The Sony Walkman has been relaunched on the market as a premium category equipment, intended for audiophiles and music professionals. This model offers high-quality playback and features a gold finish, announced at US$ 5.9 thousand, which is equivalent to approximately R$ 30 thousand in direct conversion. There is also an intermediate alternative available for US$ 2,999.99, corresponding to about R$ 15 thousand.
The device supports DSD files, provides high-fidelity sound, and has 256 GB of internal storage, in addition to accepting microSD cards. Regarding connectivity, it integrates Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and includes two 3.5 mm P2 ports, allowing music to be listened to in both independent stereo configuration and a balanced channel.
One aspect that contributes to the high sound resolution is the use of 'pure' copper in the hardware, which is processed without the addition of oxygen. The device also features a 5.5-inch screen and operates on the Android 16 operating system. It is worth noting that Sony left Brazil in 2020, and this Walkman is unlikely to have an official launch in the country.
The new Walkman arrives on the market in two variants within the Signature Series line: NW-WM1ZM3 and NW-WM1AM3. The main distinction lies in the design; the more sophisticated version, ZM3, features a gold finish and greater storage capacity, with 256 GB, compared to the 128 GB of the more basic model.
Although the technical specifications are largely identical, the use of OFC (oxygen-free copper) in the composition ensures superiority in sound quality. Additionally, the internal cables incorporate the Kimber Kable signature, aiming to reduce noise and maintain high fidelity during playback. According to Sony itself, users will be able to appreciate the music exactly as it was created by the artists, capturing all the fine details.
To complement the premium appeal of the hardware, software solutions have been implemented. The manufacturer guarantees S-Master HX technology, support for DSD files, and audio optimization, whether they are processed internally or transmitted via Wi-Fi.
It is important to note that music played through streaming services like Spotify may suffer a natural degradation in quality. To achieve higher fidelity, some applications offer lossless features in their settings, preserving details that would be lost in MP3 processing. However, the best listening experience with an accessory like the new Walkman is achieved by using previously downloaded files.
Focused on music playback, the Walkman promises good battery life, reaching up to 35 hours of audio, depending on the file format. More demanding files, such as FLAC or DSD, tend to reduce this time, but the average remains close to 30 hours. Battery life also varies depending on the connection mode (potentially reaching 41 hours on Bluetooth) and the application used, with the native Sony W.Music App ensuring longer usage time.
The Android 16 operating system allows for application downloads, internet access, and music streaming playback. Despite this, due to its robust sound proposal, the maximum storage of 256 GB may be insufficient to store many local audio files. Memory expansion is possible via a microSD card.
Considering its focus on music playback, the Walkman is also advantageous for musicians and producers who wish to analyze their work with greater precision, even outside the studio. Portability is a positive point, as other devices may present compressed playback, resulting in the loss of crucial information during the recording process.