TechAudioSony Walkman NW-WM1ZM2 and NW-WM1AM2 are pocket-sized hi-fi for the connoisseurAlways believe in gold: Sony’s newest Walkman promises ultra-high fidelity, at a priceWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
TechAudioSony Walkman NW-WM1ZM2 and NW-WM1AM2 are pocket-sized hi-fi for the connoisseurAlways believe in gold: Sony’s newest Walkman promises ultra-high fidelity, at a priceWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Always believe in gold: Sony’s newest Walkman promises ultra-high fidelity, at a price
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Sony)
(Image credit: Sony)
Throughout the history of theSonyWalkman, certain models have stood apart from the colour popping plastic mass market units. The WM-20 of 1983, for example, which was exactly the same dimensions as a cassette case (and which came in a beautiful gold finish). Audio quality was also prized. The WM-D6C Professional Walkman was introduced in 1984 – a good example will set you back many times the original purchase price of $250 – and was still in production when the Japanese electronics giant launched its first all-digital player, the Network Walkman, in 1999.
(Image credit: Sony)
(Image credit: Sony)
The digital Walkman range might have been first, but Sony didn’t get the prize. The iPod arrived in 2001 and mp3s were suddenly mainstream; as long as you were usingApple. Although the NW models have been continually refined over the past 23 years, they’ve always been considered somewhat niche. Since 2014, all Walkman models have been ‘high-resolution’ players, capable of supporting formats like 24-bit FLAC as well as the ubiquitous mp3. The company has now introduced two new premium music players, the NW-WM1ZM2 and NW-WM1AM2.
(Image credit: Sony)
(Image credit: Sony)
The eagle-eyed will have noticed there’s a distinct difference between the two. The WM1ZM2 Walkman Signature Series takes the audiophile community’s obsession with gold to the next level. While the AM2 makes do with a regular issue black case, the ZM2 has a chassis made from oxygen-free copper and then gold-plated. The company claims the purity and strength of this material gives you ‘bass notes [that] are clear and powerful’ and an ‘atmosphere [that] is more expansive.’ If you believe you’re capable of gleaning such subtle sonic distinctions, then go for it. It looks beautiful, nevertheless.
(Image credit: Sony)
(Image credit: Sony)
The flagship model has a few distinct tech advantages as well, including better quality components, like the thick American-made Kimber Kable internal connector from the amp to the headphone jack. Yes, expensive speaker cabling is often the most divisive field of hi-fidelity wizardry, but Sony claims that the couple of centimetres of this high-spec wiring is another boost to the signal quality. There’s also 256GB of onboard storage, as opposed to 128GB in the AM2, although both models have a microSD slot to boost that capacity even further.
(Image credit: Sony)
(Image credit: Sony)
Aside from the aesthetic considerations, these new Walkmen promise to deliver High-Resolution audio with hitherto unheard levels of sophistication, with processing that smooths out the almost imperceptible artefacts of compression. There’s even a ‘Vinyl Processor’ that evokes a record’s ‘warmth and character.’ The rest of the spec is suitably high-tech – a 5” touch screen,Androidsupport, WiFi connectivity, and the handy twin headphone ports on the top of the unit. Finally, the case is beautifully sculpted, with circular physical control buttons, and construction and finish are top notch, giving this precious pair the tactile, detail-obsessive feel of the best audio equipment.
The Sony Walkman NW-WM1AM2 is priced at £1,300, and the NW-WM1ZM2 costs £3,350. Read more atSony.co.uk.
This article is part ofThe T3 Edit, a collaboration between T3 and Wallpaper* which explores the very best blends of design, craft, and technology. Wallpaper* magazine is the world’s leading authority on contemporary design and The T3 Edit is your essential guide to what’s new and what’s next.
This article is part ofThe T3 Edit, a collaboration between T3 and Wallpaper* which explores the very best blends of design, craft, and technology. Wallpaper* magazine is the world’s leading authority on contemporary design and The T3 Edit is your essential guide to what’s new and what’s next.
This article is part ofThe T3 Edit, a collaboration between T3 and Wallpaper* which explores the very best blends of design, craft, and technology. Wallpaper* magazine is the world’s leading authority on contemporary design and The T3 Edit is your essential guide to what’s new and what’s next.
This article is part ofThe T3 Edit, a collaboration between T3 and Wallpaper* which explores the very best blends of design, craft, and technology. Wallpaper* magazine is the world’s leading authority on contemporary design and The T3 Edit is your essential guide to what’s new and what’s next.
This article is part ofThe T3 Edit, a collaboration between T3 and Wallpaper* which explores the very best blends of design, craft, and technology. Wallpaper* magazine is the world’s leading authority on contemporary design and The T3 Edit is your essential guide to what’s new and what’s next.
This article is part ofThe T3 Edit, a collaboration between T3 and Wallpaper* which explores the very best blends of design, craft, and technology. Wallpaper* magazine is the world’s leading authority on contemporary design and The T3 Edit is your essential guide to what’s new and what’s next.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Samsung Galaxy S25: every leak, rumour and spec we’ve heard before the launch eventThis is everything we’ve heard about the new handsets
This is everything we’ve heard about the new handsets
This case turns your iPhone or Android phone into an e-reader, but there’s a catchActually, there are a couple…
Actually, there are a couple…
Corsair HS80 Max Wireless review: a solid mid-tier gaming headsetA capable audio option for the price you’re paying
A capable audio option for the price you’re paying
Logitech C920 Pro HD review: a solid and affordable webcam upgradeThe Logitech C920 Pro HD has plenty to offer shoppers on a budget
The Logitech C920 Pro HD has plenty to offer shoppers on a budget
Microsoft’s 5-star Surface with keyboard is Best Buy’s killer dealBest buy it at Best Buy!
Best buy it at Best Buy!
Sonos' premium soundbar just hit its lowest-ever price in 5-star dealTop-tier sound doesn’t have to cost top dollar
Top-tier sound doesn’t have to cost top dollar
Huge 75in Sony TV is now cheaper than ever in Amazon’s Black Friday saleYou can now get a top-quality TV for less, with 100s of dollars off this set
You can now get a top-quality TV for less, with 100s of dollars off this set
Improve your Wi-Fi with 5-star Netgear kit – now cheaper than everThis is one of the most powerful home Wi-Fi setups you can have – and it has hit a new low price on Amazon
This is one of the most powerful home Wi-Fi setups you can have – and it has hit a new low price on Amazon
Samsung’s fan-favorite earbuds are cheaper than ever on Amazon right nowThe Galaxy Buds FE bring with them a superb listening experience at a low price – and that price just got even lower
The Galaxy Buds FE bring with them a superb listening experience at a low price – and that price just got even lower
Insta360 Link 2 review: a dream webcam for power usersA long list of features, a neat design, and crystal clear audio and video
A long list of features, a neat design, and crystal clear audio and video
