Without a doubt, the words ‘Sony’ and ‘Walkman’ are sure to conjure up a few feelings. Either fond memories or dismissal, likely depending on your age. Sony’s hoping that you’ll withhold judgement on its new gold-plated Walkman for long enough to look past the crazy price tag and retro-namesake.
The new Premium Walkman has a list price of $3,200, which is likely a tough pill to swallow, even for those passionate about high-end audio. A gold-plated exterior stands out against an “intuitive” touchscreen interface. Basically, Sony is taking the niche that is high-resolution audio and going even further with its newest release. There’s a reason behind the shiny exterior though. This Walkman is prone to less interference thanks to reduced contact resistance and magnetic interference.
An internal 256GB flash drive will hold up to 1,600 high resolution audio tracks with support for FLAC 24-bit files. Built-in controls (similar to an iPhone) can be found on the side of the phone.
There are designated buttons for playback, volume, navigation and more. Additional technical features on the inside include dual clock circuits, Quad DSD playback and DSEE-HZ signal processing. Finally, the built-in battery will provide around 30-hours of playback on a full charge.
Basically, this is a high-end machine for audiophiles with a big wallet. Not only is it pricey at $3,200, you’ll need to have invested in top-grade headphones and have a library of appropriate digital files to get the most out the Sony’s latest handheld player. An 80’s Walkman, this is not.
More New Toy of the Day:
- DJI drops the built-in optics in favor of your smartphone on its new Osmo Mobile
- Fossil takes the wraps off new smartphone-connected wearables ahead of Apple Watch 2
- Mophie’s latest Powerstation external batteries include a wireless charging option
- Sony’s new Smartwatch creation has an intriguing e-ink band but it may never see US soil
- Samsung’s new home theater bundles bring true wireless 5.1-Ch. surround sound
Source: Sony
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