Sony walkman sports headphones. Waterproof MP3 player Sony Walkman NWZ-WS613 for active athletes
: Android 4.1
- Frequency range: 3 Hz – 40 KHz
- Impedance:≈ 40Ω @ 1 KHz
- Sensitivity: 107 dB/mW
- Emitters: dynamic, 16 mm, two reinforcement
- Cable: replaceable, 1.2 m, standard and with headset included, Litz, oxygen-free copper
- Cable Connectors: MMCX
- Weight: 10 g
Design
Sony's player turned out to be a feast for the eyes; the hand of the company's designers is immediately felt. Silver aluminum, black screen glass, back panel with a leather-like coating, everything gives the impression of an expensive and stylish product. Everything has been thought out, including the click when pressing the side buttons. The designers even took care of balancing the weight of the player, which allows you to comfortably hold the ZX1 with one hand. 
On the right panel there are buttons for controlling playback, volume and power. At the bottom there is a WM port and a headphone jack. I don’t know why Sony didn’t use a standard MicroUSB connector, but large companies have their own special vision of design. This same vision, apparently, made the 3.5 mm jack so strange. On the rear panel there is a speaker stylized as a Walkman logo; its volume is average; it is not suitable for those who like to listen to music on the street (although those who like to listen to music through a speaker on the street can buy the ZX1 only by selling a kidney).
The player's screen does not reach the top solutions used in modern smartphones, but for a player it is more than good. Viewing angles are normal, color rendition is pleasing. Persons prone to masochism can watch movies on the player screen without any problems. 
With headphones, ergonomics are much worse. Sony didn't come up with anything better than placing the dynamic emitter vertically, perpendicular to the plane of the ears. This has led to the fact that the headphones protrude very far to the sides; wearing them, for example, with a hat is unrealistic. The headphones are intended to be used only with the wire oriented behind the ear; due to their size and weight, wearing them with the wire down is not very possible. The wires near the connector have areas with a memory effect; they can be used to form earhooks, this helps to properly seat the headphones. I immediately advise you to use the included eartips with foam filling inside (Sony Hybrids), they improve the fixation of the headphones in your ears and provide reliable isolation of the channel, which is necessary for the bass to remain punchy and clear.
Despite the first impression, if you get used to it, wearing the Sony XBA-H3 is quite easy, since the entire earphone is located outside, and only the sound guide needs to be placed in the ears; these hybrids are suitable for almost any ears. The correct selection of attachments allows you to wear them indefinitely. 
The well-thought-out design of the flat cable makes it very convenient: it gets tangled very little, and the microphone effect is almost absent. The connectors are reliable and hold the cable well.
Sound insulation is at an average level.
Sound
The following headphones were used to listen to the player:
The first thing that can be said is that with the ZX1 you should immediately forget about almost any tight on-ear headphones; it simply does not have enough power to fully open even medium-tight models. Moreover, the volume usually remains even with a reserve, detailing and especially bass control are subject to degradation.
The situation improves greatly when using sensitive IEMs. The player demonstrates good resolution and microdynamics. The sound is quite smooth and neutral. The main key to obtaining maximum sound quality is to turn off all the built-in “improvers”; instructions on how to do this are available on the Internet; any attempt to use all these CLEAR STEREO and other DYNAMIC NORMALIZER leads to a noticeable deterioration in the sound. 
There is enough bass in quantity, it is well controlled, and, although it is inferior to top-end players in terms of attack speed, it will still satisfy most listeners. The mids are clean, there is no artificiality, and the separation of instruments is at a good level. The high frequencies are a little simplified, but are presented without intrusiveness, which leads to a pleasant, non-tiring sound of the player.
The following equipment was used for listening:
- as a DAC and headphone amplifier
- Apple MacBook Pro Retina 2013 as a source
- Audirvana Plus 2.0.2 as a player
- and as portable players
- VSonic Gr01 and HiFiMan Re600 as headphones for comparison
- High-resolution recordings in Lossless formats (Dr. Chesky The Ultimate Headphone Demonstration Disc and others)
Despite the ergonomic problems, the Sony hybrids were a success in terms of sound. Reading about the 16 mm driver, I expected incredible infernal bass from them, but in this case I was pleasantly deceived. The H3 does not have the V-shaped frequency response typical of other hybrids with a rise in low and high frequencies; the engineers who tuned the crossover did their best. 
