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WARNING

Do not install the appliance in a confined space, such as a 
bookcase or built-in cabinet.

Do not expose the batteries (battery pack or batteries installed) 
to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like for a long 
time.

The nameplate is located on the bottom exterior.

Features

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USB Audio 192 kHz/24 bit, DSD compatible

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iPhone/iPad/iPod* and “WALKMAN” Digital connection

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High-quality analog circuit with dedicated master clock

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High-quality operational amplifier used for line-out signal

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Selected parts for high quality sound

* When connecting iPhone/iPad/iPod, use the USB cable supplied with 

iPhone/iPad/iPod.

Parts and Controls

 Input select switch

 iPhone/iPad/iPod connecting port

 

 (USB) port (for connecting to a computer, and charging 

the unit)

 “WALKMAN” connecting port

 GAIN select switch

For details, see “Listening to Music.”

 OUTPUT SELECT switch

For details, see “Listening to Music.”

 POWER indicator

Lights up green when the power is turned on.
When the power is turned on, you can check the battery level 
by the number of times the indicator flashes.

Indicator

Battery level

Three flashes

Full

Two flashes

Middle

one flash

Low
It is necessary to charge the unit.

Always flashes

It is necessary to charge the unit. If you 
continue to use the unit without charging, 
the unit will turn off after a few minutes.

 Power/Volume knob

Turns on/off the unit, and adjusts the volume.
Rotate the power/volume knob clockwise to turn on the 
power; rotate it further to increase the volume.
Rotate the power/volume knob counterclockwise to decrease 
the volume; rotate it further until it clicks to turn off the 
power.

 CHG (charge) indicator

Lights up red while you are charging the unit.

 AUDIO IN/LINE OUT jack

 PHONES (headphones) jack

Charging the Unit

The unit contains a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which 
should be charged before using it for the first time. The CHG 
(charge) indicator lights up red while you are charging the unit. 
Charging is completed in about 7 hours, then the indicator turns 
off automatically.
If the battery is not charging properly, the CHG (charge) indicator 
will flash in red.

Rotate the power/volume knob counterclockwise 
until it clicks to turn off the unit.

While the unit is on, the battery is not charged.
If you turn on the unit while the unit is charging, the charge is 
interrupted.

Front of the unit

Connect the unit to your booted computer using the 
micro-USB cable (supplied).

Micro-USB cable (supplied)

Rear of the unit

Computer

When the battery cannot be charged

Check the following.

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Check that the unit and your computer are firmly connected 
using the micro-USB cable (supplied). 
Use only the micro-USB cable (supplied). Do not charge the 
unit using any other USB cable.

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Check that the computer is turned on and not in standby, sleep 
or hibernation mode. 
If the computer enters standby, sleep, or hibernation mode 
while the unit is connected to the computer, the charging will 
not be completed properly. Check the setting of the computer 
before connecting to the unit. The CHG (charge) indicator will 
turn off automatically when the computer enters standby, 
sleep, or hibernation mode. In this case, charge the unit again.

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Check that the unit and the computer are directly connected, 
and not via a USB hub. 
Connect the unit directly to a computer, using the micro-USB 
cable (supplied). Charging may not be completed properly by 
an indirect connection, such as via a USB hub.

Notes

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When charging the battery, turn off the unit, then connect to the computer 
using the micro-USB cable (supplied) to charge the battery of the unit. 
Otherwise, the battery may not be charged properly. In this case, the CHG 
(charge) indicator will flash in red.

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If the unit is not used for a long time, the CHG (charge) indicator may take a 
while to light up red when you connect it to your computer. In this case, do 
not disconnect the micro-USB cable from the unit, and wait until the CHG 
(charge) indicator lights up red.

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Charge the battery in an ambient temperature of between 5 °C to 35 °C. If 
you try to charge the battery outside this range, the CHG (charge) indicator 
may flash in red and the battery will not charge.

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When the battery is full, the CHG (charge) indicator may not light up red.

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When charging has finished, the CHG (charge) indicator may flash in red. 
This is not malfunction.

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When storing the unit for a long time, avoid a place subject to high 
temperatures. When storing the unit for more than 1 year, charge the 
battery every six months to prevent over discharge.

Before going outside

Check the battery level by the following.

Disconnect the micro-USB cable (supplied) from the 

 (USB) port of the unit.

Turn on the unit, and check the battery level by the 
number of times the POWER indicator flashes.

For details on checking the battery level by the POWER 
indicator, see “Parts and Controls.”

Connecting to an Audio Device

You can enjoy music with the unit by connecting the audio 
device to the unit. An audio device can be connected to the unit 
by the following four methods.

