Sony
Sony NW-WM1ZM3 – Flagship Hi-Res Walkman Digital Audio Player
$5,899.99 USDFeatures
KIMBER KABLE® internal wiring: Thick KIMBER KABLE runs from the amp base to the balanced headphone jack, the same approach used in Sony’s flagship DMP-Z1.
DSD Remastering Engine: Converts PCM to an 11.2MHz DSD stream for a more analog-like character. It now works with both streamed and downloaded music.
DSEE Ultimate™ Edge-AI upscaling: Restores dynamics and high-frequency detail to compressed and CD-quality files in real time, including streamed tracks.
Analog-inspired sound tuning: The Vinyl Processor recreates the warmth of a turntable, and the DC Phase Linearizer offers six analog amplifier phase characters.
Audiophile-grade power supply: Dual large solid high polymer capacitors give the digital and audio sections separate power. Sony adds FT CAP3 capacitors, an ultra-low noise LDO regulator, and hand-soldered OFC power wiring.
Advanced look-ahead noise shaper: Improves D/A conversion for fast, energetic bass, with three selectable shaping filters.
Android™ with Wi-Fi: Use your favorite streaming apps or play your own offline library.
Customizable 5.5″ touchscreen: Shows large album art, a cassette tape UI that changes by codec, and an analog-style volume display.
Refined, ergonomic design: Includes signature side keys, a machined metal ring around the headphone jack, and a leather-textured rear pad.
What's in the Box?
Warranty
Unprecedented sound fidelity.
Our flagship Walkman®, meticulously refined from every possible angle in the service of peerless sound quality. The NW-WM1ZM3 incorporates the highest-quality components, a precision-machined oxygen-free copper body, and a functional 5.5″ screen, all backed by decades of world-leading audio engineering. Nothing else compares.
Class-leading components
No-compromise components mean the WM1ZM3 delivers the highest possible sonic performance.
Sound processing
Our unique sound-processing technology gives you more ways to enjoy different types of music than ever.
Long battery life and Usability
The larger 5.5″ HD touchscreen display offers a smooth and responsive interface, while its long battery life allows you to immerse yourself in your music for up to 33 hours of 96kHz FLAC High-Resolution Audio playback without ever compromising on sound quality.
Premium design
Featuring distinctive design elements passed down through generations — including the headphone jack and side keys — and crafted with carefully selected audio components, the WM1ZM3 delivers both a rewarding user experience and distinctive style.
Wi-Fi® compatible for direct download and streaming
Whether you prefer accessing your favorite streaming service or enjoying your own offline local music collection, the WM1ZM3 supports full Android™ app compatibility with Wi-Fi for every type of music lover.
High Quality Parts
Sound Features
Battery Life & Usability
Design
Wi-Fi Compatibility
Sustainability & Accessibility
Uncompromising components for peerless sound
The main and rear chassis are both precision-milled from oxygen-free copper (OFC) for audio quality. The main chassis features gold-plated 99.99% (four-nine) pure OFC, while the rear chassis uses 99.96% pure OFC with direct gold plating. The result is clear and powerful bass, an expansive soundstage, and mid- to high-range sounds that linger beautifully.
Direct-coupled structure for exceptional ground stability
The main chassis and rear chassis are directly fastened to the structure using low-resistance, gold-plated screws. This ensures a more stable ground connection, resulting in a smooth and extended high-frequency response.
Faithful sound reproduction
S-Master™ HX digital amp technology, independently developed for Walkman®, is compatible with the Native DSD format, and supports balanced and high power output.
Furthermore, we have developed an advanced look-ahead noise shaper that predicts and responds to quantization noise in advance, thereby improving D/A conversion performance. It responds quickly to sudden changes in sound, producing powerful, energetic bass and clear, fast sound. The WM1ZM3 features three selectable shaping filters.
A powerful power supply
Great sound starts with dependable power. Our meticulously engineered supply features premium components, including a second solid high-polymer capacitor for instant power delivery and uncompromised dynamics. Our attention to detail even extends to hand-soldered OFC wiring for authoritative bass, exceptional clarity, and a wide and immersive soundstage.
Dual large solid high polymer capacitors
Large solid high polymer capacitors provide the power reserves needed to respond to sudden changes in power demand. Inheriting the design philosophy of the DMP-Z1, dedicated capacitors are assigned to both the digital and audio sections. This enables noise generated in the digital circuitry to be absorbed within its own block, minimizing its impact on the audio circuitry.
