Sony WM-FS493 Sports Walkman

The WM-FS493 and WM-FS495 were (yellow coloured) Sports Walkmans with stereo cassette player, AM/FM radio, and LCD clock, manufactured by the Sony Corporation and assembled in Malaysia, in approx 1995. The WM-FS495 was a U.S. model that had a TV tuner in addition to the AM/FM radio, and consequently this model is more sought after than the WM-FS493. These Walkmans were for the Sports market, for someone who may like to run or swim, and listen to music simultaneously. It has some useful functions such as auto reverse, which is vital if you are in the swimming pool. The LCD shows clock time, and there are timer controls for LAP functions as well. This unit measures 98.3 mm × 117.4 mm × 40.9 mm, and has a mass of 265 g including batteries.

• Water resistant
• Digital synthesized AM/FM stereo tuner
• TV tuner (WM-FS495 only)
• Auto reverse
• Long battery life
• Mega Bass
• AVLS
• Stop watch function

As sports walkmans go, this model has some good features going for it. The FS493 will provide 30-hours radio operation or 18-hours cassette playback, on a pair of alkaline AM3 batteries (AA-size). The battery hatch is inside the cassette compartment, and there is a seal around the edges to prevent water entering it. Both models have the same tape transport mechanism with the 3-phase disc motor, driven by LB1674V IC. This IC manages the power as well as maintaining extremely smooth tape speed, making it much more enjoyable to listen to. For the cassette player circuit, they use the LA4585M integrated circuit, which consists of the head preamps, switching, and power amps.

There are three levels of Mega Bass settings consisting of Norm, Mid, Max. There is also a switch for automatic volume limiting system.

Price/eBay

This is a lovely bit of audio history from 1995, but unfortunately, well past its useful service life and therefore there are issues to look out for when buying in the pre-used markets. It may require a new drive belt which is straightforward to replace, however the belt is a special thin one that may be expensive. Some of the plastic components in the mechanism may be broken due to the material getting brittle over time. Components such as springs and plastic cog wheels usually break off and can be difficult to replace. There is a plastic ribbon cable connecting the main board to the timer board in the cassette lid, and that occasionally cracks and breaks over time. If this is broken, then the cassette player will continue functioning but the radio and LCD clock will not operate. A broken unit on its own is not worth much, however a unit in mint condition, fully working, and in its original box with accessories could fetch a small packet on the right day.

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