Monday, June 13th 2022

Sony Electronics Debuts Two New Premium Music Players, Starting at US$1,399.99

Sony Electronics Inc. today introduced two new premium music players, the NW-WM1ZM2 and NW-WM1AM2, raising the bar to new heights in high-resolution audio listening, to satisfy the most demanding audiophiles. Designed to immerse the listener in sublime, nuanced sound, the NW-WM1ZM2 has been fine-tuned from years of audio mastery and crafted from the very best materials. This new addition sets a new benchmark for Sony's award-winning signature series, offering an exquisite listening experience in an ultra-premium design.

The NW-WM1AM2 allows music lovers to completely lose themselves in high-quality audio with a richer, smoother and more expansive sound field compared to its predecessor. Both music players let the user download and stream from endless catalogues of music with Wi-Fi compatibility, taking the listening enjoyment to the next level.
Extraordinary sound begins with exceptional components
Throughout the history of Sony's premium range music players, audio mastery has been accomplished through a combination of meticulous assembly of exceptional components. The NW-WM1ZM2 and NW-WM1AM2 are products of this philosophy.

Purer materials for a purer sound
The NW-WM1ZM2 has a 99.99% purity (4N) Gold-plated Oxygen-Free copper (OFC) Chassis. This realizes a stronger digital ground and higher rigidity, enabling clear, expansive sound, so the listener can experience each instrument as if it were performing live.

The NW-WM1AM2 uses an aluminium alloy frame which provides a highly rigid case that's resistive to electrical noise and other interference creating a stable, high-quality sound.

Revel in authentic sound reproduction
With the use of S-Master HX digital amp technology, independently developed for Walkman, the NW-WM1ZM2 and NW-WM1AM2 deliver a stunningly faithful sound reproduction. The full digital amplifier further creates a rich and full-bodied sound, with the help of a high-quality lead-free solder.

Taking inspiration from the ground-breaking DMP-Z1, both music players feature an even stronger power supply than their predecessor models, both in the analog and digital block.

The NW-WM1ZM2 and NW-WM1AM2 have upgraded fine-tuned capacitors - various FT CAP3 capacitors (High-polymer Capacitor) and a large solid high polymer capacitor which offers large capacitance and low resistance. An OFC-milled block covering the digital block allows both music players to deliver sound that appears to rise up from silence.

Perfect Signal Integrity
To achieve a powerful and smooth sound quality, Sony has selected a thick KIMBER KABLE to run from the amp base to the balanced headphone jack on the NW-WM1ZM2, much like the renowned DMP-Z1. This carefully selected component helps transmit high quality audio signals, leaving just the music.

The NW-WM1AM2 uses a low-resistance OFC cable which offers low distortion and superior channel separation.

To realize both music players evolutionary sound, a dual clock and fine sound register have been precisely placed within each Walkman. For the first time, Sony has begun using a reflow solder containing gold, whose effect is significant in the overall improved sound localization and wider sound space.

Get the most out of music, whatever the source
The NW-WM1ZM2 and NW-WM1AM2 both integrate a DSD Remastering Engine where PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) audio is resampled into an 11.2 MHz DSD (Direct Stream Digital), providing even more ways to enjoy music.

With the NW-WM1ZM2 and NW-WM1AM2 listeners can also inject more life into their music by upscaling compressed music files in real time with DSEE Ultimate. This evolving algorithm now offers even more benefits for CD-quality (16 bit 44.1/48 kHz) lossless audio. By restoring acoustic subtleties and dynamic range, the user experiences a richer, more complete listening experience.

Hear every note as the artist intended
Both Walkmans are also compatible with Balanced Connection and High-Resolution Audio, allowing listeners to experience their favorite tracks, just how the artist intended.

Music on the Move
The NW-WM1ZM2 and NW-WM1AM2 are Wi-Fi compatible and powered by Android 11, giving access to a vast collection of genres and artists, from all around the world. Consumers can choose to either listen from their favorite music streaming and download services or connect to a PC to download tracks and playlists from personal collections, ensuring high quality sound playback.

All new optimized usability
With a larger 5.0" (12.7 cm) display, both music players introduce a new smooth and responsive touchscreen that has been upgraded to HD (High Definition), optimizing the user experience. Consumers can also personalize their home display on the Walkman Home Screen to suit individual needs, making each Walkman truly unique.

To ensure listeners can immerse themselves in the music wherever they are, both premium models deliver up to 40 hours of non-stop 96kHz FLAC High-Resolution Audio playback.

A USB Type-C port features on both models, offering fast music file transfer and easy connectivity with a range of devices.