Connecting to a high resolution supported 
“WALKMAN”: 

High resolution supported “WALKMAN”

You can connect the unit to the “WALKMAN” using the digital 
output USB cable for “WALKMAN” (supplied). The digital audio 
data from the “WALKMAN” is transferred directly to the unit, and 
the unit outputs the analog audio converted by the internal DA 
converter of the unit.

Connecting to an iPhone/iPad/iPod: 

iPod

You can connect the unit to the iPhone/iPad/iPod using the USB 
cable supplied with iPhone/iPad/iPod. The digital audio data 
from the iPhone/iPad/iPod is transferred directly to the unit, and 
the unit outputs the analog audio converted by the internal DA 
converter of the unit.

Connecting to a computer: 

Computer

You can connect the unit to a computer using the micro-USB 
cable (supplied). The unit is compatible with High-Resolution 
Audio format, USB audio up to 192 kHz/24 bit, DSD compatible.
When playing music files on your Windows computer with the 
unit, you need to download and install the driver software for 
Windows “Sony Portable Headphone Amplifier USB Audio 2.0 
Driver” on a Windows computer. 
When playing High-Resolution Audio format data on your 
computer with the unit, you need to download and install 
“Hi-Res Audio Player” on your computer.

Connecting to other devices: 

Other devices

You can connect the unit to devices, such as smartphones and 
portable music players, etc., using the stereo mini cable 
(supplied), and enjoy music from the device with the unit.

High resolution supported “WALKMAN”

By using the digital output USB cable for “WALKMAN” (supplied), 
the unit can amplify the signal directly without the built-in 
amplifier of the “WALKMAN.”

Compatible “WALKMAN” models

NWZ-F880 series
(as of September 2013)
Depending on the country/region, some models may not be 
available.
When connecting a “WALKMAN” model other than NWZ-F880 
series, follow the connecting method described in 

Other devices

.

Turn on the “WALKMAN.”

Set the input select switch to the position of the 
“WALKMAN” connecting port (second position from 
the left).

Connect the “WALKMAN” to the “WALKMAN” 
connecting port using the digital output USB cable 
for “WALKMAN” (supplied).

Digital output USB cable for “WALKMAN” (supplied)

Rear of the unit

“WALKMAN”

Notes

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The unit only supports the audio playback function of the “WALKMAN.”

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Turn on your “WALKMAN” before operating the unit.

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Sony is not liable for damage/erasure of recorded data caused by using a 
“WALKMAN” connected to the unit.

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Some operations may not be possible with the unit, even if you use a 
supported “WALKMAN.”

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Depending on the “WALKMAN,” Dynamic Normalizer, Equalizer, VPT 
(Virtualphones Technology), DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) or 
speaker output optimizer, etc., may be set to on. If the sound is distorted, 
set these to off.

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Sound is not output from the headphone jack of the “WALKMAN” when it is 
connected to the unit.

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You cannot adjust the volume of the “WALKMAN” when a “WALKMAN” is 
connected to the unit.

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The “WALKMAN” will not be charged when connected to the unit.

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If you are listening to music too loudly, the battery may drain even if the 
unit is connected to a computer.

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If the battery level is too low, the unit may not turn on even when 
connected to a computer. In this case, charge the unit. For details, see 
“Charging the Unit.”

iPod

For details on compatible models, see “Compatible iPhone/iPad/
iPod models.”
In the Operating Instructions, iPhone, iPad, and iPod are 
collectively described as “iPod,” except in special cases.

Turn on the iPod.

Set the input select switch to the position of the 
iPhone/iPad/iPod connecting port (second position 
from the right).

Connect the iPod to the iPhone/iPad/iPod connecting 
port using the USB cable supplied with iPhone/iPad/
iPod.

USB cable supplied with iPhone/iPad/iPod

Rear of the unit

iPod

Compatible iPhone/iPad/iPod models

You can use the unit with only the following models. Update 
your iPhone, iPad or iPod to the latest software before use.

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iPhone 5

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iPhone 4S

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iPhone 4

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iPhone 3GS

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iPad (4th generation)

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iPad mini

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iPad (3rd generation)

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iPad 2

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iPad

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iPod touch (5th generation)

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iPod touch (4th generation)

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iPod touch (3rd generation)

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iPod touch (2nd generation)

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iPod classic 120GB / 160GB 
(2009)

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iPod nano (7th generation)

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iPod nano (6th generation)

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iPod nano (5th generation)

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iPod nano (4th generation)

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iPod nano (3rd generation) 
 

Notes

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If noise is generated, turn off the connected iPod, then turn it on again.

