Sony is expected to unveil a slightly updated version of the MDR-XB950. The new headset showed up on the FCC in late November and it appears little has changed in the design, mainly the overall shape. There will be 2 models, one with new low energy Bluetooth ver. 4.0, and the other with BT LE and NC built in. With the addition of NC, some of the controls will shift around on the headset. Otherwise not much else will be different, unless Sony is planning on expanding the colour lineup (US lineup featured black, red and blue). With the new Bluetooth LE, battery life should be longer than the 20 hours of the current model but this all depends if the battery size remains the same. Hopefully this new headphones will debut at CES next week.
Sony has filed a new FCC application for the WS620 Walkman, the successor to the WS610. Design wise the new WS will be similar to the cheaper WS410. To differentiate the two models, the WS620 will ship with a remote (RMT-NWS10B) like the WS610. Two models will be available, 4 GB (WS623) and 16GB (WS625), with both shipping with the Bluetooth remote. Colour options might follow the WS410 for inspiration, black, ivory, blue and lime green or will have the same selection as the new A-Series (red, pink, yellow, green, black). Support for Sony's SongPal application should also be available as with the previous model. Pricing should be identical to the current model. I would imagine a CES 2017 debut.
GSM Arena has put up a short review of the new MDR-1000X headphones. The 1000X are Sony's top of the line model with built in NC and Bluetooth. There is support for Sony's LDAC and aptX, a format the new A-Series has stopped supporting but does offer LDAC in its place. At $400 USD, I would venture to guess not many will buy this set and opt for something cheaper but owning a pair of BT headphones lacking NC, I feel highly consider upgrading to get NC, especially in this large size.
If anyone does pick up a pair, do post a quick review of how they sound and feel.
Sony has released (10-11-2016) a new firmware update for the new A30 Walkman. The following models are supported for the update:
NW-A35 / NW-A35HN / NW-A36HN / NW-A37HN
The following changes from version 1.00:
Improves overall operation and stability
If you own the new A30 Walkman, please check before upgrading to determine if you need this upgrade. To check you device firmware, follow these instructions:
Tap the [Options/Settings] icon, in the bottom right corner of the screen
Select the [Settings] menu
Scroll until the bottom and choose the [Unit Information] menu
Confirm the Model number and firmware version
The new A-Series has shown up on Amazon finally. But it is not directly from Amazon but from resellers, all are from Japan, so the model shipping will be the Japanese one. Pricing is around $300 USD for the A35 and $530-560 USD for the A37, all 5 colours are available for both versions. If anyone has decided to grab one from Amazon let me know if it is worth the cost.
In other news, the new A-Series has appeared on the Sony Europe Support website. So either this is a mistake or perhaps the new A-Series will be launching in Europe later this year. If nothing appears before Christmas then perhaps early 2017 after CES.
These might be the first or at least one of the first reviews I have seen of the new A30. There are 2 reviews, the first from TechGoondu and the second from MusicPhotoLife. Both are from Singapore meaning the device should go on sale shortly there, November from what I can see. The MusicPhotoLife review is the longer and more detailed one and probably the better of the two. The author mentionss upgrading from the A10/A20 might not be worth the money. Of course this is subjective but from the differences between the A10/20 and A30. I may pull the trigger if it goes on sale here.