The result is powerful and accurate bass sound and clearer, crisper vocals.
Audio power is directly supplied via an OFC cable
Hand-soldered OFC cables further enhance sound quality, ensuring a cleaner power path, minimizing circuit board noise, and delivering greater delicacy, power, and a wider soundstage.
Ultra-low noise LDO regulator
A high-current power IC ensures a stable power supply, enabling the S‑Master to perform at its full potential. This eliminates switching noise and interference, delivering clear, powerful audio quality with music signals produced by the high-definition power supply.
FT CAP3 (High polymer capacitor)
Custom-made for Sony and tuned by Sony engineers, FT CAP3 is adopted for all bypass capacitors in the audio block power supply. Drawing on know-how cultivated in high-end home audio development, it has helped to improve sound expression and create a smoother sound, with a wider sound space, more transparency and tighter bass.
OFC milled block
An OFC milled block covers the digital block, helping to strengthen the digital ground and improve noise shielding from digital block elements such as the application processor and memory devices. The result is a clearer sound that appears to rise up from silence.
High Polymer Capacitors
The high-polymer capacitors within the WM1ZM3 are used to strengthen the power supply of the amp block for unbalanced output, enhancing low-range reproduction performance for a more expansive listening experience.
Film capacitors
High-quality film capacitors deliver voltage with a linear response across frequencies, resulting in reduced distortion and noise.
Winding inductors
Replacing the conventional laminated capacitor with winding inductors in the digital block power supply contributes to a pure sound.
Manufactured for sound perfection
Not only have we upgraded a number of parts, but we have also optimized our component layout in order to further improve the sound quality of the WM1ZM3.
OFC large coil for balanced output
To supply the optimum balanced output signal from the digital amp, a larger, High-purity 4N copper coil is used as the L-C filter. By incorporating flat conductive wire, we've achieved lower distortion and lower resistance, which creates improved sound resolution across all frequencies. Now the sound feels clearer and more detailed than before.
KIMBER KABLE®
The wiring material from the amp base to the balanced headphone jack has been upgraded to thick KIMBER KABLE®, just like on the flagship DMP-Z1 music player. This helps to shut out external noise, transmit high-quality audio signals, and achieve powerful, smooth sound quality.
Crystal oscillators
Two compact low-phase-noise crystal oscillators ensure precision clock stability at sampling rate multiples of 44.1kHz and 48kHz. The crystal electrode piece is formed with gold vapor deposition for enhanced electrical characteristics and improved instrumental separation. This helps remove a veil and reduce noise to realize clear, open sound reproduction.
Fine Sound Resistor
The surface-mounted Fine Sound Resistor ensures even, effective distribution of power to the circuit components for consistent sound quality.
Reflow solder containing gold
The WM1ZM3 uses reflow solder containing gold, and it is used extensively across the circuit board surface, so the overall effect is significant, including improved sound localization and a wider sound space.
High-quality solder containing gold
The exceptional conductivity of gold ensures absolute minimum signal loss. For clearer sound and vocals, a premium, audio-grade lead-free solder with a small amount of gold connects the circuit of the WM1ZM3 to the battery.
Low dielectric circuit board and filled vias
The printed circuit board uses 10 layers of low dielectric materials to ensure accurate signal transmission, while the via holes are filled with copper to further reduce impedance. The result is a wide sound space with clear, bright sound.
Optimized circuit board layout
By dividing the Audio block (highlighted in red) and the Power/Digital block (in blue), the circuit board layout has been optimized to ensure that sound quality is unaffected by digital interference.
Balanced connection
The WM1ZM3 features a balanced plug, designed for the Ø4.4 mm balanced connection cable. This separates left and right sound signals while minimizing signal transmission loss and resulting sound deterioration.
DSD Remastering Engine
PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) audio is resampled into an 11.2MHz DSD (Direct Stream Digital) ultra-high-frequency 1-bit audio stream. The single-bit stream delivered to the DAC has a character far closer to that of analog, giving you even more ways to enjoy your music. With further progress from its predecessor model, the WM1ZM2, you can enjoy the DSD Remastering Engine, whether it is Wi-Fi® streamed or downloaded.
DSEE Ultimate11
Using Edge-AI (Artificial Intelligence), DSEE Ultimate™ (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) upscales compressed digital music files in real time. And the evolving algorithm now delivers even greater benefits for CD-quality (16 bit 44.1/48kHz) lossless codec audio. Restoring acoustic subtleties and dynamic range, it provides a richer, more complete listening experience.
