Thursday, January 26th 2023
Sony Electronics Unveils Two New Walkman with Enhanced Sound Quality and Longer Battery Life Including the NW-ZX707 Premium Walkman
Sony Electronics Inc. today announced two new music players, the NW-ZX707 as part of the ZX Series, and the NW-A306 as part of the A Series, to the Walkman family. Both players are designed for listeners to enjoy music the way the artist intended with high-quality sound with a sleek design. Built with updated components of high-end models, the NW-ZX707 offers astonishing sound quality. With enhanced battery life, balanced connection, a larger 5.0" (diag.) display, Wi-Fi compatibility for easy downloading and streaming functions, it is also portable and stylish for the most demanding music lover.
Inheriting the philosophy of the Signature Walkman, the NW-ZX707 has upgraded fine-tuned capacitors and a FTCAP3 (high-polymer capacitor) and a large solid high polymer capacitor which offers large capacitance and low resistance. While an OFC (Oxygen-Free Copper) milled block covering the digital block, allows the NW-ZX707 to bring listeners sound that appears to rise-up from silence. Additionally, a large 8 mm coil for balanced output creates an improved sound resolution across all frequencies. All four kinds of components stated here are also used in the latest Signature Walkman model.
NW-ZX707 integrates a DSD (Direct Stream Digital) Remastering Engine where PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) audio is resampled into an 11.2 MHz DSD, offering even more ways to enjoy music.
The NW-A306 is designed for discerning users looking for high quality sound and style. This stylish and compact music player lets consumers download and stream more of the music they love. With full Wi-Fi compatibility, lightweight design and with the comfort and function of both a 3.6" (diag.) display touch screen and tactile physical music controls, the NW-A306 is dedicated to delivering exceptional music experiences right from the user's pocket.
Made with a rigid aluminium frame and gold solder inside a precisely engineered chassis, the NW-A306 delivers clear, stable sound and solid bass.
Faithful sound reproduction
The S-Master HX digital amp technology, independently developed for Walkman is compatible with the native DSD format. It reduces distortion and noise across a wide range of frequencies, for rich and full-bodied sound, further enhanced by new high-quality sound lead free solder.
Just like the latest Signature Walkman model, both models apply a reflow solder containing gold, whose effect is significant in the overall improved sound localization and wider sound space.
To realize both music players' evolutionary sound, a dual clock, film capacitor and fine sound register have been precisely placed within each Walkman.
Updated DSEE Ultimate for Enhancing Streaming Music Quality
The NW-ZX707 and the NW-A306 both use Edge-AI (Artificial Intelligence), DSEE Ultimate (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) which upscales compressed digital music files in real time. The evolving algorithm now delivers even greater benefits for CD-quality (16 bit 44.1/48 kHz) lossless codec audio. Restoring acoustic subtleties and dynamic range provides a richer, more complete listening experience.
With further progress from its predecessor models, consumers can enjoy DSEE Ultimate for upscaling their music, whether it is Wi-Fi streamed or downloaded. Now listeners can also enjoy DSEE Ultimate with wireless headphones.
The NW-ZX707 and the NW-A306 both feature a longer battery life compared to previous models so listeners can immerse themselves in more of their music. The NW-ZX707 has a battery life of up to 25 hours of 44.1 kHz FLAC playback, up to 23 hours of 96 kHz FLAC High-Resolution Audio playback, or up to 22 hours even when streaming. The NW-A306 has a battery life of up to 36 hours of 44.1 kHz FLAC playback, up to 32 hours of 96 kHz FLAC high resolution audio playback, or even up to 26 hours with the streaming service apps to meet the demand of consumers.
Sustainability in Mind
Our products are not only designed to be stylish but also with the environment in mind. No plastic is used in the packaging material for the NW-ZX707 and the NW-A306, reflecting Sony's commitment to reducing the environmental impact of our products and practices.
Pricing and Availability
NW-ZX707 has a suggested retail price of $899.99 and is available now to purchase at Sony Electronics and other Sony authorized retailers.
NW-A306 has a suggested retail price of $349.99 and is available now to purchase at Sony Electronics and other Sony authorized retailers.
Source:
Sony
Inheriting the philosophy of the Signature Walkman, the NW-ZX707 has upgraded fine-tuned capacitors and a FTCAP3 (high-polymer capacitor) and a large solid high polymer capacitor which offers large capacitance and low resistance. While an OFC (Oxygen-Free Copper) milled block covering the digital block, allows the NW-ZX707 to bring listeners sound that appears to rise-up from silence. Additionally, a large 8 mm coil for balanced output creates an improved sound resolution across all frequencies. All four kinds of components stated here are also used in the latest Signature Walkman model.
The NW-A306 is designed for discerning users looking for high quality sound and style. This stylish and compact music player lets consumers download and stream more of the music they love. With full Wi-Fi compatibility, lightweight design and with the comfort and function of both a 3.6" (diag.) display touch screen and tactile physical music controls, the NW-A306 is dedicated to delivering exceptional music experiences right from the user's pocket.
Made with a rigid aluminium frame and gold solder inside a precisely engineered chassis, the NW-A306 delivers clear, stable sound and solid bass.
Faithful sound reproduction
The S-Master HX digital amp technology, independently developed for Walkman is compatible with the native DSD format. It reduces distortion and noise across a wide range of frequencies, for rich and full-bodied sound, further enhanced by new high-quality sound lead free solder.
Just like the latest Signature Walkman model, both models apply a reflow solder containing gold, whose effect is significant in the overall improved sound localization and wider sound space.