touch screen operation
supports concurrent internal storage and micro SD storage access when plugged in to computer
supports DSD file format, which is converted to PCM for playback
35mW power per channel means it can drive more demanding headphones
able to operate music using the hardware buttons without turning on the display
able to delete songs and folders
able to manage M3U playlist (up to 999 tracks)
music auto pauses when headphones is removed from the audio port
dedicated Language Study screen
The most exciting differences are the 35mW power per channel, the ability to delete songs from the player directly and auto pause when the headphnes are removed. Oddly enough I have used M3U files on my A15. Of course there are some features lacking from the A30:
does not play video files
does not open photo files, and no option to select wallpaper
does not have option to transmit sound effect over Bluetooth
does not support aptX audio codec
songs cannot be analysed for SensMe channels on the A30 unit. It requires the songs to be analysed using Media Go software
slightly shorter battery life, ranging from 22 hours (DSD + noise cancellation) to 45 hours (MP3)
no auto power-off feature
existing music files cannot enable dance/karaoke/language mode
The lack of power-off feature is a shame, it would have been good to see an option to set power off to 15s, 30s and 1 min or whatever. Removing aptX support is not a suprise, since the codec is owned by Qualcomm and including would have meant Sony would need to pay a license fee for its use. The same probably applies to video codecs, excluding their support probably removes any licensing fees and I feel a majority of people did not use the video option. Finally removing photo support is unfortunate, especially no wallpaper support. Perhaps photos and wallpapers will be updated in a future firmware update. Links to the reviews below.
*Update* - Posted new instructions, thank you Robert
Here is how to access the service menu in the S-Series, E-Series and A-Series. Before anyone tries this, I caution you that you may brick your player and stop it from working.
If anything goes wrong during the process, I recommend you press the reset button on the back of the device in order to reset it. Unfortunately there is no guarantee that the reset will work. So please use this at your own discretion.
Seems there is a new way to get into the A860 service menu. I have tried this on my A845 and entering the code does not enter the service menu.
Sony's Signature Series has shown up at Amazon.com but no shipping information or availability is provided. Pricing is expensive as expected, $3,199 USD for the Walkman, $2,999 USD for the headphones, and $2,199 for the AMP, a total of $8,397 USD. Ouch is one way to describe it. I still cannot find the less expensive WM1A Walkman, so perhaps that will ship later. So anyone willing to pull the trigger and pick up one or all? Also still nothing on the new A-Series, it has not appeared on Sony.com or even any of the European Sony websites. So perhaps the rumours of early 2017 for availability are correct?
Or instead of dropping so much on headphones, why not grab last year's Z7 headphones, which while not as new or super high end, still offer great sound and are more affordable.
This upcoming fall, Sony will release two brand headphone sets from the XBA line, the XBA-N1 and XBA-N3. This is great news since the previous line of XBA headphones never made it to Europe or outside of Asia to my understanding. Amazon UK has both sets up for pre-order with an estimated release of around October 10th. Pricing will not be cheap, but then the XBA line has always been more expensive. The XBA-N1 will cost 150 GBP or 199 Euros, and the XBA-N3 will cost 220 GBP or 299 Euros.
Both sets feature the HD Hybrid driver system; the system is comprised of a 9mm dynamic driver and a balanced armature driver. Here is how Sony describes the system:
The 9mm dynamic driver maintains drive force for deep bass and clear mids without dropping off like other drivers, while the airtight Balanced Armature driver provides natural high frequency sound for longer. Both drivers work together to keep sound response steady across the frequencies.
Both the N1 and N3 feature Beat Response Control which improves the transient characteristics in bass sound and delivers accurate rhythm. As with previous XBA headphones, both the N1 and N3 feature detachable cables permitting greater flexibility. Options include a balanced cable with separate left and right ground wires for less crosstalk and noise, and a Bluetooth upgrade cable for wireless listening. Unfortunately no information is provided when those accessories will be available or for what price.
What sets the N1 and N3 apart? Aside from price, weight and colour, the XBA-N3 features Sound Space Control. What is it? This is how Sony explains it:
With an extended enclosure behind the dynamic driver and an acoustic tube that ventilates the air, Sound Space Control delivers a wider sound space. Enjoy a more open and spacious sound with rich mid notes, balanced lows and highs, and smoother sound reproduction.
Both models are High-Resolution Audio capable and feature Triple-comfort earbuds which are designed to be worn for long periods of time. A combination of softness and firmness reduces ambient noise while increasing wearing comfort.