[A] Expanded audio dynamics (strings and whisper-quiet subtleties)
[B] Restored high frequencies (acoustic and vocal instrument realism)
Vinyl Processor
Give the warmth and character of vinyl back to your digital tracks. Enjoy subtle reproduction of the low-frequency resonance, tonearm resistance, and surface noise to deliver an authentic listening experience.
DC Phase Linearizer
Our DC Phase Linearizer works to effectively replicate a wide variety of sonic signatures. It applies digital signal processing to match the phase characteristics of various types of analog amplifiers to deliver a purer, more analog-like sound. Choose from six phase character settings.
Long battery life
With the improved battery life, you can stream tracks for longer. Or lose yourself completely in pure quality, with up to 33 hours of 96kHz FLAC High-Resolution Audio playback.
Larger customizable 5.5″ screen
The larger 5.5″ screen is smooth and responsive, improving operability, and the Walkman® Home Screen interface can be customized to best suit your needs. The album cover, integral part of the listening experience, is now larger and clearer.
USB Type-C® port
A USB Type-C® port, compatible with USB 3.2 Gen1, offers fast music file transfer and easy connectivity with a range of devices.
Expandable storage
With 256 GB of integrated memory and an SD card slot, the WM1ZM3 lets you take even the biggest music collections on the go.
Iconic design
The iconic circular machined metal component around the headphone jack creates a more refined, premium look. The rear pad prevents direct contact with the OFC rear chassis, ensuring it is dedicated solely to enhancing audio performance, while its leather-textured finish offers a luxurious feel and a pleasant tactile experience.
Intuitive and Comfortable Design
The intuitive side keys, carried over from the previous model, ensure stress-free operation.
Additionally, while keeping the thickness to a minimum, it offers a comfortable grip that fits naturally in your hand.
Echoes of analog
Every element of the WM1ZM3 is dedicated to the pure joy of music listening, right down to the volume UI, which recalls classic analog design.
Cassette tape UI
The WM1ZM3 features a special cassette tape user interface and screensaver. The cassette tape visual that appears on your Walkman® display varies depending on the codec of the music you’re listening to.
Wi-Fi lets you stream and download even more music
Supported by Android™2 and compatible with Wi-Fi, the WM1ZM3 gives you even more freedom to enjoy music. Listen to your favorite streaming and music apps on your Walkman or connect to a PC to download tracks and playlists from your music collection.
Updated DSD Remastering Engine now available for streaming music
With further progress from its predecessor model, the WM1ZM2, you can enjoy the DSD Remastering Engine, whether it is Wi-Fi® streamed or downloaded.
DSEE Ultimate for enhancing streaming music quality
DSEE Ultimate can now upscale your music in real time, regardless of whether it is Wi-Fi streamed or downloaded.11 Upscaled tracks can also be enjoyed with wireless headphones.
Aiming to achieve a zero environmental footprint
Inspired by the beauty of the world, Sony is doing its part to help preserve the Earth, while still offering superior sound quality and listening experiences. With a goal of achieving a zero environmental footprint across the entire Sony Group by the year 2050, we are accelerating numerous green initiatives.
Sustainability in mind
Our products are not only designed to be stylish but also with the environment in mind. No plastic is used in the packaging material for the WM1ZM37, reflecting Sony’s commitment to reducing the environmental impact of our products and practices.
FAQ
What audio formats does the NW-WM1ZM3 support?
The Sony NW-WM1ZM3 DAP supports hi-res audio formats such as DSD, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, and MQA, as well as more standard formats like MP3, WMA, AAC, APE, and Apple Lossless.
What is the battery life of the NW-WM1ZM3?
The Sony NW-WM1ZM3 DAP offers an impressive battery life of up to 40 hours of continuous hi-res audio FLAC playback on a single charge. Battery life depends on volume control, ambient temperature, conditions of use, and audio file formats.
How much internal storage does the NW-WM1ZM3 have?
The Sony NW-WM1ZM3 DAP features a generous 256GB of internal storage, which can be further expanded using an external microSD card via the microSD card slot.
Does the NW-WM1ZM3 have a balanced output?
Yes, the Sony NW-WM1ZM3 DAP is equipped with a 4.4mm balanced headphone output, providing improved channel separation and lower noise floor for compatible headphones and earphones.
