Sony NW-S706, the rockin' £180 player

Surely Sony would love it if a new music player could drown out the sound of the company's exploding battery bruhaha, but sadly that probably won't be the case. Nevertheless, Sony has just released the new NW-S706, which comes in an elegant elliptical form factor along the lines of the NW-E series -- that said, it appears to be an update to the NW-S205. All we know so far, according to one British online retailer, is that the NW-S706 comes in three colors (purple, black and pink), packs 4GB of storage, up to 50 hours of battery life (probably only if you're bumping ATRAC), line-in recording, an FM tuner, and should be due out on October 9 for £180, or $336. We're still unsure if this is a Europe and Asia-only release, but nontheless, we'd love to be able to snag one of these Stateside real soon.

[Via CNET Asia]

[Sam @ Oct 1st 2006 6:07PM]

Sony marketing really need to get the idea that saying "yeah, i gotta 4 gig NW-S706" is an awfull lot less catchy than "yeah, i gotta 4 gig Nano."

Also, in the cases where children/grandchildren are asking parents/grandparents for Christmas presents, just imagine..."you want an iPod dear? Fine!" vs "what was that dear? an EN-DOUBLE YOU DASH ESS SEVEN FOUR SEVEN? isn't that a bit big dear..."

[owen @ Oct 1st 2006 6:11PM]

I hope those prices dont transfer to america linearly, $336 for a 4 gig mp3 player is quite steep

[Matt @ Oct 1st 2006 6:31PM]

you can get a 4 gig nano for only $199. and it wont explode in your pocket!!

[uclatommy @ Oct 1st 2006 6:36PM]

If they drop the price and up the capacity and make it compatible with iTunes, this thing could be a contender to steal marketshare away from Apple ipods. I think it looks pretty cool in the pic, but have to see in person. If its small enough to wear around your neck, then it might be pretty cool. I like the scolling navigation thingamabob on the right side.

[Ein @ Oct 1st 2006 7:47PM]

The only players that are officially compatible with iTunes are made by Apple.

[Shredsled @ Oct 1st 2006 6:51PM]

$336 dollars?!?

[teodoro @ Oct 1st 2006 6:53PM]

An update to the NW-S205 series seems a little premature, after all, they just started shipping it not two weeks ago. More likely a different line since there are no details about it having a g sensor or the like.
BTW I love my S205F that I bought last week.

[Me @ Oct 1st 2006 6:56PM]

I am scared to buy anything sony lately. Between boutched standard attemps (technically superior ones at that), and the batteries. I think sony needs to get into gear or it is not going to be the number one electronics company in America.

[tekdroid @ Oct 1st 2006 7:20PM]

Hi Sony
Are you still using the horrible SonicStage to transfer songs? Will native USB Mass Storage ever be an option for music to be transferred to the device, like Cowon is offering with their devices? Will a lossless standard like FLAC ever be introduced to your devices, for truly CD-quality sound?

Lastly, will removable batteries be introduced in this line, let alone removable flash cards?

Sincerely,
Potentnial Customer

[Bruno @ Oct 1st 2006 8:41PM]

Sony makes alarm clocks and TVs. Apple makes music players. Sony, give it up already, your significance in audio ended with the Discman. Maybe something can be done to revolutionize toasters, but you're done (so over-done) in portable audio. Beyond irrelvant.

[Echo_ @ Oct 1st 2006 9:28PM]

Darn Bruno i could have sworn apple made computers?
Have you even touched any of sony's players? They are quality and have a nice solid weight to them and not to mention great sound quality.

[Optom @ Oct 1st 2006 9:01PM]

Considering most companies when releasing products just charge UK gadget nuts the same amount as the US but in � rather than $ ($199 gadget will sell for �199) I don't think this will be in the states for $336. It'll be about $180 (or possibly $200)

The ipod nano 4Gb is �130 in the UK.

[Mrfreezie @ Oct 1st 2006 9:28PM]

Ha ha, just like sony.. All their products are overpriced, like the PS3. They really can't expect to sell even one of those!

[Matt @ Oct 1st 2006 9:30PM]

according to this pic sony is making toasters lmao

http://img115.imageshack.us/img115/7493/sonytoasternr8.jpg

[Drew @ Oct 1st 2006 11:44PM]

To the people who are complaining about Sonic Stage: You've either used an old version of SS or you're just regurgitating what's been already been said millions of times. The new SS is pretty decent.

And Bruno: Yeah, why bother? Why don't we just not have any competition in the DAP market? I mean, monopolies work, don't they?

[Drew @ Oct 2nd 2006 1:18AM]

honestly, would anyone buy it if it was 20 dollars?
and yeah, sony does have a problem with the overpricing but not even a huge undercut could dethrone the ipod.
I say give up unless you think you actually have a shot. The zune may have a chance to steal some of apples market but i dont think it will be the end all be all of the market as the ipod has been.

