Customer Ratings & Reviews

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.

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.

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.

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.

​"I love it, I really enjoy listening to music. The equalizer is my favorite feature, and the music sounds excellent on my sound system. I highly recommend it!"

Transitioned from iPod. The best thing about this device is the battery life is longer and the MicroSD slot allows you to store all your music on a card without any hassle.

Love this walkman sounds beautiful and good battery life comes with android

Better than the previous sony walkman. Option with spotify amazon music makes a difference.

I wanted to give some context to I listen to music fairly low volume. I first purchased the ZX707 Walkman thinking the issue of low volume would probably not be a problem for me. It was definitely a problem as at volume level 120 (the highest it will go) it still wasn't loud enough for my music. I tried many different IEMs and headphones but all were an issue with low volume. I had heard that the NWWM1AM2 had a high gain option and more volume/power but didn't really want to spend a few hundred more. My son said, if I'm not going to be using the ZX707 because of the volume it was not a better deal. He was correct so I ordered the NWWM1AM2 when it was on sale. I'm glad I did. It definitely has a lot more power and volume. I can listen to the same music with the same IEMs or headphones at about volume level 60 - 70. For me volume level 90 out of 120 is very, very loud. So no problem with the volume level. Also it sounds very good. I'm guess you could consider me an amateur audiophile. Sound is subjective but I think the Walkman sounds really good. The detail is really good, I'm not a heavy bass person but I think it has really good bass. I also think it has very good detail and seems to have the right amount of treble to balance the bass out. All in all I think it sounds very good. If you are wanting one of the Walkman lineup of DAPs I would highly suggest this model over the other ones.

I always wanted the WM1 but was disappointed it didn't run android and couldn't play streaming music. I settled for the ZX507 and it's good but batter life sucks, the screen is small, and was adequate but never mind blowing. I long said that if the WM1 and ZX507 merged and had an offspring, I'd buy it in a heartbeat. This new updated WM1AM2 is exactly that and it's awesome - so far, the quality is top notch, great battery life, and a great music player with better quality sound than my iPhone. I prefer this when I want to disconnect from my phone, notifications, and emails (work). I'd recommend this for those interested or on the fence. It's better than you hope.

This is the first DAP I've purchased, so I don't have much of a comparison thought for anyone. I was using a portable cd player from Sony before this. I have many cds in the house I've collected over the years. Having purchased expensive headphones from Sony a few years back and wondering why they never delivered 500.00 sound, I bought this Sony DAP. It made a significant difference in the sound quality, clarity and overall fullness of the music. The music gets loud enough now on the hip hop and bass notes were I have to turn it down after awhile. So when I bought the DAP I paired it with the Sony XM5 headphones, that was the initial experience... It did not disappoint. After a couple of days I bought the Sennheiser 660s2 headphones and used the balanced 4.4 jack. This experience delivers lower bass in some content, but a much better overall soundstage. Everything you listen to is crystal clear and even like the Sony XM5 headphones it will get "plenty loud," for the hard rock and hip hop enthusiasts. In summary I think it's worth the 1,000.00. I'm glad I bought it and it does make a difference how you adjust settings (significant) . It also makes a difference what you pair the device with....

First off, this is expensive, and at this price, should have come with a case. But once you get beyond that, this really shines. Tons of storage, loads of features (most require plugging headphones in versus Bluetooth), and a very easy interface to use. Compared to iPods of old, it's a chunk monster. But once you understand how it makes digital music better, worth it!!!

This device is probably wanted the coolest and best device I ever have for music playback. It is a top line. The bill qualities is incredible. Nice hefty way to it. The build is amazing and the music sound stage is in. It’s really impressive in an all depends on or some of it depends on what kind of headphones do you’ve listened to any of your monitors or headphones but man, this is a must have device.

I've had the WM1AM2 for a couple of weeks, really enjoying the sound quality vs using my Samsung Fold 3 for music playback. I use Tidal, SoundCloud, and my own digital library of music on the WM1AM2 and I can hear more details from my Audio Quest NightOwl, Shure 535 IEM, Bowers Wilkins PX7, and Mark Levinson No. 5909. The only negative is the Android 11 OS is not the quickest on the WM1AM2 which can be frustrating when moving around the screens. I hope a firmware update will fix. This is the only reason I did not give the WM1AM2 5 Stars.

Easy to set-up. Be sure to purchase a SanDisk - Extreme PLUS 1TB microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card if you have a large music library.

Just what I was looking for. A former iPod user who wanted to get back into having a dedicated music playing device that I can take with me or hook up to a stereo system. I am loading it up with apple lossless files, and plan to have this as the holder for my music collection from here on out. It feels like the build is solid metal... very nice.

This device is like a smart phone or iPad but is extremely non user friendly. It is difficult to navigate, does not connect to more than one external device, is large, heavy. We thought this would be an update to an old iPod and just needed a simple media player for sports activities. Very disappointed

Amazing sound quality and actually a very solid, very well made product.

I really enjoy this DAP. Stunning sound quality. The OS is quite good but the music is where you be looking. I like the music player. It organizes your music well and allows you yo search and find your files in a number of ways. Get good head phones to get best of it.