Does the NW-WM1ZM3 support streaming services?
Yes, the Sony NW-WM1ZM2 DAP has Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to stream music from popular online services directly on the device.
Sony NW-WM1ZM2 Walkman Music Player Review
Read Time: Approx. 16 min.
Sony Goes for the Gold with Second-Generation NW-WM1ZM2
Remember when you couldn't add apps to and stream music using the Sony NW-WM1Z? With the release of the second generation of this Sony Signature Series Walkman, the NW-WM1ZM2, those limitations are but a distant memory. The second generation of this flagship Walkman from Sony is now supported by Android and compatible with Wi-Fi to accommodate today's audiophile who wants the option of playing locally stored files or streaming from hi-res services like TIDAL and Qobuz. But that isn't the only new feature of the NW-WM1ZM2. It's got a larger, hi-def touchscreen plus better battery life, for starters. I reviewed (and loved) the NW-WM1Z a while back, and I'm excited for this golden opportunity to review the second generation. (See what I did there? The player is gold. It has a gold-plated copper chassis.)
Sony NW-WM1ZM2 Walkman Music Player Unboxing & Overview
PROS
- Full, luscious sound
- Now has Wi-Fi and Android
- Plenty of Detail
CONS
- Heavy
- Costly
Design
We’ve come a long way from the early days of the Sony Walkman cassette player, and today’s Walkmans look nothing like those Walkman models of yesteryear.
Let's be clear: This is a luxury product through and through. Like the WM1Z, the frame of the WM1ZM2 is OFC (oxygen free copper). However, the OFC purity has been upgraded to 99.99 percent. Sony says this offers even greater benefits in terms of audio quality and high rigidity. Bass notes are clear and powerful, the atmosphere is more expansive, and mid to high-range sounds linger beautifully.
The frame is plated with gold on the front of the player and machined aluminum on the back. According to Sony, the gold plating over the oxygen-free copper (OFC) frame facilitates "better audio quality where you can hear each instrument as if it were performing live."
The WM1Z earned the moniker "golden brick" for a reason. The WM1ZM2 feels as solid as a brick, weighing 17.2 ounces. That's up from 16.05 ounces on the previous generation. The WM1ZM2 is also a bit bigger than the original, at 3.16 x 5.6 x .82 inches. It's a little smaller than my iPhone 10, but obviously heavier.
On the top are a 4.4mm balanced port and a 3.5mm single-ended port. Sony provides rubber caps for the jacks when they're not in use. The left side of the player features a hold switch, which when activated will prevent unintentional pressing of buttons while the player is in your pocket or bag. There's also a microSD card slot. On the button is your USB port for charging and music transfer. This is a change from Sony's proprietary WM port on the original WM1Z.
The touch screen size and resolution have been upgraded to 5 inches and HD (1280 x 720). The rear of the unit is curved at the top. This has to do with the design of the circuit board. I also think it makes the unit easier to hold.
The WM1ZM2 uses Sony's S-Master HX amplifier. The wiring that runs from the amplifier base to the balanced headphone jack has been upgraded to KIMBER KABLE, which is what Sony uses in the flagship DMP-Z1 music player. This helps to shut out external noise, transmit high-quality audio signals, and achieve powerful and smooth sound quality.
Other Build Highlights:
- Newly developed reflow solder containing gold is used across the circuit board surface. Impact: improved localization and a wider sound space.
- High-quality, lead-free solder containing gold connects the circuit of the Walkman to the battery. Impact: clearer sound and vocals.
- High polymer capacitors are used to strengthen the power supply of the amp block for unbalanced output. Impact: enhances low-range reproduction performance for a more expansive listening experience.
- Winding inductors replace conventional laminated capacitors in the digital block supple. Impact: pure sound.
- High-quality film capacitors deliver voltage with a linear response across frequencies. Impact: reduced distortion and noise.
- An OFC milled block covers the digital block. Impact: helps to strengthen digital ground and improve noise shielding from digital block elements such as the application processor and memory devices.
- Custom-made FT CAP3 high-polymer capacitors are used for all bypass capacitors in the audio block power supply. Impact: improve sound expression and create a smoother sound, wider sound space, more transparency, wider bass.
Home Screen: Two Options
The WM1AM2 has two home screens: a Walkman home screen and an Android home screen.
