The Apple iPod is useless and its impression sparked a revolution in terms of how music is consumed. Some will argue that the iPod lowered the bar in terms of sound high quality and that it ushered in an period of low decision music — we’re you iTunes and Spotify. Moveable digital audio gamers did provide the chance to hold a complete music retailer in our pockets and for that we’re actually grateful. However what in regards to the Sony Walkman? It existed lengthy earlier than the iPod and it additionally sparked the transportable audio revolution. The Sony Walkman nonetheless exists and the most recent variations are somewhat particular.
In 2022, Sony up to date their flagship Signature Walkmans which set new benchmarks for transportable audio efficiency — they had been simply manner out of attain for 99% of the inhabitants at $1,399 and $3,699 USD. Astell&Kern and FiiO can get away with it as a result of they’re interesting to a really area of interest market, however convincing mainstream shoppers to spend that sort of cash on a DAP is a somewhat steep ask.
Sony has determined that the market desires extra reasonably priced DAPs that borrow closely from their costlier siblings and have simply unveiled two further fashions, the NW-A306 ($349) and NW-ZX707 ($899).
The NW-ZX707 replaces the NW-ZX507 which was already a fantastic transportable music participant. With a bigger 5.0″ (diag.) display screen and the promise of sound and battery enhancements, the brand new ZX707 mannequin often is the DAP to beat within the underneath $1K worth bracket.
The key variations between the NW-ZX707 and NW-A306 are display screen dimension, battery life, and the inclusion of a balanced terminal on the ZX707. Apparently, the decrease priced A306 mannequin has almost 50% longer battery life, claiming 36 hours versus 25.
Though each new Walkmans can decode the identical audio codecs, together with DSD and MQA, the inner parts of the ZX707 are constructed to the next commonplace.
The ZX707 inherits know-how beforehand solely out there within the Signature Walkman. Upgrades embody fine-tuned capacitors, a FTCAP3 (high-polymer capacitor) and a big strong excessive polymer capacitor which presents massive capacitance and low resistance. As well as, an OFC (Oxygen-Free Copper) milled block covers the digital block together with a big 8mm coil for balanced output.
NW-ZX707 integrates a DSD (Direct Stream Digital) Remastering Engine the place PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) audio is resampled into an 11.2 MHz DSD, providing much more methods to get pleasure from music.
The cheaper NW-A306 raises the bar within the price range DAP (digital audio participant) class. As a result of its 3.6″ (diag.) contact display screen show is smaller, it consumes much less energy which extends battery life. Though it doesn’t have a balanced jack, its stereo mini-jack and wi-fi connectivity will fulfill the vast majority of handy use instances.
Options in Widespread
Each the NW-ZX707 and NW-A306 characteristic S-Grasp HX™ digital amp know-how, independently developed for Walkman, that’s appropriate with the native DSD format. It claims to cut back distortion and noise throughout a variety of frequencies, for wealthy and full-bodied sound.
Identical to the most recent Signature Walkman mannequin, each fashions apply a reflow solder containing gold, which proclaims to supply considerably improved sound localization and a wider sound house.
As well as, each music gamers’ make the most of a twin clock, movie capacitor and a tremendous sound register.
Up to date DSEE Final
The NW-ZX707 and the NW-A306 each use Edge-AI (Synthetic Intelligence), DSEE Final™ (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) which upscales compressed digital music information in actual time. The corporate claims its evolving algorithm delivers even higher advantages for CD-quality (16 bit 44.1/48kHz) lossless codec audio.
With additional progress from its predecessor fashions, shoppers can get pleasure from DSEE Final for upscaling their music, whether or not it’s Wi-Fi streamed or downloaded. Now listeners may also get pleasure from DSEE Final with wi-fi headphones.
Comparability
| NW-ZX707 | NW-A306 | |
| MSRP | $899 | $349 |
| Working System | Android 12 | Android 12 |
| Show Dimension | 5.0-inch (12.7 cm) | 3.6-inch (9.1 cm) |
| Inner Storage | 64GB | 32GB |
| Exterior Storage | microSD | microSD |
| Show Decision | 1280 x 720 | 1280 x 720 |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | Approx. 72.5 mm x 132.3 mm x 16.9 mm Approx. 2.86 inchs x 5.21 inchs x 0.67 inchs | Approx. 56.5 mm x 98.4 mm x 11.8 mm Approx. 2.23 inchs x 3.88 inchs x 0.47 inchs |
| Weight | 8.01 oz (227 g) | 3.99 Oz (113 g) |
| Contact Panel | Supported | Supported |
| USB DAC Mode | Sure | Sure |
| Headphone Out (Stereo mini-jack) | Sure, 20-40,000 Hz | Sure, 20-40,000 Hz |
| Most Energy Output (JEITA 16Ω/mW) | 0.4-1.1mW (32Ω) | 0.4-1.1mW (32Ω) |
| Headphone Out (Balanced standard-jack) | Sure, 20-40,000 Hz | – |
| Most Energy Output (JEITA 16Ω/mW) | 0.4-1.1mW (32Ω) | – |
Pricing and Availability
Associated studying: Sony Signature Walkman WM1ZM2 and WM1AM2 Excessive-end DAPs Arrive in U.S. (June 2022)
