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Sony NW-A45 High Resolution Walkman 16GB - Black for $199 (Grey Import) @ DWI (Free Shipping for Met Areas)

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Sony NW-A45 High Resolution Walkman 16GB - Black for $199 (Grey Import) @ DWI (Free Shipping for Met Areas)
Go to Deal
Julius on 26/08/2018 - 09:03 dwidigitalcameras.com (1501 clicks)
Last edited 28/08/2018 - 11:19 by 2 other users

The NW-A45 is a DAP for those seeking a higher audio quality experience than say their iPhones. It is a highly recommended item for those on a budget that provides great form factor and build quality, amazing battery life, a decently sized touch screen, clicky buttons and a microsd slot for the FLAC fanatics. The only real downsides are its propriety connector (really Sony? seriously?) and unintuitive UI. If you ever owned a Sanza Clip+ or Zip, I'm sure this item will provide a bit of nostalgia.

Edit: eGlobal Central AU has it for $191. Has anyone had any experience with these guys?

Edit2: Catch.com.au has it for 203.50 if you don't want to use DWI or eGlobal

Electrical & Electronics Audio Player Digital Audio Player Sony

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DWI Digital Cameras (Digital World International)
DWI Digital Cameras (Digital World International)

closed Comments

  • mit on 26/08/2018 - 09:08
    +7

    My sanza gave me nostalgia I'd rather not revisit lol

    • lostn on 26/08/2018 - 10:25
      +3

      Was it Joffrey or Ramsay?

  • drprox on 26/08/2018 - 09:11
    +5

    I was recently using an old Sony MP3 player for jogging and gotta say the main 2 advantages i found over a phone were battery life and size! If you don't need the phone they're still a handy option :)

    • Sydgun on 26/08/2018 - 09:24
      +1

      +1

      Same reasons + FM radio capability

    • garage sale on 26/08/2018 - 09:57
      -2

      it’s a pity many manufactuers see the phone as a fix for on the move entertainment.
      don’t take phone with me due to the bulk, have a tiny mp3 player.

      the new apple watches have GSM support that links to the same phone number as your phone, on the move and you can send and receive calls.

    • igerstep on 27/08/2018 - 11:09

      A GPS watch with built-in storage and bluetooth headphones is by far the most convenient way to run with music.

  • CaffeinatedTech on 26/08/2018 - 09:15

    I bought a couple of mini PCs from eGlobal World on AliXpress a while ago. They where very helpful and responsive.

    • Julius on 26/08/2018 - 09:33

      Brilliant!

  • cryptowiz on 26/08/2018 - 09:39
    +1

    I just went to the link and was offered a $10 coupon for signing up. Brings the price down.

  • YellowKnight on 26/08/2018 - 09:41
    +1

    How do these compare to the latest Sony mini disc player?

  • [Deactivated] on 26/08/2018 - 09:43
    -3

    Or permanently plugged into your car audio.

    • Julius on 26/08/2018 - 09:45
      +2

      Is your car parked in your bedroom?

  • Dealayed on 26/08/2018 - 09:48
    +2

    This seemed like a fantastic idea till about last year when the phone batteries could only give you half a day. My mate 10 pro gives me more than a day and the convenience of streaming makes it a better choice than a dedicated DAP. My fiio x3 m3 has been collecting dust ever since. Now only used for long drives and flights.

  • kamoy on 26/08/2018 - 10:08

    freight for gold coast is $36.90 with insurance seems high.

  • Ahan on 26/08/2018 - 10:10

    It's application is quiet limited. Only for serious listeners. For sports I use fitbit or apple watch. It not only connects to headphones via Bluetooth but also provides GPS tracking.

  • [Deactivated] on 26/08/2018 - 10:20
    +3

    I will stick with my LG V20.

  • terrys on 26/08/2018 - 10:22
    +8

    "its propriety connector (really Sony? seriously?) "
    They never learn. The "walkman" phones [W700i, 800i] wouldd have been great, but you needed their cradle to use anything but the Sony proprietary earphones or usb connector, and their "walkman" brand finally died when they insisted on putting DRM on the proprietary software [abandoned after 2 years with no ongoing support] you needed to use other Multimedia devices.