The Walkman home screen is customized for music playback
- Status bar. The status of the player and notifications appear as icons. Swipe down on the status bar to display the notification panel and the Quick Settings panel.
- Music player widget (so that you can control music playback without launching an app)
- Dock. You can set up to five apps, but you will initially see icons for these preinstalled apps:
- [Guide to Quality Sound]
- Sony Help Guide
- Music Player
- Sound Adjustments
- Sony Headphones Connect
- Navigation bar with back button, home button, and overview button
- Cover art - Tap this area to launch Music Player.
- Previous button / Play (Pause) button / Next button: Tap the buttons to control music playback without launching an app.
The Android home screen features widgets, folders, and more.
- Status bar: The status of the player and notifications appear as icons. Swipe down on the status bar to display the notification panel and the Quick Settings panel.
- Google search widget
- Shortcuts to apps
- Dock. You can add up to 5 shortcuts for apps, but the player comes preinstalled with:
- [Guide to Quality Sound]
- Sony Help Guide
- Music Player
- Sound Adjustments
- Sony Headphones Connect
- Navigation bar with back button, home button, and overview button
- Sony Headphones Connect App: The Walkman music APP built into the player system, in addition to playing local high-resolution music files, is also suitable for third-party streaming media services.
- Volume UI that echoes classic analog design. Control volume through this virtual interface or the physical buttons on the right side of the player.
Sound
The WM1ZM2 has a fair amount of warmth, so I chose to pair it with the more resolute-sounding Empire Ears ODIN IEM and Focal Stellia headphone.
I previously described the NW-WM1Z as an iPod on steroids. Now, I'm going to describe the NW-WM1ZM2 as the NW-WM1Z on the steroids. It's everything I loved about the sound of the original, just ... more. More emotion. More nuance. More precision.
Don't let the fact that this is a warm-sounding DAP lead you to assume it has a laid-back sound. The sound is expressive and lively. It's the type of sound that grabs you by the wrist and says, "Dance with me." Sound that makes you feel every bit of emotion that an artist pours into a performance.
The Grateful Dead's reflective "Box of Rain" from the 1970 album American Beauty sounds deep and lush on the WM1ZM2. And talk about pinpoint imaging! Phil Lesh's raw and pining vocals are up near my right ear; Jerry Garcia's harmonizing is lower down to my left, cymbals are in back of my head, and the deep bass is in my torso. The definition between instruments is so superb that my brain can pinball between the lead guitar, bass, piano, tambourine, etc., and never lose track of any of them.
The '70s throwback sound of The Heavy Heavy's "Miles and Miles" is right at home WM1ZM2. The propulsive guitar lick coupled with the powerful and expressive vocals really shine, and the spaciousness of the sound reflects the song's theme of being out on the road. Likewise, Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" had plenty of punch and power, plus a wonderful sense of dimension and distinction. Nothing gets blended or bumped out of the way; there's a sense of completion in each note and sound.
Vangelis' "Conquest of Paradise" was a real highlight on the WM1ZM2. This dynamic composition has both a menacing and majestic quality that is so well-suited for the Sony sound: natural, warm, and weighty. From the choir vocals to the rhythmic drums to the to the sweeping trumpet interludes, everything sounds so rich and alive.
Sound Adjustments
Clicking on the fourth icon at the bottom of the Walkman home screen brings you to this option. You will see a message: Sound adjustment is disabled. To enable it, turn off Direct Source. (Direct Source is the default sound setting.) Once you do that (right there on the screen), you will be able to activate:
10 Band Equalizer: Finely adjust the balance of each frequency band as you like.
DSEE UItimate: Using Edge-AI (Artificial Intelligence), DSEE Ultimate™ (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) upscales compressed digital music files in real time. And the evolving algorithm now delivers even greater benefits for CD-quality (16 bit 44.1/48kHz) lossless codec audio. Restoring acoustic subtleties and dynamic range, it provides a richer, more complete listening experience.
DC Phase Linearizer: The DC Phase Linearizer works to effectively replicate a wide variety of sonic signatures. It applies digital-signal processing to match the phase characteristics of various types of analog amplifiers to deliver a purer, more analog-like sound. Choose from six phase character settings.
Dynamic Normalizer: This levels the volume between all songs you play.
Vinyl Processor (NEW): Give 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.
