Sony NW-A306
Entry-level Hi-Res DAP with Android OS, but limited scientific audio advantages and inferior cost-performance compared to competitors.
Overview
The Sony NW-A306 is an entry-level digital audio player from the A300 series released in 2023. It features 32GB internal storage with microSD slot expansion and Android OS support for extensive app compatibility. The device incorporates Sony’s S-Master HX chip with DSD 256 (11.2MHz) support and high-quality Bluetooth codecs including LDAC and aptX HD. The compact form factor (56.5×98.4×11.8mm, 113g) houses a 3.6-inch touchscreen and achieves up to 36 hours of battery life.
Scientific Validity
\[\Large \text{0.4}\]Objective measurement data is insufficient, with no detailed performance evaluations conducted by authoritative measurement institutions like Audio Science Review. ASR forum reports indicate “volume limitation and frequency response issues confirmed across multiple units,” raising quality control concerns.
Technology Level
\[\Large \text{0.5}\]The combination of Qualcomm QCS2290 processor (4×ARM Cortex-A53) and S-Master HX chip represents industry-standard configuration. Android OS implementation enables extensive app support, but audio-specific optimization remains limited. The DSEE Ultimate upscaling function is included, however adding information beyond the original source is physically impossible, suggesting a marketing-oriented feature. LDAC and aptX HD support are commendable but represent implementation of existing technologies. No proprietary technological innovations or industry-leading measurement performance are confirmed, indicating average technical level.
Cost-Performance
\[\Large \text{0.8}\]Against the current Japanese market price of 240 USD, the equivalent-featured HiBy M300 is available for 199 USD (approximately 193 USD). The HiBy M300 similarly features Android OS, LDAC support, DSD 256 compatibility, microSD slot, and achieves superior measurement specifications (THD+N 0.0001%, SNR 120dB).
Reliability & Support
\[\Large \text{0.4}\]While Sony brand support infrastructure is established, serious quality control issues affect the product itself. ASR forum reports confirm volume limitation and frequency response abnormalities across multiple units, with the “A300 series release evaluated as chaotic.”
Rationality of Design Philosophy
\[\Large \text{0.5}\]The direction toward enhanced versatility through Android OS implementation is understandable, but the rationale for existing as a dedicated DAP is limited when superior measurement performance competitors exist at similar price points. Clear audio quality advantages over smartphone + high-performance external DAC combinations are not demonstrated. While proprietary technologies like S-Master HX chip and DSEE Ultimate are incorporated, objective performance improvement effects remain unproven, creating a marketing-heavy impression. Including quality control issues, this cannot be considered rational design.
Advice
Careful consideration is recommended for prospective buyers. Multiple superior options exist at similar price points, particularly the HiBy M300 and Hidizs AP80 Pro-X, which achieve better measurement performance and quality control. Reasons to choose the NW-A306 would be limited to strong Sony brand preference or prioritizing Walkman app user experience. However, confirm that individual units are free from volume limitation or frequency response issues before purchase. More rational choices include purchasing the HiBy M300 within the same budget or considering smartphone + high-performance external DAC combinations. For high-quality audio, select products with published measurement data and guaranteed quality.
(2025.8.4)