Sony has introduced three premium Walkman digital music players, the NW-WM1ZM3, NW-WM1AM3 and NW-ZX900, featuring revised audio circuitry, upgraded internal components and improved digital sound processing. The new models target audiophiles seeking dedicated portable players with high-resolution audio support.
Leading the range, the NW-WM1ZM3 and NW-WM1AM3 incorporate redesigned power supplies and oxygen-free copper components intended to reduce electrical interference and improve sound reproduction. Positioned alongside them, the NW-ZX900 adopts several components found in the higher-end models, while all three players support Sony’s updated audio processing technologies.
Revised chassis and circuitry target improved sound quality
At the top of the lineup, the flagship NW-WM1ZM3 features a precision-machined, gold-plated oxygen-free copper (OFC) chassis designed to provide a stable electrical ground connection. Its main chassis uses 99.99% purity copper, known as 4N copper, alongside an OFC rear chassis, with specially treated, low-resistance gold-plated screws securing the construction. According to Sony, this combination is intended to improve bass reproduction, create a wider soundstage and produce smoother, extended high frequencies. The flagship also incorporates thick KIMBER KABLE wiring inherited from Sony’s DMP-Z1 digital music player, an addition designed to reduce electrical noise and preserve signal integrity while complementing the improvements to the chassis and grounding system.
The NW-WM1AM3 and NW-ZX900 use a different construction, combining an aluminium-alloy main chassis with a gold-plated OFC rear chassis in an arrangement that Sony says is intended to improve structural rigidity and sound quality. Inside the two WM1 models, the company has also revised the power supply architecture by replacing the previous single large solid high-polymer capacitor with two large capacitors of the same type. Combined with hand-soldered OFC wiring, this setup is intended to provide more stable power and reduce interference within the audio circuitry.
Other internal changes include a larger high-purity 4N copper coil in the L-C filter, which processes the balanced output signal from the digital amplifier. Its flat conductive wire is designed to reduce resistance and distortion, while an OFC milled block covering the digital section strengthens the electrical ground connection. This milled block has approximately 34% greater mass than the previous design, which Sony says helps reduce noise and improve clarity and detail during playback. Down the range, the NW-ZX900 also receives upgraded components, including an ultra-low-noise low-dropout (LDO) regulator and crystal oscillators shared with Sony’s higher-end players.
Updated sound processing and longer battery life
Across the audio pipeline, the new Walkman range uses Sony’s S-Master HX digital amplifier technology, which supports Native DSD audio, balanced connections and high-power output. An updated look-ahead noise shaper has also been added to the amplifier, designed to predict quantisation noise and apply processing in advance. Sony says this technology improves the handling of rapid changes in sound, helping preserve clarity and detail during playback. All three players also include the DSD Remastering Engine, which converts PCM audio into an 11.2MHz DSD stream to produce a sound character closer to analogue audio reproduction. Sony has expanded the feature so that DSD remastering can be used with music streamed over Wi-Fi as well as downloaded tracks.
Battery life differs between the models. The NW-WM1ZM3 and NW-WM1AM3 are rated for up to 35 hours of 128kbps MP3 playback using Sony’s music player application with a balanced connection. Sony also quotes up to 31 hours when using streaming service applications, with the stated test condition specifying offline mode and a balanced connection. For the NW-ZX900, endurance reaches up to 40 hours of 128kbps MP3 playback or up to 35 hours when using streaming service applications.
On the front, the NW-WM1ZM3 and NW-WM1AM3 feature larger 5.5-inch screens, while the NW-ZX900 uses a 5-inch display. All three players also introduce a customisable Walkman Home Screen, with larger album artwork and interface changes intended to improve everyday operation. In terms of packaging, Sony states that no plastic is used in the packaging materials for the three models, excluding coatings and adhesives, though packaging arrangements may vary by region.
Singapore pricing starts at S$2,399
The three Walkman players will be available in Singapore from November 2026. The flagship NW-WM1ZM3 is priced at S$6,999, followed by the NW-WM1AM3 at S$3,599, while the NW-ZX900 is the least expensive model in the range at S$2,399.
Sony is offering pre-order discounts across all three models, together with complimentary IER-M500 earphones valued at S$139. Under the promotion, the NW-WM1ZM3 receives a S$1,000 discount, while the NW-WM1AM3 and NW-ZX900 receive reductions of S$400 and S$200, respectively.
The promotional offers are available while stocks last and are subject to terms and conditions. In Singapore, the players will be sold through Sony Stores, authorised dealers and Sony’s online store.
