The new Sony Walkman is here! The new Sony Walkman is here! It's understandable if you don't know which one I'm referring to, because there have been a few releases during the past several months: the WM1AM2, the WM1ZM2, the soon-to-be-released A306 ... But this review is all about the new Z-series Walkman, the ZX707, which has an MSRP of $898. I reviewed the ZX507 a couple of years ago and was in love with the sound, form factor, and effortless portability. So I was really curious to get my hands on the ZX707 and to see how it compares not only to its predecessor, but to the WM1AM2, which costs about $500 more. Let's get into it! Oh, and stay tuned, because we're going to have a blog on the evolution of the Walkman, where you can learn about all of these models and more.
Sony
NW-ZX707 Walkman® DAP Music Player - Open Box
$648.00 USDFeatures
Supported by Android™ and compatible with Wi-Fi® for direct download and streaming
Upgraded components for an enhanced sound
64GB integrated memory and a microSD card slot
Large 5-inch (diagonal) smooth and responsive touchscreen display
DSD audio formats up to 11.2MHz
Balanced and unbalanced headphone outputs
Inclusion of larger audio parts to enhance sound quality
Volume UI on the ZX700 series echoes classic analog design
aptX™ HD audio compatibility is available.
What's in the Box?
Warranty
Sony's mid-tier digital audio player, the Sony Walkman NW-ZX707 DAP offers exceptional performance for the eager music enthusiast looking to enjoy high-quality sound at their fingertips. As a successor to the NW-ZX507 DAP, the NW-ZX707 DAP has been thoughtfully upgraded for an event better on-the-go listening experience. It's been upgraded with components you'd expect from the highest-grade player: A larger screen, enhanced battery life, and updated internal specs. The NW-ZX707 DAP is an excellent choice for someone who wants a high-performance, feature-rich DAP that strikes a balance between the ultra-premium Sony NW-WM1ZM2 DAP and the more affordable Sony NW-A306 DAP. With a premium design, advanced features, and exceptional sound quality, the NW-ZX707 caters to discerning listeners who demand the best possible audio experience from a portable music player.
Dragon Cable Recommendation: We recommend pairing the Sony NW-ZX707 Walkman DAP with the Silver Dragon USB Cable (USB-C connector). The Silver Dragon USB Cable is designed for digital bus transmission when getting the most out of your audio is crucial. Made with UP-OCC silver conductors and high-quality materials, the Silver Dragon USB Cable features reinforced connectors designed to maintain a secure, stable connection at all times. The Silver Dragon USB Cable will offer an extraordinary amount of detail and resolution to your hi-fi system.
Features:
- Up to 25 hours of 44.1KHz FLAC playback
- Supported by Android™ and compatible with Wi-Fi® for direct download and streaming
- Upgraded components for an enhanced sound
- 64GB integrated memory and a microSD card slot
- Large 5-inch (diagonal) smooth and responsive touchscreen display
- DSD audio formats up to 11.2MHz
- Balanced and unbalanced headphone outputs
- Inclusion of larger audio parts to enhance sound quality
- Volume UI on the ZX700 series echoes classic analog design
- aptX™ HD audio compatibility is available.
Flawless Design, Premium Look & Feel
The Sony NW-ZX707 DAP is larger than the Sony NW-A306 DAP at 5 inches tall and weighing approximately 8 ounces. It's got the same sleek back styling but with copper accents and a generous 5-inch HD display touchscreen. The durable aluminum alloy frame and luxurious leather back panel with a rippled wave design not only look and feel premium but also provide a solid foundation for the DAP's audio capabilities.
The NW-ZX707 DAP is perfect for the audiophile with more than one headphone. Switch between the stereo mini 3.5mm headphone jack and the 4.4mm balanced plug for a flexible listening experience. A USB-Type C port, compatible with USB 3.2 Gen1, offers fast music file transfer and charging, plus easy connectivity with a range of devices. Control buttons are on the right side of the music player and include power, volume up and down, and playback buttons. There's also a hold button that when enabled prevents controls from being activated while the device is in your bag or pocket.
