Sony has announced three new high-end Walkman music players, combining upgraded audio components and digital sound processing with prices ranging from $1,899.99 to $5,899.

A gold-plated Sony Walkman. Yeah, sure, why not? 

Sony has just announced its premium Walkman range with the NW-WM1ZM3, NW-WM1AM3 and NW-ZX900. The three dedicated music players are aimed at listeners who want high-resolution audio on the go, with a focus on premium materials, revised internal components and longer playback.

The range is led by the NW-WM1ZM3, which features a gold-plated oxygen-free copper chassis. The NW-WM1AM3 offers a different take on the WM1 design, while the NW-ZX900 brings several high-end audio components into a more affordable model. That is, if you still have a couple grand to spare.

Putting premium at the forefront of design

The biggest differences between the three players come from their materials and internal construction.

Sony’s flagship NW-WM1ZM3 has a precision-machined chassis made from 99.99% pure oxygen-free copper (OFC), finished with gold plating. It also features gold-plated screws and thick KIMBER KABLE wiring carried over from Sony’s DMP-Z1 digital music player, with the design intended to help reduce noise and preserve the audio signal.

Image credits: Sony

The NW-WM1AM3 and NW-ZX900 combine aluminium bodies with gold-plated copper rear panels, while the two WM1 Series models feature further upgrades to their internal components to help deliver cleaner, more detailed sound.

Image credits: Sony

Sony has also improved the way the WM1 models manage power and reduce unwanted interference. The NW-ZX900 benefits from its own internal upgrades, including components designed to help keep audio playback stable and minimise noise.

New processing for high-resolution audio

All three Walkmans are designed to deliver detailed, high-quality sound, with support for high-resolution audio formats and powerful headphone output thanks to Sony’s S-Master HX digital amplifier technology. Sony has also refined its sound processing to help preserve detail and respond accurately to changes in the music.

Each player features Sony’s DSD Remastering Engine, which processes digital audio to create a sound Sony describes as closer to analogue. The technology works with both downloaded music and tracks streamed over Wi-Fi, so listeners can benefit from it regardless of how they access their music.

For listeners who use a dedicated player to enjoy their music collection, these features put the emphasis on playback quality and detailed sound reproduction.

Larger displays and longer battery life

The two WM1 Series models have 5.5-inch screens, while the NW-ZX900 has a 5-inch display. All three feature a customisable Walkman Home Screen and larger, clearer album artwork.

Image credits: PR Newswire

Battery life varies by model. Sony quotes up to 35 hours of 128kbps MP3 playback for the NW-WM1ZM3 and NW-WM1AM3, with up to 31 hours when using streaming service apps under its stated test conditions. The NW-ZX900 is rated for up to 40 hours of MP3 playback or up to 35 hours using streaming apps.

Prices and availability

Sony’s US announcement lists the following prices, with pre-orders available now Amazon:

  • NW-ZX900 – $1,899.99: The most affordable of the three, with a 5-inch screen, aluminium-alloy chassis and upgraded audio components.
  • NW-WM1AM3 – $2,999.99: A higher-end option with a 5.5-inch screen, upgraded power circuitry and a gold-plated OFC rear chassis.
  • NW-WM1ZM3 – $5,899: The flagship, featuring a gold-plated OFC chassis and KIMBER KABLE wiring.

With the NW-ZX900 offering the lowest-cost route into the new lineup at $1,899, Sony’s latest Walkmans are clearly designed for the premium portable audio market.