If I find a full press release I will post it here below, but I have not been able to locate one just yet. I am sure these were at IFA but SonyVores has some hands on photos on their website. While Sonyvores mentions a XBA-N2, I do not see anything on any website regarding that model, so I feel only the N1 and N3 will be sold in Europe. Just like my XBA-A3s, the XBA-N models are also made in Thailand. So will anyone be picking up a pair of these once they go on sale?
Phile-Web has a hands on with the new A-Series and WM1-Series. A quick preview of the updated menu and UI can be see in the video for the new A-Series. The menu systems seem a bit choppy and not as smooth as it should be, so I hope this is not the case once the device goes on sale.
On a side note, Sony China has the new A-Series up on their site and it appears they will be receiving all 3 versions (A35, A36, A37) and in all 5 colours.
Sony Australia has announced the pricing for the new A30 and it is a lot more expensive than the older A20 model.
The A35 (16GB) will cost $349 AUD /w GST ($256 USD, 236 Euro) and will be available in November in all 5 colour options. The A36 (32GB) will cost $449 AUD /w GST ($340 USD, 305 Euro) and will be also be available in November but will only ship in Charcoal black. To compare the older A25 model without headphones cost $270 AUD, but I do believe this model did not ship with the NC headphones. So it appears Walkman fans around the world should expect to pay a higher price for the new A30; perhaps Sony justifies this by the new Touchscreen, DSD playback support and design. There is a chance the user interface has received an update, so until a full manual shows up or a hands on is released we are in the dark.
On a side note, the WM1A will cost $1,349 AUD, cheaper than the current ZX2 price at $1,599 AUD but more expensive than the ZX100 ($799 AUD).
So will anyone be buying the new A-Series? What about the new WM1 models? Anyone willing to spend 1200 Euros (WM1A) or 3000 Euros (WM1Z) for a Walkman in the near future?
Sony today has unveiled the new (updated) A-Series Walkman at IFA 2016 today. Sadly there was no separate press release (I have added the Asia Pacific Press Release at the end of the post) for the new A-Series since Sony seemed to want to focus more on the high end WM1 model.
UPDATE: While not 100% confirmed, there is a rumour that the A30 will not ship in Europe until early 2017. If anyone has any information regarding availability of the new A30 in Europe, please contact me or leave a comment below.
It appears Sony has finally decided to upgrade the design, opting to increase the screen size to 3.1 inch (800x480) and adding touchscreen capability. The new touchscreen introduces an updated UI finally but little information can be found on this topic currently. But like its predecessors, the new A30 keeps the tradition of physical controls alive. The right side of the unit features the On/Off switch, volume keys, play/pause, FF/FW and the hold buttons. The new A-Series like the A20 is High-Resolution Audio compatible and features a S-Master HX amp and DSEE HX. Micro-sd card remains but has been moved to the left side of the unit. Dimensions have also changed, 55.9 x 97.5 x 10.9 mm and 98g, making the new A30 less taller, more wider, slightly thicker and 32 grams heavier. A small gallery of photos and 2 videos from Sony can be found at the end of the post.
The new A30 will ship in 5 different colours, Lime Yellow, Viridian Blue, Charcoal Black, Bordeaux Pink, and Cinnabar Red. The colours are similar to the previous A-Series in order to maintain a similar sense of colours with the h.ear on line of products. Noise cancellation remains onboard but only the 32GB model will ship with NC headphones, whereas the 16GB will be without any headphones in the box.
DSD Playback
In addition to the wide range of supported file types, Sony has added support for the DSD format. This format is able to provide much higher audio than the other formats, and even PCM according to some. While I doubt I will ever use DSD, I am sure there are audiophiles out there that have the format on their computers and would love to use it on their portable media players, such as the new A-Series.