[tekdroid @ Oct 2nd 2006 2:44AM]

Drew @ Oct 1st 2006 11:43PM

To the people who are complaining about Sonic Stage: You've either used an old version of SS or you're just regurgitating what's been already been said millions of times. The new SS is pretty decent.
-----------
I use Sony Hi-MD recorders. SonicStage is a nightmare in usability compared to stuff like iTunes (of course, both are totally out of favour compared to native drag and drop - at least as far as I'm concerned).

"Pretty decent" is a relative term..and pretty subjective. I still think it's horrible and wouldn't buy anything using it (except Hi-MD because Hi-MD has too many pluses to ignore, IMO).

[vvs @ Oct 2nd 2006 3:06AM]

This Sony NW-S706 player rocks, I like the model very much. Every time sony makes nice products and they are the best in the business.

http://laptops-review.blogspot.com

[Sp1n @ Oct 2nd 2006 3:10AM]

err, u guys totally suck...

u have no idea what a sony player is and what functions it has.

Only line in recording costs more than anything ipod can do. Take any good recorder and it`s going to be surely costing almost the same ammount - http://www.next-wave-solutions.com/norremdic.html (not advertising anything here, just an example)

besides, the sound quality is much better than any of the ipods out there right now - ive used them all.

"Will native USB Mass Storage ever be an option for music to be transferred to the device, like Cowon is offering with their devices?"

does an ipod has that one? and who da funk uses a cowon? flac? it`s called 320kbps - if you were following the updates of SS you would know that it`s possible to transfer files into that format already.

anyways, yall should at least TRY one of the sony products and then try to say shit about it....lame suckazzzz..

[StandardAI @ Oct 2nd 2006 4:30AM]

With a blue background like that you're getting a deal for $336! Oh wait... No that's their ps3 laser marketing...

[tekdroid @ Oct 2nd 2006 6:22AM]

does an ipod has that one? and who da funk uses a cowon? flac? it`s called 320kbps - if you were following the updates of SS you would know that it`s possible to transfer files into that format already.

anyways, yall should at least TRY one of the sony products and then try to say shit about it....lame suckazzzz..
-----------
Hi. 1995 called. They want their mp3s back.

I use SonicStage daily. It sucks. It makes a format like Hi-MD (for example) so much worse than it could be. Cowon's flash products are far better than Sony's, IMO. I would never buy a flash product tied to SonicStage. Why? Quite simply, there are better products out there. Far better.

Cowon offers:
1) Native drag and drop - any OS, no additional software needed. You know, just like data files. Simple. Take it to any machine; no need to worry about software.
2) FLAC - lossless audio. http://flac.sourceforge.net 320kbps is not lossless, nor do I care for anything that isn't. Your needs may vary.
3) high-powered outputs to drive headphones with high impedance. No puny 5mW outputs.
4) good sound quality
5) a policy of regular firmware updates

Yes, I use the latest version of SonicStage with Hi-MD. Yes, I am well aware of its capabilities.

No, Apple doesn't have native USB mass storage to transfer music. Neither do they have FLAC (tho they do have their own lossless format). I'm glad that the popularity of mp3 convinces you that it's a superior format. Keep using it. Others have different needs.

[Jerome @ Oct 2nd 2006 11:55AM]

That is a very nice looking mp3 player! WOW!

316$ is really expensive... it won't be 316$ when it hits north america and the us!

50hours battery life! WOW!

I am interested! My sony HD3 sort of broken... and I need music fast!

[shaninho @ Oct 2nd 2006 12:41PM]

looks like you've got some high ascii chars in the title there ... or maybe just:

Sony NW-S706, the rockin' £180 player - Engadget

try: £

cheers!

[Cyrus Farivar @ Oct 2nd 2006 12:41PM]

Thanks!

[Sly @ Oct 2nd 2006 3:17PM]

Sony makes the hardware. This is nicely designed (I have an older version of the E-series, the one with the jog dial and it is awesomeness to control). Sound quality has always been great on Sony mp3 players (say what you want, ATRAC DOES sound good). Plus now they've added extras.

2 cons are the software (for me) and price. I live in Canada, and seeing as how they don't have Connect here, you can't use a Sony mp3 player with more than 1 computer which totally blows. And the price is steep.

[Sp1n @ Oct 2nd 2006 8:04PM]

to tekdroid

"I use SonicStage daily. It sucks. It makes a format like Hi-MD (for example) so much worse than it could be. Cowon's flash products are far better than Sony's, IMO. I would never buy a flash product tied to SonicStage. Why? Quite simply, there are better products out there. Far better."

how does it make a format like Hi-Md worse? is there any sense in your statement? My Hi-Md works awsome, i have no problems at all. I agree there are some quirks with SonicStage, but they occur most of the time because of the OS on your computer.

