I bought to replace defunct digital anaologue converter which I used for separate CD & DAB players and for connecting a PC to an existing amplifier. Unfortunately I cannot use the Sony as a pass through DAC with external sources if not using as an amplifier. This is a serious omission as I would suspect most people would be purchasing the Sony to fit in with existing kit. So in my case my it hasn't fullfilled all my requirements as I still need a separate DAC. However I like the idea of being able to store FLAC files to player and this has greatly improved access and selection of my music collection, especially using the app on a pad. Surprisingly I am using the Sense-Me feature more frequently and do enjoy it's results. So, overall it's a great product and is a joy to use but I feel limits it's appeal to those wanting to replace a system rather than add to an existing one.

This is a fine music player but it is also a missed opportunity. No Bluetooth or Airplay is a glaring omission. The file management software is also pretty poor as you're never quite sure what is about to be transferred and there's no means of formatting or defragging the internal hard disc.

I do really like what Sony have produced with this HDD player, however certain aspects have left me very frustrated. The file transfer software is very basic and failed a number of times. I 'phoned the helpdesk in the end who were helpful. I had over 4,000 tracks to transfer and left it running overnight, so don't expect anything too quick. It then took a good part of the following day to get the album art etc. Had to turn off and restart on a number of occassions for it too eventually work through the admittedly large number of tracks. Finally, it seemed to have done a very strange thing - the Number 1 track appeared to be missing from a great many of the albums. I eventually twigged to what had happened when I saw there were over 400 tracks the Unknown Artist subdirectory. I am now labouriously working through trying to get them back to where they belong - whether this is a weakness of Gracenote, how they were stored on my computer or the HAP-S1 who knows? But the sound is good, the interface also. The 'phone app seems to work very well.