To realize both music players' evolutionary sound, a dual clock, film capacitor and fine sound register have been precisely placed within each Walkman.
Updated DSEE Ultimate for Enhancing Streaming Music Quality
The NW-ZX707 and the NW-A306 both use Edge-AI (Artificial Intelligence), DSEE Ultimate (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) which upscales compressed digital music files in real time. The evolving algorithm now delivers even greater benefits for CD-quality (16 bit 44.1/48 kHz) lossless codec audio. Restoring acoustic subtleties and dynamic range provides a richer, more complete listening experience.
With further progress from its predecessor models, consumers can enjoy DSEE Ultimate for upscaling their music, whether it is Wi-Fi streamed or downloaded. Now listeners can also enjoy DSEE Ultimate with wireless headphones.
The NW-ZX707 and the NW-A306 both feature a longer battery life compared to previous models so listeners can immerse themselves in more of their music. The NW-ZX707 has a battery life of up to 25 hours of 44.1 kHz FLAC playback, up to 23 hours of 96 kHz FLAC High-Resolution Audio playback, or up to 22 hours even when streaming. The NW-A306 has a battery life of up to 36 hours of 44.1 kHz FLAC playback, up to 32 hours of 96 kHz FLAC high resolution audio playback, or even up to 26 hours with the streaming service apps to meet the demand of consumers.
Sustainability in Mind
Our products are not only designed to be stylish but also with the environment in mind. No plastic is used in the packaging material for the NW-ZX707 and the NW-A306, reflecting Sony's commitment to reducing the environmental impact of our products and practices.
Pricing and Availability
NW-ZX707 has a suggested retail price of $899.99 and is available now to purchase at Sony Electronics and other Sony authorized retailers.
NW-A306 has a suggested retail price of $349.99 and is available now to purchase at Sony Electronics and other Sony authorized retailers.
59 Comments on Sony Electronics Unveils Two New Walkman with Enhanced Sound Quality and Longer Battery Life Including the NW-ZX707 Premium Walkman
If it comes to exercise rather small and light without fearing dropping the device
Disposable junk.
I'd be one of the few who'd consider a high-end music/video specific player such as this as an upgrade, primarily to continue enjoying my massive music catalog (that has slowly outgrown the limits of my old Zune), and for its capability to play FLAC (moreso since I've gradually re-ripped old CDs in FLAC just to have the best possible back-up should the CDs get ruined) and possibly newer video formats (like my CDs, I've ripped old DVDs and some BDs with the best audio and picture quality possible, but at a file-size cost), more to use said videos kind of like a next-level audiobook; sound-only. The fact that newer, high-end audio players can go 24+ hours per full charge is a major benefit too.
Yeah, I could settle buying another cheap-ish portable music player. But on the other hand, I'd like to spoil myself with a high-end one (Sony or not) that I'd be using on the regular, while preserving my phone's battery for when I really need it.
High end audiophile or audio professional stuff is not disposable junk. Hence why there is gear from the 60s and 70s still kicking around. One of the upsides of the insane overengineering put into the stuff that causes sticker shock is it doesn't break down. The people that buy this stuff keep it around for decades. It's not going to age out. Those are phones or computers which are all dispoable junk no matter how much they cost and all obsolete piles of crap within a year, maybe three max.
If you hurl 1-3k at a portable music player and 1-3k at a good set of IEMs outside of the odd battery upgrade or cable swap (and get the "good" cables and batteries in the 200 buck range not the cheap shit and not the 1000 buck shit either) both are going to last decades, maybe more. The high end stuff is built to the standard of "this is it, I have it, now I never need another one of X again, ever in my life" which is also part of the reason it costs so much. Sure the 899 ask might look steep. However considering how often you throw that amount or more at a phone, which is a very shitty music player.
What's crazier? Throwing say 10K at a dac and amp combo, cables, power filter, that will last fifty or so years or buying a new computer and phone every few years? If you get a good DAP (which is what this is) you're going to get an amazing portable audio source/player that's going to last twenty to thirty years, and no phone in that time is going to beat it. Then you can buy the cheaper phone (as stated there is nothinig "pro" about the camera, audio, or anything and reap the rewards.
Audiophile stuff is generally not hard to take apart because the makers expect that maniacs are going to do that and mod it to hell and back. It's worse than PC modding with straight up de soldering stuff and adding other stuff. Very few PC "enthusiasts" are straight up engineering things and doing whole sale component swaps. Audiophile gear is sort of made with the expecation that someone is going to swap the capacitors or op amps. It's just a thing in this space. Sure you're going to void the warranty to hell and back, but as was stated before you can buy caps and also op amps that cost pennies up to hundreds of dollars per unit. There's no way they don't make franken units of this.
A smartphone this is not. Android is just an easy OS to work with so you're going to see a lot of it. Same reason some arcade machines and various kiosks and even ATMs run off a crippled version of Windows. It's not remotely built like one either. People get this twisted due to apple slowly morphing the ipod into a half assed iphone and then killing it and delcaring them the same. But a DAP is not a phone.
Sure it's more moddable than a phone but still can't compare to "large" (desktop or 43 cm) boxes, and the choice of caps and other components you can put inside is limited by size.
But yeah, audio gear is the exception to the rule in how accessible and repairable / modable it is. I can take apart my Schiit DAC and pre down the bare chassis and boards with nothing more than a set of philips screwdrivers. Most speaker companies will sell you replacement drivers no problem, and many are pretty open about crossover mods on their own forums, pretty rare these days.