Introduction
Sony hasn't touched the top of the Walkman range since the WM1AM2 and WM1ZM2 in 2022. Four years on, the third generation keeps the shape you know and rebuilds almost everything underneath: the chassis, the power supply, the amplifier's noise shaping and the platform it all runs on.
There are two models. The NW-WM1AM3 keeps a milled aluminium frame but swaps the old aluminium back for gold-plated oxygen-free copper. The NW-WM1ZM3, now billed as the flagship of Sony's Signature Series, goes copper front and back: a main chassis machined from 99.99 % pure copper, a copper rear, gold-plated fixing screws and KIMBER KABLE running from the amp to the balanced jack.
A third player, the NW-ZX900, was announced alongside them, but Sony Europe hasn't listed it, so it's not part of this drop for now.
Watch It in Action
Sony Europe's official introduction of the NW-WM1ZM3:
And the NW-WM1AM3:
Key Features & Benefits
- More copper, steadier ground: both players get a gold-plated OFC rear chassis bolted straight to the main chassis, and 34 % more copper in the milled block that shields the digital circuitry.
- Cleaner power: two large solid-polymer capacitors instead of one (one each for the digital and analogue blocks) plus a direct OFC cable from the battery.
- Sharper transients: S-Master HX gains a look-ahead noise shaper, with three selectable types.
- DSD Remastering everywhere: PCM is converted to 11.2 MHz DSD on wired playback, now including streaming apps, not just Sony's W.Music.
- A modern platform: Android 16, a 5.5″ Full HD screen, Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4 with LDAC and aptX Adaptive.
- Longer streaming sessions: Sony quotes about 72 % more playback time in streaming apps than the previous generation.
Real-World Reactions
Review units aren't out yet, so for now the reactions are first looks from the launch.
“The NW-WM1AM3 is a little bit of a step-down, but still quite premium.”
Tucker Bowe, Gear Patrol
We agree with the framing. The AM3 gets almost all of the new engineering, so the question isn't whether it's good enough. It's whether the ZM3's solid copper and KIMBER wiring are worth double the price to you, and we'll have a clearer answer once we can listen to them side by side.
Gallery
Every angle in one place. Click any shot to open it full size.
Who It's For
- Owners of serious balanced IEMs and efficient headphones who want a dedicated source, not a phone and dongle
- WM1AM2, WM1ZM2 and ZX-series owners ready to move up (the big gains are power, grounding and the new platform)
- Listeners with large hi-res and DSD libraries who also live in streaming apps
Who should look elsewhere:
- Anyone driving hard-to-drive full-size headphones directly. In the EU both outputs are rated at 0.4–1.1 mW into 32 Ω, so plan on an external amp or look at a player with more headroom like the Astell&Kern A&ultima SP4000.
- Listeners who want something truly pocketable. At 425 g (AM3) and 670 g (ZM3) these are jacket-pocket players.
Quick Specs
- Storage: 128 GB (AM3) / 256 GB (ZM3), plus microSD
- Display: 5.5″ Full HD (1920 × 1080) touchscreen
- Outputs: 4.4 mm balanced, 3.5 mm stereo; USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 1) with USB DAC mode
- Formats: native DSD up to 11.2 MHz, PCM up to 384 kHz/32-bit, MQA
- Wireless: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4 (LDAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, AAC, LC3)
- Battery: up to 35 h MP3 / 33 h FLAC 96 kHz in W.Music; about 4 h to charge
- Dimensions: 86 × 157.6 × 23.2 mm (both)
- Weight: 425 g (AM3) / 670 g (ZM3)
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- Copper rear chassis and dual capacitors on both models, not just the flagship
- DSD Remastering and DSEE Ultimate now work with streaming apps
- Android 16, Full HD screen and Wi-Fi 6E bring the platform up to date
- ZM3: solid copper, KIMBER KABLE wiring and 256 GB
⚠️ Cons:
- EU-spec output power is low (0.4–1.1 mW into 32 Ω)
- Heavy, especially the 670 g ZM3
Where to Buy
Both players are open for pre-order at Soundium: the NW-WM1AM3 at €2,499 and the NW-WM1ZM3 at €4,999. Sony starts shipping in late November, and we expect our first units in December.
- Free pickup shipping on orders over €149
- Free courier shipping on orders over €299
- Secure checkout and interest-free payments
- Support from people who actually know the gear
Pre-order the Sony NW-WM1AM3 Walkman from Soundium
Pre-order the Sony NW-WM1ZM3 Walkman from Soundium
Final Thoughts
The third-generation WM1s are a real rebuild, not a spec bump. If you want the new chassis, power supply and platform for the least money, the AM3 is the sensible pick at €2,499. If you want the full copper treatment and Sony's best wiring, the ZM3 is the one. Just pair either with headphones the EU output can drive comfortably.
Still Unsure?
Not sure which WM1 fits your headphones? Reach out to our team and we'll help you find the right match.