Sony’s latest DMP is no Walkman

Sony might have pioneered personal stereo with its cassette-based Walkman players, and refined that concept with its more recent Walkman digital music players, but the new high-end DMP-Z1 digital music player isn’t exactly a shirt-pocket model.

Instead, it has the bulk and substance of a desktop device, and while it is conceivably portable, it’s more likely to be used in a permanently installed high-end player/headphone role.

In that context, consider the on-board batteries as a way to isolate the DMP-Z1 from the vagaries of AC power, while that robust casework, the H-shaped chassis and vibration-absorbing feet also play their role in isolating the innards from mechanical interference.

The high-res player now has enough on-board amplification from its TI TPA6120A2 amp to drive more difficult headphones via balanced or single-ended outputs. Digital conversion comes courtesy of dual AK4497EQ DACs.

The DMP-Z1 is compatible with a wide array of high-res PCM (up to 384 kHz/32-bit) and DSD (up to DSD 11,2 MHz) formats. It also allows PCM to be converted to 5,6 MHz DSD.

The Sony’s 256 GB on-board memory is augmented by two microSD slots, and music can be dragged and dropped from a connected computer using the USB-C interface. A colour TFT display eases operation, while the all-analogue volume control promises to be both a visual and functional highlight.

Any doubts about Sony’s high-end intentions with the new DMP-Z1 will be addressed by its 8 500 Euro asking price. Let’s hope it sound as good as that price tag suggests.

Sony