The volume UI on the NW-ZX707 DAP echoes classic analog design – a nice detail to further enhance your listening enjoyment.Plus, the DAP features a throwback cassette tape user interface and screensaver for a nostalgic feel. The cassette player visual that appears on your Walkman display varies depending on the codec of the music you’re listening to. With up to 25 hours of continuous hi-res audio playback (MP3, AAC, WAV, FLAC) and up to 47 hours with compressed formats you can enjoy your music anywhere, at any time.
Upgraded Internal Components for Optimal Performance
The Sony NW-ZX707 DAP is equipped with the most advanced technology and components, rivaling those found in flagship-level DAPs. The high-polymer capacitor, which is used as a battery assist for the amplifier block, provides large capacitance and low resistance. This enables the capacitor to instantly supply substantial amounts of power and accurately output signals for a clear, powerful, and precise bass sound, as well as well-defined vocals.
Custom-made for Sony and tuned by Sony engineers, FT CAP3 is adopted for all bypass capacitors in the audio block power supply. These capacitors enhance sound expression and create a smoother sound with a wider soundstage, increased transparency, and tighter bass.
To ensure the optimal balanced output signal from the digital amp, Sony has incorporated a larger, 8mm coil as the L-C filter. By using flat conductive wire, Sony has achieved lower distortion and lower resistance, resulting in improved sound resolution across the entire frequency range. High-quality film capacitors provide voltage with a linear response across frequencies, reducing distortion and noise. Furthermore, a low-resistance oxygen-free copper (OFC) cable is used for the internal headphone connection, offering low distortion and superior channel separation.
The NW-ZX707's circuit board layout is optimized by separating the audio block from the power/digital block, ensuring that the sound quality remains unaffected by digital interference.
A Dramatic Evolution in Sound Quality
The Sony NW-ZX707 DAP's sound quality will have you falling in love with your music all over again. Take your digital music collection to another level with high-resolution audio and opt for a wireless listening experience thanks to LDAC, Sony's premium wireless codec. With three times the bitrate of standard Bluetooth technology, you can enjoy a superior listening experience for all your music.
Enjoy supreme sound quality with 11.2 mHz DSD native using balanced headphones and PCM 384kHz/32-bit support. S-Master™ HX digital amp technology, independently developed for Walkman®, is compatible with the Native DSD format and supports balanced and high power output. It reduces distortion and noise across a wide range of frequencies, for rich and full-bodied sound, further enhanced by new high-quality, lead-free solder.
Discover new music on your favorite music streaming service and music apps, which can be downloaded via the Google Play Store on the NW-ZX707 Android operating system. Download files for offline listening and store them internally using the 64GB of integrated memory and if that's not enough storage, add an external microSD card for even more. Searching for your music on Sony's digital music library is easy—Search all songs, or filter by artist, release year, playlists, album, genre, composer, hi-res files, recent transfers, folders, or cue sheet.
Immerse yourself in surround sound.As real as if you were there at a live concert or with the artist recording in a studio. With 360 Reality Audio, music has never been so immersive and so real. The NW-ZX700 series lets you enjoy 360 Reality Audio, anywhere, at any time.
Choose how you want to listen with several sound adjustments on the NW-ZX707 DAP. Adjust the balance of each frequency band using the 10 Band Equalizer or restore acoustic subtleties and dynamic range using the DSEE Ultimate. The Edge-AI (Artificial Intelligence), DSEE Ultimate codec upscales compressed digital music files in real-time. The evolving algorithm now delivers even greater benefits for CD-quality (16 bit 44.1/48kHz) lossless codec audio. Sony's DC Phase Linearizer works to replicate a wide variety of sonic signatures, applying digital signal processing to match the phase characteristics of various types of analog amplifiers. Choose from six-phase character settings for a purer, more analog-like sound. Speaking of analog, the vinyl processor in the NW-ZX707 DAP gives the warmth and character of vinyl back to your digital tracks. Enjoy subtle reproduction of the low-frequency resonance, tone-arm resistance, and surface noise to deliver an authentic listening experience.