    They seemed to have learned a lesson with their Z series, then spoiled the party by forcing an objectionable and un-needed pack of sales oriented garbage with the non-uninstallable nag-wear that's "What's New".
    I loved a;most everything about the Z phone, but that was enough after years of these stunts since they merged with Time-Warner and decided to try becoming a new "iTunes" to make me walk away and leave then to their fantasies.
    As Risto, their loss was LG's gain. My v20 is still firing well. My "BRT1" blue-tooth trainer has a [propitiatory] battery that now lasts ~ 1-1/2 hours after 2 years use - I'm glad I paid $50 not the $450 retail Sony had originally wanted…..

  • Diji1 on 26/08/2018 - 10:23
    -4

    Two hundred dollars for a 16GB music player. Are you having a laugh? I paid that much for an entire phone with 64GB.

    • Trishool on 26/08/2018 - 10:41
      +5

      Does your phone support hi res audio? No? Didn't think so. Different target market.

      • macrocephalic on 26/08/2018 - 11:19
        +2

        Sure, if anyone could actually tell the difference between standard lossless and 'hr-res' in a double blind study, that might be a relevant factor.

      • mr_me450 on 26/08/2018 - 12:04
        +2

        Rubbish; most phones will support hi res audio, you just need to download a compatible app. As long as your phone is running a decent processor from the last few years there’s no reason it can’t do anything this walkman can do. Bit harder to do with iPhones because their output methods are so locked down but it can still be done..

        • AlexF on 26/08/2018 - 12:32
          +1

          “If you’re listening to your iPhone using the Lightning connector, or the Lightning-to-3.5mm … the output is limited to 48kHz. Even if the app is playing 192kHz. … the solution here is to connect an external DAC …” via Lightning-to-USB camera adapter.
          How to play hi-res music on your iPhone

        • Julius on 26/08/2018 - 12:44
          +1

          @AlexF: If you want to avoid carrying an external DAC and want higher grade audio, then the DAP is useful.

        • AlexF on 26/08/2018 - 12:59
          +1

          @JuliusSeizure: yes, if you can hear difference between “higher grade” and say 320Kb/s AAC of 16/44.1. I can’t - tried using 2L free samples. More power to you if you can, but I’m sceptical.

        • Julius on 26/08/2018 - 13:10

          @AlexF: If you are committed, you can always train yourself to be a better listener.

        • AlexF on 26/08/2018 - 13:14
          +1

          @JuliusSeizure: .. if only wishful thinking was sufficient to affect reality.

        • Julius on 26/08/2018 - 13:17

          @AlexF: No seriously you can. You're probably thinking about picking up higher frequencies.

      • terrys on 28/08/2018 - 18:54

        Sorry - I missed that if it was for me.
        I mentioned the phone I have. It can competently reproduce the full fidelity of any of the recordings I listen to. I understand it would also not totally displease somebody who wanted to analyse it's electro-mechanical responsiveness in order to award it an industry accolade. Some crew called B&O, who I believe are descended from Vikings threw 4 DACs, or dungeon-masters as I think of them, into it to make the tinkles it makes sound more musical.
        It cant be that good tho, as it is only good for recording up to 137 bluebells which means the membranes are probably a bit stiff.

  • lostn on 26/08/2018 - 10:24
    +4

    I'm a big Sansa Clip fan. The thing is, the clip has physical buttons which are much more convenient than touch screen.

    I can feel for the buttons while walking or running and activite the controls without looking. With a touch screen you have to pull it out of your pocket and look at it. This is not always practical or convenient.

    Can this thing drive high impedance headphones or will you need an amp?

    I'm looking for another Clip alternative that has BT support and maintains the OLED screen. Physical buttons are a must.

    One really important feature I need, and there's no way to know if it supports it or not, is whether it can remember where you were in a track. If you are listening to a long track, e.g. podcast or audio book, and you turn it off or accidentally skip to the next track, the next time you return to it, will it remember your position or start you from the beginning of the track?

    I bought two clones of the Clip which restart you from the beginning of the track, therefore making them both unuseable for podcasts/audio. The Clip I have remembers.

