Remember when hi-res audio was the next big thing? Usually that kind of proclamation is accompanied by high prices and a gradual shift towards consumer affordability.
Not in Sony’s case.
The company has just revealed a new range of Signature Series audio high-res audio gear (via Slashgear) including a gold plated Walkman music player costing $3,200 (about $2,400).
The NW-WM1Z comes with a gold-plated copper body, which Sony says will cut out magnetic interference and content resistance.
For the less extravagant high-resolution audio fan there’s the standard WM1A which will only cost $1,199 (£900).
For the outlay users will get the option to process audio, depending on the style of music behind. The DSEE-HX signal processing modes include Female Vocal, Male Vocal, Percussion, Strings and…arm… standard.
The 256GB Walkman also offers reassuring heft weighing in at 1lb and has a body that makes an iPod classic look positively scrawny.
Related: What is hi-res audio? HD music downloads explained
Now if you’re splashing up to $3,200 on an audio player, you’ll probably have no qualms with paying £2,300 (around £1,730) on a pair of headphones. The highly stylised MDR-Z1R cans only weigh 14oz too.
To complete the audiophile-grade set is the TA-ZH1ES, which supports the vast majority of hi-res audio formats.That will set you back $2,200. The grand total for the primo set up? $7,700 (around $5,790).
We don’t think we’ll be adopting Sony’s hi-res audio equipment any time soon.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
