Sony has released two ultra-high-end Walkman MP3 players specifically for audiophiles. The headliner, the $3,700 NW-WM1ZM2 (pictured at left), mates an S-Master HX digital amp with “fine-tuned” capacitors, thick Kimber Kable (to link the amp to the headphone jack), and a 99.99 percent pure gold-plated, oxygen-free copper chassis — all of which supposedly contribute to “clear, expansive” output. Even the reflow soldering comprises gold that purportedly boosts sound localization and widens the sound stage.
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Also, it has a larger five-inch (and finally 720p) display, a larger power supply, and an improved upscaling algorithm for CD-quality (16-bit, 44/48kHz) audio. You’ll get 256GB of expandable storage for your tunes, WiFi streaming, a USB-C port, and 40 hours of battery life when playing 96kHz FLAC audio. The ZM2 supports up to 32-bit, 384kHz audio in formats like MQA and WAV.
There is also a relatively lower-cost model. The $1,400 NW-WM1AM2 offers much of the core functionality of the ZM2, but in an aluminum alloy body with ‘just’ a low-resistance oxygen-free copper cable. You’ll also have to make do with 128GB of expandable space.
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Both Walkman models are available now. Both players are mainly aimed at wealthy music fans determined to maximize audio fidelity, even if they might not hear the difference.