Sony’s latest Walkman costs nearly $6,000, comes wrapped in gold-plated copper, and is designed for people who believe a smartphone isn’t enough for serious music listening.
The company has introduced three premium portable music players, led by the $5,899.99 NW-WM1ZM3. The lineup also includes the $2,999.99 NW-WM1AM3 and the $1,899.99 NW-ZX900, all aimed at audiophiles seeking high-quality audio from dedicated hardware.
All three are available for preorder in the US, although Sony has not confirmed a shipping date. The new devices are the first Walkman hardware refresh in several years.
But with smartphones already capable of playing lossless music, Sony faces a familiar question: how much better can a dedicated music player sound, and is that improvement worth thousands of dollars?
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What buyers should consider
Sony’s engineering upgrades may appeal to listeners who use high-end wired headphones, balanced audio connections and high-resolution music files. But the company’s specifications do not establish how much audible improvement the gold-plated chassis delivers over less expensive players.
That distinction matters when the flagship costs almost twice as much as the AM3 and more than three times the ZX900. Buyers also need compatible headphones to make the most of a dedicated high-end player, adding to the overall cost.
For most people, a smartphone paired with quality headphones remains the more practical way to listen to music. Streaming services already offer lossless audio, while a dedicated player makes more sense for enthusiasts who value specialized audio hardware, physical headphone connections and a device focused on music.
Sony also faces competition from specialist audio brands offering high-end players at lower prices. At nearly $6,000, its flagship Walkman is less a replacement for a smartphone than a luxury purchase for enthusiasts willing to pay a premium for dedicated audio hardware.
For anyone considering an upgrade, the decision comes down to how they listen to music. Those who primarily use wireless headphones or stream casually may see little reason to spend thousands on a dedicated player. But listeners with high-end wired audio setups may find more value in Sony’s specialized hardware.
Either way, comparing the Walkman’s sound quality with less expensive alternatives before buying is worth the effort.
Other news: Apple’s new iPhone Duo could come with a costly surprise for buyers. Repairing its inner folding screen may cost $999 without coverage, compared with Samsung’s $419 eligible screen-repair option for the Galaxy Z Fold8. T