Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2018
I've been purchasing Sony portable music players all the way back to the mid-1990's when people had not yet become familiar with the concept of an "MP3" file. As is often the case, Sony was out of the gates so early with a new technology (in this case, "psychoacoustic encoding" of music which they deployed in their proprietary "ATRAC" format), that when they deployed the innovation, fell to the temptation to keep the format proprietary. Sony's ATRAC codec therefore subsequently lost out to the open source MP3 format, even though MP3 files could not begin to approach the sound quality of ATRAC-encoded files. So, as was the case in the earlier the Beta-Max vs. VHS video format war, Sony won the battle (better audio quality) but lost the war (no one wanted to use a proprietary format). In a predictable replay of the video format war of the 1980's, where everyone ended up using VHS instead of Beta-Max for video recording, Sony lost the audio format war of the 2000's, and everyone went to the MP3 audio format. The final result is still seen today, where everyone walks around with music on their PHONES, rather than on Sony's Walkmans.
It's not been all bad, however. All the major companies moved to duplicate Sony's early work in psychoacoustic recording (Microsoft, for example, deploying the lossless WMA codec, Apple deploying the lossless ALAC codec, and the open-source movement deploying the FLAC codec), and now we have a wide array of high-quality formats to use. Even the humble MP3 retains a place in today's environment, particularly in podcasting and other voice recordings (and higher bitrate MP3 files can, admittedly, sound pretty good with music, although nothing like the lossless formats). Coupled with that is that the majority of cell phones today carry within them some pretty decent hardware for music reproduction, and you've got an embarrassment of riches when it comes to playing back digital music.
Nevertheless, I've still purchased nearly every variant of Sony digital portable music player Sony developed over these decades, and even put up with the oft-maligned Sony "SonicStage" software because of the sound quality of the ATRAC-encoded files and so I could experience the gorgeous, innovative devices Sony has continued to put out (although, admittedly, to Sony it must have felt like maintaining ATRAC and SonicStage during this period probably felt like throwing leaves into an oncoming wind). I have not regretted doing so, because the sound quality and the mechanical innovations on these Sony devices have been both fun and technologically impressive, generally always the best available from any manufacturer. I won't list all the models here, but there have been plenty of them, believe me.
Well, it is now 2018, and we've moved into "High Resolution" sound, or "Hi-Res" for short, and now we can purchase Hi-Res streams online. ("Hi-Res" refers to digital music that had been encoded to a minimum of 96kHz at 24bits, far beyond that of the CD-ROM standard of 44kHz/16-bit sound specified by Sony [Japan] and Philips [the Netherlands] in the early 1980's; often, Hi-Res can go all the way to 192kHz/24-bits.) Hi-Res is remarkably better than even the best CD-ROMs can produce, leaving lush, silky smooth sound, and where the recording technology falls so far into the background that all you are left with is the sound itself. And so Sony and Philips, replaying their Dutch/Japanese collaboration of the 1970's, have been at the forefront of documenting and specifying Hi-Res, and Sony, too, has additionally been producing for a number of years now a range of players capable of pounding out Hi-Res music from portable and home players that were previously not even possible, even from the most expensive sound units.
So, this new Sony NW-A45 player (in series with the A46 and A47 models which are the same except for larger built-in memory, and not for direct U.S. sale) is not the first of Sony's Hi-Res players, but it IS a new entry in the sense that it combines Hi-Res file compatibility with special electronic hardware, including a high-quality digital/audio converter, or "DAC," that allows the sound to be reproduced to its highest levels, and a touchscreen interface much like the Apple devices, but with a bevy of mechanical switches (THANK YOU!) on the side for basic functions.
So, what can I tell you about the Sony NW-A45?
Well, let's start with some basics. This device is visually stunning. I have mine in the blue/grey color, which just oozes a gorgeous look, but you can also get this in greyish black if that's your cup of tea, and the greyish black actually looks nicer in person than it does in the product photos. Next, this thing is mechanically SOLID. And I mean it. It's not overly heavy, but when you pick it up, it feels like a solid piece of metal, with no squeaks, rattles, mismatched pieces, and so on. It feels like it was carved out of a single piece of material. The device's surface has a somewhat matte finish to it which not only adds to its visual appeal but makes it feel very good in the hand. The unit's physical dimensions, too, are just right, making the unit large enough to get a good grip, but not so big as to be cumbersome. Someone got this *just* right.
The 3.1" screen, rated at 800 x 480 pixels or WVGA specification, is simply beautiful. To be honest, I was not expecting the screen to look this good, but the display is so clear and colorful that it far surpasses other players I've had. (The display is a TFT color display with a white LED-backlight, and, of course, a capacitive touchscreen so that you can manipulate the device by touch.) Wow, I have to say I was thoroughly surprised at just how clear this screen is. Beyond that, the touch functionality works just great, with few missed presses and plenty of real estate for the various, and MANY, functions of the device.
Now, onto what is the most important aspect of the player: How does it sound?
Well, let me say that this thing is just incredible in its sound reproduction. I used to own a $1,000 Sony Digital Walkman a year or two ago, and this little device basically-—and shockingly-—meets it in sound quality. Maybe not 100%, but so close that most of us could never hear the difference at all. (I am using mine with a set of Bose SoundSport Bluetooth headphones and Sony's own MDR-NW750N headphones; when you use Sony's MDR-NW750N headphones, the player magically adds ACTIVE noise reduction.) It's truly an achievement on Sony's part to be able to create such a device with this type of sound quality at this price point.
