud enough and is not crippled by the notorious volume capping as other European flash players have been in the past. My advice to you is to get yourself some good iem's that do offer excellent passive noise cancellation. Enjoy your NW-A808, it's a good one

[veggiemusician]

On the back of your headphones you will see 3 vents.... cover them with about 3-4 layers of clingfilm or something similar. You will find sound much better and will isloate almost as good as normal IEMs enjoy!

[NOiPod]

On the back of your headphones you will see 3 vents.... cover them with about 3-4 layers of clingfilm or something similar. You will find sound much better and will isloate almost as good as normal IEMs enjoy!

Yeah I was reading through your guide on HF, so do I just cover it, like on top of it around it, and then make a hole through the middle, does the hole need to break only the cling film, or does it have to break the clingfilm and the mesh in the middle vent, that is what I'm confused about. Cheers

[juli_]

The sound quality is excellent but not loud enough for me, I think the maximum is 5mw??

I doubt that the UK version will have a volume limit on it.

I have the 808 too and find it even louder than the 706. I use the Shure E4s (which IMO are a bad match for my ears, way too cold), and I set the volume at 17/30 which is loud - anything over 21 is unbearable. I boost the bass and cut the treble to try and cut the harshness

I also tried with the Sennheiser CX300 and the volume is louder - 15/30 is enough but really bassy even with all EQ off, it's the complete opposite sound of the Shures - and the supplied headphones are ok, better than other supplied headphones.

Re: 5mw x 2 - the 706 had the same spec and it could drive the Shures. super.fi's and sennheisers louder than a Zen Vision: m!! The ZV:m has 20mw per amp I think, yet I needed to set it to 23/25 to get the same volume as 17/30 on the Sonys and it didn't sound nearly as good.

I thought the 808 and 706 would naturally produce a lower volume than the Zen because of their weaker output, but the exact opposite was true. There was no volume limit on the Zen so it didn't make sense.

I think the volume on the Sonys is brilliant - and I wasn't aware either of them were volume capped - I got mine in the UK, and I know the a1200 and a3000 were capped, but these definitely aren't.

What volume have you set it to, and what headphones are you using?

[NOiPod]

The sound quality is excellent but not loud enough for me, I think the maximum is 5mw??

I doubt that the UK version will have a volume limit on it.

I have the 808 too and find it even louder than the 706. I use the Shure E4s (which IMO are a bad match for my ears, way too cold), and I set the volume at 17/30 which is loud - anything over 21 is unbearable. I boost the bass and cut the treble to try and cut the harshness

I also tried with the Sennheiser CX300 and the volume is louder - 15/30 is enough but really bassy even with all EQ off, it's the complete opposite sound of the Shures - and the supplied headphones are ok, better than other supplied headphones.

Re: 5mw x 2 - the 706 had the same spec and it could drive the Shures. super.fi's and sennheisers louder than a Zen Vision: m!! The ZV:m has 20mw per amp I think, yet I needed to set it to 23/25 to get the same volume as 17/30 on the Sonys and it didn't sound nearly as good.

I thought the 808 and 706 would naturally produce a lower volume than the Zen because of their weaker output, but the exact opposite was true. There was no volume limit on the Zen so it didn't make sense.

I think the volume on the Sonys is brilliant - and I wasn't aware either of them were volume capped - I got mine in the UK, and I know the a1200 and a3000 were capped, but these definitely aren't.

What volume have you set it to, and what headphones are you using?

Nice one, Im still using the stock headphones, with my EQ settings as CB +3, +2,+1,+1,+2,Treb +3, listening to HipHop, Rock and R&B. I think I just need some better phones, ex82s are good but just punch out tiny sounds on certain parts of a song, and with EQ on flat, it doesn't sound as good as when Ive got a custom EQ.