[supersonic395]

I just received my US spec A306 today. I can confirm that the volume level is about 20-25 steps softer than my A105. Normal listening for me on the A105 is around 60 with my XBA-N3. With the A306 I am around 80-85 for a similar volume level. Not scientific of course, just by ear.

Note that it really isn't a problem with my IEMs as the volume does go to 120 which is still too loud for me. But, I don't like the imposed limit.

Can you test if you can use it as a transport and output to an external (Schiit) DAC please? How's the battery life vs the A55,?

 

[rlw6534]

Can you test if you can use it as a transport and output to an external (Schiit) DAC please? How's the battery life vs the A55,?

Yes, it works as a USB transport to my iFi Gryphon. I've only had it for a couple of hours... battery is at 93% now with maybe 30 minutes play time after initial charge. High-res streaming is on and I'm listening to Amazon Music at the moment.

 

[supersonic395]

Yes, it works as a USB transport to my iFi Gryphon. I've only had it for a couple of hours... battery is at 93% now with maybe 30 minutes play time after initial charge.

Thank you, sounds promising!!

Also for those importing from Japan, is this available on Amazon Japan? I can't find it. Secondly does the JPN version have English language setting?

 

[rlw6534]

Thank you, sounds promising!!

Also for those importing from Japan, is this available on Amazon Japan? I can't find it. Secondly does the JPN version have English language setting?

Change to a Japanese address and you can find it. Currently out of stock on A306, but A307 is available. Yes, Japanese versions have English language settings. My A105 is a Japanese import and it's never been a problem.

I'm still trying to decide whether to send my US version back. The volume level is perfectly adequate for my use case.

 

[goody]

I just received my US spec A306 today. I can confirm that the volume level is about 20-25 steps softer than my A105. Normal listening for me on the A105 is around 60 with my XBA-N3. With the A306 I am around 80-85 for a similar volume level. Not scientific of course, just by ear.

Note that it really isn't a problem with my IEMs as the volume does go to 120 which is still too loud for me. But, I don't like the imposed limit.

Damn they got the US too with the dreaded volume limit they must be using the same SKU as the euro version .. getting a japanese anyway ....Any difference in sound with A105?

 

[rlw6534]

Damn they got the US too with the dreaded volume limit they must be using the same SKU as the euro version .. getting a japanese anyway ....Any difference in sound with A105?

Not that I can tell. Running in Direct mode, BTW. I don’t normally use the sound adjustments, so maybe something is different there. Definitely runs faster and battery life is noticeably better.

 

[goody]

Thanks for that will be ordering soon

 

[vas-tomsk]

I just received my US spec A306 today.

Is there CUE support? If so, is this support automatic or manual?

 

[RaeCarruth]

Which one of you kind fellas is going to do a review of the NW-A300 series first?

 

[alwass89]

I ordered my A306 from Sony USA on Jan 26. Yesterday the 28th it was out for delivery, but it never came, now the delivery date is showing as Pending. I hope it comes soon.

 

[Legato2057]

Besides the physical changes to the case and better battery life, there doesn’t seem to be much difference between the a100 series and the a300 series.

Is there something I am missing? The ZX707 seems like a real upgrade to the ZX507, but the a300 doesn seem to be that significant compared to the a100.

 

[psikey]

Besides the physical changes to the case and better battery life, there doesn’t seem to be much difference between the a100 series and the a300 series.

Is there something I am missing? The ZX707 seems like a real upgrade to the ZX507, but the a300 doesn seem to be that significant compared to the a100.

OS 12, faster CPU/GPU, Battery life (~10hrs more), latest Sony Audio DSP stuff. That gold content solder. No idea on other components.

DSEE Ultimate (vs HX) (newer version) USB 3 and faster charging over A100 series.

 

[lowrider007]

A well implemented 3.5 can sound equally as good as 4.4. Balanced obviously does give more power if you need it.

How does 4.4 give you more power? surely that is down to the topology of the amp, most amps today that have a 3.5 and 4.4 will have more power coming out of the 4.4, but that is a design choice, personally I'd much prefer a single ended output with higher mW, makes my life a lot easier and saves me money.

 

[psikey]

How does 4.4 give you more power? surely that is down to the topology of the amp, most amps today that have a 3.5 and 4.4 will have more power coming out of the 4.4, but that is a design choice, personally I'd much prefer a single ended output with higher mW, makes my life a lot easier and saves me money.

On WM1AM2 3.5mm is rated at 50mW while 4.4mm balanced at 250mW if I recall.

Maybe on other DAP's not a difference.

 

[mt877]

I ordered my A306 from Sony USA on Jan 26. Yesterday the 28th it was out for delivery, but it never came, now the delivery date is showing as Pending. I hope it comes soon.

I hope the delivery delay is caused by Sony's sudden 'discovery' that they bungled the output power for North America units (A306 and ZX707) and they are on the path to correcting their mistake. Hopefully you'll receive a unit with 35mW per channel output instead of the crippled 1.1mW output. Fingers crossed Sony is fixing their debacle.