Sony made its gold-plated Walkman player a premium audiophile device priced at $5,900
Three models, steep prices
Sony’s new Walkman lineup includes the NW-ZX900 at $1,899.99, the NW-WM1AM3 at $2,999.99 and the gold-plated NW-WM1ZM3 at $5,899. The middle and top models are nearly identical, with the AM3 lacking the ZM3’s gold shell.
All three are aimed at audiophiles. Each includes Sony’s DSD Remastering Engine, which converts standard PCM audio to an 11.2MHz DSD stream. Sony says the processing is intended to create a more analog-like sound.
Materials and noise control
The players have gold-plating on their rear chassis, which Sony says is designed to reduce interference and lower noise. The two higher-end models also feature hand-soldered oxygen-free copper wiring and upgraded power circuitry.
A milled block of oxygen-free copper separates digital and analog circuits to limit potential interference. In the NW-WM1ZM3, the entire chassis is made from oxygen-free copper and then gold-plated.
A costly predecessor remains
Sony previously released the NW-WM1ZM2, an earlier gold media player. The article says that model is currently on sale for $2,599.99. The new top model’s $5,899 price is close to $6,000, while the least expensive new option starts at $1,899.99.
Key points
- Sony’s three new Walkman players range from $1,899.99 to $5,899.
- The NW-WM1ZM3 has a gold-plated, oxygen-free copper chassis.
- All three models include Sony’s DSD Remastering Engine.
- The earlier NW-WM1ZM2 is listed on sale for $2,599.99.