Sound

Sony NW-WM1ZM3 and NW-WM1AM3: Signature audiophile Walkman, Android 16, Wi-Fi 6 and gold chassis

21.10.2026 • 17h19

The Japanese manufacturer Sony renews the flagship portable player of its prestigious Signature series with the Walkman NW-WM1ZM3. Nearly four years after its predecessor, this audiophile portable player under Android 16 and Wi-Fi 6 combines Hi-Fi components, 11.2 MHz DSD processing, and a luxurious exclusive chassis in gold-plated copper. A technological jewel decidedly designed for sound purists.

Nearly four years after the previous version, the Japanese manufacturer is therefore presenting its latest premium Walkman from the Signature series, a portable audio player packed with cutting-edge technology and an exclusive finish, the Sony NW-WM1ZM3. Equipped with a 5.5" HD touchscreen (14 cm), it is compatible with [abc]Wi-Fi[/abc] 6 and can therefore easily access the main music platforms ([abc]streaming[/abc] and downloads), as well as your personal audio libraries. The operating system is Android 16.

Sony NW-WM1ZM3: S-Master HX amplification and FT CAP3 capacitors

Compatible with balanced connection and the [abc]Hi-Res Audio[/abc] format, the Sony NW-WM1ZM3 integrates the latest available audio technologies, starting with Sony's S-Master HX digital amplification, specifically developed for Walkman. It contains several FT CAP3 capacitors (high-polymer capacitor) used to bypass the audio block power supply.

Sony NW-WM1ZM3: 11.2 MHz DSD, DSEE Ultimate and battery life Also noteworthy are two low-phase-noise quartz oscillators ensuring the stability of the precision clock at multiple sample rates of 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz, as well as a [abc]DSD[/abc] (Direct Stream Digital) remastering engine for resampling [abc]PCM[/abc] (Pulse Code Modulation) audio into ultra-high-frequency 1-bit DSD 11.2 megahertz audio streams. Also worth mentioning is the presence of DSEE Ultimate technology, which uses artificial intelligence to adjust the audio frequency and signal bitrate in real time for consistently optimized sound quality. Also note that the device's battery life offers up to 33 hours of Hi-Res Audio [abc]Flac[/abc] playback at 96 kilohertz.

Kimber Kable cable and gold-plated copper chassis

The Sony NW-WM1ZM3 is also equipped with a thick Kimber Kable audiophile cable of large cross-section. It reduces outside noise and transmits high-quality audio signals for a powerful, smooth sound. We also note a main chassis incorporating oxygen-free copper with 99.99% purity and gold plating, while the rear chassis is made of oxygen-free copper, 99.96% purity, with gold plating. Finally, note the 256 GB of memory and a micro SD card slot.

Sony NW-WM1AM3, what differences compared with the Sony NW-WM1ZM3?

To finish, a few words about the Sony NW-WM1AM3 model (see photo above and below) which shares the same internal architecture as the Sony NW-WM1ZM3, except for a more conventional build with a main chassis in aluminum alloy and a rear section in gold-plated oxygen-free copper, standard high-purity OFC internal wiring (without Kimber Kable wiring), less internal memory of 128 GB (versus 256 GB), still expandable via Micro SD card, for a lower total weight as well, 425 g versus 670 grams.

Announced availability for November 27. Indicative price:

• 4,999 € for the Sony NW-WM1ZM3

• 2,999 € for the Sony NW-WM1AM3

Reminder of the key features of the Sony NW-WM1ZM3:

• Type: [abc]Hi-Res Audio[/abc] audiophile player

• Display: 5.5'' [abc]HD[/abc] touchscreen (14 cm)

• OS: Android 16

• Connectivity: [abc]Wi-Fi[/abc] 6, balanced connection

• Amplification: S-Master HX digital

• Components: FT CAP3 capacitors, dual quartz oscillator

• Processing: [abc]DSD[/abc] 11.2 MHz remastering, DSEE Ultimate technology

• Storage: 256 GB internal memory, expandable via :micro-SD

• Chassis: gold-plated oxygen-free copper (99.99% for the main unit, 99.96% for the rear)

• Battery life: up to 33 hours of [abc]Flac[/abc] 96 kHz playback

• Other: Kimber Kable audiophile cable included