Bingo
I've decided to open a new thread just because the low volume level of the EU models is the only issue that may prevent someone from buying this terrific piece of hardware. I've struggled with it, but finally (with a help of Sony related people) found a solution.
There are many things in NW-HD3 you can adjust via a service menu. To enter it
follow the instructions from testmode.jpg.
When you are in, follow soundpressure.jpg to set "Sound Pressure Regulation" to OFF.
You are done!
Disclaimer. I take no responsibility for any consequences caused by this. Using service menu is inherently dangerous, difficulties during the process could cause the device to stop functioning and irreparably damage the product. If you do damage the product in this way, your supplier will charge for repair.
Here are the specific instructions for the HD5 (as posted later in this thread)
Start the player. Start playing a song. Turn the HOLD function on by sliding the swich at the top. Then, Hold the SEARCH/MENU button and enter the button sequence:
Right, Right, Left, Left, Right, Left, Right, Left, Up, Down.
Let go of the buttons, and put the HOLD switch back to its original position.
The backlight will cut out and you'll be in the service menu with "POWER" displayed.
Press DOWN a few times to select OTHERS and press Right to get into the menu.
Keep pressing down until you get to SP SET (Sound Pressure Setting).
Press Play/Pause to get into change the option. Then press SEARCH/MENU to
toggle the option on or Off (obviously, Off is for louder sounds).
Then either hold STOP or remove the battery to get the player out of the
service mode. For some reason, you'll have to go back into the player's options to manually turn the backlight on again after doing this.
(Note that the attachments below apply to the original HD3 instructions.)
[mod comment - instructions for HD5 copied here by JohnG]
I've decided to open a new thread just because the low volume level of the EU models is the only issue that may prevent someone from buying this terrific piece of hardware. I've struggled with it, but finally (with a help of Sony related people) found a solution.
There are many things in NW-HD3 you can adjust via a service menu. To enter it
follow the instructions from testmode.jpg.
When you are in, follow soundpressure.jpg to set "Sound Pressure Regulation" to OFF.
You are done!
Disclaimer. I take no responsibility for any consequences caused by this. Using service menu is inherently dangerous, difficulties during the process could cause the device to stop functioning and irreparably damage the product. If you do damage the product in this way, your supplier will charge for repair.
Here are the specific instructions for the HD5 (as posted later in this thread)
Start the player. Start playing a song. Turn the HOLD function on by sliding the swich at the top. Then, Hold the SEARCH/MENU button and enter the button sequence:
Right, Right, Left, Left, Right, Left, Right, Left, Up, Down.
Let go of the buttons, and put the HOLD switch back to its original position.
The backlight will cut out and you'll be in the service menu with "POWER" displayed.
Press DOWN a few times to select OTHERS and press Right to get into the menu.
Keep pressing down until you get to SP SET (Sound Pressure Setting).
Press Play/Pause to get into change the option. Then press SEARCH/MENU to
toggle the option on or Off (obviously, Off is for louder sounds).
Then either hold STOP or remove the battery to get the player out of the
service mode. For some reason, you'll have to go back into the player's options to manually turn the backlight on again after doing this.
(Note that the attachments below apply to the original HD3 instructions.)
[mod comment - instructions for HD5 copied here by JohnG]