Also of note is the unique Bluetooth technology employed in this player. Although the device connects to any Bluetooth headphone, the player uses Sony's new "LDAC" transmission codec, which transfers data across the Bluetooth connection at up to 990kbps, which is THREE TIMES the bandwidth of traditional Bluetooth players. This permits Hi-Res sound to be transmitted via Bluetooth (traditional Bluetooth does not support Hi-Res data sound streams; if you are using a set of Bluetooth headphones, Hi-Res sound must be downsampled by the player before it is streamed to the headphones). The sound this device rolls out is so amazing that you have to experience it with a true Hi-Res data stream and headphones, like the Bose SoundSports, to experience it. The device also has a series of software and hardware features to improve the sound of non-Hi-Res audio for all your non-HiRes files. I am truly impressed beyond all expectations, and I may remind you that this is coming from a person who has purchased nearly every music device Sony has ever put out.
Running at about $200, this device is a STEAL. And I mean it.
I still listen to music on my iPhone and my computer, but this device will be my device of choice going forward. Its sound quality, its build quality, its features (far too many to list here; see the Sony support site for NW-A45 to read them all, because they are wide-ranging and often unique), its functionality, its screen, and its physical appearance easily make this a SEVEN-Star item of Five, and I rarely say something like that about anything I review. If you like music, *RUN*, don't walk, to get this item.
I will list some of the devices features here and things I like; I will try to add to this over time, as there are far too many to list on a first review.
PLUSSES
++ Incredible sound quality; *absolutely* best-in-class
++ Plays virtually every sound codec known to man, including all the lossless codecs, including DSD and MQA, new high-quality formats not yet adopted by many (with the only exception being Microsoft's lossless WMA: the unit plays WMA and variable-bit WMA, but not lossless WMA, which must be some type of legal thing with Microsoft. Following in Sony's earlier footsteps on proprietary formats, Microsoft? A STUPID business decision on your part, if that is the real reason!)
++ Excellent build quality (feels like it was built in Japan, but is actually manufactured in Malasia. Trust me on this, I'm very sensitive to build quality, and don't make such statements lightly.)
++ Mechanical buttons on right side of the device (THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU) for basic operational functions
++ Full touch 3.1" 800x480 WVGA TFT screen that is not only stunning in appearance and clarity but works well with the touch function
++ Touchscreen supports basic gestures for "flicking" up, down, and left-right
++ Micro SDXC card slot to expand storage (and have you seen that the 400Gb SanDisk micro SDXC card is now out? 400Gb!!! You can carry nearly half a TERABYTE of solid-state-based digital music on this device if you wish!)
++ Excellent battery life rated at 30 hours of play, depending on the codec being used (and Sony is generally correct with these; assume easily about 25 hours, and your Bluetooth headphone's battery headphones will be out long before the player)
++ Sony-specific Bluetooth technology ("LDAC") TRIPLES the data stream rate over traditional Bluetooth up to 960kbps, supporting wireless transmission of Hi-Res audio (amazing)
++ Traditional 3.5" headphone jack so you can use most any wired headphone you wish (check the manual for any compatibility specifications)
++ When used with Sony's MDR-NW750N headphones, you get ACTIVE sound reduction that works amazingly well
++ A litany of sound control functions are supplied to customize and improve the sound of almost any type of audio file
++ Both Windows and Mac software available from Sony for this device, but you don't need them since this device supports drop-and-drag on both Macs and PCs
++ High-quality DAC that can actually be connected to your computer for improved sound when playing music from your computer (!)
++ Well laid-out screen interface that is actually remarkably intuitive
++ "Language Study" is supported (read the documentation on this: really cool if you are learning a language)
++ Ten bookmark lists now supported (previous Sony devices, even Hi-Res models, supported only five)
++ Can control when the touch interface is and is not active, very nice for when using this device under different conditions
++ While retaining the Sony-unique USB connector cable that so many people grouse about, you can get these anywhere now for five dollars, so it's not an issue like it used to be
++ Physically gorgeous, and the physical dimensions of the device make it naturally fit in the hand
++ Very nice implementation of a strap mount at the bottom of the unit that does not interfere with the shape of the unit
++ NFC (Near Field Communication) supplied for instant connection to other NFC-enabled devices
++ Firmware upgradeable from home (no need to mail the unit in for firmware upgrades!)
++ Want to go a step further? If you have headphones that are "AptX-capable" (do some Googling here), this unit will support AptX transfer of music if the right firmware is installed!
MINUSES:
-- Cannot replace the battery at end of its cycle life: must be sent in for replacement (true of many players and cell phones today, but unacceptable)
-- Must charge using USB: no direct A/C charging is possible (although plugging the USB cable into a USB enhanced speed charger will shorten recharge time)
-- The sheer number of available functions make for some pretty tight finger-touch points at places; not really a big deal, but you have to watch what you are doing to get the function you are wishing
-- Cannot play Windows Medial LOSSLESS files (this may be a restriction Microsoft imposes so that other brands cannot replay their WMAL files, but I do not know that for certain)
-- Battery life, while good, could be longer; 30 hours sounds like a lot, but it isn't. This would certainly add to the weight of the device
-- Only a few colors available (although both the blue and the grey look fantastic)
Note:
More questions? Simply Google "Sony A45 Support," and you will see the Sony support page for this unit where you can download the entire 145-page manual, spec sheets, and help guides. I've tried, however, to touch on most of the high points here.
