{
  "id": 15575283,
  "title": "Sony’s gold-plated Walkman costs US$5,900, right down to the screws",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/sonys-gold-plated-walkman-costs-us-5-900-right-down-to-the-screws",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-19T06:47:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/tech-gadgets/2026/10/19/sonys-gold-plated-walkman-costs-us5900-right-down-to-the-screws/239721"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Sony is targeting audiophiles with a new line of premium Walkman players, starting with a gold-plated model priced at US$5,900. The three new Walkman models, unveiled on October 15, range in price from US$1,900 to US$5,900. Sony's flagship, the NW-WM1ZM3, boasts an oxygen-free copper body with gold-plated screws, designed to provide a \"stable ground connection\" that delivers powerful bass, expansive soundstage, and smooth high frequencies. The other models, the NW-WM1AM3 at US$3,000 and the NW-ZX900 at US$1,900, are also premium offerings. The high-end players feature 5.5-inch, 1080p displays, while the NW-ZX900 has a five-inch screen with 720p resolution. Sony has enhanced its DSD Remastering Engine to convert digital music into a warmer, more analogue sound, and the software runs on Android. Battery life varies, but Sony estimates 31 hours of streaming or playback for the NW-WM1ZM3 and NW-WM1AM3, and 35 hours for the NW-ZX900. The high cost of these Walkmen means buyers will need compatible headphones to fully appreciate the premium sound quality. Sony faces competition from specialist brands and Chinese manufacturers offering high-fidelity players at lower prices. The Walkman name holds significance in Sony's consumer electronics history, but these models cater to a niche audience. Sony continues to develop products for audio enthusiasts, including a $250 spatial-audio microphone for smartphones and new gaming headphones featuring Audeze's planar magnetic driver technology.",
  "summary": "NEW YORK, Oct 19 — Sony is targeting music purists with a new generation of Walkman players, led by a gold-plated...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}