Product ReviewsSony Walkman NWZ-S545 Red ( 16 GB ) Digital Media Player

Go With Walkman for great mp3 playback in earphone sound

Since my old-school cd-r/rw-mp3/WMA/Ogg-Vorbis disc player isn't working correctly any more, it was time to update. Since this Sony Walkman player could play my song collections excellently (judging from all the previews I could read) it was an great choice. My suspicions were confirmed upon usage: the sound quality is superb and very familiar to the older cd player I had. (which also had a Sony DAC chip- no surprises then). Moreover, this player seems to have a tad bit better sound reproduction from updates to Sony's technology and its included sound processing optional features i.e. "Dynamic Normalizer, Equalizer, AVLC, Clear Stereo, Built-in SP Optimizer". I prefer to use the earbuds not stock with this unit, to obtain the great sonics, the on-board speakers are expectedly what they would sound like: tinny. So, the best way to listen to this player is through the headphones.
As far as the rest of the device goes, I'm still evaluating the other options. It is a media device so it does play videos and displays pictures. I haven't had a chance to use those yet, but then all I wanted was the music player. From what I've read, the player is typical for Sony, in that it has some finicky quirks that come with such things as proprietary technology and products to go with the player. Luckily one doesn't need to have a special plug-in for the headphone jack; it's standard. The USB port is proprietary Sony- but songs can be transferred relatively easy over the line from one's computer. Because of the restriction in formats played, only the most popular formats are able to be played i.e. mp3, wav, or some of Sony's proprietary formats. Don't expect such a product to play many other formats, like Apple's or Ogg-Vorbis, or any other non-proprietary esoteric formats either. Video is finicky too, and may have to be re-converted in order to play on this player.

More on features? There is a "hold" slider button, to keep the lock on the player from accidental manipulations, so it can be carried inside one's pocket without the unneeded button-pushing that oftentimes can happen. The front panel has relatively easy-to-use navigational type buttons one would expect, so the player is adaptable to those who are already familiar with doing those buttons. The center "play/pause" button can also act as the "select" button for the menus that pop up. It's surrounded by a ring button labelled with all four directions - somewhat a navigational thing I suppose (sometimes it doesn't work the way you'd expect, but it has a little learning curve nevertheless).
On the side, one has the volume adjustment, hold-slider, and headphone/speaker slider. There's a microphone installed at the bottom corner in the area where a case-carrier can be strung through (carrier being a string like rope similar to what a small camera would have attached to it, supposedly for ease of keeping the device from falling to the ground when strapped to the arm/wrist). There's a 'reset' button recessed into the back so that only a special instrument (a toothpick or stiff wire ,heh) can be used to re-set the player to it's defaults, supposedly.
A small screw is on the back for those that wish to access the internal workings, like for instance change the Li-ion battery out. There doesn't appear to be any external memory that anybody could get for this device either.

On the plus side, this unit is overall excellent, for the purpose of music. Beats any Apple player out.Read full review...

Excellent customer service, but may be overpriced.

I bought this for the built-in speakers and the 16 GB of memory. The speakers were not as good as I hoped -- very tinny sounding. (Nothing like my Kindle Fire which has excellent built-in speakers. Even my son's cell phone has better speakers.) Like other MP3 players, the sound is fine if you are using ear phones or external speakers. I was surprised to find that file sizes increased when I used Windows "drag-and-drop" method to load files. The only way to prevent this is to use their Content Transfer software. After loading the software, I had to contact Sony Customer Support (very helpful!) to figure out how to use it. The gist of what I learned is that you need to "drop" the file onto the picture of the device in the pop-up window. I thought I had it filled with my favorite radio dramas, but the last time I tried to listen to them, it wasn't working -- so there's another problem I've got to investigate. I know it worked when I had less stuff on it. My main regret is having spent so much for it. For quality of sound (with earphones or external speakers), it's no better than my less expensive MP3 players. My cheap NAXA sounds just as good, but has NO customer service. My Sansa Fuze is my favorite with high marks in every category! The best thing I can say in support is that Sony gives EXCELLENT customer service.Read full review...

So beautiful...

...I hate to use it...nary a scratch, and the battery (the most important thing) is strong--as it SHOULD be. I put a plastic screen protector, a silicone case, and a lanyard on it, all for protection
against...well, everything. I highly recommend this Sony model. It's got the most features for a relatively fair price. I have no idea why Sony stopped making these over 10 years ago. I have 9 of them. You never know when one will dye on you. After all, they are used, and buying one is always a gamble...but most of the time, worth it!Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: milis3

A perfect gift

The Sony walkman is a beautifull machine with many features that make listening to music a pleasure in any place you go. The build in speakers deliver unbelievable sound quality for personal experience. It's light, great battery live and looks fantastic. I'm a bit sorry i didn't order two, because my daughter is certainly not sharing it with me!Read full review...

Sony Walkman NWZ-S545 Red 16GB MP Player Rocks!

Sony quality, 16 GB memory is plenty. Nice surprise - it has stereo speakers so you can listen with or without earphones (included). Plenty loud and clear speakers for a palm-sized device.

Comes pre-loaded with software that auto-installs onto PC with included USB cable. Essentially has own desktop window to which you can mouse-drag disk files from Windows Explorer directories for copy to the player. Software instructions cite XP & Vista, but I loaded onto Windows 7 Home Premium. Copies work fine for 2-3 source files at a time but had to restart app/copy sometimes if trying to copy more than that quantity in a group drag, probably due to Windows 7 o/s. Otherwise, reliable copying. Have not checked Sony site for PC software update yet.

Use it primarily for mp3 playback and photos, haven't downloaded videos/movies yet.

FM radio has good reception with earphones (included) but worse when used with built-in stereo speakers (no earphones). Must be using earphone wires as external antenna. FM radio does not display broadcasted song title being played nor station comment tag line like some mp3/fm radios such as cars do - wonder why not....

Took about 2 hours to charge battery when device first received using usb cable to pc. I tried to use usb cable with wall plug-in usb charger but a warning message displayed on the device screen so would only charge with usb cable to pc. Although one end of cable is USB, the other is Sony-specific plug design so don't lose the cable! I will note that while using usb cable such as for charging, you cannot use the device for audio playback.

Overall I am very happy with the device aside from the above as I am more technologically adept and what I listed above is probably not going to be of concern for most people.Read full review...

Last of the great versatile entry-level mp3 players!

The NWZ S-545 was the last of the truly versatile mp3 players in the entry-level price range that allowed you to play audio, video and jpg files; included an FM tuner; let you record live audio as well as from the FM radio; and even had built-in speakers for listening "al fresco". I store all of my podcasts, music and favorite videos on mine.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: s_10_83

Not bad...can't control much unless hooked to PC

The interface of this is great and very easy to use. The things that I don't like about it are that you cannot delete songs off the device unless it is hooked to the computer. You also cannot create playlists on the device or add songs to current playlists. You have to connect the device to the computer, create the playlist in the software, add the songs, then transfer the playlist to the device. This is a real hassle not being able to do these things right on the player.Read full review...

Love Sony Walkman

This model is larger than the others and easier to read.
Wonderful battery life for Airplane travel
Compatible with Windows Explorer to add MP3
Prefer them over Ipod 5 classic

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: jnm_collectibles

very satisfied with product

bought this product because of features and price.It has a built in speaker so u can listen w/out headphones...so far i like it alot ...have not downloaded from internet yet....this product is a great value and sounds goodRead full review...

love it

love the color the size the features love putting movies on it as well as music decided to buy because of the price just love it