If you are of a certain vintage, you probably had a Sony Walkman when you were younger. Sony has released a new version, and one of the models available costs nearly $6,000 USD!
The Sony NW-WM1ZM3 Walkman Signature Series Digital Audio Player features a full main-and-rear OFC chassis, gold plating, and KIMBER KABLE balanced wiring.
It is claimed to deliver audiophile-grade sound (as it should for almost $6,000 USD!) that you can take with you. It provides multiple ways to enjoy your music, such as Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) streaming, digital files, or directly from your PC via USB-C.
The NW-WM1ZM3 moves from a traditional aluminum chassis to a precision-machined oxygen-free copper body, which helps provide powerful bass and improved acoustic characteristics. Engineers also utilized gold-plated screws and carefully separated digital and analog power supply capacitors to maintain signal purity. Additionally, the NW-WM1ZM3 uses high-quality FFC (Flexible Flat Cable) wiring for ideal power and signal delivery, and incorporates OFC winding in the coils to minimize signal loss.
Key features
- Full OFC Chassis for Max Noise Reduction
- 11.2 MHz/1-Bit DSD & 384 kHz/32-Bit PCM
- S-Master HX Digital Amp
- DSD Remastering Engine
- Edge-AI DSEE Ultimate Upscaling
- 5.5″ 1080p Touchscreen
- 256GB Built-In with microSD Slot
- Up to 35 Hours of Playback
- Stereo Mini & Balanced Headphone Jacks
- MQA File Support
Digital tracks can be saved on the 256GB of built-in memory, or an optional microSD. It supports 11.2 MHz/1-bit DSD and 384 kHz/32-bit PCM. Users can browse through apps and files on a 1080p 5.5″ touchscreen, and listen through either the stereo mini or balanced headphone jacks.
The S-Master HXA digital amp supports Native DSD as well as balanced and high-power playback. It can also respond quickly to sudden changes in sound to improve D/A conversion by using look-ahead noise shaping. You can select one of three look-ahead types for energetic bass and clear, fast sound.
Whether streaming over Wi-Fi or playing downloaded tracks, the engine can deliver an analog-inspired presentation by resampling PCM audio into a 11.2 MHz/1-bit DSD stream. When playing compressed and CD-quality tracks, this technology works to restore detail and dynamic range for a more complete listening experience.
High-resolution audio-quality sound is also possible when streaming with support for aptX Adaptive and LDAC, which holds three times more data than standard Bluetooth.
Additional Audio Processing
- Vinyl processor: gives the warmth and character of vinyl into digital tracks.
- DC phase linearizer: applies digital signal processing to match the phase characteristics of various analog amplifiers. Pick from six different types to dial in a purer, more analog-like sound.
- Sony 360 Reality Audio: with supported audio sources, you can experience a truly immersive soundscape that’s designed to make you feel like you’re in the middle of a live concert, or with the artist in the studio.
Pricing & Availability
The Sony NW-WM1ZM3 Walkman Signature Series Digital Audio Player costs $5,898 USD, and it will be released in limited quantities. It is expected to start shipping at the end of December.