ZX507 vs. ZX707: Quick Comparison
ZX707
- Screen: 5 inches
- Weight: 227g (8 ounces)
- Dimensions: 72.5mm x 132.3mm x 16.9mm (2.9 x 5.2 x .67 inches)
- Playback: Up to 25 hours
- Upscaling: DSEE Ultimate and Edge-AI
- Charging time: 3.5 hours
- USB DAC mode: Yes
- Android version: 12
ZX507
- Screen: 3.6 inches
- Weight: 164g (5.8 ounces)
- Dimensions: 57.9mm x 122.6mm x 14.8mm (2.27 x 4.8 x .58 inches)
- Playback: Up to 20 hours
- Upscaling: DSEE HX
- Charging time: 6.5 hours
- USB DAC mode: No
- Android version: 9.0
What's In the Box
- Sony NW-ZX707 Walkman DAP
- USB Type-C Cable (USB-A to USB-C)
- Reference Guide
- Operating Instructions
FAQ
What audio formats does the NW-ZX707 support?
The Sony NW-ZX707 DAP supports a wide range of audio formats, including hi-res audio formats such as DSD, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, and MQA. It also supports MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, and APE file formats.
Can the NW-ZX707 be used in USB DAC?
Yes, the Sony NW-ZX707 DAP can function as a USB DAC, allowing you to use it as an external DAC with your computer.
Does the NW-ZX707 have a balanced output?
Yes, the Sony NW-ZX707 DAP has a 4.4mm balanced headphone output in addition to the standard 3.5mm unbalanced output.
What operating system does the NW-ZX707 run on?
The Sony NW-ZX707 DAP runs on the Android 12 operating system.
Is the NW-ZX707's firmware upgradable?
Yes, the firmware of the Sony NW-ZX707 DAP can be upgraded to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.
What is the battery life of the NW-ZX707?
The Sony NW-ZX707 DAP offers up to 25 hours of continuous hi-res playback on a single charge. The battery life may vary depending on volume settings, conditions of use, ambient temperature, and audio file formats.
Specifications
- Software
- OPERATING SYSTEM: Android 12
- Size & Weight
- DIMENSIONS (W X H X D): Approx. 72.5 mm x 132.3 mm x 16.9 mm Approx. 2.86 inches x 5.21 inches x 0.67 inches
- WEIGHT: Approx. 227 g 8.01 Oz
- Playback & Display
- DISPLAY RESOLUTION: Size: 12.7 cm (5.0-inch), Resolution: HD (1280 x 720 Pixels)
- DISPLAY TYPE: TFT color display with white LED-backlight
- Touch Panel: Supported
- MUSIC PLAY MODE: Shuffle Playback, Repeat Off, Repeat 1 Song, Repart All, All Range, Selected Range
- MUSIC SEARCHING METHODS: All Songs, Artist, Release Year, Playlists, Album, Genre, Composer, Hi-Res, Recent Transfers, Folder, Cue sheet
- SOUND EFFECTS: Direct Source (Direct), 10 Band equalizer, DC Phase Linearizer, Dynamic Normalizer, Vinyl Processor
- AUDIO PLAYBACK: MP3 ( .mp3): 32 - 320kbps (supports VBR) / 32, 44.1, 48kHz WMA ( .wma): 32-320kbps(supports variable bit rate(VBR)/44.1kHz(STEREO) 32-48kbps/44.1kHz(MONO) FLAC ( .flac): 16, 24bit / 8-384kHz WAV ( .wav): 16, 24, 32bit (Float/Integer) / 8-384kHz AAC ( .mp4, .m4a, .3gp): 16-320kbps / 8-48kHz HE-AAC ( .mp4, .m4a, .3gp): 32-144kbps / 8-48kHz Apple Lossless ( .mp4, .m4a): 16, 24bit / 8-384kHz AIFF ( .aif, .aiff, .afc, .aifc): 16, 24, 32bit / 8-384kHz DSD ( .dsf, .dff): 1bit / 2.8224, 5.6448, 11.2896 MHz APE ( .ape): 8, 16, 24bit / 8-192kHz (Fast, Normal, High) MQA ( .mqa.flac): Supported