The NW-WM1ZM2 offers 256 GB of integrated memory and a microSD card slot, while the NW-WM1AM2 offers 128 GB of integrated memory and a microSD card slot, allowing listeners to take even the biggest music collections, wherever they go.

Sustainability matters
Sony's products are not only designed to be stylish, but also with the environment in mind. Zero plastic is used in the packaging material for the NW-WM1ZM2 and NW-WM1AM2, reflecting Sony's commitment to reducing the impact of our products and practices.

Pricing and Availability:
NW-WM1ZM2 has a suggested retail price of $3,699.99 and is available now to purchase at Sony Electronics and other authorized dealers.
NW-WM1AM2 has a suggested retail price of $1,399.99 and is available now to purchase at Sony Electronics and other authorized dealers.
Source: Sony
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51 Comments on Sony Electronics Debuts Two New Premium Music Players, Starting at US$1,399.99

#26
Dr_b_
Can you imagine if there was oxygen in your copper, and what that would sound like?
Posted on Reply
#27
KainXS
This does not even tell much about what's in the thing, what chipset are they using.
Posted on Reply
#29
sollord
AthlonitePurer materials for a purer sound
The NW-WM1ZM2 has a 99.99% purity (4N) Gold-plated Oxygen-Free copper (OFC) Chassis. This realizes a stronger digital ground and higher rigidity, enabling clear, expansive sound, so the listener can experience each instrument as if it were performing live.




Has someone at Sony been smokin sushi again
They just know the target market for these namely delusional Audiophiles will buy anything with fancy words that improve audio quality
Posted on Reply
#30
Valantar
freeagentAnd how do you think this would compare against the Sony?
I would say they both are able to play music, though one probably sounds better than the other, supports more codecs and has more features - though nowhere near enough to justify its 100x-300x price increase. 10x? Sure. Maybe even 20x.
Posted on Reply
#31
freeagent
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, stuff like this isn’t for everyone. As noted this would be for the professional or the enthusiast. Would I buy one? If I had more money than sense sure.. but at this point in time? Negatory.
Posted on Reply
#32
Steevo
freeagentBeauty is in the eye of the beholder, stuff like this isn’t for everyone. As noted this would be for the professional or the enthusiast. Would I buy one? If I had more money than sense sure.. but at this point in time? Negatory.
I totally get it for the fashion/art aspect. Its why hot cars, hot women, and cool computers make a lot of people feel good. If they had some measurable validation that then didn't depend on headphones that make it sound different to justify it.
Posted on Reply
#33
freeagent
SteevoI totally get it for the fashion/art aspect. Its why hot cars, hot women, and cool computers make a lot of people feel good. If they had some measurable validation that then didn't depend on headphones that make it sound different to justify it.
It’s just a toy, like our fancy computers..
Posted on Reply
#34
Solid State Soul ( SSS )
Most phones today have respectable audio quality, if not, i can buy a 30$ portable dac that should deliver great results, this is just another example of corporations exploting audophiles stupidness
sollordThey just know the target market for these namely delusional Audiophiles will buy anything with fancy words that improve audio quality
Agreed, for a long time i always told myself these audophiles cant be that stupid to fall for these scams since the dawn of time, audio equimpent are outwordly expensive for no plain reason, sure there has to be something am missing hear,.... 1 until they anounced the audophiles ssd, it being sold out was the moment i relized the audophiles market is an ironic comedy
Posted on Reply
#35
P4-630
This was my sony "walkman" back in 2005, it included a phone and camera too.....

Posted on Reply
#36
bonehead123
AthloniteHas someone at Sony been smokin sushi again
Well, they've been weened off da raw fish, and are now only allowed to take a puff (or 12) of da absolute highest-quality pharma every few minutes !

Posted on Reply
#37
zlobby
AndyrDon't forget to buy an audiophile network cable to go with it...
Never forget this one: www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/a-15k-music-streamer-reviewed-on-stereophile.27005/

It's an eternal classic. I mean, the shape of the digital bits, man!
kinjx11I have the FF7 Remake edition, the sound quality is amazing but the OS is slow as hell and it's Android 9 ?!! not worth it
It never ceases to amaze me - these type of products are loaded with top tier audio stuff top to bottom yet when it comes to UX, the guys designing them are 'Yeah, put some old, slow Android that is not much good for anything.'
Posted on Reply
#38
GreiverBlade
sam_86314Oh, they get much more expensive...