The standard enhancement features remain, 6 band EQ, ClearAudio+, Clear Phase, Dynamic Normalizer, DC Phase Linearizer and VPT. Bluetooth streaming supports LDAC and I would imagine aptX as well since the previous A-Series also supported it. Battery life is rated at 45 hours for 128 kbps MP3, with high resolution playback at 30 hours (NC off) and 27 hours (NC on). DSD playback is 25 hours (NC off) and 22 hours (NC on). It seems the extra weight went into battery but it still falls short of the 50 hours of playback of the A20.
Pricing has not been announced but I imagine it will be more expensive than the current A-Series, but it also depends which model one buys and if it will ship with or without headphones. Of course no every region will get each model, Sony Asia so far only features the 16 and 32GB model. Sadly the device is not present on the Sony US site or any European Sony sites. So perhaps Sony Europe is still contemplating which model will be sold. Hopefully this happens soon as the expected on sale date for the A30 is October 2016.
Asia Pacific Press Release
Getting The High-Resolution Fashion Look Right
Sony lets you enjoy your music in style with high-resolution fashion at IFA this year thanks to the debut of theWalkman® NW-A30 Series. Emphasising on fashion and individuality, the new Walkman® NW-A30 has an evocative and vivid design that is easy to relate to, making sure that it is a perfect match for anyone’s lifestyle. Couple that with immaculate audio clarity, intuitive user interface, and quality wireless playback, you’ll always be at the heart of the music you love with new Walkman® NW-A30.
The new Walkman® NW-A30 offers breathtaking audio on the move with a combination of premium audio technologies to ensure incredible quality for all your tracks, including support for DSD formats1. It is equipped with five POSCAP™2 capacitors that strengthen the power supply for the S-Master HX™ digital amplifier, cutting distortion and noise across a wide range of frequencies. Furthermore, the new Walkman® NW-A30 has two clock oscillators that are switched to provide optimal modulation for the sampling frequencies of each content increasing the clarity of each sound and improving the sense of stereo, so that you can hear every breath, every drumbeat, every note.
Conveniently portable, the new Walkman® NW-A30 is compact and weighs just 98g. It is also Bluetooth® and NFC-enabled so you can connect wireless to your speakers or headphones – free from the restraints of cables. The Walkman® NW-A30 is also optimised with an extended battery of up to 45 hours (MP3) or 30 hours (Hi-Res Audio) from a single charge, so that you can enjoy long hours of music in style just about anywhere you go.
Featuring an improved 3.1-inch touch-screen and intuitive user interface with side keys for convenient control, the Walkman® NW-A30 excels at usability. It is available in 16GB (A35) or 32GB (A36HN) built-in memory that is expandable with a microSD card to store large music libraries. It is best paired with the supplied Hi-Res Audio Digital Noise Cancelling in-ear headphones (A36HN only) for reduced ambient noise.
The new Walkman® NW-A30 will be available in selected Asia Pacific countries from September 2016 in five eye-catching colours: Viridian Blue, Cinnabar Red, Charcoal Black, Lime Yellow, and Bordeaux Pink – the perfect match for the h.ear series headphones.
The iconic Walkman® is revamped for ultimate sound quality with the flagship WM1 series, including NW-WM1Z and NW-WM1A. A superb listening experience is possible with these digital music players that can handle any music file from the High Resolution Audio end of the scale to low quality mp3. Also, thanks to new DSEE HX™ it has five modes that you can select based on the type of music you are listening to; Standard, Female Vocal, Male Vocal, Percussion or Strings. This technology means it can carefully upscale lower bit rate files to near High Resolution Audio quality. The new Walkman®’s can deliver music with purity, precision and a natural acoustic balance.
Design is key while pursuing high quality sound, the WM1Z has a gold plated oxygen free copper chassis showcasing Sony’s excellence in engineering. And each component is sourced with meticulous attention to detail.
With its own easy to use menu this music player has a variety of modes to bring out the best in your music. The optimized audio line and clock control are just a few more of the star features for laidback listening. While the cable used inside the WM1Z is four wire braided cable engineered with KIMBER KABLE® used as the wiring material from the amp to the headphone jack. This achieves the richly expressive and refined audio quality.
