Very helpful insights--thanks!

Eh?? Really??? I'd love it if it were so! Recent Sony offerings (e.g. the A105) couldn't manage gapless via Sony's default app. True gapless playback has become rare in recent years. Even some new CD players no longer recognize gapless playback, despite the fact that such functionality has long...

I don't know about others here, but a third-party app would be crucial for me, as the Sony app doesn't offer gapless playback, nor does it appear to recognize CUE files.* *Perhaps some kind soul here would be good enough to test CUE functionality with formats like WAV and MP3? (Reportedly, it's...

What effect do these apps have on the A306's battery duration and volume level?

You're in the UK; is your unit volume-capped?

Yes, let's hope there's a resolution! What about WAV files or MP3s--would you mind giving them a try?

It's a major question for me as well. As I recall, a few contributors here were planning to test the CUE functionality in different ways. (You probably saw their posts.) I wonder what came of their intentions?

Unfortunately, the NW-A306 has still got at least one other major defect: wifi-related interference. With wifi enabled, some users--including several on this thread--are reporting audible noise occurring on the left channels of some IEMs and headphones. And, before you ask: unlike the low-bass...

Perhaps an escalation is in order? It's rather easy to find the contact information for certain Sony executives, including the e-mail address for the CEO of Sony Japan.

psikey, thanks for the tip. You may be right; however, please keep in mind that both the ZXZ707 and the A105 are easy to find. It appears that only the A306 is invisible. The A306 is also listed as sold out, not only on Amazon Japan but on several major sites in the U.S. Supply shortages could...

It's interesting to note that the NW-A306 isn't currently listed on Amazon Japan--at least, not by default. Google is more revealing, indicating that Amazon Japan recently marked the A306 as not in stock. It's a similar situation with Amazon U.S.: the A306 is invisible. Indeed, although Sony...

Many thanks, @rlw6534! Let's hope they have access to units that are problematic. It would be of little use if all of their Walkmans are working properly.

@ductue89 - Thanks for your posts. I wonder if the shop owner tried to contact Sony directly, or whether he simply reached out to customer support. Apparently, Sony’s support system is run by a third party—Sony itself isn’t directly involved. Regardless, it’s not surprising that the shop owner...

It doesn't answer your question, but there is a post on Reddit saying that a shop in Vietnam reported the issue to Sony.

Here's the full thread; the "Netherlands" comment is among the earlier responses.

There’s a new post on Reddit that a buyer from the Netherlands is encountering the issue. As I recall, there are other such posts from Europe.

No, but I'm only familiar with Amazon Japan. I'll keep an eye on it.

The uncapped Sony doesn't drive them properly? Isn't the Meze 99 considered easy to drive?

Yes, the audio performance issue certainly seems widespread; I’m seeing complaints on Reddit and elsewhere.

I've just sent PMs to two people connected with Sony, although one of them hasn't been active on Head-Fi for over a year. We'll see. . . .

I found a site that apparently lists the contact info for several Sony executives, including the e-mail address for the CEO of Sony Japan. Perhaps it could be worthwhile to reach out to one or more of the executives; however, it's surely important to consider such options carefully.

Don't forget the issue of the volume cap on units sold outside of the EU and UK. Is there confirmation that it was intentional? It wouldn't be surprising if the cap was also a mistake.

Ascariss, administrator of The Walkman Blog, has stated explicitly that the A306's battery is soldered. Trust me, I'd love to get the Lotoo PAW 6000, but my dexterity and coordination are limited, and the 6000 would likely prove too awkward. Frustrating as it is, the Sony appears to be my only...

emilsoft, I don't blame you--his post was arrogant and ignorant. Still, the site itself can be invaluable: it's apparently one of the only English-language websites that offers objective measurements of audio gear. Thank you for own invaluable contributions to this forum.

Previously, MusicTeck has offered significant discounts on the PAW 6000 starting from Thanksgiving (U.S.). You'll want to subscribe to their newsletter.