Sony announces new high-end Walkman lineup with flagship gold-plated model

Sony has announced a new generation of high-end Walkman digital music players, targeting the audiophile market with premium materials and advanced audio processing. The lineup includes three models: the flagship NW-WM1ZM3, the NW-WM1AM3, and the NW-ZX900.

The flagship NW-WM1ZM3 features a precision-machined, gold-plated oxygen-free copper (OFC) chassis with 99.99% purity. It utilizes Kimber Kable internal wiring and a dual high-capacity solid polymer capacitor power supply to minimize interference. The NW-WM1AM3 uses an aluminum alloy main chassis with a gold-plated OFC rear panel, while the NW-ZX900 combines an aluminum main chassis with a gold-plated OFC rear chassis.

Technological upgrades across the series include the S-Master HX digital amplifier with a new “look-ahead noise shaper” and a DSD Remastering Engine that supports both local files and streaming services. The devices run on Android 16 and feature improved battery life, with the WM1 series offering up to 35 hours of playback.

Pricing varies significantly by region and model. In the United States, the NW-WM1ZM3 is priced at $5,899, the NW-WM1AM3 at $2,999.99, and the NW-ZX900 at $1,899.99. In Japan, the flagship is expected to cost around 655,000 yen.