Home > Consumer Reviews > Sony WM-FS222 S2 Sports Walkman Stereo Cassette Player with FM/AM/TV and Weather Radio

This Sony portable cassette tape player is well designed and ruggedly constructed. Unfortunately, its sound quality leaves a great deal to be desired. First of all, I was unhappy with the headphones which delivered a somewhat thin and 'tinny' reproduction of the music I sampled over the three weeks I tested this walkman (which I finally returned for credit). Also, at relatively low volumes I was surprised to encounter unacceptable levels of distortion during playback. I recently purchased a Sony Psych CD Walkman model D-EJ360 which, by comparison, is so far superior in its sound quality to the Sony WM-FS222 S2 Sports Cassette Walkman under review that it became literally impossible for me to listen to the tape player without feeling irritated and aggrieved (thus the necessity to return it!). Two other disappointing features of this S2 product bear mentioning. The included "belt clip" is NOT a rigid plastic fixture of the player case itself but rather an addition to the flexible strap used for holding the walkman by hand. It therefore does not provide a secure attachment for vigorous walking or running. And there is no auto-reverse functionality. Which seems a significant lack given the price of the item. Finally, having submitted a meticulously documented rebate claim for a Sony t-shirt upon receiving this walkman, I was notified that I was ineligible for my gift as I had failed to provide the requisite UPC code and sales receipt. A sad ending to a thoroughly frustrating experience with a company I have come to expect so much more from.

* With only one battery, the unit is underpowered.
* Even with the volume up to the highest setting, it is hard to hear the radio. Cassettes konk out in mid-play.
* The case is a pain to open.
* I threw mine away in frustration.

Don't purchase this product. It's a waste of money. I'm still using it, but I wish I had the extra cash to get a different walkman. The case is bulky and heavy. The radio and tv tuners often produce static. The cassette player plays poorly and often reverses direction in the middle of playing a cassette. Also, sometimes, it plays cassettes slowly and not up to normal speed. Overall, I am disappointed with the quality of this product for such a high price. SONY has made some really poor electronic products lately, and I have stopped purchasing any of their electronic products. They must be concentrating too much on the PLAYSTATION to drive their company sales.

You would think that purchasing a SONY, that you would be getting a quality product, right? Well think again! Poor headphones, poor belt clip, hard to change the tape, NO auto reverse, battery life very short, poor sound quality! I found nothing about this Walkman worth praising. I would have rated it "0" stars if they had provided that option. Save your money and buy a different Brand.

PS: Quit playing tapes after only two months!

I bought this in a bricks and mortar store, and wish I had come to Amazon and read reviews on it first. Especially for this price, this was very shoddy equipment. I had the same problems as other reviewers with securing the player. I listen to books on tape while I work around the house, and I had a terrible time keeping this player attached. Unlike another reviewer, I did NOT find that it survived drops well, and it was sporting duct tape very soon after I bought it. Two months later, it simply stopped playing tapes. No amount of new batteries, manipulation, or pleading would get it going again. Very, very disappointing.