the story
The Holdout. By 2004, the Walkman Wars had pretty much been settled. MP3 players were multiplying, the iPod had become the shiny new object everyone wanted, and Sony was still quietly making the WM-FX290 as if none of that particularly concerned them. And honestly, why should it? By this point they’d had more than two decades to figure out exactly how to build a cassette player, and the FX290 feels like everything had simply been dialed in. It’s basic, lightweight and easy to use, but Sony did give it a beautifully translucent smoky-grey cassette door that lets just enough of the machinery and tape peek through to remind you there’s something mechanical happening in there. It’s also remarkably efficient on a single AA battery and completely uninterested in showing off. Put a tape in, though, and suddenly this humble little rectangle has opinions. The sound is incredible. Engage Mega Bass when appropriate, or wildly inappropriate, and you’re reminded exactly why cassette never deserved to disappear. The AM/FM radio is still along for the ride, while the built-in TV tuner belongs to another technological universe entirely and will not receive modern digital television broadcasts. This exceptionally clean example has spent some restorative quality time in the APD lab and even comes with its original Sony cloth carrying case, complete with a clear plastic front because apparently even Sony understood there was no point carrying a Walkman around if nobody could see your Walkman. Flip it over and there’s a proper Sony belt clip, ready to sit beside your Nokia and achieve maximum technological authority. The WM-FX290 didn’t need to win the Walkman Wars. It just needed a cassette and one AA.
What You Get
• The unit itself — in mint external condition with almost no bumps and bruises, fully serviced and ready for use, you’ll only need to supply 1 AA battery. Pictures show the exact unit you’ll receive.
• Your choice of a freshly curated APD 80’s mixtape or a retro prerecorded tape from our archives
• A pair of period-correct headphones (new)
• Original Sony belt/case carrying situation
• Iconic Sony Sound - arguably sounds better than anything on the market today
• Legendary APD packaging with a custom sticker pack for a gift-worthy unboxing.
Features + Highlights
• AVLS - save your eardrums if you want
• MEGA BASS - vintage Sony boom booms 💥💥💥
• Digital FM/AM tuner
• Small-sized format Walkman build — sturdy, built for real use
Service Provided (Nerd Stuff)
• Full off body cleaning and restoration
• Belt pathways fully cleaned and new premium belt installed
• Motor lubricated
• All contacts cleaned (crackle free)
• NAK-T100 Speed Adjusted, wow and flutter within spec
• Capstans and pinch rollers cleaned
• Head cleaned and demagnetized
• Transport cleaned and lubricated
• Full playback tested
Condition + Character
• This reborn legend has great cosmetics with almost no visible wear happening in it’s 22 years of life (see photos).
• Controls, sliders, knobs and tape door feel rock-solid and responsive.
• Clean and corrosion-free battery contacts.
FCC information: Sony’s WM-FX290 operating instructions include a manufacturer Declaration of Conformity stating that this model complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. The declaration does not state an FCC ID.
The FCC’s adopted online-marketplace FCC-ID display rule exempts listings for used devices (47 CFR § 2.803(c)(3)(iii)).