Box of Rain
By Grateful Dead
(American Beauty)
Conquest of Paradise
By Vangelis
(1492: Conquest of Paradise)
Miles and Miles
By The Heavy Heavy
(Life and Life Only)
Smooth Criminal
By Michael Jackson
(Bad)
Features
- 99.99% Oxygen-Free Copper Chassis for enhanced acoustic clarity (increased from 99.96%)
- Lower ground resistance
- Large Solid High Polymer Capacitor (Stronger power supply heightens acoustic expressiveness)
- 4 wire braided thick KIMBER KABLE cables connects to the balanced headphone jack
- High Quality Sound Solder Containing Gold (Improves sound localisation and wider sound space)
- Optimised Circuit Board Layout with OFC milled block (covers the digital block to strengthen digital ground and improve noise shielding)
- 256GB internal storage (plus SD card slot and cloud storage options)
- Android 11 OS (access to streaming platforms and cloud storage)
- Wi-Fi enabled
- USB-C data and charging connector
- S-Master HX digital amp technology, DSD Remastering Engine, DSEE Ultimate
- Up to 40 hours of 96kHz FLAC high-resolution audio playback (up from 30 hours)
- Vinyl Processor (enhances analog sound when desired)
Android Security Note
Like most Android devices, the NW-WM1ZM2 comes pre-equipped with the Google Play Store and a host of Google-supported apps. So when you log into the Google Play Store to download, say, Tidal or Qobuz, you are automatically logged into all of your Google apps, including email. This can present a security risk, given that your device is protected by a simple passcode. You would have to go in and log out of/manually uninstall each app that you don't want. That's a pain.
To get around this, you could bypass the Google Play Store and instead manually install any APK (Android-based) apps you desire directly onto the device. This can be done through APKpure.com. You can also see this Moon Audio blog post. It was written in regard to Astell&Kern music players but is relevant for Sony as well.
Comparisons
Comparison to Astell&Kern SP3000 DAP
Let's see how the NW-WM1ZM2 compares to same-priced Astell&Kern's latest portable digital music player, the SP3000. These are both exquisitely made high-end audio players for enjoying the finest sound on the go or at home. While both weigh 17 ounces and change, the WM1ZM2 is the larger player, though not by much. The SP3000's screen is larger by almost a half inch, though. Still, the 5-inch high-definition Sony screen is pretty nice.
The WM1ZM2 does blow the SP3000 out of the water with roughly four times the battery life. While controls (physical buttons, touchscreen) are similar, the SP3000 does have a nice tactile volume wheel, while the Sony has volume buttons plus a digital volume UI. Both players will drive a variety of headphones and IEMs, but the SP3000 has the edge with a bit more juice for the most power-hungry cans.
Soundwise, the Sony is going to appeal to listeners who prefer a warmer, more analog signature with a smoother top end and plenty of bass punch, while the SP3000 is resolute and rich-sounding with a more defined top end. The Sony has sound adjustment options and the AK has six DAC filters, so users have options for playing around with sound. Still, I think people will be drawn to one or the other based on the "house" sound of each.
Dragon Cables
We recommend pairing the NW-WM1ZM2 DAP with the Silver Dragon USB Cable with type-C connectors. The 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.
You have two considerations when choosing a headphone or IEM cable to use with your DAP: the sound signature of your headphones and the sound signature of your audio player. Sony DAPs are on the warmer side, which makes the Silver Dragon a good match for bringing out more detail, clarity, and top-end sizzle. If you're using a warmer IEM or headphone with the WM1A, you'll probably want to use a Silver Dragon headphone cable or Silver Dragon IEM cable.
If your IEMs or headphones are on the more neutral or analytical side, it's really a personal preference. If you're using IEMs, the Black Dragon IEM cable uses silver-plated copper and is going to give you some added warmth as well as detail and clarity. The Bronze Dragon IEM cable is a good choice for exceptionally thin-sounding headphones or IEMs, but it may be too much warmth for the WM1A. If you're using headphones, the Black Dragon headphone cable is going to add warmth and bottom-end weight. The Blue Dragon, on the other hand, won't color the sound signature of your headphones, but will give a nice boost in clarity and detail.
