From the very first glance, Aiwa has a completely different atmosphere than Sony. Aiwa always had its own style: more “hi‑fi for joy,” less corporate austerity. The XP‑V835 is a great example of a Discman that feels like it was created at the moment when portable CD players were starting to shift from purely practical devices into something with a bit of style. Aiwa consistently kept its reputation as a brand that could combine good sound, pleasant design, and surprisingly clever features.
Unlike Sony, which often leaned toward technical minimalism, Aiwa feels a bit more playful. The XP‑V835 has elegant, slightly futuristic lines and ergonomics that sit comfortably in the hand. It offers solid sound with a more pronounced bass character, as well as features that were more of an exception among budget models: quick button response, reliable mechanics, and an overall sense that you’re holding something thoughtfully designed. It’s easy to imagine it being especially popular among people who wanted something different from the “standard Sony experience,” but still didn’t want to compromise on quality.
It’s simply a Discman that feels friendly, modern, and a little different — a charming alternative that shows that truly great machines were being made outside of Sony as well.