Besides you probably missed a release of a software for sony`s flash players(it`s called mp3 downloader or smth like that - search atrac3 forums)

Ive been long enough in MD community to know about such things.

Yes the output might be low, but hey, at least youre not getting deaf like with those ipods.



here we go onto your cowon products:

lets see, first thing first, all the players are only availiable in 2gb format max.

secondly all of them are smaller battery life than sony`s player.

thirdly, recording with a mic on the unit? are u serious? can i laugh at you? please let me! well i wont wait till you reply and just laugh...hahhaha

now, we dont really know full specifications of the new player so i wouldnt judge it by what one site said.

I personally looove sony`s products because:

1. I never had any problems with them
2. All the products live long time with good care and even without(i breakdance with both my hd5 and NH700) and i had no problems at all(it`s been 2 years for these products with daily use of both at least for 6-8 hours)
3. All the products are easy to use and easy to learn how to use.(damn i when will sony put that jog wheel from it`s hi-md players on their HD players? when? when? when?:P heh, but ya sony started to listen to it`s audio product customers recently so sony is getting better and better)


you know what i think personally? i think you all lloooooveee sony`s products, ur just too stuck up to admit it:)


PS: i have nothing against ipods, i wanted to buy one actually since it got real tiny(the new 5.5g) but eh, i have no use for it as of now. So dont go off on me with ipod hater shit.

[tekdroid @ Oct 3rd 2006 12:55AM]

Sp1n @ Oct 2nd 2006 8:01PM
how does it make a format like Hi-Md worse?
----------------
If you have to ask....
Have you even used a player that has native drag n drop? Here's a hint: it allows you to UPLOAD and download on ANY damn computer you please - without hideous, bug-ridden crappy software having to be installed. On virtually ANY operating system. Have you ever come across SonicStage errors? Can't transfer? Coversion problems? Tagging problems? All gone... all gone with native drag n drop, too.

I agree there are some quirks with SonicStage, but they occur most of the time because of the OS on your computer.
-----------------
NO, they occur most of the time because of SonicStage, the bug-ridden, resource-hogging sack of rubbish that it is. To be fair, iTunes isn't exactly lean, but at least it has far better usability; personally, I have no love for either of them - not to mention any other proprietary piece of rubbish software just to get my tracks on and off a machine. Native USB Mass Storage drag-n-drop. Is that so hard? All the problems related to crappy software - GONE. Who can arue with this?


Besides you probably missed a release of a software for sony`s flash players(it`s called mp3 downloader or smth like that - search atrac3 forums)
-----------------
Heard of it; never used it. I don't buy Sony (overpriced) flash players. I don't buy flash players that don't give me native OS drag-n-drop. Does it need SonicStage installed? I bet it does - so it can manage 'rights'.


Yes the output might be low, but hey, at least youre not getting deaf like with those ipods.
-----------------
Hah. Cowon have 18mW and 30mW per channel outputs. Sony's have traditionally been hideously low (5mW or under). They aren't the only manufacturer doing this, of course. Cowon is different, though, yes? How is this bad? You can't go deaf with something you can't hear. Ever tried anything but 16ohm earbuds on Sony units? Hi-Fi headphones, or anything that isn't 16ohm impedance? No?? Well, some people actually want decent volume from these small units on higher quality headphones, you know. We care :) So we mention it in blogs...


secondly all of them are smaller battery life than sony`s player.
-----------------
Ah, if you know anything about Sony you will know they quote ATRAC figures for battery life. ATRAC is very lean on the battery. What we want to know is real-world figures and at what volume? Taking their battery specs into account for your fanboy purchase is very short-sighted.

thirdly, recording with a mic on the unit? are u serious? can i laugh at you? please let me! well i wont wait till you reply and just laugh...hahhaha
-----------------
Who said anything about recording? Hi-MD is the tool for recording, which is why I use it and have to tolerate SonicStage. Kapish? Nothing replaces Hi-MD for recording - for the price.



now, we dont really know full specifications of the new player so i wouldnt judge it by what one site said.
-----------
But you're doing a great job so far. Don't let that stop you ;)


I personally looove sony`s products because:
1. I never had any problems with them
2. All the products live long time with good care and even without(i breakdance with both my hd5 and NH700) and i had no problems at all(it`s been 2 years for these products with daily use of both at least for 6-8 hours)
3. All the products are easy to use and easy to learn how to use.(damn i when will sony put that jog wheel from it`s hi-md players on their HD players? when? when? when?:P heh, but ya sony started to listen to it`s audio product customers recently so sony is getting better and better)
------------------
GREAT! Am I asking you to change? I express my aversions with the crap SonicStage, did I say anything about the actual hardware? If so, point it out please, won't you? :)


you know what i think personally? i think you all lloooooveee sony`s products, ur just too stuck up to admit it:)
-------------------
If you read my two previous posts here, I mention in the first one Hi-MD has too many pluses to ignore - so I tolerate SonicStage. Reading comprehension time for u?