The bass is slightly raised relative to the midrange, but not much. In general, the frequency response of these hybrids surprises with its evenness. Despite this, the dynamic driver does exactly what is expected of it - it plays out the bass, giving it amazing density and depth. The bass is simply felt physically, giving exactly the effect for which hybrid headphones are loved. 
Mids are smooth and very detailed. Even with the most top-end sources, the XBA-H3 is able to convey the maximum information included in the recording. 
The high frequencies are also very good, they are enough to convey the smallest nuances of music, but thanks to successful tuning, there is no harshness and fatigue, even on low-level sources. 
Of course, I can't help but say a little about the combination of the NWZ-ZX1 with the XBA-H3. They play well together (it would be surprising if Sony did it differently), giving a very unusual sound. I would call it festive, somewhat reminiscent of the signature sound of Audio-Technica headphones. The pairing seems to show you: here are very deep low frequencies, going almost into the infrabass, and here is an interesting solo on an acoustic guitar, there is a violin, the sound of which dissolves in space. This sound is discouraging at first, sometimes the music gets lost behind all sorts of “interesting things,” so this combination will either immediately appeal to you, or will make you want to change something. It certainly won’t leave anyone indifferent, but I wouldn’t recommend taking it without listening.
Compatibility
I already wrote above about the player’s compatibility with different headphones, so I won’t repeat it. 
As for the XBA-H3, I can only mentally take off my hat to the Sony engineers. The headphones turned out to be surprisingly versatile and not capricious. It is quite possible to listen to them not only with simple players, but also with smartphones (with the exception, perhaps, of the cheapest ones), and the headphones also do not give up with top sources.
Conclusions
NWZ-ZX1 remained a little unclear for me. I don't quite understand his target audience. For ordinary music lovers it is too expensive, for spoiled audiophiles its sound is too simple; for comparable money you can buy a player that sounds noticeably better (although, of course, it looks much worse). Fans of the Sony brand, of course, have already endowed it with incredible sound in their reviews, comparable to the best examples of audio equipment, but this is not so. The sound of the ZX1 is, of course, good, but it doesn’t reach “excellent”. If the player cost around $400 it would be a very good deal, but at $680 it's not very competitive. Sony recently announced new, more budget models with support for high-resolution audio, I think they will be more interesting in terms of price/quality ratio. 
XBA-H3, in turn, was a success for the company. More linear than most hybrids, the frequency response makes them genre-independent, while the punchy bass and excellent resolution across the entire range show why hybrid technology was chosen. Despite the controversial ergonomics, the headphones are very, very good, and the upcoming price reduction makes them a very interesting purchase.
Sony NWZ Headphones is a series of the best sports models that allow you to enjoy any kind of active pastime, including swimming. This review contains the most complete information about each device, including both advantages and disadvantages. Choose wisely by comparing the main parameters, features and sound quality.
Models presented:
Sony NWZ-WS613
Headphones Sony NWZ-WS613 - this model is created specifically for those who prefer active pastime. You won’t have to remove the device either in the pool, or in the gym, or during cardio training – and this is its main advantage.
This model is a great combination wireless headphones and player - the buyer receives maximum benefits. The memory capacity is 4 GB, which is enough to download your favorite songs for the upcoming workout. The device is equipped with a microphone so you can talk directly during your workout.
This model is intended for sports - the sound quality is appropriate. Bright bass, but still the main emphasis is on the mid frequencies. There are no hums or sharp sounds - the sound is neutral. But it is ideal for training - during active exercises, it is still impossible to enjoy the detailed sound.
- The remote control is made in the form of a ring - best solution for comfortable control;
- Extended time battery life 6-8 hours, fast charging function provided;
- NFC area – provides quick connection of smartphones and tablets;
- To ensure a good fit of the headphones, you just need to choose the appropriate ear pads - the kit includes a sufficient number of attachments;
- Excellent sound insulation - it will be useful for those who want to drown out the sounds in the gym.
