Sony unveils flagship Walkman for nearly $5,900

The flagship NW-WM1ZM3, priced at $5,898, features a copper body, premium audio components and support for high-resolution audio formats. Two other models were also unveiled, priced at $2,998 and $1,898; shipments are set to begin in January 2027.

Sony updates its Walkman lineup: flagship player costs nearly $5,900

The name Walkman is familiar to many: Sony released its first portable cassette player under the brand in 1979. Smartphones have largely displaced standalone music devices, but the Walkman series lives on. The latest model shows just how far it has come from the mass-market players of the past: the flagship NW-WM1ZM3 is priced at $5,898.

The player is part of the Signature Series. Sony crafted its body from oxygen-free copper, precision-machined and finished with gold plating. The device features a 5.5-inch screen and a selection of components designed for discerning listeners.

Features include balanced Kimble Kable wiring, Wi-Fi 6 streaming, support for various digital formats, computer connectivity and 256 GB of built-in storage. The player supports DSD at 11.2 MHz/1 bit and PCM at a sampling rate of 384 kHz and a bit depth of 32 bits.

Built-in processing includes several specialized modes. Vinyl Processor is designed to give digital files a warmer character reminiscent of vinyl. DC Phase Linearizer uses digital processing to adjust phase characteristics to match six different analog amplifiers. Sony 360 Reality Audio technology is also supported.

Copper, cables and power system

Sony emphasizes that, when developing the NW-WM1ZM3, it paid attention to the fine details that matter to audiophiles. The player uses large solid polymer capacitors for stable power delivery, low-noise amplification, hand-soldered wiring and film capacitors that provide a linear voltage response across different frequencies. According to the company, nearly every aspect of the device has been optimized.

The model’s body is made from high-purity oxygen-free copper: the main section is 99.99% pure, designated 4N, while the back panel is also made of OFC copper. The parts are joined with screws featuring a low-resistance gold finish, developed specifically for this model. Sony links this construction to reliable grounding, powerful bass, a wide soundstage and smooth high frequencies.

The company’s description also highlights thick KIMBER KABLE® wiring, inherited from the Sony DMP-Z1. According to the manufacturer, it reduces noise and preserves signal integrity, helping deliver rich, detailed sound. Sony says the new player has no comparable peers.

This device is a far cry from the $29 Sony Walkman portable CD player the company offered in the late 1990s. The NW-WM1ZM3 is aimed at a niche audience of music enthusiasts and audiophiles. Sony describes the new Walkman models as devices for music lovers, designed for high-quality sound and equipped with a range of premium audio components.

Two players cost less than the flagship

Sony also unveiled two other models. The NW-WM1AM3 lacks gold plating but costs $2,998. The most affordable option in the new lineup is the NW-ZX900, priced at $1,898.

All three devices are dedicated music players, not smartphones. At the time of the announcement, the players were already available to order, with shipments scheduled to begin in January 2027.