Sony Signature: Two new high-end Walkmans with Android 11 for €3,700

Sony brings back the Walkman. The Japanese have introduced two new music players in the Signature series. Sony’s NW-WM1ZM2 and NW-WM1AM2 enable audio playback in high-resolution quality and are equipped with Android. The top model comes in at 3,700 euros.

Sony Signature Walkman NW-WM1ZM2 and NW-WM1AM2

The new NW-WM1ZM2 and NW-WM1AM2 Walkmans from Sony’s Signature series offer both high-quality workmanship and excellent sound. The NW-WM1ZM2, optimized based on years of audio engineering experience and made from the highest quality materials, is all about superior, nuanced sound.

The chassis of the NW-WM1ZM2 is made of gold-plated, oxygen-free copper with a purity of 99.99 percent (4N). According to the manufacturer, this results in a more stable digital ground connection and greater stability for clear, spacious sound.

The less expensive NW-WM1AM2 features an aluminum alloy frame that makes the case extremely rugged and shields electrical noise and other interference. This ensures stable, high-quality sound.

Sound and Features

Thanks to S-Master HX digital amplifier technology designed specifically for Walkman players, the NW-WM1ZM2 and NW-WM1AM2 ensure the highest fidelity sound. The all-digital amplifier provides rich and full sound, which is also contributed by the high-quality lead-free soldering material.

In addition, the NW-WM1ZM2 and NW-WM1AM2 are equipped with optimized, precisely tuned capacitors. They are composed of several FT CAP3 capacitors (high polymer capacitor) and a large, solid high polymer capacitor with high capacitance and low resistance. A block milled from OFC copper covering the digital range provides excellent sound for both units.

Both the NW-WM1ZM2 and NW-WM1AM2 are equipped with a DSD remastering engine that converts PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) audio to 11.2 MHz DSD (Direct Stream Digital). This enables even higher playback quality.

Both Sony Signature Walkmen are equipped with WLAN, Bluetooth 5.0 and Google’s Android 11 operating system. Music files can be quickly and easily stored on the 256 GB (NW-WM1ZM2) or 128 GB (NW-WM1AM2) internal storage via USB Type-C, which can also be expanded via microSD card.

The battery of both Sony Walkman models is supposed to provide around 40 hours of playback in High-Resolution Audio quality (FLAC 96 kHz). The devices are operated via a 5-inch touchscreen in HD quality, whose home screen can be customized.

Prices and Availability

Both Sony Walkman models will be available in stores in April 2022. The Sony NW-WM1AM2 has an MSRP of 1,399 euros, while the Sony NW-WM1ZM2 comes in at 3,699 euros.