- The control buttons are distributed on both ear cups, which is not always convenient;
- Sufficiently tight buttons - this is necessary for effective protection from moisture;
- There is no volume reserve - the headset will upset those who prefer sound at maximum levels.
Sony NWZ-WS615
Sony NWZ-WS615 headphones are an excellent sports model. Heading out for a run or planning to spend a few hours in the pool? Then you should definitely take this model with you, which will delight you with excellent sound quality in any conditions. Moreover, the device is simultaneously a headphone, a headset and a player.
The product is made of a special material that is not subject to mechanical stress - fingerprints or other defects do not appear on the matte surface. The battery life of the device is about 8 hours.
Optimal tonal balance, there are no sharp transitions, high purities sound very clear, the bass is rich, although not deep enough. A surround sound effect is created - a great opportunity to feel like you are at a concert of your favorite performer. Excellent volume range - can be set optimal parameters, completely drowning out surrounding sounds.
- The kit includes a wide selection of attachments, remote control, docking station;
- High level of moisture protection - this is enough for diving to a depth of 2 meters (not suitable for swimming in salt water);
- NFC area – instant connection of any devices;
- The control system is distributed on two sides of the headset, you can use the remote control designed in the form of a ring;
- The functions of the headset are preserved when using the player.
- There are no active connectors - to charge the headphones, you will initially need to pair them with the docking station;
- To configure the equalizer, you will need to install the official application.
Sony Walkman NWZ-W273S
Sony Walkman NWZ-W273S is a multifunctional headphone player designed for sports activities. The device pleases with its original design - a pleasant combination of smooth and rough surfaces. In terms of characteristics, this headphone model is very similar to the Sony NWZ-W274S headphones and has numerous advantages.
A significant advantage of this model is its effective moisture protection, which allows you to use the device for swimming in a pool (the headset can only be used in fresh water). Weight – 29 grams, memory capacity – 4 GB.
Neutral sound – the sound is high-quality, quite spacious, but there are no pronounced frequencies. For a sports model, this option is optimal, especially since a little work with the equalizer allows you to easily adjust the desired values. There is no doubt that this headset will certainly not disappoint.
- Fast charging: just 3 minutes of charging will give the device about an hour of operation. Claimed battery life is 8 hours;
- Comfortable ear hooks and additional elastic provide a comfortable and secure fit for the Sony Walkman NWZ-W273S;
- A lever used to lock the control system.
- Stiff buttons - sometimes it is not possible to press the first time, but this is a necessity related to protection from moisture;
- Non-standard charging connector - you can only use the wire that comes with the kit.
Sony NWZ-W273
Sony NWZ-W273 headphones are a completely waterproof model that is not only protected from sweat, but also allows you to use it for swimming in the pool. Moreover, the creators of the device have done everything possible to ensure maximum battery life and comfort of use.
Buttons for controlling the device are located on both sides - this system is simple and intuitive. The indicator light allows you to monitor the operation of the device. A distinctive feature is the use of metal contacts for connecting to the docking station.
Sony Walkman NWZ-W273 headphones provide excellent sound quality - even higher than expected when purchasing a sports model. Smooth, soft sound becomes the optimal solution - this is exactly what you need so that the music does not tire you or disturb you even during a long workout. This is a universal solution suitable for any musical composition - monitor sound does not lose its relevance. Moreover, the sound detail is excellent.
- The ergonomics of the device are carefully thought out, so that it does not press, does not move and does not interfere with exercise;
- Durable plastic construction – you won’t break the arms even if you accidentally sit on them;
- Good noise insulation - no matter where you are (on an airplane, in the gym, in the subway), when you turn on the player, all surrounding sounds will instantly disappear;
- Extended battery life – 9 hours.
- There is no way to use an equalizer to adjust the desired sound;
- Despite the good fixation, it is better not to dive headfirst with the player - it can simply fly off.
Distinctive features that all Sony NWZ headphones have: moisture protection, excellent quality and excellent sound. Each model is unique in its own way, but all of them are ideal for sports: you can choose Sony NWZ-W273 or Sony NWZ-WS613 - any of the options is guaranteed to please.
