Sony
Sony Walkman DMP-Z1
Best portable player for uncompromising high-fidelity audio enthusiasts.
Experience unparalleled audio fidelity with the Sony Walkman DMP-Z1 Signature Series digital music player. Meticulously engineered for audiophiles, it delivers high-resolution sound that you can feel, capturing every nuance as the artist intended. Supporting DSD native up to 11.2 MHz and PCM playback up to 384 kHz/32-bit, it ensures authentic reproduction of your music. Features include a gold-plated analog rotary volume controller, an independent power system with a built-in battery for pure audio, and an isolated circuit board design to minimize noise. Enjoy enhanced sound with DSEE HX™ and the Vinyl Processor.
$8499.99
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Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
31
/ 162
#31 in MP3 Players
Price vs Category Average
+615%
Above average
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking uncompromising, studio-grade sound quality
- Design enthusiasts who value premium materials and robust construction
- Home listeners wanting a high-end desktop DAC and amplifier
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for value-driven audio equipment
- Commuters needing a lightweight, truly pocketable music player
- Casual listeners who prefer versatile, mainstream audio devices
Performance breakdown
Audio Fidelity
Unrivaled signal purity captures every subtle nuance of high-resolution studio recordings.
Build Integrity
Rigid aluminum chassis construction effectively eliminates resonance and unwanted mechanical vibration.
Power Management
Independent five-cell battery system ensures clean, stable power for demanding headphones.
Component Precision
Gold-plated rotary volume control offers unmatched tactile accuracy for stereo imaging.
Storage Versatility
Generous internal capacity paired with dual slots handles massive high-bitrate libraries.
Portability
Heavyweight design prioritizes stationary desktop performance over true mobile convenience.
Key Specs
Hi-res audio supports DSD native up to 11.2 MHz and PCM audio playback
High-end audio parts for great sound quality
0.17" balanced and 0.14" headphone output
256 GB internal storage and 2 micro SD slots
Battery life up to approx. 10 hours for non-hi-res and 9 hours for hi-res
Gold-plated analog rotary volume controller
Dual DAC stereo architecture
High-quality analog amplifier
Features
- Elevates high-resolution sound experience to be felt
- Every component meticulously crafted for power, fidelity, and purity of sound
- Supports DSD native 11.2 MHz and PCM playback up to 384 kHz/32-bit
- 0.17" balanced headphone jack and 0.14" standard jack with KIMBER KABLE® internal wiring
- Gold-plated analog rotary volume controller for stereo channel precision
- Independent power system with five battery cells for enhanced dynamics and reduced interference
- Isolated circuit board design (analog separated from digital) on H-shaped chassis to reduce noise
- Rigid aluminum milled frame structure for minimal resonance and vibration
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Sony Walkman DMP Z1 for its unparalleled audio quality and exquisite design. Enthusiasts describe a truly immersive listening experience, highlighting its ability to reproduce intricate musical details with remarkable clarity and depth. The device's premium construction, featuring high grade materials, contributes to a luxurious feel and robust build. While its substantial size and considerable price point are noted, for dedicated audiophiles, the sonic performance and sophisticated aesthetic largely justify the investment, positioning it as a top tier portable music player.
Know before you buy
The device features both a standard 3.5mm (0.14") jack and a 4.4mm (0.17") balanced output, both of which utilize high-quality KIMBER KABLE® internal wiring to maintain signal integrity.
The DMP-Z1 comes with 256 GB of internal storage. If you need more space for your high-resolution library, you can expand it further using the two integrated micro SD card slots.
The five-cell battery system is designed to provide a clean, stable power supply to the analog and digital circuits separately. This isolation helps reduce electrical noise and interference, resulting in a more dynamic and pure audio output.
Yes, the device supports Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to pair it with wireless headphones or speakers for added convenience.
The gold-plated rotary controller allows for precise, tactile control over your volume levels. By using an analog component rather than digital attenuation, it helps maintain the full dynamic range of your audio signal.
You can expect approximately 10 hours of playback for standard audio files. When listening to high-resolution files, the battery life is rated for about 9 hours.
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$8500