Sony has introduced the NW-WM1ZM3 and NW-WM1AM3, two new portable music players joining its Signature Series Walkman range. Both models combine upgraded internal construction and digital processing with expandable storage, Wi-Fi streaming support and larger displays.
Two chassis designs with extensive copper construction
The NW-WM1ZM3 is built around a gold-plated oxygen-free copper chassis. Sony specifies 99.99% pure 4N oxygen-free copper for the main chassis, while the rear section is also made from oxygen-free copper. The two sections are secured using specially finished gold-plated screws selected for low electrical resistance and a stable ground connection.
Internal wiring is another point of differentiation. The NW-WM1ZM3 uses thick KIMBER KABLE wiring derived from Sony’s DMP-Z1. According to the company, the arrangement is intended to reduce noise and preserve the audio signal as it travels through the player.
The NW-WM1AM3 follows the same broad engineering approach but uses an aluminum-alloy main chassis paired with a gold-plated oxygen-free copper rear section. This construction is designed to provide additional rigidity while retaining copper in areas relevant to grounding and electrical performance.
Storage also differs between the models. The NW-WM1ZM3 includes 256 GB of internal capacity, of which 207 GB is available for music files. The NW-WM1AM3 provides 128 GB, with 91 GB available for user content. Both players accept microSD cards for additional storage.
Reworked power delivery and grounding
Sony has revised the power-supply architecture in both Signature Series players. A single high-polymer capacitor used in the previous generation has been replaced by two capacitors, accompanied by hand-soldered oxygen-free copper wiring. The company says this configuration provides a cleaner and more stable power supply with reduced interference.
A larger 99.99% pure 4N copper coil is employed in the LC filter for the balanced output of the digital amplifier. Its flat conductive wire is intended to lower electrical resistance and reduce distortion.
The digital section is covered by a machined oxygen-free copper block that also contributes to grounding. Sony says this component has approximately 34% more mass than the equivalent part in the preceding model, with the added material intended to suppress noise further.
S-Master HX amplification and DSD remastering
Both players use Sony’s S-Master HX digital amplification technology, developed specifically for Walkman products. The amplifier supports native DSD playback, balanced output and high-power operation, although Sony has not provided output figures in the supplied information.
A new look-ahead noise shaper predicts and reduces noise during digital signal processing. Sony says the technology is designed to handle rapid musical transitions more accurately while maintaining clarity and immediacy.
The NW-WM1ZM3 and NW-WM1AM3 also include the company’s DSD Remastering Engine. It converts PCM audio into an 11.2 MHz DSD signal, with the aim of giving playback a more analog-like character. On these models, the processing can be used with downloaded music as well as content streamed over Wi-Fi.
Larger screens, battery life and availability
Each new Walkman features a 5.5-inch display, providing more room for navigation and larger album artwork. Sony describes the interface as fast and responsive, while the Walkman home screen can be personalized to suit the user’s preferred layout.
Battery life is rated at up to 35 hours when playing MP3 files encoded at 128 kbps. For streaming, Sony quotes a maximum of 31 hours, representing an improvement for online playback compared with the previous generation.
Deliveries of the Sony NW-WM1ZM3 and NW-WM1AM3 are scheduled to begin at the end of November. The supplied announcement does not specify regional availability.
With their copper-intensive construction, revised power supplies and expanded DSD processing, the NW-WM1ZM3 and NW-WM1AM3 extend Sony’s Signature Series approach to portable playback. Their different chassis materials and storage capacities provide two distinct options within the latest Walkman range.
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