It was right after testing the Sony NWZ-S615F that we tackled the NWZ-A815 which is part of this manufacturer’s high end.

Equipped with a 2 inch screen, the NWZ-A815 with its brushed metal finish offers 2 GB of flash memory and is almost the same price as the NWZ-S615F.  What justifies this small difference?

With both players in hand, you can tell the difference in class. 

The NWZ-A815, almost entirely covered in brushed metal and which comes in several colors, is very attractive. 

Finishing touches are excellent and buttons are firm and overall, this product is of solid construction. 

It is thinner (44.5 x 88 x 9.6 mm) than its smaller sibling (42 x 79.5 x 11.5 mm) while at the same time wider and longer (due to the screen?). 

We were happy to not see a glossy face as is the case with new generation players. 

There is therefore no fear of finger smudges after each use and something we really appreciate.

In use, we aren’t in unfamiliar territory. 

Besides the fact that there is no radio, navigation is exactly the same as on the model below. 

We will even just reuse the same evaluation :  "Using this player is a real pleasure.  The fact that it doesn’t have tactile controls but very nice buttons is a true plus.  Navigation is intuitive and we appreciated having complete information on the tracks we were listening to (album, genre, and artist).  Also, navigation is possible through file folders (up to 8 levels)." 

One small improvement is that the screen is now a little bigger at 2 inches. 

However, in our opinion, this size still isn’t big enough to really enjoy videos.

The high end in audio?

At any rate, this is what the in-ear MDR-EX082 earphones (with extension) that come standard with this player suggest. 

However, with equivalent headphones, the audio quality of this model isn’t equal to that of the NWZ-S615F.

Sound is not as clear, basses are a slightly drier, and mediums and highs are just a little bit less refined. 

Something strange we figured out by ‘’forced entry’’ into this product is that the audio chipset is the same for the 6 and 8 series. 

Without being exceptional, audio quality is nevertheless very good.