Verdict
The Sony NW-WM1ZM2 Walkman is a gorgeous and amazingly well-made portable music player. Just looking at it is satisfying! It has several upgrades over the first-generation model, the most notable being the addition of Wi-Fi and the switch to Android, giving users access to all manner of apps. For fans of the Sony sound who want a premium audio player with streaming capability, this is it. While the WM1ZM2 is objectively portable, it is on the larger and heavier side, and it's so luxurious that I can't imagine throwing this in my pocket on a casual outing. That being said, there's nothing stopping you, and if you like nice things and know how to take care of them, then go for it! Pair the NW-WM1ZM2 with our Silver Dragon USB Cable for digital bus transmission and you've got one heck of a stable, portable audio setup. Our Silver Dragon USB Cable is our best-selling cable for usage with DACs, DAPs, Headphone Amps, and more.
Audiophiles and music lovers alike who crave a warm, natural, analog-leaning sound with plenty of detail and clarity are going to love the WM1ZM2. Suitable for a variety of music, it's going to pair especially well with bassier genres like Rock, Pop, EDM, Electronica, Rap, R&B, and cinema and gaming soundtracks, plus genres like Classical and Jazz where a warm and immersive sound is desired.
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What's in the Box
- Sony NW-WM1ZM2 Walkman
- Leather case
- USB Type-C® cable (USB-A to USB-C) (1)
- Operating Instructions
- Reference Guide
- Headphone jack cap (Stereo Mini) (1) (*1)
- Headphone jack cap (Balanced Standard) (1) (*1)
Specifications
Size & Weight
- Weight: 490g
- Size: 80.5mm x 142.5mm x 21.0 mm
Wi-Fi
- Frequency band: 2.4 / 5 GHz
- Battery life - continuous music playback music (with music app):
- MP3 (128kbps) / Stereo mini-jack: Approx. 40 hrs, MP3 (128kbps) / Balanced standard-jack: Approx. 40 hrs, FLAC (96kHz / 24bit) / Stereo mini-jack: Approx. 40 hrs, FLAC (96kHz / 24bit) / Balanced standard-jack: Approx. 40 hrs, FLAC (192kHz / 24bit) / Stereo mini-jack: Approx. 35 hrs, FLAC (192kHz / 24bit) / Balanced standard-jack: Approx. 35 hrs, DSD (2.8224MHz / 1bit) / Stereo mini-jack: Approx. 25 hrs, DSD (2.8224MHz / 1bit) / Balanced standard-jack: Approx. 15 hrs, DSD (5.6448MHz / 1bit) / Stereo mini-jack: Approx. 18 hrs, DSD (5.6448MHz / 1bit) / Balanced standard-jack: Approx. 13 hrs
- Battery life - continuous music playback music (other music app):
- FLAC (96kHz / 24bit) / LDAC Connection Preferred (Auto): Approx. 18 hrs
- Charging time (full charge): Approx. 4.5 hours
- Battery: Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Charging and power supply: USB power (from a computer via USB)
Storage Media
- Memory size: 256GB (actual memory 215GB)
- Music searching methods: All songs, artist release year, playlists, album, genre, composer, hi-res, recent transfer, folder, cue sheet
- Music play mode: Shuffle playback, repeat off, repeat 1 song, repeat all, all range, selected range
- Drag and drop: Yes
Connectivity
- Communication system: Bluetooth Specification Version 5.0
- NFC: No
- Supported Bluetooth profiles: Yes
- Supported Codecs (transmission): Yes
- Supported Codecs (reception): No
Playback & Display:
- Display resolution: 12.7cm (5 in), HD (1280 x 720 pixels)
- Display type: TFT color display with white LED-backlight
- Sound effects: Direct Source (Direct), 10 Band Equalizer, DSEE Ultimate, DC Phase Linearizer, Dynamic Normalizer, Vinyl Processor
- Audio playback: MP3: 32 - 320kbps (supports VBR) / 32, 44.1, 48kHz, WMA: 32 - 192kbps (supports VBR) / 44.1kHz, FLAC: 16, 24bit / 8-384kHz, WAV: 16, 24, 32bit (Float / Integer) / 8-384kHz, AAC: 16-320kbps / 8-48kHz, HE-AAC: 32-144kbps / 8-48kHz, Apple Lossless: 16, 24bit / 8-384kHz, AIFF: 16, 24, 32bit / 8-384kHz, DSD: 1bit / 2.8MHz, 11.2MHz, APE: 8, 16, 24bit / 8-192kHz (Fast, Normal, High), MQA: Supported