    I had a Sony DAP long ago also, back when iPod was its competitor. With that one, if you turn it off in the middle of a track, it will remember your position. But if you change track it won't. And if you've plugged it into your PC, it will forget your position. So the position must be stored in RAM somewhere, not permanent storage. The Clip creates a separate file with your position data so it never loses it. You have to manually delete it, which is a good thing.

    Probably nothing is going to beat my Clip. Only thing missing is BT support.

    • Dealayed on 26/08/2018 - 10:35
      +3

      Fiio x3 m3 has physical buttons which come in very handy while driving. Also has a jog dial like the old ipods.

      • lostn on 26/08/2018 - 10:41

        What does the wheel do? It seems a bit redundant since every other function is on a button. Is it only for navigating the menu?

    • lostn on 26/08/2018 - 10:36

      Oh wait: It does have physical buttons on the side. Hmm. Still, the big LCD screen is unnecessary and will just drain more battery power every time you access a control.

    • drongodave on 26/08/2018 - 13:22

      I was looking for something similar to you. Check this out.
      https://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-Upgraded-A26T-AGPTEK-Sweat-…

      Due to the Gerry Harvey tax we can't buy from Amazon US now but I saw someone was selling them locally on eBay. Just make sure you get the upgraded A26t as the old version had limited capability when using Bluetooth.

      • lostn on 26/08/2018 - 13:25

        I have that one.

        That was one of the two wasted purchases that are useless to me.

        There are a number of Chinese clones all off the same design.

        It does everything except remember your track position, making it no good for long tracks.

        It's perfect if all you listen to is music though.

        • drongodave on 26/08/2018 - 14:45

          Is that the upgraded a26t version that you're referring to? I thought this fixed the problem of remembering track position.

        • lostn on 26/08/2018 - 17:00

          @drongodave: I don't know.

          I got the one you linked to, and another exact clone of it with a different badge. They both work exactly the same and don't remember track position. Even if you pause it half way, turn it off and back on, and it's back to the beginning.

    • Julius on 26/08/2018 - 14:29

      Interesting question. I'm not sure how its tracking works. This question might best be served on head-fi or stereonet. Let me know how your quest goes though!

  • kamoy on 26/08/2018 - 10:27

    eglobal central au is more expensive
    for shipping $48.90 to gold coast ..serious and it’s just express shipping
    no insurance !!! same company as dwi i feel as web site is similar

  • terrys on 26/08/2018 - 10:27

    "Edit: eGlobal Central AU has it for $191. Has anyone".
    Yes.

  • HeXa on 26/08/2018 - 10:31

    unless it has changed, eGlobal and DWI are business names of the same company

    • macrocephalic on 26/08/2018 - 11:21

      They were close competitors, but different businesses. Eglobaldigitalcameras, which is the company you're probably familiar with, has closed down. I think that eglobal central is just hijacking the similar trade name to enter the market quickly.

      • HeXa on 26/08/2018 - 13:56

        nah - definitely same company based on eBay and deal history

        they were using Trudark Pty Limited (ABN 58003759662) as their front for .com.au website addresses while running everything out of HK

        so very much buyer beware and use a payment method that strongly favours the buyer

  • nadan on 26/08/2018 - 10:51

    DWI has turned into very unreliable seller.

  • C0mbat on 26/08/2018 - 10:56
    +5

    The reality is that headphones make the biggest difference to sound quality and even more so if you have bluetooth because the amp and dac are in the headphones.

    I used to spend thousands on hifi until I realised that most of it was snake oil.

  • Anthracis on 26/08/2018 - 12:11
    +1

    It is all about LDAC.
    Only Android devices that are running Oreo and Sony devices support this hi-res codec.

    If you are pairing an iPhone with the Sony WH-1000XM2, you are not experiencing the best from the headphone.

  • DaTa on 26/08/2018 - 12:29
    +1

    I've got a fiio x1 2nd generation since forever I've always used an mp3 player , now no more companies make these devices except a few audiophile aimed devices. And Sony making walkmans waterproof etc for the gym means I don't have to use my phone for music like everyone in the gym distracted by Facebook

  • shaybisc on 26/08/2018 - 12:34

    How Well Can You Hear Audio Quality?

    https://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2015/06/02/411473508/…

    • Julius on 26/08/2018 - 12:46

      But you can train yourself to become a better listener. taps head

    • Black Hole on 26/08/2018 - 13:15
      +1

      Not a good test. You will need a good recording, good software that feed directly into your audiophile DAC and into your headphone. I find it easier to pick from good recording, especially classical music.

