Sony released their new digital media players, the NW-WM1ZM3 and NW-WM1AM3. These digital Walkman models use Sony’s latest audio hardware, including oxygen-free copper components, to improve sound quality. The WM1 Series aims to reproduce music as the artist intended, with detailed, high-resolution audio. They’re built to capture subtle details and maintain clarity and dynamics, even at higher volumes.
The NW-ZX900 uses many of the same audio components found in Sony’s flagship NW-WM1ZM3, but in a more compact design.
High-quality components for improved audio performance
The NW-WM1ZM3 uses a gold-plated, oxygen-free copper chassis with 99.99% (4N) purity for both the main and rear sections. Gold-plated, low-resistance screws help provide a stable ground connection. The model also uses thick KIMBER KABLE wiring, as seen in the DMP-Z1, to reduce noise and maintain signal quality.
The NW-WM1AM3 and NW-ZX900 digitalk Walkman models use an aluminium-alloy main chassis and a gold-plated oxygen-free copper rear chassis to improve rigidity and audio performance.
Sony has updated the power supply in the NW-WM1ZM3 and NW-WM1AM3, replacing the previous single large solid high-polymer capacitor with two. Hand-soldered oxygen-free copper wiring is also used. This setup is designed to deliver cleaner, more stable power and reduce interference.
A larger, high-purity 4N copper coil is used in the L-C filter to improve the balanced output from the digital amplifier. The flat conductive wire reduces resistance and distortion. An oxygen-free copper milled block covers the digital section and strengthens the digital ground. This block is about 34% heavier than before, which helps reduce noise and improve clarity.
The NW-ZX900 uses an ultra-low noise LDO regulator and the same crystal oscillators found in Sony’s higher-end models.
Digital Walkman Sound processing features for different listening preferences
The S-Master HX digital amp, developed for Walkman, supports Native DSD format, balanced output, and high-power output. The latest version adds a look-ahead noise shaper that predicts quantization noise and applies processing to improve response to fast transients and deliver clearer sound.
All three players use Sony’s DSD Remastering Engine, which resamples PCM audio into an 11.2MHz DSD stream for a sound closer to analog. The latest models support DSD Remastering Engine for both streaming over Wi-Fi and downloaded music.
Sony’s Digital Walkman Long battery life
The NW-WM1ZM3 and NW-WM1AM3 offer up to 35 hours of 128kbps MP3 playback and up to 31 hours of streaming. The NW-ZX900 can run for up to 40 hours of MP3 playback or up to 35 hours with streaming apps.
The NW-WM1ZM3 and NW-WM1AM3 have a 5.5-inch screen, while the NW-ZX900 uses a 5-inch screen. The interface is responsive and can be customized. Album art is now displayed larger and with more clarity.
Sustainability in mind
Sony has removed plastic from the packaging for the NW-WM1ZM3, NW-WM1AM3, and NW-ZX900 to help reduce environmental impact.
To learn more, visit the Sony website.
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