Sony announced on October 16th the new models 'NW-WM1ZM3' and 'NW-WM1AM3' for its flagship Walkman 'WM1' series, as well as the new 'NW-ZX900' for its upper-mid-range 'ZX' series.

The release date is November 27th. Prices are open, with estimated street prices around ¥655,000 for the NW-WM1ZM3, ¥347,000 for the NW-WM1AM3, and ¥215,000 for the NW-ZX900.

The Walkman Lives On!

Ten years have passed since the debut of the original 'WM1' in 2016. Both the flagship Signature Series, inheriting its core philosophy, and the ZX series have simultaneously evolved into their third generation.

While the domestic portable audio market continues to shrink in terms of unit sales, the high-end segment, particularly devices priced over ¥300,000, remains robust. Approximately 80% of current 'WM1M2' users are men aged 40 or older, and about 70% of purchases are replacements for previous Walkman models.

After a long-awaited return, these third-generation Walkman models redefine the pinnacle of portable audio by combining an overwhelming commitment to material quality with the latest digital processing. They are poised to once again captivate the ears of audio enthusiasts.

Platform Refresh and Improved Operability

All new-generation models adopt Android 16 and a high-efficiency SoC. In addition to local music playback using the dedicated 'W.Music' app, audio path customization has been implemented, allowing users to enjoy high-resolution streaming playback with third-party apps in high quality.

Stamina performance is also a key appeal. Thanks to the refreshed low-power consumption platform, the WM1 series achieves up to approximately 35 hours of continuous streaming playback, and approximately 31-33 hours of local playback using the W.Music app, though this varies depending on conditions. The ZX900 also boasts long battery life, with approximately 35 hours for streaming and 40 hours for local MP3 playback.

The WM1 series' screen has been enlarged from the previous 5.0-inch to a 5.5-inch Full HD (FHD) display. The ZX900, while retaining its 5.0-inch size, has also upgraded from HD to FHD for higher definition.

Furthermore, the 11.2MHz 'DSD Remastering Engine' and 'DSEE Ultimate' are now available for use with third-party music streaming apps, allowing users to enjoy the highest quality sound even during streaming playback.

In addition to LDAC, Bluetooth codecs now support LC3 and aptX Adaptive.

The processing system of the 'S-Master HX' full digital amplifier newly incorporates a 'Predictive Noise Shaper' via an external FPGA.

A noise shaper pushes quantization noise of digital signals out of the audible range. Its optimization through predictive calculation allows it to accurately respond to rapid signal changes, such as the attack of sounds.

While also adopted in the 'WM-1000XM6' headphones, the WM1 series now offers a choice of three types: Balanced, Deep, and Light. The ZX900, however, only offers Sony's recommended Balanced mode.

Uncompromising Material Investment – The Evolution of the WM1 Series

The 'NW-WM1ZM3,' belonging to the top-tier Signature Series, inherits the philosophy of Sony's ultra-high-end 'DMP-Z1,' incorporating an extraordinary amount of material into its chassis, power supply, and signal path.

The main chassis has been changed from conventional extruded material to precision-machined 'forged oxygen-free copper (OFC) with 99.99% purity or higher,' enhancing rigidity and density. The AM3 adopts an aluminum machined chassis.

The rear chassis uses OFC directly gold-plated onto copper (machined for ZM3, pressed for AM3). The exterior rear surface is covered with rubber to prevent age-related degradation of the internal OFC.

For reference, the original main chassis was 99.96% OFC, the second generation used high-quality 99.99% (4N) OFC, and the new product further enhances its effect with increased mass. The OFC machined rear chassis was only the rear panel for the original, machined aluminum (rear chassis) for the second generation, and the new product features 99.96% OFC machined + gold plating.

This chassis (ultra-low resistance chassis) functions entirely as a ground. To stabilize this effect, a 'direct fastening' method is employed, avoiding the sandwiching of dissimilar metals. Instead of co-fastening the circuit board and the rear cavity, independent bosses are provided for fixation, thoroughly eliminating contact resistance.

Furthermore, the ZM3 features special screws with a copper base and gold plating on top, strategically placed to ensure extreme stability of electrical potential. The weight has increased to approximately 670g for the ZM3 (from 490g) and approximately 425g for the AM3 (from 299g), with Sony stating that 'weight directly correlates to rich, deep bass reproduction.'

The power supply section, based on the concept of independent digital/analog power, is equipped with two large-capacity solid polymer capacitors, independently placed for the digital and audio circuits. This further reduces noise interference from the digital block to the audio block.

Directly connecting the audio power lines with OFC cables achieves both low resistance and high current supply, enhancing sound separation and power. Additionally, the ZM3 uses KIMBER KABLE for its 4.4mm terminal wiring. The final stage filter boasts custom-made 4N conductor wires, and the circuit board incorporates a Filled Via structure and gold-infused solder.

Dimensions are 86mm (W) x 23.2mm (D) x 157.6mm (H). Built-in storage is 256GB and 128GB, respectively.

The NW-ZX900: Condensing the Pedigree of High-End Models

The 'NW-ZX900' also represents a significant evolution from its predecessor, the 'NW-ZX707.' It adopts an aluminum machined main chassis and OFC pressed rear chassis equivalent to the WM1AM3, and is equipped with a high-efficiency SoC, key ICs, and the Predictive Noise Shaper. A single large-capacity solid polymer capacitor in the power supply section delivers clear bass and distinct vocals.

Dimensions are 77.2mm (W) x 17.5mm (D) x 139.8mm (H), with a weight of approximately 345g. Built-in storage is 64GB. Its sleek black body condenses the best features of higher-end models.

Sony Store Limited Package

To commemorate the launch, a 'NW-WM1ZM3 Sony Store Limited Package' (tax-included ¥679,800) will also be sold via lottery, limited to 100 units. This package includes a musashino LABEL (made by Campagne) genuine leather case, protective glass, and a pin badge, all housed in a special box. Lottery applications are open from today until October 25th at 11:59 PM.