Headphone Out (Stereo mini jack):
- Frequency: 20-40,000 Hz
- Maximum power output (JEITA 16 Ohms/mW): 60mW+60mW (high gain)
Headphone out (Balanced standard jack):
- Frequency: 20-40,000 Hz
- Maximum power output (Jeita 16 Ohms/mW): 250mW + 250mW (high gain)
Software
- Operating system: Android 11
Terminals
- Headphone: Stereo mini jack, balanced standard jack
- External memory: Micro SD Micro SDHC Micro SDXC
Accessibility
- Talkback: Yes
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Physical Specifications | |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | Approx. 3.17 in x 5.62 in x 0.83 in Approx. 80.5 mm x 142.5 mm x 21.0 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 17.29 oz (Approx. 490 g) |
| Display Size & Resolution | 12.7 cm (5.0-inch), HD (1280 x 720 pixels) |
| Display Type | TFT colour display with white LED backlight |
| Technical Specifications | |
| Operating System | Android 16 |
| Memory Size | 256 GB (actual available memory: 215 GB) |
| Wi-Fi Frequency Band | 2.4 / 5 GHz |
| Frequency Response (Stereo Mini-Jack) | 20 – 40,000 Hz |
| Maximum Power Output (Stereo Mini-Jack, JEITA 16Ω) | 60 mW + 60 mW (High Gain) |
| Frequency Response (Balanced Standard-Jack) | 20 – 40,000 Hz |
| Maximum Power Output (Balanced Standard-Jack, JEITA 16Ω) | 250 mW + 250 mW (High Gain) |
| Supported Audio Formats | MP3: 32 – 320 kbps (supports VBR) / 32, 44.1, 48 kHz WMA: 32 – 192 kbps (supports VBR) / 44.1 kHz FLAC: 16, 24 bit / 8 – 384 kHz WAV: 16, 24, 32 bit (Float / Integer) / 8 – 384 kHz AAC: 16 – 320 kbps / 8 – 48 kHz HE-AAC: 32 – 144 kbps / 8 – 48 kHz Apple Lossless: 16, 24 bit / 8 – 384 kHz AIFF: 16, 24, 32 bit / 8 – 384 kHz DSD: 1 bit / 2.8 MHz, 11.2 MHz APE: 8, 16, 24 bit / 8 – 192 kHz (Fast, Normal, High) MQA: Supported |
| Terminals | Headphone: Stereo mini-jack, Balanced standard-jack External memory: microSD / microSDHC / microSDXC |
| Wireless Capabilities | Bluetooth Version 5.0 NFC: No Supported Bluetooth Profiles: Yes Supported Codecs (Transmission): Yes Supported Codecs (Reception): No |
| Power Specifications | |
| Built-in Battery | Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery |
| Charging and Power Supply | USB power (from a computer via USB) |
| Charging Time (Full Charge) | Approx. 4.5 hrs |
| Battery Life – Continuous Music Playback (W.MUSIC App) | MP3 (128 kbps) / Stereo mini-jack: Approx. 40 hrs MP3 (128 kbps) / Balanced standard-jack: Approx. 40 hrs FLAC (96 kHz / 24 bit) / Stereo mini-jack: Approx. 40 hrs FLAC (96 kHz / 24 bit) / Balanced standard-jack: Approx. 40 hrs FLAC (192 kHz / 24 bit) / Stereo mini-jack: Approx. 35 hrs FLAC (192 kHz / 24 bit) / Balanced standard-jack: Approx. 35 hrs DSD (2.8224 MHz / 1 bit) / Stereo mini-jack: Approx. 25 hrs DSD (2.8224 MHz / 1 bit) / Balanced standard-jack: Approx. 15 hrs DSD (5.6448 MHz / 1 bit) / Stereo mini-jack: Approx. 18 hrs DSD (5.6448 MHz / 1 bit) / Balanced standard-jack: Approx. 13 hrs |
| Battery Life – Continuous Music Playback (Other Music Apps) | FLAC (96 kHz / 24 bit) / LDAC Connection Preferred (Auto): Approx. 18 hrs |
| Additional Information | |
| Music Play Modes | Shuffle Playback, Repeat Off, Repeat 1 Song, Repeat All, All Range, Selected Range |
| Sound Effects | Direct Source (Direct), 10-Band Equalizer, DSEE Ultimate, DC Phase Linearizer, Dynamic Normalizer, Vinyl Processor |
| Music Searching Methods | All Songs, Artist, Release Year, Playlists, Album, Genre, Composer, Hi-Res, Recent Transfers, Folder, Cue Sheet |
| Drag and Drop | Yes |