After Sony announced its latest flagship portable digital audio player (DAP) mid-last year, the NW-WM1ZM2 And NW-WM1AM2, it was only a matter of time until Sony released a new version of its mid-range and entry-level DAPs. Meet the new Sony NW-ZX707 and NW-A306 Walkman series portable audio players. The NW-ZX707 succeeds the NW-ZX507, while the NW-A306 replaces the NW-A105. The two new Walkman DAPs are said to feature enhanced sound quality and longer battery life. You can check out the official news release below for more details.
UPDATE: The Sony NW-ZX707 and NW-A306 are now available. Kindly follow the links below. (#ad)
Sony NW-ZX707 Walkman is available on Amazon.com here.
Sony NW-A306 Walkman is available on Amazon.com here.
Sony Electronics Unveils Two New Walkman with Enhanced Sound Quality and Longer Battery Life Including the NW-ZX707 Premium Walkman
Sony announced two new music players, the NW-ZX707 and the NW-A306, to the Walkman® series family. Both players are designed for listeners to enjoy music the way the artist intended with high-quality sound with a sleek design.
Sony NW-ZX707 Walkman Portable Audio Player
Built with updated components of high-end models, the NW-ZX707 offers astonishing sound quality. With enhanced battery life, a balanced connection, a larger 5″ display, and Wi-Fi compatibility for easy downloading and streaming functions, 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 an FTCAP3 (High polymer capacitor), and a large solid high polymer capacitor which offers large capacitance and low resistance. While an OFC 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 Remastering Engine where PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) audio is resampled into an 11.2 MHz DSD (Direct Stream Digital), offering even more ways to enjoy music.
Sony NW-A306 Walkman Portable Audio Player
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. With full Wi-Fi® compatibility and weighing just 7 ounces, and with the comfort and function of both a 3.6″ touch screen and tactile physical music controls, the NW-A306 series is dedicated to delivering exceptional music experiences right from the users’ pocket.
The premium aluminum milled frame on the NW-A306 provides superior rigidity for low impedance and clear, stable sound and solid bass.
NW-ZX707 and NW-A306 Common Features
Faithful sound reproduction
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), and 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 hours1 of 96 kHz FLAC High-Resolution Audio playback, or up to 22 hours2 even when streaming. The NW-A306 has a battery life of up to 36 hours1 of 44.1kHz FLAC playback, up to 32 hours1 of 96kHz FLAC high resolution audio playback, or even up to 26 hours with the streaming service apps to meet the demand of consumers.
Sustainability in Mind
Our products are not only designed to be stylish but also with the environment in mind. No plastic is used in the packaging material for the NW-ZX707 and the NW-A306, reflecting Sony’s commitment to reducing the environmental impact of our products and practices.
Sony NW-ZX707 and NW-A306 Pricing and Availability
The NW-ZX707 and NW-A306 will be available in selected countries starting January 2023. The retail price for the NW-A306 is reported to be around $350 / €400 / £350. However, there is no word yet on the exact retail price of NW-ZX707. It could retail for around $800-$900.
UPDATE: The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the NW-ZX707 is $900.
UPDATE: The Sony NW-ZX707 and NW-A306 are now available to order. Kindly follow the links below. (#ad)
Sony NW-ZX707 Walkman is available on Amazon.com here.
Sony NW-A306 Walkman is available on Amazon.com here.
Sony NW-ZX707 and NW-A306 Specifications
| NW-ZX707 | NW-A306 | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 12 | Android 12 |
| Dimensions | Approx. 2.86" x 5.21" x 0.67" | Approx. 2.23" x 3.88" x 0.47" |
| Weight | 8.01 oz | ~3.99 oz |
| Storage/Memory Size | 64GB *Actual available memory 47 GB | 32GB *Actual available memory 18 GB |
| External Storage | MicroSD, MicroSDHC, MicroSDXC | MicroSD, MicroSDHC, MicroSDXC |
| Sound Effects | Direct Source (Direct), 10 Band equalizer, DSEE Ultimate, DC Phase Linearizer, Dynamic Normalizer, Vinyl Processor | Direct Source (Direct), 10 Band equalizer, DSEE Ultimate, DC Phase Linearizer, Dynamic Normalizer, ClearAudio+, Vinyl Processor |
| Audio Format Support | MP3, WMA, FLAC, WAV, AAC, HE-AAC, Apple Lossless, AIFF, DSD, APE, MQA | MP3, WMA, FLAC, WAV, AAC, HE-AAC, Apple Lossless, AIFF, DSD, APE, MQA |
| Display Size/Type | 5" (12.7 cm), TFT | 3.6" (9.1 cm), TFT |
| Display Resolution | 1280x720 | 1280x720 |
| Headphone Out (Stereo) | 0.4–1.1 mW (32?) | 0.4–1.1 mW (32?) |
| Headphone Out (Balanced) | 0.4–1.1 mW (32?) | None |
| Connectivity | USB-C 3.2 Gen1 | USB-C 3.2 Gen1 |
| WiFi | IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac; 2.4/5 GHz | IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac; 2.4/5 GHz |
| Wireless Connectivity | WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0, SBC, LDAC, aptX, aptX HD, AAC | WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0, SBC, LDAC, aptX, aptX HD, AAC |
| Built-In Battery | Rechargeable lithium-ion Battery | Rechargeable lithium-ion Battery |
| Battery Life | up to 25 hours | up to 36 hours |
| Charging Time | Approx. 3.5 hrs | Approx. 3.5 hrs |
