The Walkman is alive, sleek as ever, but Sony wants a fortune for it
Sony has launched three premium Walkman players with copper bodies, long battery life, and streaming support. The catch? Prices go as high as $5,899.
Sony has launched three premium Walkman music players with copper bodies, long battery life, and streaming support, but the prices are extremely high, reaching up to $5,899.
What happened
Sony has introduced three new high-end Walkman music players, emphasizing premium materials and audio quality. The flagship model, NW-WM1ZM3, is made of nearly pure copper and gold, while the other models use aluminum and gold-plated copper. These players support high-resolution audio and Wi-Fi streaming, with battery life ranging from 31 to 40 hours. Prices are extremely high, with the flagship model costing up to $5,899.
Why it matters
For audiophiles who prioritize sound quality and are willing to invest in premium audio equipment, these Walkman players offer a unique experience. However, the high cost may make them inaccessible to the average consumer, raising questions about the value of such specialized audio devices.
- Sony's new Walkman players emphasize premium materials and audio quality for audiophiles.
- The high cost of these devices may limit their accessibility to the average consumer.
- The inclusion of high-resolution audio and Wi-Fi streaming support caters to modern listening preferences.
- Battery life is a key selling point, with the NW-ZX900 offering the longest duration.
- The Walkman lineup targets a niche market of audiophiles who are willing to pay a premium for sound quality.
The bigger picture
The introduction of these Walkman players highlights Sony's continued focus on premium audio equipment for audiophiles. However, the high cost may limit their market reach, making them more of a niche product for those who prioritize sound quality over affordability.
Sony's new Walkman players represent a significant investment in premium audio technology, targeting audiophiles who value sound quality and are willing to pay a high price. While the devices offer advanced features and materials, their cost may limit their appeal to a broader audience.
Technical details
- Copper body and gold finish for enhanced audio performance.
- High-resolution DSD audio upscaling and Wi-Fi streaming support.
- Battery life of up to 40 hours for the NW-ZX900.
- Upgraded power setup with two capacitors in the WM1 models.
- High-end components used in the more expensive models are now available in the cheaper models.
FAQ
What are the key features of the new Walkman players?
The new Walkman players feature copper bodies, gold finishes, high-resolution DSD audio upscaling, Wi-Fi streaming support, and long battery life ranging from 31 to 40 hours.
What is the price range for the new Walkman players?
The prices range from $1,899.99 for the NW-ZX900 to $5,899 for the flagship NW-WM1ZM3.
What materials are used in the Walkman players?
The flagship model, NW-WM1ZM3, is made of nearly pure copper and gold, while the other models use aluminum and gold-plated copper.
What audio formats do the Walkman players support?
The Walkman players support high-resolution DSD audio and can upscale regular music files to high-resolution audio.
Are the Walkman players suitable for the average listener?
The Walkman players are targeted at audiophiles who prioritize sound quality and are willing to invest in premium audio equipment. They may not be suitable for the average listener due to their high cost.
This summary and analysis were generated with AI from the original article and may contain errors. Read the original for the full story.
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Originally published by Digital Trends — AI on Oct 16, 2026.
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