$1800
www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1677868-REG/fiio_m17_portable_desktop_player.html

$3500
www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1485568-REG/astell_kern_3ppa33ac_cmcgn1_sp2000_a_ultima_series_hi_res.html
1800$ a M17.... tsk tsk small time player
my M17 listing : www.microspot.ch/fr/tv-et-audio/mp3-et-enregistreurs-audio/lecteurs-mp3-et-multimédias--c164000/fiio-lecteur-mp3-m17-high-end-64-gb-noir-bluetooth-5-0-wifi--p0002954418
(2073.45 chf )

i got a Fiio X5 III some time ago, paid 199chf instead of 499 :laugh: and yeah it did beat hands down phone for music listening (specially with a bal. cable and some BA IEM ) if i had high-res files and no place to spare on the phone ;) (nowadays ... i just use Spotify in the end ... no more storage issue, but when i had the X5 III i had 2 400gb uSD cards filled to the brim with FLACs :laugh: )
still have my Fiio Q1 Mark II DAC nonetheless (although mostly BT TWS ... so i use it sometime as DAC for my main rig ... )
Posted on Reply
#39
R-T-B
Dr_b_Can you imagine if there was oxygen in your copper, and what that would sound like?
It wouldn't sound like much I picture, but technically oxidation does slightly raise resistance and thus impedance.

Pretending you can hear that is pretty special though.
Posted on Reply
#40
Frick
Fishfaced Nincompoop
ChaneI'm getting Zune vibes from this. I'm not sure what the market is for these. My phone is perfectly capable of delivering high-resolution digital sound and if I wanted quality analog sound there are plenty of DACs out there.
My motherboard is perfectly capable of delivering high-resolution sound, why would I get a DAC?

There's definitely a market for high end music players.
Posted on Reply
#41
Bomby569
ChaneI'm getting Zune vibes from this. I'm not sure what the market is for these. My phone is perfectly capable of delivering high-resolution digital sound and if I wanted quality analog sound there are plenty of DACs out there.
Octavean~$1399.99 USD,….??? Are we sure that we aren’t talking about the Japanese Yen instead of USD,……???
This is for audiophiles, it's a small market but with big pockets and big margins.
Posted on Reply
#42
TechLurker
I wouldn't buy this high-end model, but I did get to try out their Walkman 40th Anniversary Edition a friend imported. Was pretty good for its price at the time, and the physical controls along the edge was convenient. I'll probably end up looking into other Walkman models with physical controls as an eventual upgrade.

In the meantime, I still use my old Halo Edition Zune for the airport and flights, just to save on phone battery use.
Posted on Reply
#43
bogami
A very capable encoder should be as much as 96Kh. Many USB headphones already have this olso on may Claud Orbits, and the price of both models is far too high for normal people. We can find a better offer on the market and stay on the phone to play music ,and buy MOONDROP DAWN 4.4mm Dual CS43131 c Headphone Amplifier is olso Foll balanced! Recently mentioned here for $ 70, with additional android applications will cover all tastes. You will gain space and save money.
Posted on Reply
#44
Wirko
R-T-BIt wouldn't sound like much I picture, but technically oxidation does slightly raise resistance and thus impedance.

Pretending you can hear that is pretty special though.
Some people see, hear, or think about the semiconducting properties of copper oxide.
Posted on Reply
#45
dont whant to set it"'
In other words that are somewhat unrelated, I could get a car for the soon to be released product at the presumably "futuristic"msrp.
Posted on Reply
#46
fluxc0d3r
Weird for Sony to use 4N wiring from American company Kimber, thinking they should have gone with higher purity 7N or 8N Oyaide or Furutech wiring or any wires using Ohno continuous casting process considering the high price.
Posted on Reply
#47
Valantar
fluxc0d3rWeird for Sony to use 4N wiring from American company Kimber, thinking they should have gone with higher purity 7N or 8N Oyaide or Furutech wiring or any wires using Ohno continuous casting process considering the high price.
Yes, the few mm of wiring between the board and the headphone jack makes such a huge difference on audio quality... :rolleyes:


(I guess this begs the question: why is the jack not soldered to the PCB? I refuse to believe that repairabiluty is a concern here. )
Posted on Reply
#48
Wirko
ValantarI guess this begs the question: why is the jack not soldered to the PCB?
Each wire has two ends, so the sound has an opportunity to cross twice as many soldered joints. The solder, as you already know, contains gold.
Posted on Reply
#49
Valantar
WirkoEach wire has two ends, so the sound has an opportunity to cross twice as many soldered joints. The solder, as you already know, contains gold.
... so you get twice as much chance of signal degradation through material transitions? Wonderful idea, seems perfectly in line with the "I can hear the shape of the bits" approach to sound fidelity.
Posted on Reply
#50
Prima.Vera
So let me get this straight. You pay 4000$ or more with taxes, then you listen to music with the bundled 2$ ear sets?
Posted on Reply
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