[Variation00]

Yes i have one. I use it for convenience as most of my IEMs and headphones are 4.4 terminated. Makes no sound difference.

Thanks for replying been trying to figure it out, I seen not many discussing it.

 

[kosmosent]

If anyone is interested, I measured both the capped and uncapped versions. I found that the difference isn't as big as people are making it out to be (about 9% with the IER-M7 that I used). Linked below

https://www.reddit.com/r/walkman/comments/17elvb3/nwa300_series_uncapped_vs_capped_version/

 

[Daniel Johnston]

If anyone is interested, I measured both the capped and uncapped versions. I found that the difference isn't as big as people are making it out to be (about 9% with the IER-M7 that I used). Linked below

https://www.reddit.com/r/walkman/comments/17elvb3/nwa300_series_uncapped_vs_capped_version/

I agree that the US A306 is powerful enough. However, you measured almost 9db difference between max volume of the JP and US version. That's almost subjectively 2x louder for the JP version.

 

[cfc7]

Has anyone tried the balanced 3.5mm cable on the NWA-306?
Do you think it worth it and does it makes a big difference?

I'm using only the balanced cable and there is a difference but not quite a big one, just a slightly better sound.

 

[Daniel Johnston]

I'm using only the balanced cable and there is a difference but not quite a big one, just a slightly better sound.

The balanced cable is literally just an adapter for 4.4 Pentaconn to the 3.5mm output of the A306. It’s not like other DAPs that have multifunctional headphone output jacks. You aren’t getting any sonic advantages to the balanced pentaconn adapter.

 

[cfc7]

The balanced cable is literally just an adapter for 4.4 Pentaconn to the 3.5mm output of the A306. It’s not like other DAPs that have multifunctional headphone output jacks. You aren’t getting any sonic advantages to the balanced pentaconn adapter.

I'm using a balanced cable with a 3.5mm 4 pole TRRS plug vs 3.5mm TRS, the regular one.
As I said, I'm just getting a slightly better sound.

 

[cfc7]

I've just tested an A306 (EU model - volume cap) and although the volume was enough for some easy to drive IEMs, the sound was somehow lean and almost lifeless, lacking a lot of dynamics compared to even older models without the volume limitation.

Is it possible that the overall sound to be impacted by the volume cap so much?

 

[rlw6534]

I've just tested an A306 (EU model - volume cap) and although the volume was enough for some easy to drive IEMs, the sound was somehow lean and almost lifeless, lacking a lot of dynamics compared to even older models without the volume limitation.

Is it possible that the overall sound to be impacted by the volume cap so much?

Is it possible that it was on original firmware? The reduced bass issue affected many devices prior to the update.

 

[cfc7]

Is it possible that it was on original firmware? The reduced bass issue affected many devices prior to the update.

No, not the original firmware but the problem was not only with the bass.

 

[psikey]

No, not the original firmware but the problem was not only with the bass.

With earlier capped Sony's such as ZX2, ZX300 there was a drop in overall audio fidelity to me, but had both capped and uncapped player with latest ones and only really notice limited volume, not change in SQ.

 

[rowoad]

As many of you, I have a few pairs of IEMs that I regularly switch with my 306. Each of them needs a different EQ and I never remeber which one I used from the custom EQ ("Custom EQ 1" and "Custom EQ 2"). Would it be possible to manually rename the custom EQs from the DAP? I had a look at the files when plugging the DAP to a computer but could not locate the file. Many thanks in advance.

 

[Clavier]

With earlier capped Sony's such as ZX2, ZX300 there was a drop in overall audio fidelity to me, but had both capped and uncapped player with latest ones and only really notice limited volume, not change in SQ.

Same here, had the capped EU version of the 306, now an uncapped from Japan (and had both for a while to compare them directly). No difference in SQ. Also no changes when updating firmware (both devices). No bass issues either. Wired and LDAC. Only capped or uncapped volume (wired). Btw, the uncapped remembers the last volume setting, while the (or only my) capped one always started at 50 after booting.

 

[starter15]

I was wondering if anyone might know what's happening with the screen on my Japanese A306. I turned it on today and faint grey lines appear in the bottom half of the screen. If I turn the screen off and then turn it back on the grey part fades in slowly and then persists. Restarting/power off and on doesn't fix it. Came out of now where.

 

[frapos]

I was wondering if anyone might know what's happening with the screen on my Japanese A306. I turned it on today and faint grey lines appear in the bottom half of the screen. If I turn the screen off and then turn it back on the grey part fades in slowly and then persists. Restarting/power off and on doesn't fix it. Came out of now where.

that looks like the flex cable is not connected correctly. assuming you haven't opened it/dropped it a lot, I would contact the seller. In my experience repairing and assembling its a quick fix but better to use the warranty

 

[starter15]

that looks like the flex cable is not connected correctly. assuming you haven't opened it/dropped it a lot, I would contact the seller. In my experience repairing and assembling its a quick fix but better to use the warranty

I purchased it through eBay from a seller in Japan and I live in Canada. I'm assuming there's no warranty in this case?