General Information
”Sony improves last year’s Award-winning budget Walkman”. ’What Hi-Fi?’ 2020 award-winner.
High Resolution sound – the reference standard music replay
The highest quality sound, pure and simple, High Resolution Audio takes music to the next level. The difference between Hi-Res music and typical MP3/AAC compressed music files is immense. Hi-Res music even sounds better than CD, giving a smoother yet at the same time more detailed sound.
MQA playback
Compatible with Meridian's MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) technology, the Sony NW-A55L delivers Hi-Res audio to studio standards. Although studio master quality, the beauty of MQA is that files are small enough to easily stream and don't take up so much storage space. A wide range of High Resolution files are supported, including DSD, FLAC and WAV.
S-Master HX low distortion amp
Unlike smartphones, the Sony NW-A55L features a built-in amp that’s optimised purely for High-Resolution Audio. Designed and made with incredible attention to detail, even the solder has been refined to maximise clarity. High precision components mean you’ll hear more of the music, more of the time.
Enhanced sound from compressed music files with DSEE HX
DSEE HX (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) up-scales compressed digital music files to a level that's close to CD quality. Working with MP3, ACC, ATRAC and WMA files, DSEE HX restores high-level information previously lost in the compression process. The result is a more detailed, fluid and natural sound quality that's much closer to the original recording.
Get more from your smartphone, with Bluetooth Receiver Mode
Connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth and stream the audio to the NW-A55L. You can then enjoy a sonic boost from all the music playing from your smartphone – with enhanced sound from DSEE HX upscaling in play.
Upgrade your computer audio with USB DAC function
The High Resolution DAC (Digital to Analogue Convertor) and associated hardware fitted to the Sony is much higher quality than the one fitted to most computer soundcards. Upgrade the sound from your PC or Mac by simply connecting the NW-A55L via USB (cable supplied). All the music stored on or streamed from your laptop, PC or Mac gets an instant upgrade.
Top quality Bluetooth with LDAC
Connect up to your headphones or speaker system with Bluetooth, for a wireless connection. Using Sony’s LDAC technology the sound quality via Bluetooth is greatly enhanced. Transferring approximately three times more data than conventional Bluetooth, music has much more depth and body than usual.
16GB internal memory with support for much more via microSD card
To get you going, the Sony NWA55L has 16GB of built-in memory. Add an optional microSD card and the storage space increases hugely. A popular and cost effective 128GB card is enough for around 1250 High Resolution Audio files (24bit/96kHz, 4 minutes-long, 90MB). If this isn’t enough, the Sony supports microSD cards right up to a potential 2TB (note, 1TB cards are currently the highest capacity, commercially available).
Listen for longer with this dedicated player
With a battery life of up to 45 hours, the Sony NW-A55L easily outlasts most smartphones. At just 97 x 56 x 11 mm (H x W x D) in size and 99 grammes in weight, it’s also a lot lighter and more compact.
Robust construction – rigid, milled aluminium frame
Featuring a premium, milled aluminium frame, the NW-A55L is a robust portable. The strong frame also provides superior rigidity for reduced distortion. Other high quality construction elements include the circuit board with gold-plated connections for lower resistance and a powerful bass.
Choice of listening modes, including Vinyl Processor
For sound personalisation, the NW-A55L offers a choice of equaliser presets and custom levels. It also features a Vinyl Processor. This creates a warm, characterful sound that’s typical of analogue playback.
Enjoy Hi-Res music at its very best and give your other music sources a boost to boot, with the Sony NW-A55L.
High Resolution sound – the reference standard music replay
The highest quality sound, pure and simple, High Resolution Audio takes music to the next level. The difference between Hi-Res music and typical MP3/AAC compressed music files is immense. Hi-Res music even sounds better than CD, giving a smoother yet at the same time more detailed sound.
MQA playback
Compatible with Meridian's MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) technology, the Sony NW-A55L delivers Hi-Res audio to studio standards. Although studio master quality, the beauty of MQA is that files are small enough to easily stream and don't take up so much storage space. A wide range of High Resolution files are supported, including DSD, FLAC and WAV.
S-Master HX low distortion amp
Unlike smartphones, the Sony NW-A55L features a built-in amp that’s optimised purely for High-Resolution Audio. Designed and made with incredible attention to detail, even the solder has been refined to maximise clarity. High precision components mean you’ll hear more of the music, more of the time.
Enhanced sound from compressed music files with DSEE HX
DSEE HX (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) up-scales compressed digital music files to a level that's close to CD quality. Working with MP3, ACC, ATRAC and WMA files, DSEE HX restores high-level information previously lost in the compression process. The result is a more detailed, fluid and natural sound quality that's much closer to the original recording.
Get more from your smartphone, with Bluetooth Receiver Mode
Connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth and stream the audio to the NW-A55L. You can then enjoy a sonic boost from all the music playing from your smartphone – with enhanced sound from DSEE HX upscaling in play.
Upgrade your computer audio with USB DAC function
The High Resolution DAC (Digital to Analogue Convertor) and associated hardware fitted to the Sony is much higher quality than the one fitted to most computer soundcards. Upgrade the sound from your PC or Mac by simply connecting the NW-A55L via USB (cable supplied). All the music stored on or streamed from your laptop, PC or Mac gets an instant upgrade.
Top quality Bluetooth with LDAC
Connect up to your headphones or speaker system with Bluetooth, for a wireless connection. Using Sony’s LDAC technology the sound quality via Bluetooth is greatly enhanced. Transferring approximately three times more data than conventional Bluetooth, music has much more depth and body than usual.
16GB internal memory with support for much more via microSD card
To get you going, the Sony NWA55L has 16GB of built-in memory. Add an optional microSD card and the storage space increases hugely. A popular and cost effective 128GB card is enough for around 1250 High Resolution Audio files (24bit/96kHz, 4 minutes-long, 90MB). If this isn’t enough, the Sony supports microSD cards right up to a potential 2TB (note, 1TB cards are currently the highest capacity, commercially available).
Listen for longer with this dedicated player
With a battery life of up to 45 hours, the Sony NW-A55L easily outlasts most smartphones. At just 97 x 56 x 11 mm (H x W x D) in size and 99 grammes in weight, it’s also a lot lighter and more compact.
Robust construction – rigid, milled aluminium frame
Featuring a premium, milled aluminium frame, the NW-A55L is a robust portable. The strong frame also provides superior rigidity for reduced distortion. Other high quality construction elements include the circuit board with gold-plated connections for lower resistance and a powerful bass.
Choice of listening modes, including Vinyl Processor
For sound personalisation, the NW-A55L offers a choice of equaliser presets and custom levels. It also features a Vinyl Processor. This creates a warm, characterful sound that’s typical of analogue playback.
Enjoy Hi-Res music at its very best and give your other music sources a boost to boot, with the Sony NW-A55L.