Sony unveils gold-plated Walkman

Sony has announced the release of a gold-plated Walkman model called the NW-WM1ZM3, priced at $5,899. This is the most expensive model in a new line of portable audio players, which also includes the NW-WM1AM3 and NW-ZX900.

Design focuses on sound quality

The NW-WM1ZM3 is built around an oxygen-free copper (OFC) chassis plated with gold, designed to enhance sound quality. The main chassis is made of OFC with a purity of 99.99% (4N), and the rear chassis is also made of OFC and fixed with gold-plated screws for a stable ground connection.

Features and specifications

The model includes 35 hours of battery life, a 5.5-inch screen, and uses Sony's DSD remastering engine for improved sound quality. It also features Kimber Kable wiring and a power supply with two large solid polymer capacitors to reduce noise.

Weight and storage differences

The NW-WM1ZM3 weighs 670 grams, compared to 490 grams for the NW-WM1ZM2 it replaces. It has 256 GB of storage, while the NW-WM1AM3 has 128 GB and the NW-ZX900 has 64 GB, with the latter offering expandable storage via microSD cards.

Additional features and display upgrades

The NW-ZX900 retains a 5-inch screen, now in 1080p resolution, and supports Wi-Fi streaming with DSD remastering. All three models handle Bluetooth with the LDAC and aptX Adaptive codecs, ensuring high-quality audio transmission.

Pre-orders and availability

The new models are available for pre-order in the United States and Europe, with the NW-WM1ZM3 priced at up to 4,999 euros in Europe. The first models will be available at the beginning of next year, following the release of the NW-WM1ZM2 in 2022, which is now available on eBay for around $1,500.