      • mostlygordon on 26/08/2018 - 13:38

        I always thought HiRes audio sounded better due to better mastering. I suspected that if you resampled to red book, you probably wouldn't hear a difference. But, read an interesting article recently on how DACs filter. With red book filtering is performed at audible frequencies, unlike HiRes. Could be something to this…

        Anyway, I usually stay out of these debates, and just enjoy the music:-)

  • mostlygordon on 26/08/2018 - 13:20
    +3

    Great player, got a refurb from Sony eBay store for $180 a while back. Spare cables are cheap from eBay, plus you can get WM port to micro USB adapters for the complainers. I have a few DAPs, I haven't Abed them all, but this equals anything else I have, plus it's great as a USB DAC on my laptop. Drives all my portable CANs (Oppo PM-3, B&W P7 etc) better than my LG V20.

  • mostlygordon on 26/08/2018 - 13:51

    For those that pull the trigger…
    Nice Case
    WM to Micro USB - I found them around half this price somewhere. Hunt around…

  • [Deactivated] on 26/08/2018 - 14:05

    What can I plug into my old fashioned hifi to get CD quality sound from music files?

    • mostlygordon on 26/08/2018 - 14:39
      +1

      Personally, I go fairly low end for my HiFi, expensive gear is reserved for good headphones. Conventional wisdom says you have to spend around 10 times more on speakers compared to headphones for equal sound quality.

      Plug a Topping D10 into your HiFI.

      I use an intel NUC computer to drive it, but equally you could plug in a smart phone or tablet. Play attention to the software you use, or you won't get HiRes. Some starters are:
      Windows - Foobar 2000
      Mac - Audirvana Plus
      Android - Universal USB Player Pro
      iPhone - Onkyo HF Player

      • jonathonsunshine on 26/08/2018 - 16:48

        why not the onboard toslink or HDMI ?

        Granted, I prefer the Analogue out from my own soundcard…

        • mostlygordon on 26/08/2018 - 20:30

          Because, chances are unless Tightwad has a recent high end amp, the DAC in the D10 will kill whatever is in the amp. Also, the D10 shows the decoded bitrate, so it's easy to see if your software is setup correctly. Tightwad might want to use a phone or tablet as a source that doesn't have HDMI or toslink. Plus the D10 just looks plain cool;-)

      • shaybisc on 26/08/2018 - 16:58
        +1

        I have my eye on a D10 at the moment. You can get them for $106 tomorrow I think at aliexpress.

        Make that Tuesday.

        https://www.aliexpress.com/item/New-products-shelves-TOPPING…

        • mostlygordon on 26/08/2018 - 20:32

          Good choice, love mine…

        • superforever on 27/08/2018 - 00:02

          With such a DAC is that better to use line output to AVR instead of Optical? With Optical will there be any difference with PC optical out to AVR?

          Spec said USB IN 44.1kHz-384kHz/16Bit-32Bit
          OPT/COAX OUT 44.1kHz-192kHz/16Bit-24Bit

        • mostlygordon on 27/08/2018 - 12:37

          @superforever:
          You could probably find much cheaper USB to Toslink converters, if that's what you want. Better to use the RCAs and make use on the nice clean DAC in this device. If you can get your hands on some DSD files (i.e. SACD rips), they sound great.

        • mostlygordon on 27/08/2018 - 12:52

          @superforever:
          Should add, I don't think there would be much difference to the PC optical out. The XMOS chip in the D10 may do a better optical conversion than your PC. Not something I've looked into. If you do some reading, please report back.

        • superforever on 27/08/2018 - 22:14

          @mostlygordon:

          Will D10 USB to headphone RCA to AVR better than optical out from PC to AVR? As I understand digital is digital shouldn't be any difference from optical from D10 or optical from PC I assume.

  • jonathonsunshine on 26/08/2018 - 16:46

    Is there anything out there that provides an equivocal experience to the iTunes Genius functions?