PS: i have nothing against ipods, i wanted to buy one actually since it got real tiny(the new 5.5g) but eh, i have no use for it as of now. So dont go off on me with ipod hater shit.
-----------------
Eh? Good for you. Who is asking you to change? I don't 'diss' iPod or the people that buy them in any way. What I do have an interest in is discussing the technical merits of devices for MY uses and preferences. The rest of the world can buy whatever it is that makes them happy, yeh?

BTW, I think I bought my first MD unit before you were born. Thanks for the laugh, though :)

[haikunick @ Oct 3rd 2006 11:34AM]

OK. I just found out about the Cowon systems. I feel so sheltered. Cowon has the right idea on the market. Here are my beefs with this niche of the market. If you are an engineer, here are my million dollar spec. list. If you're a marketer, do a survey of users to find out their important features.

1) Battery: I like lithium power, but...
a) battery life and replacement: an AA battery gives my iRiver ifp-799, 15hrs of runtime. I can just pop it out and replace it, great for when I'm far away from a charge opportunity.
b) can I just use a lithium, AA battery, keeping my options open?

2) Memory: Flash is less bulky
a) Is it too hard to make a drive that accepts memory sticks? This would allow user-based upgrades as memory becomes bigger and cheaper. Compact flash is now at 16GB max size, Memory stick pros are at 2GB, but a year will show breakthroughs too.

3)Recording: The perks
a) I have used my iRiver to record audio from the line-in. It sounds just fine. There are a few chirps in the recordings but i can edit those out. Line-in is a great feature when you want to use a decent microphone to record audio. I've used a Mini disk but they're much bigger and I have to transfer audio to the computer via playback instead of copying the mp3 recordings via USB2.
b) Having a built-in microphone is a nice feature too. When I want to record audio spontaneously, it's much faster to get a down and dirty recording for transcribing or even broadcast. I work in radio and have used the built-in audio in a pinch.

So in closing: My perfect Flash drive would be
(*** This should not be more than $225 price point. Cut memory if you have to keep it cheaper. A 2GB system would still be a hot sell for all around robust, small, mp3 utility. I'd market to radio people too who have to lug around Sony MiniDisc systems.)

1)iRiver/cowon/sonyNW form factor size. Small!
2)Accepts AA akaline or in-unit charging lithium AA.
3) black and white LCD if it uses less power
4) 1GB or better memory, replaceable memory cards, but removeable parts are another source of failure, so I'd live with built-in 4GB, my 1GB holds 130+, 128-192Kb mp3 songs.
5) Fm tuner, line-in, built-in recording.
6) I like the higher mW audio output and a variety of supported formats, but I'd be happy with 5 out of 6.

It'd be even cooler if I could boot my computer using this as the USB device like my 1GB memory stick can do.

Anyone have a better suggestion(s)?

[rene @ Dec 18th 2006 2:34AM]

for christ sake it all seems so superficial... all this dribble... i have read a stupid amount of reviews and not one person has commented on the recording capacity of the 706... for 4 years now i've been looking for an mp3 recorder to replace the mini disc... finally there seems to be one that may come close.. 256 kbps is the highest recording quality i've come across.. hope fully it stacks up.. none of your ipods or any other decent players offer line-in.. bring it on

[Bfwiat @ Jan 9th 2007 7:22AM]

A couple of really important things people have missed :
FIRSTLY, the unit comes with extremely high quality NOISE CANCELLING ear buds . . that's right, this Sony has noise cancelling built in . . .
I have listened to it, and it works very very well.
So. . . Sony in ear noise cancelling earphones similar to this (MDRNC11ab) retails here in Australia for $250 . . . .

It's capable of RECORDING IN PCM UNCOMPRESSED !!!! (optional proprietry cable unfortunately required !!!) . . . still, uncompressed audio recording is an awesome feature for some people in the market place.

Speaking of "the marketplace" . . there are different sections within the marketplace.
People are looking for different things from their products.
You would assume therefore that large companies will make a variety of products, aimed at different sections within the marketplace.

to sum up:
this product sounds excellent
has cd recording quality (uncompressed)line in capability
includes high quality noise cancelling in ear phones
uses the crappy-ish sonic stage software
won't appeal to everyone, because it isn't designed to !



This unit's sound quality with the supplied headphones (and the 'clear bass' and clear stereo' settings on) is the best I have heard from any mp3 player.