Many have moved on from portable music players because of smartphones, but it appears that there’s still a market for them. Sony Electronics today announced the NW-ZX707 and NW-A306, two new Walkman music players that the company says will allow users to enjoy music in the way that the artist intended, offering high-quality sound alongside a sleek design. The NW-ZX707 and NW-A306 are available to purchase now at Sony Electronics and other Sony authorized retailers for $899.99 and $349.99, respectively.
From a Sony Electronics press release:
Built with updated components of high-end models, the NW-ZX707 offers astonishing sound quality. With enhanced battery life,1 balanced connection, a larger 5.0″ (diag.) display, Wi-Fi compatibility for easy downloading and streaming functions,2 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 8mm 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.2 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.
NW-ZX707 and NW-A306 Common Features
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 44.1/48kHz) 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 44.1kHz FLAC playback, up to 23 hours of 96 kHz FLAC High-Resolution Audio playback, or up to 22 hours even when streaming.1,2 The NW-A306 has a battery life of up to 36 hours of 44.1kHz FLAC playback, up to 32 hours of 96kHz FLAC high resolution audio playback, or even up to 26 hours with the streaming service apps to meet the demand of consumers.1,2