Super-Equipped, High-End SONY Walkman WM-FX77.
Luxurious Design with a Pulverized Black Matte Finish.
ON-FACADE-ACCESS System: Main Functions Easily Accessible!
Part of the Sony's 20th Anniversary Celebration Lineup.
SONY released a few players that made history for being one of the most advanced players at the time, thanks to the combination of a very small size, advanced electronics and feather touch buttons, high quality sound thanks to the EX Permalloy head, the brand new Mega Bass System (2x bass expansion) ALSO CALLED EX DBB, and other cool features.
An all-time favorite Walkman from SONY was the WM-FX77.
Because it was almost as compact as a Cassette-Only Walkman yet it packed a full twin digital radio as well without sacrificing premium characteristics and built.
In my opinion it was its design what set new marks in the Walkman era and was a prelude of the design that many brands used later in the 90's, with more rounded lines (carried through time - even today).
STEREO AGE REVIEW:
“This is an amazing walkman - a perfectly sounding machine. You can use this walkman when you listen to music while others are sleeping because it has a pretty silent mechanism and energy-efficient tape transport. Powerful output, good high freq. extension, long battery life, and the possibility of using two battery types make this Sony Walkman a versatile and satisfying sonic experience.”
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
- The SONY WM-FX77.
- Original Sony remote controller with proprietary connector.
- Original Sony Fontopia earphones with proprietary connector.
- Full service manual in PDF.
ADVANCED FEATURES:
• Worldwide twin tuner with two separate tuners.
Each area can be preset to memorize several songs for each of the bands (FM / AM).
• Equipped with auto memory scan function, you can automatically preset the local broadcasting stations in various parts of the world at the touch of a button.
• Equipped with an automated songs search, by detecting their beginning (and the silent space between tracks), AMS (Automatic Music Sensor) can skip through songs by simply pressing the FF/REW button during Play. This function can be operated from the Walkman or from the remote The Walkman comes also equipped with a newly developed function called AVLS. This feature constantly monitors the state of the music signal during playback, and controls the volume coming out of the headphones so it won’t exceed the point of sound leakage. It provides safe listening levels.
• The sound fluctuation caused by the dynamic characteristics of vibrations (while walking or subjected to movement) has been noticeable reduced via a more precise and rigid tape transport.
• The unit has an EX Permalloy head.
To keep the angle of the head and the tape at a constant level this model has adopted the EX mechanism with a special tape guide.
• An EX DBB equipped (Dynamic Bass Boost) circuit is also present - able to emphasize the bass frequency of 50Hz up to 16 times.
Automatically adjusts the amount of emphasis depending on the level of volume knob at an y specific time. In addition it prevents the delicate tremble response to be lost by varying the amount of linear amplification depending on the volume changes of the original sound.
• A 10-minute rapid charging function is also an amazing feat (can charge up to 50% of the full charge in just 10 minutes; it can be fully charged in 30 minutes. It will automatically switch from the rapid charge to normal charge in accordance with the remaining amount of power in the rechargeable battery.
WALKMAN FEATURES:
■ Precision EX Permalloy head and EX tape transport.
■ Full remote control with proprietary connector + Fontopia earphones.
■ Digital Radio with world-wide synthesized twin tuner.
■ Automatic worldwide time.
■ Tri-Station: AM/FM/TV Sound.
■ Mono - Stereo switching.
■ 30 Preset Digital Synthesizer Tuner.
■ Blank Control.
■ Magnesium-containing high strength aluminum alloy body.
■ Possibility of being accessed by a full remote control (not included).
■ Luxurious pulverized black matte metal finish with brushed silver metal accents.
■ IC logic, feather touch controls.
■ 2-Way Auto reverse.
■ Dolby B NR.
■ AVLS (Automatic Volume Limiter System).
■ Anti rolling mechanism.
■ Auto tape selector (Normal/CrO2/Metal).
■ EX-DBB - sonic booster.
■ AMS (Auto Music Search).
■ Repeat function.
FONTOPIA EARPHONES FEATURES:
■ FONTOPIA, In-ear type headphones.
■ Sony’s Acoustic Twin Turbo Circuit for deep bass sound.
■ Neodymium magnet for powerful bass and clear treble sound.
■ Thin housing and slim duct for a comfortable fit to the ears.
■ Model open-air dynamic type.
■ PET diaphragm.
■ 16 mm turbo dome type driver.
■ Impedance 16Ω.
■ Frequency response 18-23,000Hz.
■ Permissible input 50mW.
■ Sensitivity 108dB / mW.
BUILT TO LAST!
SONY Walkmans are truly built to last while defying time with their instant-classic-designs.
This is a vintage Japanese product and as such it has great value since these Walkmans are no longer in production.
It was a unique product in a unique time of consumer electronics history … and they are making a strong comeback.
This also means that finding these devices in top shape is extremely hard due to the fact that they are between 20 to 30 years old.
I dedicate time to running basic, cleaning the unit, testing and writing a comprehensive listing and report along with technical data.
COSMETIC CONDITION:
Cosmetically in great condition with only very minor scuffing.
Inside (Tape transport area): excellent condition.
- All the controls maintain their original look, feel and feather touch attributes.
- The closing mechanism is in excellent condition.
- The tape transport area is extremely clean and the head shines as when new (pristine).
- The battery compartment is in great shape (100% conductive and functional) and the battery lid closes firmly.
- All the pieces that make part of the tape transport are in top working condition.
WORKING CONDITION:
Radio is 100% functional.
The units amplification system is top notch and functional as well.
All controls are functional however there seems to be an issue with the playback mechanism: upon pressing play (or any other cassette’s operation key) the distinctive humming of the engine turning on is heard, while engaging and trying to start yet no playback action is observed. This is typically an issue easily resolved with a belt replacement. Sometimes it is just a matter of the parts needing lubrication.
The Walkman detects all the power sources: external DC power, regular battery inserted in the optional battery adapter and the “gumstick” rechargeable battery.
- I tested this unit with a rechargeable battery - powers up.
- With the external battery pack - powers up.
- With DC power - powers up.
When engaging any function the Walkman responds so it is clear that controls remain in healthy condition and energy is being supplied throughout the unit.
Conclusion: This great Walkman might need a new belt and/or lubrication of mechanical parts to bring it to new life since the rest of the components are in seemingly great condition.
PHOTOS and DESIGNS ARE ORIGINAL:
Please note that I have invested considerable time designing presentation-style photo-comps which include a great deal of captions and information to bring to you an in-depth product rendition. The photos used represent the actual item listed.
I SHIP WORLDWIDE.
The product ships in a custom-made box featuring a double layering approach to protect the contents.
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Happy eBaying!