2
Released six years ago, Sony’s high-end audio players were in dire need of a makeover. The new Walkmans are back more luxurious than ever, with a gold-plated version selling for a whopping €3,700.
Sony NW-WM1ZM2
Introductory price 3700 €
In the absence of offers discover
Sony NW-WM1AM2
Introductory price 1400 €
In the absence of offers discover
To celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2016, Sony put the Walkman brand back in the spotlight with two models intended for audiophiles: the NW-WM1Z and NW-WM1A. Six years later, these high-end audio players are back, equipped, in particular, with connectivity more in tune with our times.
The luxurious NW-WM1ZM2 uses a gold-plated copper chassis close to that of its predecessor, supposed to bring “a clear and expansive sound where each instrument is perceived as clearly as live”, according to the Japanese manufacturer. The NW-WM1AM2 is content with a less sumptuous aluminum chassis, of course, but just as high-end. Both devices have a new 5-inch high-definition touch screen that will make navigation easier. Indeed, exit Sony’s in-house operating system, the NW-WM1ZM2 and NW-WM1AM2 now ship Android 11 and benefit from wifi connectivity in order to download music and applications. They obviously keep Bluetooth, which goes here to version 5.0, compatible with SBC, AAC and LDAC codecs.
By way of connectivity, the two players have a USB-C socket for charging and file transfer, as well as a 3.5 mm mini-jack output and a balanced 4.4 mm jack output. © Sony
Although the S-Master HX amplification technology is the same as on the old versions, the NW-WM1ZM2 and NW-WM1AM2 differ from their predecessors by numerous additions and adjustments made to their electronics. They benefit from a series of new capacitors to improve signal stability and allow an increase in output power compared to their elders. The quality of the welds has been improved, as has the organization of the electronic card so as to minimize the introduction of parasitic noise into the audio signal. From an electronics point of view, the only major difference between the NW-WM1ZM2 and NW-WM1AM2 is the internal wiring, thicker and of better quality on the first model.
Aside from the charging cable, no cable is provided for purchase, which is a bit stingy from Sony given the prices. © Sony
The two players are also distinguished by their storage capacity, 256 GB for the NW-WM1ZM2 and 128 GB for the NW-WM1AM2. Both have a microSD port to expand their memory in case space runs out. Sony announces an autonomy of 40 hours in continuous reading with 96 kHz FLAC files, a gain of 10 hours compared to the old models. Finally, these Walkmans are compatible with a multitude of file formats including MQA, 11.2 MHz DSD and 32-bit/384 kHz PCM.
The NW-WM1ZM2 and NW-WM1AM2 will go on sale in April 2022 at a price of €3,700 and €1,400 respectively.