Sony
Sony Walkman NW-WM1A
Best portable player for audiophiles seeking high-fidelity sound on the go.
Experience unparalleled audio quality with the Sony Walkman NW-WM1A. This high-resolution digital music player boasts 128GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD, and features a 4.0" capacitive touchscreen for intuitive navigation. Its aluminum alloy frame ensures stable sound, while the S-Master HX amplifier and DSEE HX technology upscale compressed audio for a richer listening experience. Enjoy up to 30 hours of high-resolution playback or 33 hours of MP3 playback on a single charge. It supports a wide range of audio formats and offers both unbalanced and balanced audio outputs for maximum sound fidelity.
$1079.99
More Walkman Options
NW-A55 Walkman
$219.99
Sony NW-WM1AM2 Walkman DAP Music Player
$1199.00
Sony NW-WS623 Walkman
$149.99
Sony Walkman NW-A55
$399.99
Sony Walkman NW-A105
$349.99
NW-WM1ZM2 Walkman DAP Music Player
$2999.99
Sony Walkman NW-WM1Z
$3198.00
NW-WM1ZM2 Signature Series Walkman
$2998.00
Sony NW-ZX707
$899.99
Sony Walkman DMP-Z1
$8499.99
Sony Walkman NW-A55
$399.99
Walkman NW-A306
$398.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
31
/ 162
#31 in MP3 Players
Price vs Category Average
-9%
Below average
Screen Size
4.0
/ inches
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking studio-grade clarity and immersive soundscapes
- Listeners valuing high-end build quality and long-term durability
- Travelers needing reliable battery life for extended listening sessions
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for entry-level audio gear
- Users preferring the modern fluidity of smartphone-like interfaces
- Streaming subscribers who rely on cloud-based music libraries
Performance breakdown
Audio Fidelity
S-Master HX amplification delivers studio-grade clarity for the most discerning ears.
Build Integrity
The aluminum alloy frame provides exceptional rigidity and reduces unwanted signal noise.
Battery Endurance
Reliable playback longevity keeps high-resolution music going through long-haul travel.
Connectivity Versatility
Balanced 4.4mm output and LDAC support offer flexible, high-fidelity connection options.
Interface Responsiveness
The proprietary OS is functional but lacks the fluidity of modern smartphones.
Storage Capacity
Generous internal memory with microSD expansion handles massive high-resolution music libraries.
Key Specs
Screen Size
4.0 inches
Memory Size
128 GB
User Memory
114.15 GB
Weight
9.5 oz / 269.3 g
Dimensions (W x H x D)
72.9 x 124.2 x 20.1 mm
Supported Audio Formats
MP3, WMA, FLAC, Linear PCM, AAC, HE-AAC, Apple Lossless, AIFF, DSD
Battery Life
30+ hours (High-Resolution Audio), 33 hours (MP3)
Connectivity
Bluetooth 4.2
Features
- High-resolution audio playback up to 32-Bit/384 kHz PCM and Native DSD support
- Audiophile-grade sound with S-Master HX amplifier and DSEE HX upscaling
- 128GB internal storage with microSD card expansion
- 4.0" capacitive touchscreen with intuitive interface
- Balanced (4.4mm) and unbalanced audio outputs
- LDAC support for high-quality wireless audio streaming
- Extended battery life for long listening sessions
- Durable aluminum alloy frame for noise resistance
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Sony Walkman NW WM1A for its exceptional sound quality and premium, robust design. Many highlight the immersive audio experience it delivers, making it a top choice for discerning audiophiles. While its high price point is frequently noted, users often find the unparalleled audio fidelity and superior build justify the investment. The device is celebrated for transforming listening into an elevated, truly high end experience, solidifying its reputation as a benchmark in portable audio.
Know before you buy
Yes, it features a dedicated 4.4mm balanced output alongside a standard unbalanced stereo mini-jack, allowing you to use high-end cables for improved channel separation and reduced noise.
Yes, the device includes a microSD card slot, allowing you to easily expand your storage capacity for larger high-resolution music libraries.
DSEE HX upscales compressed audio files—like standard MP3s—to near high-resolution quality by restoring high-range sound that is typically lost during compression.
Yes, it supports Bluetooth 4.2 with LDAC technology, which allows for high-quality wireless audio streaming that transmits significantly more data than standard Bluetooth connections.
While the total capacity is 128GB, the actual user-accessible memory is 114.15GB, as the remainder is reserved for the operating system and pre-installed software.
Yes, the NW-WM1A supports video playback for formats including H.264/AVC, MPEG4, and WMV9 on its 4.0-inch touchscreen, though it is primarily designed as a dedicated high-fidelity music player.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$1080