Sports players-headphones Sony Walkman series W.S. were presented at the Berlin IFA-2014, and it is very strange that they still have no competitors.
Over the past two years, manufacturers have released hundreds of models onto the market, but for some reason no one has produced decent sports waterproof players. Only from Sony.
I think the Walkman's success lies in three parts:
1. Form factor
NWZ-WS613 are in-ear headphones combined elastic silicone bow, which plays the role of a retainer. The headphones themselves are passed behind the ear. This is the most optimal design for sports.
2. Degree of protection
With the player you can swim in the pool at a depth of up to 2 meters, and the safety margin is enough for rain, splashes, dust, sweat and tears from victories.
3. Sound
I recently reviewed sports headphones with similar mounts, in which I admired the sound of their 12.4 mm speakers. This is a really good size for sports monitors. U Sony size even more drivers - 13.5 mm. And the sound is better. And NWZ-WS613 is 2000 rubles cheaper. I don't understand what the catch is, considering that you can't go into the water with Jabra. Probably, the New Year's price tags have not yet been rearranged.
Sony can play music not only via Bluetooth, but also from internal memory. The 613 has 4 GB on board, the 615 has 16 GB.
Supported music formats and codecs: MP3, WMA, AAC, L-PCM / SBC, AAC, aptX.
Today we’ll talk about rare gadgets—players for sports. Few people feel the need for such devices, but those who really need them do not have much choice. Sony, knowing this, could not have bothered too much and concocted a waterproof player with mediocre characteristics. However, the Sony Walkman W273S turned out to be quite pleasant, although it could have been better. Let's figure it out already.
Equipment
In a small square box you can find the MP3 player itself, a special tape and an unusually shaped charger.
All this is in a special fabric bag that you can take with you to the pool or gym without having to throw the player into your bag.
In addition, the W273S comes with two sets of silicone ear tips of various sizes.
The first ones are intended for using the gadget in everyday, so to speak, land-based life, as well as during swims in the pool. The second ones are created exclusively for swimming. In the inner hole of the latter there is a thin protective film, which prevents moisture from getting inside the speakers.
This baffle may cause the sound volume to be lower than with regular ear pads. Do not forget that our ears differ in the size of the ear canals not only from one person to another, they are also different from each other. In other words, the left ear canal may be slightly larger than the right and vice versa. Didn't you know? Now you will take care of your Walkman by installing the most suitable ear pads in terms of density so that water does not get inside the speakers. The sizes of the inserts in the configuration vary from small (S) to large (LL). In general, Sony's concern for users is visible here with the naked eye.
Appearance and ergonomics
The speakers and, in general, all the “guts” of the device are located in slightly enlarged headphones, which are inserted into the ear canals and connected to each other by a bendable rubber tube. The speaker housing is made of matte plastic, rough to the touch. The gold inserts turned out to be smooth. On the back of the left side there is an LED, on the right there are metal contacts that need to be aligned with the substrates on the charger. We will return to it later.
There is a soft rubber band on the flexible cable between the speakers, by adjusting the position of which you can tighten or loosen the player's mount on your head. This lock can be removed or left as is. The manufacturer also recommends that while swimming, press the gadget to your head with swimming goggles so that the water pressure does not push the player from its rightful place.
In any case, the device is attached to the ears and does not cause discomfort.
Sony decided not to make their favorite plugs on the body of the gadget, but to charge the player using a wired docking station. The Walkman is inserted into the charger, the microUSB cable of which is connected to the computer and the charging and synchronization process occurs. A PC or Mac easily identifies the device as a simple flash drive where you can add music.
Unfortunately, there is very little memory - 4 GB.
The included cradle is, of course, not waterproof. It has a small LED on it that glows red when powered. As soon as the device is fully charged, the indicator goes out - it’s time to remove it.
By the way, the full charging time is 1.5 hours. There is a fast charging function, which is extremely convenient. Imagine for a moment: you are getting ready for training, you take the player in your hand, but it is not charged. No problem!
Three minutes and an hour of music playback is provided.
This, by the way, is a regular session in the pool or a normal workout in the gym.