- Connectivity
- TERMINALS: USB: Type-C (USB3.2 Gen1 compliant), Headphone: Stereo mini jack, Balanced standard-jack, External memory: microSD microSDHC microSDXC
- WIRELESS CAPABILITIES: Communication system: Bluetooth Specification Version 5.0, Supported Bluetooth profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, SPP, OPP, DID, Supported Codecs (Transmission): SBC, LDAC, aptX, aptX HD, AAC
- Headphone Out (Stereo mini-jack)
- FREQUENCY: 20-40,000 Hz
- MAXIMUM POWER OUTPUT (JEITA 16Ω/MW): 0.4-1.1mW (32Ω)
- Headphone Out (Balanced standard-jack)
- FREQUENCY: 20-40,000 Hz
- MAXIMUM POWER OUTPUT (JEITA 16Ω/MW): 0.4-1.1mW (32Ω)
- USB DAC Mode
- USB DAC Mode: Yes
- Power
- Built-in Battery: Rechargeable lithium-ion Battery
- Charging and Power Supply: USB Power (from a computer via a USB)
- BATTERY LIFE - Bluetooth (Transmitter mode): MP3 (128kbps) / SBC-Connection pref: Approx. 22 hour, FLAC (96kHz/24bit) / LDAC Connection Preferred(Auto): Approx. 11 hours
- BATTERY LIFE - Bluetooth (Transmitter mode) Notes: ・A Bluetooth connection will shorten the battery life by up to 50% depending on the following conditions. -Format of the content. -Settings of the connected device.
- Power (Continued)
- BATTERY LIFE - CONTINUOUS PLAYBACK MUSIC: MP3 (128kbps) / Stereo mini-jack: Approx. 25 hour, MP3 (128kbps) / Balanced standard-jack: Approx. 24 hour, AAC (256kbps) / Stereo mini-jack: Approx. 25 hour, AAC (256kbps) / Balanced standard-jack: Approx. 24 hour, WAV (44.1kHz/16bit) / Stereo mini-jack: Approx. 25 hour, WAV (44.1kHz/16bit) / Balanced standard-jack: Approx. 24 hour, FLAC (44.1kHz/16bit) / Stereo mini-jack: Approx. 25 hour, FLAC (44.1kHz/16bit) / Balanced standard-jack : Approx. 24 hour, FLAC (96kHz/24bit) / Stereo mini-jack: Approx. 23 hour, FLAC (96kHz/24bit) / Balanced standard-jack: Approx. 23 hour, FLAC (192kHz/24bit) / Stereo mini-jack : Approx. 21 hour, FLAC (192kHz/24bit) / Balanced standard-jack: Approx. 21 hour, DSD (2.8224MHz/1bit) / Stereo mini-jack: Approx. 21 hour, DSD (2.8224MHz/1bit) / Balanced standard-jack: Approx. 21 hour, DSD (5.6448MHz/1bit) / Stereo mini-jack: Approx. 18 hours, DSD (5.6448MHz/1bit) / Balanced standard-jack: Approx. 18 hours, DSD (11.2896MHz/1bit) / Stereo mini-jack: Approx. 13 hours, DSD (11.2896MHz/1bit) / Balanced standard-jack: Approx. 11 hours
- BATTERY LIFE - CONTINUOUS PLAYBACK MUSIC NOTES: ・The values shown in this topic indicate the approximate battery life when the player is playing continuously with the default settings. ・Even if the player is turned off for an extended period, a small amount of battery power is still consumed. ・Battery life may vary depending on volume setting, conditions of use and ambient temperature. ・The battery is consumed considerably when the screen is on. ・The battery life may become about 50% shorter when some of the sound adjustments are active. ・The battery life may become about 40% shorter when the [High-Res streaming] function is active.