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The unit only supports the audio playback function of an iPod.

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You cannot transfer music to your iPod from the unit.

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Do not connect an iPod that is not supported. The unit is not guaranteed to 
work with an iPod that is not supported.

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Sony is not liable for damage/erasure of recorded data caused by using an 
iPod connected to the unit.

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Do not disconnect the iPod while operating. To connect/disconnect the iPod 
to/from the unit, stop playback, then turn off the unit to prevent damage to 
data.

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If the sound is distorted, set the equalizer to “OFF” or “Flat” on your iPod.

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Turn on your iPhone/iPod touch before connecting it to the unit.

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Depending on the iPod, the sound may become loud suddenly when you 
adjust the volume.

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If the battery level of the iPod is too low, charge the iPod.

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Music volume may vary depending on the ring tone of the iPhone and its 
application. Refer to the operating instructions of your iPhone.

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If the iPhone is set to silent mode, the ring tone may not be heard from the 
headphones.

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For details on operating the iPod, refer to the operating instructions of your 
iPod.

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An iPod will not be charged when connected to the unit.

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If you are listening to music too loudly, the battery may drain even if the 
unit is connected to a computer.

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If the battery level is too low, the unit may not turn on even when 
connected to a computer. In this case, charge the unit. For details, see 
“Charging the Unit.”

(as of July 2013)

Computer

For information about the operating environment, see 
“Specifications” overleaf.

Start your computer.

Download and install the driver software for 
Windows “Sony Portable Headphone Amplifier USB 
Audio 2.0 Driver” on a Windows computer.

Note

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If the driver software is not installed on your computer, music files 
played on the computer will not be output from the unit.

When connecting to Macintosh, skip this step, and proceed to 
step 3.

Visit the following Web sites, and download the driver 
software. Communication fees to download are required 
separately.
http://www.sony-asia.com/support/
For details on installing, refer to the download pages.

Set the input select switch to the position of the 

 

(USB) port (right edge position).

Connect your computer to the 

 (USB) port using the 

micro-USB cable (supplied).

Rear of the unit

Micro-USB cable (supplied)

Computer

To play High-Resolution Audio format data

When playing the High-Resolution Audio format data on your 
computer with the unit, you need to download and install 
“Hi-Res Audio Player” to your computer.
Visit the following Web sites, and download the software. 
Communication fees to download are required separately.
http://www.sony-asia.com/support/
For details on installing, refer to the download pages.

Tip

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The unit supports USB 2.0 (USB 2.0 High Speed) as an audio device.

Notes

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If you are listening to music loudly with the unit connected to a computer, 
the POWER indicator may flash or the sound may be interrupted. This is not 
a malfunction. In this case, turn down the volume.

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The unit is not guaranteed to operate via a USB hub or USB cable extension. 
Use the supplied USB cable only.

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Do not disconnect a USB device while operating. To disconnect a USB device 
from the unit, stop playback, then turn off the unit to prevent damage to 
data.

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Digitally broadcast sound may not be output from a computer’s USB port. In 
this case, connect the AUDIO IN/LINE OUT jack of the unit to the analog 
audio output of the computer. For details on connecting, see 

Other devices

.

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If you are listening to music too loudly, the battery may drain even if the 
unit is connected to a computer.

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If the battery level is too low, the unit may not turn on even when 
connected to a computer. In this case, charge the battery. For details, see 
“Charging the Unit.”

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Be careful not to trip over a connecting cord.

Other devices

You can enjoy listening to an audio device, such as a 
smartphones or portable music player, with the unit. Before 
connecting, turn down the volume on the device and turn off the 
unit.

Note

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You can listen to the audio input from an audio device connected to the 
AUDIO IN/LINE OUT jack of the unit with only the headphones connected to 
the PHONES jack of the unit.

Turn on the audio device.

Set the input select switch to AUDIO IN.

Connect the audio device to the AUDIO IN/LINE OUT 
jack using the stereo mini cable (supplied).

Other device

Rear of the unit

Front of the unit

Stereo mini cable (supplied)

Notes

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If you connect the unit via a device with a built-in radio or tuner, broadcasts 
may not be received, or sensitivity may be reduced significantly.

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If there is noise in broadcasts, locate the unit farther away from the 
connected device and check whether reception improves.

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If you are listening to music too loudly, the battery may drain even if the 
unit is connected to a computer.

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If the battery level is too low, the unit may not turn on even when 
connected to a computer. In this case, charge the unit. For details, see 
“Charging the Unit.”

PHA-2

Portable Headphone Amplifier

Operating Instructions

4-477-124-

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©2013   Sony Corporation Printed in China

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