Sony
Sony Walkman NW-WM1Z
Best high-resolution player for uncompromising audiophiles seeking pure, natural sound.
Experience unparalleled audio fidelity with the Sony Walkman NW-WM1Z, a high-resolution digital music player designed for the discerning listener. Its chassis is crafted from gold-plated oxygen-free copper, contributing to a unique, natural sound. This player supports high-resolution audio files up to 32-bit/384 kHz and native DSD up to 11.2 MHz, ensuring every nuance is captured. Enjoy up to 33 hours of playback on a single charge, with advanced features like LDAC for high-quality wireless audio and DSEE HX for upscaling lower-quality files. It includes 256GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD, and supports both balanced and unbalanced audio outputs.
$3198.00
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Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
31
/ 162
#31 in MP3 Players
Price vs Category Average
+169%
Above average
Chassis
Gold-Plated, Oxygen-Free Copper
/ Gold-Plated, Oxygen-Free Copper
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking uncompromising high-resolution audio clarity
- Collectors valuing premium craftsmanship and high-end materials
- Commuters needing reliable playback for long listening sessions
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for value-oriented audio gear
- Travelers prioritizing lightweight and pocketable music players
- Users wanting seamless integration with modern streaming apps
Performance breakdown
Audio Fidelity
Unrivaled sound reproduction for the most demanding high-resolution audio enthusiasts.
Build Quality
Gold-plated oxygen-free copper chassis offers unmatched durability and acoustic resonance.
Battery Endurance
Impressive playback longevity keeps high-resolution sessions going for over thirty hours.
Connectivity Versatility
Balanced and unbalanced outputs provide professional-grade flexibility for various headphone setups.
Storage Capacity
Generous internal memory with microSD expansion handles massive lossless music libraries.
Portability
Substantial weight and premium materials prioritize desktop performance over pocket-friendly mobility.
Key Specs
Chassis
Gold-Plated, Oxygen-Free Copper
Supported Audio Formats
MP3, WMA, FLAC, Linear PCM, AAC, HE-AAC, Apple Lossless, AIFF, DSD (up to 11.2 MHz)
Supported File Resolution
Up to 32-Bit 384 kHz
Audio Output
Balanced and Unbalanced Cables
Cable Engineering
Four wire braided cables engineered with KIMBER KABLE®
Capacitor
FT-CAP (high polymer capacitor)
Circuitry
Fine Sound Register
Amplifier
S-Master™ HX digital amp
Features
- Premium gold-plated oxygen-free copper chassis for unique acoustic sound.
- High-resolution audio support up to 32-bit/384 kHz and native DSD up to 11.2 MHz.
- Engineered with advanced KIMBER KABLE® for superior sound performance.
- Newly developed FT-CAP capacitor for optimized and clean power delivery.
- S-Master HX digital amplifier reduces distortion for rich, full-bodied sound.
- DSEE HX upscaling technology enhances audio quality to near High-Resolution.
- DC Phase Linearizer replicates analog amplifier sonic signatures for purer sound.
- LDAC technology enables high-quality wireless audio streaming via Bluetooth.
What customers say
Customers consistently laud the Sony Walkman NW WM1Z for its unparalleled audio fidelity, describing an immersive and detailed listening experience that elevates their music collection. The device's premium design and robust build quality, featuring a distinctive gold plated chassis, also receive widespread acclaim. Users appreciate the meticulous craftsmanship and the luxurious feel, reinforcing its status as a top tier portable audio player. While acknowledging its significant investment, enthusiasts often find the sonic performance and exquisite construction justify the cost.
Know before you buy
The gold-plated oxygen-free copper chassis is designed to reduce electrical noise and provide a stable ground, which contributes to a more natural, refined, and clear acoustic sound compared to standard materials.
Yes, the device features both a 4.4mm balanced output and a standard 3.5mm unbalanced output, allowing you to use a wide variety of high-end headphones.
Yes, the NW-WM1Z includes a microSD card slot, allowing you to expand your storage capacity for larger high-resolution music libraries.
DSEE HX upscaling technology analyzes your compressed audio files and restores the high-frequency details that are often lost, bringing the sound quality closer to high-resolution standards.
Yes, the player supports Bluetooth connectivity with LDAC technology, which allows for high-quality wireless audio streaming that maintains more detail than standard Bluetooth codecs.
You can expect up to 33 hours of continuous playback on a single charge when listening to high-resolution audio files.
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$3198