Sony's WM-EX190 stereo cassette player is portable enough, and, at under half a pound, light enough to go anywhere you do. Sony's Mega Bass Sound System produces deep, rich bass to enliven appropriate music, an anti-rolling mechanism maintains stable tape speed to minimize music-distorting "wow and flutter" while the player is in motion.
The player's automatic volume limiter system (AVLS) maintains an even volume level, guarding against unintended level increases and evening the output of musical passages that vary widely in level. Automatic shut-off (in playback mode) extends battery life and helps prevent both mechanical and tape wear by turning off unit at the end of each tape side.
Supplied MDR (Micro Dynamic Receiver)-type over-ear headphones offer wide dynamic range and clear sound, and the unit also comes with a handy belt clip. Two AA batteries provide up to 24 hours (maximum, using Sony Alkaline batteries) of continuous tape playback.
What's in the Box
Cassette Walkman, MDR (Micro Dynamic Receiver)-type over-ear headphones, belt clip, user's manual, and warranty information.
1 masterchartist-Elmhurst IL
I use this Cassette Player while working out for 45 minutes on the ski exercise machine and believe me it helps pass a boring exercise time while using this device. I purchased this unit last August and use it religiously five days a week. Since that time, the batteries were renewed only once when the sound lost its quality. The sound is superb. Actually, I'm picking up more new sounds on this little unit than my boombox with its large speakers. Having over 500 audio tapes, I need a unit such as this and it fits the bill. I'm thoroughly satisfied with it.
2 If you are looking for a basic no-frills Walkman, Avoid This
If you are just looking for a basic no-frills cassette Walkman and you are not a perfectionist sound aficionado -- walk right on by, and buy something else. This Walkman has a nice price, but is a lot less than it sounds.
I had thought I could stand anything, since all I was looking for was a basic Walkman to listen to music and audiobooks. But I actually returned mine (And if I eat the shipping to return an item, that really says something!) What made it impossible for me was that the sound was extremely tinny and hissy, so much so that it hurt my ears. Using the bass-boost actually boosted the tinniness as much as the bass, so that was no help. Using the volume limiter did reduce the tinniness somewhat, but it still sounded terrible. I have bought inexpensive Sony Walkmans for years and loved them, and I bought a cheap Sony microcassette recorder a few weeks ago which is terrific, so I had felt confident enough to buy the EX-190. But the basic sound was unbearable.
To mention the good points, I really like the way it looks. The plastic is cheap, but light-weight. The buttons go on and off easily, unlike some which are too hard to press or which don't engage every time you press them. There is no auto-reverse, so you insomniacs will have to get up, flip the tape, and try to get drowsy again! Overall, I feel it *would* be a decent little machine, except that the sound is just too awful.