The left and right headphones have their own player control buttons. Everything is standard here: volume keys, track switching, play and pause, Shuffle mode, power button and device lock lever. The travel of the buttons is not very distinct and is a bit stiff. It could have been more convenient.
The layout of all the controls takes some getting used to. At first, I switched songs instead of making the sound louder or quieter. However, the learning process goes quickly and already during the second use there will be no problems with this.
Specifications
- memory capacity 4 GB (8 GB model NWZ-W274S)
- speaker diameter 13.5 mm
- continuous playback up to 8 hours
- charging time 1.5 hours
- fast charging function
- PC and Mac compatible
- microUSB port on the docking station
- weight 29 g
In the water
The Walkman is rated IPX5 and IPX8 for water resistance. The first tells us that the player can withstand a direct stream of water (12.5 l/min.) for approximately three minutes from a distance of 3 centimeters. The second class guarantees that the player will not get wet with the speakers inserted into the ears when immersed in water to a depth of 2 meters for 30 minutes.
Of course, you should not swim with the player in open water, such as the sea or ocean. Contact with sea salt automatically removes the device from warranty and no one, as they say, is responsible for anything.
In the instructions for the device, the manufacturer himself indicates that moisture getting inside the speakers is, in principle, a normal phenomenon. You need to dry the headphones thoroughly and try different sized earbuds so that they fit more tightly. In any case, you should still treat the player with care, since liquid is always destructive for any, even protected electronics.
Sound
The player sits very tightly in the ears, so external noise and other interference practically do not interfere with immersion in music.
The sound quality is at a good level. All frequencies are clearly visible, with the exception, it seemed to me, of the bass. The lows are dry and not very distinct, which is why dubstep or powerful percussion parts lose a little of their musical aesthetics.
Simply put: somehow it doesn’t work.
The volume threshold is low, that is, at its maximum value, blood does not gush from the ears, as happens, for example, in an iPod. Still, given that the player uses in-ear headphones, I would recommend being very careful with this. After all, the sound flow in such headphones rushes with all its power directly to the eardrums.
Audiophiles will be interested in what formats the Sony Walkman NWZ-W273S supports. Among them, support for MP3, WMA, AAC-LR and Linear PCM is stated. A very meager set of extensions.
The player has an interesting ZAPPIN function, the essence of which is to play small pieces of recorded tracks one after another. At any time you can go to full version songs by clicking the “Play” button. It’s a funny thing, so to speak, to flip through the compositions and choose the one that suits you at the moment. Whether it is necessary or not - let everyone decide for themselves.
Software
The Walkam memory contains files of special utilities for working with the device. I tried the Content Transfer program, which is a very simple tool for uploading music to the player or auto-syncing songs from a pre-selected folder. The Mac version looks scary.
That's not all. The player is compatible with Windows Media Player or iTunes, as stated on the official website. Unfortunately, my iTunes refused to recognize the player as any kind of music device, so the manufacturer’s statement about compatibility with this music processor remains only in theory.
In any case, the Walkman is recognized by the computer as a regular flash drive, where you can add your favorite songs without any software crutches. It will be easier and faster this way.
Models and prices
The price for the Walkman NWZ-W273S was set at 3,599 rubles in the official Sony store. The 8 GB memory version already costs 4,290 rubles. As always, you can find it cheaper. For example, in Svyaznoy our device will cost you 3,390 rubles. The official website reports four available colors: black, white, blue and orange. However, you can also find a version with a red case and gold inserts on sale.
Bottom line
In my opinion, the player has two drawbacks. The first and subjective one is that low frequencies insufficiently developed. The second and more objective one is the amount of memory. Still, 4 or 8 GB of memory nowadays looks somehow indecently small.
Is it worth parting with your money to buy a Walkman NWZ-W273S?
The player has few competitors, since the scope of application is very narrow. The most obvious rivals of the Japanese player are Chinese Noname gadgets from ebay.com for ten dollars apiece. The functionality is absolutely the same, but the sound quality is noticeably behind the Walkman due to the cheap headphones included. Here, you know, to each his own. Saving? In this case, take the Chinese, or maybe two at once. Convenient and hassle-free - then feel free to buy the W273S.
