In 1980 the Sony Walkman arrived in the US, presenting music fans with the novel experience of personal stereo. At a cost of $200 — about $800 today — 25,000 people per month purchased the TPS-L2 model and played cassettes on the move.
If you were around back then, chances are you recall hearing some of the era’s biggest hits on a Walkman. Among the top sellers of the day? Michael Jackson’s Thriller, Bruce Springsteen’s Born in the U.S.A., and the Police's Synchronicity.
After countless Walkman models plus CD and MiniDisc versions, the brand faded out in the post iPod era. But now it’s back, and the premium, flashy-named NW-WM1ZM3 can be yours — for $5,899.99.
It contains balanced wiring, accepts wi-fi streaming and digital audio files and connects to your other devices via USB-C. Oh, and it’s gold plated, which is why it’s the most expensive Walkman of all time.
Sony said their aim was to provide “the finest portable sound experience for audiophiles,” adding, “Our flagship Walkman, meticulously refined from every possible angle in the service of peerless sound quality, the NW-WM1ZM3 incorporates the highest quality components, a precision-machined oxygen-free copper body, and a functional 5.5” screen, all backed by decades of world-leading audio engineering. Nothing else compares.”
The firm boasted features including gold screws which for “stable ground connection that delivers powerful bass, an expansive soundstage and smooth, extended high frequencies,” 35 hours of playback, 256GB of built-in memory with a microSD slot, S-Master HX digital amp, DSD remastering engine, Edge-AI DSEE ultimate upscaling, balanced headphone jacks, a vinyl effect filter, 360 Reality audio, look-ahead noise shaping, Android 16 OS and other stuff that lets you play music.
But if that’s too rich for your budget (even at $190 per month over 30 months), wait – because cheaper models are available. The NW-WM1AM3 model costs “just” $3,000 and the basic NW-ZX900 has a pocket-money price of only $1,900.
All three devices are available for pre-order now, with delivery predicted to begin in December. Sony haven’t said so, but it’s unlikely that accessories will include a hexagonal pen, a box of AA batteries or foam ear pads in a variety of exciting colors.
