Despite oxygen-free copper (OFC) being notoriously difficult to machine process, the WM1ZM2 features a gold-plated OFC chassis – just like its predecessor. This time though, OFC purity has been upgraded to 99.99% (four nines), offering even greater benefits in terms of audio quality and high rigidity. Bass notes are clear and powerful, the atmosphere is more expansive, and mid to high range sounds linger beautifully.
S-Master™ HX digital amp technology, independently developed for Walkman®, is compatible with the Native DSD format, and supports balanced and high power output. 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.
Taking inspiration from the DMP-Z1, our flagship digital music player, the WM1ZM2 features an even stronger power supply than its predecessor, both in the analog block and the digital block.
Adopted as battery assist for the amplifier block, the newly developed large solid high polymer capacitor offers large capacitance and low resistance. Able to instantaneously supply large amounts of power, it can accurately output signals by preventing sudden falls in voltage. This contributes to clear, powerful and accurate bass sound, as well as clear vocals.
Custom-made for Sony and tuned by Sony engineers, FT CAP3 is adopted for all bypass capacitors in the audio block power supply. Drawing on know-how cultivated in high-end home audio development, it has helped to improve sound expression and create a smoother sound, with a wider sound space, more transparency, and tighter bass.
An OFC milled block covers the digital block, helping both to strengthen digital ground and improve noise shielding from digital block elements such as the application processor and memory devices. The result is a clearer sound that appears to rise up from silence.
The high polymer capacitors within the WM1ZM2 are used to strengthen the power supply of the amp block for unbalanced output, enhancing low-range reproduction performance for a more expansive listening experience.
High quality film capacitors deliver voltage with a linear response across frequencies, resulting in reduced distortion and noise.
Replacing the conventional laminated capacitor, winding inductors in the digital block power supply contribute to a pure sound.
The wiring material from the amp base to the balanced headphone jack has been upgraded to thick KIMBER KABLE®, just like on the flagship DMP-Z1 music player. This helps to shut out external noise, transmit high quality audio signals, and achieve powerful and smooth sound quality.
The surface mounted Fine Sound Register ensures even, effective distribution of power to the circuit components, for consistent sound quality.
Two compact low-phase-noise crystal oscillators ensure precision clock stability at sampling rate multiples of 44.1kHz and 48kHz. The crystal electrode piece is formed with gold vapour deposition for enhanced electric characteristics and improved instrumental separation. This helps remove a veil and reduce noise to realise clear, open sound reproduction.
This is the first time Sony has used reflow solder containing gold, and it features extensively across the circuit board surface – so the overall effect is significant, including improved sound localisation and a wider sound space.
The exceptional conductivity of gold ensures absolute minimum signal loss. For clearer sound and vocals, a premium, audio-grade lead-free solder with a small amount of gold connects the circuit of the WM1ZM2 to the battery.
The printed circuit board uses low dielectric material to realise accurate signal transmission, while the via holes are filled with copper to further reduce impedance. The result is a wide sound space with clear, bright sound.
By dividing the Audio block and the Power/Digital block, the circuit board layout has been optimised to ensure sound quality is unaffected by digital interference.
PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) audio is resampled into an 11.2MHz DSD (Direct Stream Digital) ultra-high-frequency 1-bit audio stream. The single-bit stream delivered to the DAC has a character far closer to that of analogue, giving you even more ways to enjoy your music.
Using Edge-AI (Artificial Intelligence), DSEE Ultimate™ (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) upscales compressed digital music files in real time. And the evolving algorithm now delivers even greater benefits for CD-quality (16 bit 44.1/48kHz) lossless codec audio. Restoring acoustic subtleties and dynamic range, it provides a richer, more complete listening experience.
Give the warmth and character of vinyl back to your digital tracks. Enjoy subtle reproduction of the low-frequency resonance, tone-arm resistance and surface noise to deliver an authentic listening experience.
Our DC Phase Linearizer works to effectively replicate a wide variety of sonic signatures. It applies digital-signal processing to match the phase characteristics of various types of analog amplifier to deliver a purer, more analog-like sound. Choose from six phase character settings.
The Walkman® features a balanced single plug, designed for the Ø4.4mm balanced connection cable. This separates left and right sound signals, while minimising signal transmission loss and resulting sound deterioration.
Take your digital music collection to another level with High-Resolution Audio. By capturing and reproducing digital audio at a higher rate than CD (24-bit/96kHz and beyond), High-Resolution Audio allows you to get closer to the original studio recording.
Supreme quality with 11.2MHz DSD native using balanced headphones and PCM 384KHz/32-bit support.
Enjoy High-Resolution Audio quality without wires thanks to LDAC, our premium wireless codec. With 3x the bitrate of standard BLUETOOTH® technology, you can enjoy a superior listening experience for all your music.
The Walkman includes MQA technology, which enables you to play back MQA audio files.
Key design elements include the twin headphone jacks on the top and the intuitive side key, both inherited from its predecessor.
The OFC frame with machine carved aluminium rear contributes to the high-quality sound and creates a premium feel. In addition, the distinctive rear section – thicker and more pronounced than its predecessor – reflects the larger, superior quality audio parts that are housed within.
Every element of the WM1ZM2 is dedicated to the pure joy of music listening, right down to the volume UI, which recalls classic analog design.
Supported by Android™ and compatible with Wi-Fi, the WM1ZM2 gives you even more freedom to enjoy music. Listen to your favourite streaming and music apps on your Walkman or connect to a PC to download tracks and playlists from your music collection.
Smooth and responsive, the large 5.0” (12.7cm) touchscreen display has been enlarged from its predecessor’s 4.0” (10.2cm) display and upgraded to HD.
Immerse yourself in your music with up to 40 hours of non-stop 96kHz FLAC High-Resolution Audio playback.
With the Walkman® Home Screen, you can customise the home display to suit your needs.
A USB Type-C® port, compatible with USB 3.2 Gen1, offers fast music file transfer and easy connectivity with a range of devices.
With 256GB integrated memory and an SD card slot, the WM1ZM2 lets you take even the biggest music collections on the go.
Settle for nothing less than immersive excellence with the full range of Signature Series products. Designed for ultimate sound quality, they transcend audio conventions to elevate every note.
Immerse yourself in sound all around you. As real as if you are there at a live concert or with the artist recording in a studio. With 360 Reality Audio, music has never been so immersive and so real. The WM1ZM2 lets you enjoy 360 Reality Audio.
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 WM1ZM2, reflecting Sony’s commitment to reducing the environmental impact of our products and practices.
Size & Weight
Wi-Fi
Power
Storage Media
Playback & Display
Audio Playback
Headphone Out (Stereo mini-jack)
Headphone Out (Balanced standard-jack)
Software
Connectivity
Accessibility