    • mostlygordon on 26/08/2018 - 20:51

      Roon. Don't sign up for the trial if your wallet doesn't like pain…

      • Julius on 28/08/2018 - 16:56

        Wow, $500! That is insane!

        It's a good idea though. Any cheaper alternatives to Roon?

    • mostlygordon on 26/08/2018 - 21:09

      The Sony software is supposed to have a Sense Me function like Genius. But, I haven't figured it out yet. Note this only works on the PC version I heard.

      • plagued85 on 28/08/2018 - 09:43
        +1

        Using the PC software you can scan and update the 12 Tone analysis of all songs. This will give you the genius like ability for songs that sound similar.

        Important note: It saves as meta into the file (without warning); however this means that you can use any other apps to sync the music across.

        I personally use MusicBee for playlist management and syncing to the Sony NW-145 device; just run the Sony PC app (Music Center) to sync 12 Tone to files.

        The Sony Music Center for Windows is horrendous, and crashes are the norm.

        • mostlygordon on 28/08/2018 - 11:59

          Thanks, this worked. Crashed tones of times on 6000+ tracks. Seems more stable if you don't resize it's window. Took overnight to analyze the tracks. About 4 hours to copy 256GB to the player.

        • mostlygordon on 29/08/2018 - 12:01

          Thanks again to plagued85. First, Sony fix your software, it is sh.., ahh not very reliable. Once you get it working and music on your player… Have been listening to the A45 Relax Sense Me playlist with my Oppo PM-3's all morning. Good music selection and sound quality:-)

  • brotherfranciz on 26/08/2018 - 17:06
    +3

    I would buy this if only my Sony NWZ-A15 would die already. Battery life is still amazing after 3.5 years. Sony build quality is great and my NWZ-A15 still looks in pristine condition.

  • noshopping on 27/08/2018 - 04:12
    +1

    I got one of these, real nice compared to my iphone/SGalaxy. Pros are: Buttons on the side, HiRes audio. Also bought a HiRes Sony headphone and the sound is incredible. Con: Sony uses their own adapter cables.

  • mostlygordon on 27/08/2018 - 15:30

    Be aware that Sony are releasing the A50 series Walkman at IFA in a few days. Probably why these are being discounted. From what I hear, the spec is virtually the same as the A45, they are just a longer, narrower form factor. A bit like the ZX300. Personally, this would not stop me buying the A45, but if you want the latest and greatest, wait a few days…

  • hamza23 on 28/08/2018 - 01:17
    +1

    Edit: eGlobal Central AU has it for $191. Has anyone had any experience with these guys?

    Edit2: Catch.com.au has it for 203.50 if you don't want to use DWI or eGlobal

    They are all the same company. The Catch listing is a marketplace seller 'TechWarehouse' which is just DWI/eGlobal under a different name.

    You'll notice on TechWarehouse Catch deal's like this one that we add the DWI related store below the deal.

    • Julius on 28/08/2018 - 15:22

      Noted for future reference :)

  • plagued85 on 28/08/2018 - 09:34

    Hey All,
    I've had this player for about 6 months, and absolutely love it (and the LDAC Bluetooth codec support!)

    Has any one had any luck with SD-Card compatibility on this model. I've had some hit and miss. I would like to use a 128GB or greater SDCard but I've had no luck with different brands (and its not like you can try before buy). I've had no luck finding a wiki or website containing a compatibility list for SDCards

    The current card im using that is working fine is a SanDisk Ultra 64GB.

    If you have this model (NW-A45 with 1.10fw), are are using any SDCcards, please list them

    • mostlygordon on 28/08/2018 - 11:56

      I had a Samsung 128GB card in the player, and have just replaced it with Samsung 256GB card, both worked fine. In both cases I went into settings and formatted the card before use. Not sure if this is required, but figured it ensures the file system would then be whatever is preferred by the player.

