For many years I had been a devout user of the iTunes music store and various models of iPods. I even spent money on third-party enhanced iPods with extended battery life and storage. However, as I learned more about sound quality and the importance of maintaining my own music library away from streaming services, I realized that my collection of MP3 and AAC files was cheating me out of a worthwhile listening experience. Thankfully, 80% of my library was retained with CDs I still own, so I simply re-ripped those into the FLAC lossless format via the Music Center for PC app. I chose this Sony player since I already love its products via the PS4, PS5, multiple 4K bluray players, multiple wireless ANC headphones, and a bluray home theater system. The cheaper price of this model over the gold model was also another huge factor for me. Once I installed and formatted my own 400GB microSD, I finally have a sufficient upgrade to all my previous iPods. The aluminum build quality and weight is absolutely solid and actually feels like it's worth the market value. In fact, I was able to get over $400 back on a price match once its price had gone down on other vendor sites. I am not an audiophile, but I still appreciate having the option of the balanced 4.4 audio jack for more advanced hifi headphones. From what I've read online regarding EQ setups and the Sony's onboard features, I now have a much better listening experience with my ripped CD quality FLAC files and downloaded hi-res files from various online vendors (Bandcamp, HDTracks, Qobuz). With a new set of wired in-ear earbuds and over ear headphones, the sound starts off fairly neutral for me until I altered the EQ a bit to round out the bass and vocals. The experience of the UI is fairly decent for anyone familiar with an Android smartphone. However, I strictly only use mine for the native Walkman app to play my downloaded content. The user interfsce can feel a bit laggy for anyone expecting a smooth and lightning fast performance from a high end phone. Nonetheless, it's still nice to have downloadable streaming apps and other Android features as a possibility on this device if anyone wants to be separated from nuisance phone notifications. As a heads up, logging in with a Google account seemed to be mandatory at setup, but there's an option to hide/disable the Gmail app and use the Walkman app as a native home screen. Using wireless headphones is an option with this, but my intention is to take advantage of the best sound quality via wired. Plus, I'm only using the Walkman app to work toward achieving over 100 (or is it 200?) hours on each headphone jack for full sound optimization. The side buttons are convenient for controlling playback by feel when reaching into my pocket. USB-C has been useful for a solid and fast connection to my PC laptop for quick and efficient music transfers via the Sony Music Center for PC app. I also purchased a third party silicone case for additional protection. Now that I've learned more about music file quality, I am glad to have a device that feels like it'll last for a number of years along with the CDs and LPs I continue to own. On another note, Qobuz has been the best way to buy FLAC content as well as stream in a way that's as efficient as Spotify.

I’ve been using the NW-WM1AM2 for a while and I really enjoy the sound quality. It sounds clean, detailed, and powerful, especially with IEMs. The build feels premium and the battery lasts well for daily listening. Overall, it’s a great player if you want to enjoy music without relying on your phone.

Sound is incredible, build is very solid, and the audio enhancement features are impressive as hell (only applicable for built-in Walkman music app I believe). With a trained ear, the difference between my previous digital streaming life and using the Walkman is like night and day. I do have to say I’m a little upset the bloatware is not removable. I don’t want to check my emails while I’m zoning out listening to my favorite music.

Good build and sound quality, android good for Apple Music and Mora. Playback from Sony’s own Walkman music app significantly saves power somehow. Rates for 150 Ω without high impedance mode, but drives my Sennheiser hd800s (300Ω each driver) just fine at 50-70% volume. IE900 loud enough at 20% volume. Your mileage might vary since hearing is associated with age (I’m 21). Cons: Bloatware beware. You get full google suite without the option to uninstall any of them; why would you need maps, email, cloud drive, cloud photo (and a few others) on a portable music player? Although they take less than 1gb of your storage, and you can “disable”(hide icons), still less peace of mind. For same price range might have gone for A&K’s kann max ($1299)in hindsight (+No bloatware+2.5mm jack, -but maybe less reliable customer service?) SD card tray is plastic and you pry them out with fingernails. Should be at least as good as iPhone SIM card tray for a device this expensive. Overall: destined to be a niche product for “audiophiles.” Not recommended for the average person; I would much rather have an iPhone with audio jack for this price (how dare Bapple market them as “pro” without 2.5mm balanced jack? Lol).

I got the NW-WM1MA2 to replace my original WM1A after it stopped charging. RIP sweet prince. The M2 is a fantastic digital music player and it powers my MDR-Z1R perfectly. The Android software is a bit slow compared to my Sony Xperia 1 III but the large storage space and high quality sound completely makes up for it. It's a shame these are currently sold out as any audiophile should get their hands on this if they haven't already.