Source: Sony
Sony has some new, very expensive MP3s for audiophiles. The company just launched a couple of high-end Walkman players, with the top-of-the-line model, the NW-WM1ZM2, retailing for a hefty US$3,700 (approx. CA$4,782). It has an S-Master HX digital amp with "fine-tuned" capacitors, 99.99% pure gold-plated, oxygen-free copper chassis, and a thick Kimber Kable (linking the amp to the headphone jack). This combination supposedly contributes to a "clear, expansive" output. Its reflow soldering also has gold that supposedly boosts sound localization and widens the sound stage.
This Android-based player has a 5-inch 720p display, a better upscaling algorithm for CD-quality (16-bit, 44/48kHz), and a larger power supply. This has 256GB of expandable storage, Wi-Fi streaming, 40 hours of battery life when playing 96kHz FLAC audio, and charging via USB-C. It supports up to 32-bit, 384kHz audio in formats like MQA and WAV.
If the NW-WM1ZM2 is too excessive or pricey for you, then there's the US$1,400 NW-WM1AM2 model. It has the core functionality of the ZM2, but it comes in an aluminum alloy body with a low-resistance oxygen-free copper cable. This also has lesser storage at 128GB.
If you're the target market for either device, you can get your hands on them now.