      • plagued85 on 28/08/2018 - 13:49

        Oh thats awesome! do you know the model of the sdcard? Samsung MicroSDXC EVO+ ? Looking to upgrade storage and want to be sure it works. Wasted money on a few 128GB cards already :(

        I have a 128GB Samsung Evo Plus that does not work (no detection in device so i cannot even format it)

        EDIT: i ransacked my draws looking for any sdcards and found a few larger ones:
        * Samsung 128GB EVO+ - not working (ebay, could be fake i guess)
        * Sandisk Ultra 128GB A1 MiroSD XCI -Working (office works)
        * Sandisk Ultra 64Gb A1 MiroSD XCI - Working (office works)

  • shaybisc on 28/08/2018 - 15:20

    On the Topping D10- maybe someone could help me out because I know very little to nuffing about all this. I have an active speaker- the $56 Nakamichi posted here a couple of weeks ago. I have a Chromecast Audio plugged into the active speaker, casting music from a mini-pc. If I plug the D10 into a usb slot slot on the mini-pc will it override the DAC and sound card of the mini-pc?

    Is that all there is to it or is there a lot of frigging around involved? Or won't it work in that configuration at all?

    • mostlygordon on 28/08/2018 - 15:27
      +1

      Yes, and no. If you re happy with CD quality sound, yes just plug it in. If you want HiRes audio (DSD or HiRes FLAC) you need drivers and a program like Foobar 2000.

      • shaybisc on 28/08/2018 - 15:49

        Most of the music files are FLAC so I guess I will need to stumble through Foobar at some stage if I get the D10.

        Thanks

        • mostlygordon on 28/08/2018 - 18:07

          You can play FLACs with many programs (VLC, WinAmp etc) 16/44.1 with no config. It's only if you want HiRes e.g. 24/96 that you need drivers and Foobar.

          Although, many will tell you the sound will be better if you play bit-perfect with a Program like Foobar. It's not that hard to set up…

        • superforever on 28/08/2018 - 18:30

          Most of the music files are FLAC

          Do you know FLAC from CD they are still CD quality 16/44?

          Hi-Res audio is not the same.

          https://www.hdtracks.com/

          @mostlygordon:

          Will D10 3.5mm output to AVR better that PC optical output to AVR?

        • mostlygordon on 28/08/2018 - 20:30

          @superforever:
          I would suggest you try the PC. If it sounds good enough to you, save your money. This scenario is not one I've read up on, but I doubt there would be much difference. The D10 output may have less jitter than the PC. It uses an XMOS chip, do some googling…

          Note that TOSLINK does not handle HiRes or DSD.

        • superforever on 28/08/2018 - 20:45

          @mostlygordon:

          Note that TOSLINK does not handle HiRes or DSD.

          TOSLINK can do 24/192 I am using it now

        • mostlygordon on 28/08/2018 - 20:46

          @superforever:
          The Z channel on YouTube has lead me astray then;-)

        • superforever on 28/08/2018 - 20:56

          @mostlygordon:

          Just wondering will the DAC on D10 better than AVR?

        • mostlygordon on 28/08/2018 - 20:59

          @superforever:
          Depends on the AVR. I can say it's much better than my NUC driving my Denon AVR-1912 over HDMI.

        • superforever on 28/08/2018 - 21:10

          @mostlygordon:

          So you have the NUC with the D10 output from 3.5mm to your Denon and it is better than over HDMI?

        • mostlygordon on 28/08/2018 - 21:11

          @superforever:
          Yes.

        • mostlygordon on 28/08/2018 - 21:28

          @superforever:
          Long answer: I love clean analytical sound produced by modern ESS DACs like the ESS ES9018K2M used in the D10. I had a quick look but couldn't find what the Denon AVR-1912 uses (I got it many years ago), its probably Burr Brown.

          Now, if you like warm sound and your AVR had a Wolfson DAC, you might prefer the AVR sound to the D10. I wouldn't, we all have different preferences…

        • superforever on 28/08/2018 - 21:43

          @mostlygordon:

          Thanks I found it cheap and bought from amazon.com.au $118 and it will arrive on 31Aug and it is safe with amazon I can always return it if I don't like it (on amazon prime trial at the moment)

          BTW, I am using Panasonic home theatre and it is not bad with my Infinity 162 bookshelf speaker, tried 3.5mm and optical both OK, may get a better AVR in the future if necessary.

          https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B07CYRRV1K/ref=oh_aui_d…

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