This iconic product also has the much needed wireless features of Bluetooth®, LDAC™ so you can play your audio files from multiple sources.
A newly developed FT CAP（High polymer capacitor）has been built into the power supply of the amp section. Expansive transparency of vocals and instruments has been improved to achieve sharp, powerful bass notes.
For those who prefer a sleek and aluminium finish on the chassis there is also the NW-WM1A that gives low chassis resistance for clear and powerful bass notes. With its special oxygen-free copper cable used as the wiring material from the amp to the headphone jack for a powerful sound quality.
Personalised features never seen before including; Personal NC Optimizer, Quick Attention andAmbient Sound Mode
High-Resolution Audio for better than ever sound
Today Sony launches the MDR-1000X, industry-leading noise cancelling headphones. With flagship noise cancelling performance this pair of premium headphones offers the most responsive cancellation of ambient sound frequency range on the market.
Extending the range of wireless and noise cancelling headphones already available from Sony, the 1000X is the first to let you own your listening experience by tailoring the noise cancelling features to your ears with a ‘Personal NC Optimizer’ function. And showcases for the first time ‘Quick Attention’ mode that lets you place the palm of your hand to the outside of the headphone ear cup to have a conversation with someone, without taking the headset off. These unique listening experiences are brought to you by newly developed SENSE ENGINE™.
SENSE ENGINE is a new technology from Sony that integrates unique audio signal processing and analysing techniques. This technology provides a superior listening experience for every single sound, including music and ambient sound to each user's taste.
These are also the first headphones with the DSEE HX™ built in to upscale compressed music from any source to near High-Resolution Audio sound quality, even in wireless.
The best of the best
The 1000X stand out from the crowd. A number of advancements have been put into these headphones to make them Industry-leading, such as the signal processing to pursue the best noise cancelling performance with upgraded filtering process, optimized dual noise sensor technology and newly developed ear pads.
Outstanding performance is guaranteed with the ‘Personal NC Optimizer’, analysing the shape of your head and how you wear the headphones, ensuring a tailor made experience every time you listen to your favourite track or latest movie.
Hi-Resolution Audio is the chosen file format to listen to your music in the way the artist truly intended and the 1000X headphones brings the best sound right to your ears. Sony DSEE HX upscaling also means that non High-Resolution Audio files are as near to this standard as they can possibly be.
Hassle free travel
The ‘Quick Attention’ mode means that you’ll never miss a word spoken to you when wearing these headphones. It’s instantly activated by simply placing your hand on the side of the headphone housing to allow natural sound straight through. This means that you don’t have to remove your headphones to hear what you need of the world outside of what you are listening to. You won’t have to miss the flight attendants drink order on the airplane.
Making the most of noise cancelling, the ‘Ambient Sound Mode’ setting changes the sound condition so that you can enjoy listening to music while catching the ambient sound outside, this lets you stay engrossed yet aware, catching every word being said around you.
Sony has removed the need for a wired connection while ensuring the same great sound quality but without the worry of getting tangled up in wires. Bluetooth technology lets you quickly connect to your phone or music player. Adding to the list of features to make sure you have the highest quality listening experience is LDAC™ and the S-Master HX™.
Smooth listening everywhere
Long days at the office or quiet time at the library are no longer a problem as the 1000X wireless and noise cancelling headphones have a mammoth 20 hour battery life; you can take these headphones with you on a flight to a far flung destination on a single charge.
These headphones have been designed with the style conscious traveller in mind, they are as good to wear as they are to look at. With swivel and folding structure, they can quickly be stowed away in your bag ready to jet off to your next destination.
Available in two colours, black or grey beige, the headphones come with their own durable leather case.
MDR-1000X is priced at £330 (~470 USD) and will be available from October.
