Sony's New Walkman Is a Real Status Symbol, with a $6,000 Price Point to Match
Sound good?
by Sammy Barker · Push SquareAside from PlayStation, it’s probably fair to say the Walkman is Sony’s most iconic product.
The portable music player has declined in importance as the world has embraced smartphones, but the Japanese giant does continue to manufacture them for legacy purposes.
I can’t imagine it’s expecting to sell many of its latest model, however: the NW-WM1ZM3 is available to pre-order now for an eye-watering $5,899. It’s aiming to ship in January.
That’s not a typing error, by the way – it features a “precision-machined, gold-plated oxygen-free copper chassis, engineered specifically to further elevate its sound quality”.
Sony says this unit is specifically designed for audiophiles, which will “convey the artist's original intent, delivering detailed, high-resolution sound”.
The press release continues:
“Developed in pursuit of exceptional sound quality, it captures subtle nuances throughout a performance, while maintaining clarity, scale, and dynamics at higher volumes.”
If you simply can’t afford the flagship option, two cheaper models – the NW-WM1AM3 ($2,999) and NW-ZX900 ($1,899) – adopt a “similar design philosophy, combining an aluminium-alloy main chassis with a gold-plated OFC rear chassis to enhance rigidity and sound quality”.
The screen is a little bit smaller on the cheaper option, but it boasts battery life of up to 40 hours, which is longer than the 35 hours touted for the two premium options.
Realistically, the market for these devices is going to be small, and Sony knows that.
It’s interesting to see the company ship such a premium product like this, though – are there any audiophiles among you tempted to splash out?
Related Articles
News Sony Exits UHD Blu-ray Player Market as Pull Back from Physical Media Continues
Won't be restocked with no replacement on the way
[source prnewswire.com]
- Share:
About Sammy Barker
As the Editor of Push Square, Sammy has over 15 years of experience analysing the world of PlayStation, from PS3 through PS5 and everything in between. He’s an expert on PS Studios and industry matters, as well as sports games and simulators. He also enjoys RPGs when he has the time to dedicate to them, and is a bit of a gacha whale.
Comments 1
- 1
- Max_the_German
- 3 mins ago
Sony is no stranger to boutique stuff for gans. I know another boutique stuff Sony could offer after January 2028.
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...