Player for sports - it is protected from water, after three minutes of charging the player can work for one hour, fits perfectly, you can listen to tracks in a row or turn on Shuffle. Good sports equipment? Yes!
Design, construction
The W series in the Walkman line appeared several years ago, and during this time there have been no major changes. The desktop charging stand has become mobile, players are no longer afraid of water, the body of the headphones has become smaller - but no metamorphoses have occurred with the memory, and neither with the controls. This is probably a good thing. After all, W doesn’t really have any competitors, if you need something compact for the gym, with a long operating time, without any hassles, then you can safely buy this thing. The device is niche, but that's why we love Sony. If you're going to the pool and want to listen to music there, feel free to take the W. And there are no competitors, because you can swim with the player and not be afraid for the safety of your gadget. Well, now let's look at the 2014 model.
The player comes in a cardboard package, all the items included in the package are hidden in a fabric bag, which is nice - no blisters, no plastic. The delivery set is minimal: charger, nozzles, swimming nozzles are in a separate bag, don’t forget about them if you are going to the pool. The player itself has not changed; these are headphones connected by a thick rubber tube, which also forms the ears. There is an elastic band at the back for better fixation, and the attachments are on podiums. On the right earpiece there is a group of contacts for charger. The player weighs 29 grams, essentially like regular sports headphones, only the W273S is a thing in itself and can help you listen to music without a sound source.
This model has a very interesting color combination, red and gold, it looks interesting. There is also a black version.
The case materials are excellent, the red plastic is smooth, I once again praise the choice of color. Golden rough, looks great.
Water protection
I decided to highlight this function separately; this sports player is not afraid of water; on the official website they write about protection at a depth of up to 2 meters. Naturally, we are talking about a swimming pool; after using salt water, I recommend rinsing the player in fresh water - and in general, it is better not to swim in the sea for a long time, salt quickly corrodes such material.
Control
On the right earphone there is a small indicator light and all the buttons responsible for playback; there is also a small lever that blocks all controls. On the left are the volume buttons and the button for selecting playlists, or activating the Shuffle mode. There is a hidden reset button, but I didn't find it useful. The buttons are a little stiff, and sometimes it’s unclear whether a press occurred or not - due to the design of the case, there is protection from water.
Memory
This model has 4 GB of memory, there is a W274 model with 8 GB of memory.
Additional features
Keep in mind this simple player, it’s best to work with it in this mode – load your favorite tracks, activate Shuffle, and that’s it. It is possible to work with playlists from iTunes, there is support for the Zappin function - playing a small piece of a track and moving on to the next one; when you hear the one you want, you can stop Zappin and go to the song.
Opening hours
The stated operating time is about 8 hours, the full charging time is 1.5 hours, there is a fast charging function - one hour of work in three minutes. That's not bad. The main complaint is the non-standard charger; it’s high time to switch to microUSB in order to charge the player from any cable.
Sound quality
I've always liked the sound quality of Walkman players, and the W series is no exception. Everything here is at the emotional level, the player is quite universal, and any music sounds quite good, without obvious failures, the sound is not flat, but interesting. I’m writing these lines and listening to the W273S - after all, the Walkman has its own style, and I immediately remember mine old model series A. There was a lot of fuss with equalizer settings and compiling playlists, but all this was completely justified, because listening to music with this Walkman was cool. And even a sports Walkman is still a Walkman. Don't pay attention to the color of the case and the plastic, as soon as you start listening, you will immediately remember other Sony players - of course, if you had them.
Conclusions
This model costs about 4,000 rubles, in my opinion, this is an excellent compromise between sports headphones and a player for the gym; you can safely leave the phone in the locker room for an hour, take only the W273S with you and go to training. Excellent fit (but this is individual) and design, protection from water, which is useful for the pool, long operating time (for the player), fast charging, in which case you can quickly charge the player before training. Everything is thought out. There are also complaints: a special charging connector, only 4 GB of memory, tight buttons (they are tight because of the protection, but I still can’t help but say this).
Is it worth buying? The model is niche, but if you play sports and often swim in the pool, there is not much choice. Among sports instruments, the Sony Walkman NWZ-W273S is an excellent choice.
