Custom Sony Walkman firmware by MrWalkman (NW-A40, NW-ZX300, NW-WM1/A)
MrWalkman, a user from Head-fi, has created 3 custom firmwares for the NW-A40, NW-ZX300 and NW-WM1/A. The new firmwares bring improved sound and features. I would highly recommend anyone with these Walkmans to check out the firmware, especially on the NW-A40.
Here is an overview of the changes in firmware:
NW-A40
There are 2 versions, Reloaded and Reloaded+. The Reloaded+ version brings “a different sound than the normal version, and a slightly improved battery life”. Both add the following:
- New, improved sound
- High gain setting
- Bluetooth Receiver function
- 10 band equalizer
- DSEE HX AI (from DMP-Z1) and other 4 selectable DSEE HX modes
- DC Phase Linearizer with 6 selectable modes
- Vinyl Processor with 4 selectable modes
- Visualizers: Spectrum Analyzer/Analog VU Meter/Digital Peak Meter
- Hardware accelerated rendition of the UI
The following features have been removed:
- FM Radio
- Noise cancellation
- Language study
- VPT Surround
- ClearAudio+
If you use any of the above features regularly, then do not install the firmware as these will disappear. Of course you can always revert back to the original stock firmware as well, so if you want to just test out the firmware that is also possible.
The instructions and download links can be found here.
NW-ZX300
The custom ZX300 firmware brings the following improvements:
- Improvements to the sound
- DSEE HX AI (present on DMP-Z1)
- Improved battery life
- Hardware accelerated rendition of the UI (faster menus)
To find the firmware, click here. The firmware is not permanent, and you can switch back to the old original firmware if you wish.
NW-WM1/A
Finally for those lucky to own the WM-Series, a custom firmware also exists by MrWalkman. The changes include the following:
- Switching the model (from “Settings” > “Device Settings”)
- DSEE HX AI (present on DMP-Z1)
- Hardware accelerated rendition of the UI
The link to firmware is here.
For any questions about the firmware or troubleshooting, I would post them in their respective threads on Head-Fi. Thanks again to MrWalkman for providing the custom firmwares. Please consider donating to MrWalkman using Paypal to help him develop more custom firmwares in the future.
