the story
It’s 1994. Your JNCOs have enough fabric to qualify as emergency shelter, your Blockbuster card is still somehow a status symbol, and this legendary Sony WM-FX425 is clipped to you like you might actually need 20 radio presets. Sony absolutely loaded this thing up with auto-reverse, Dolby B, digital FM/AM, AVLS, an LCD display and three levels of MEGA BASS, because apparently one level of bass was for cowards. This Survivor Series example has obviously lived a life, but it survived with suspicious dignity. There are a few scars around the edges, the kind you earn from being shoved into backpacks, dropped onto passenger seats and carried through an era when nobody owned a protective case for anything, but the face, graphics and controls still look remarkably sharp. After surviving the 90s and somehow navigating everything that came after, it eventually found its way into the APD lab for our thorough restoration process. Now it’s ready for the play button to get mashed, Mega Bass to get slammed to MAX, and another four-hour disappearance into the mall with twelve bucks in your pocket and absolutely no way for your parents to find you. Best of all, it sounds fantastic, which is exactly what you want from a machine that looks like it has already seen some things and still showed up ready for another round.
What You Get
- The unit itself — in very good external condition with minor bumps and bruises, fully serviced and ready for use, you’ll only need to supply 2 AA batteries (see pictures)
- Your choice of a freshly curated APD 80’s mixtape or a retro prerecorded tape from our archives
- A pair of period-correct Sony headphones (new)
- Original Sony belt clip
- Iconic Sony Sound - sounds better than anything released new on the market today
- Legendary APD packaging with custom sticker pack
Features + Highlights
- Dolby B NR.
- Cr02 tape support.
- Mega Bass - vintage Sony boom booms. 💥💥💥
- AVLS - save your eardrums if you want.
- Auto Reverse - flips the tape for you.
- Digital FM/AM tuner with Alarm clock function.
- Medium-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 some visible wear happening in it’s 30+ years of life (see photos)
- Controls, sliders, knobs and tape door feel rock-solid and responsive.
- Cassette porthole clean and clear.
- Clean and corrosion-free battery contacts.