SONY NW-ZX707 Portable Audio Player Review

Sony’s highest-end digital player in their Walkman lineup is the NW-WM1ZM2, followed by the sub-flagship NW-WM1AM2. However, the latest addition to the series, the NW-ZX707 Walkman, is also impressive in function and sound quality. The industrial design of this model combines black and gold, giving it a sleek and sophisticated appearance.

Compared to the NW-WM1ZM2, the NW-ZX707 Walkman offers similar features and performance at a more affordable price point. The NW-ZX707’s evolution in design and technology is a testament to Sony’s commitment to continually improving the user experience of its products.

Overall, the NW-ZX707 Portable Audio Player is a highly attractive Walkman for anyone looking for high-quality digital audio playback. Its sleek design and impressive performance make it a top contender in the digital music player market.

Design

The SONY NW-ZX707 Portable Audio Player has its distinct aesthetic with a square cabinet design, setting it apart from the NW-WM1ZM2’s curved design. This gives the NW-ZX707 a more concise and modern look. Sony cleverly incorporated gold parts on both sides of the device, which serve as the 4.4 mm and 3.5 mm headphone output holes. This design is visually appealing and serves a functional purpose by enhancing the device’s sound quality.

Sony has been using the Android operating system since the second generation, which has significantly improved the smoothness and convenience of operation. Essentially, the NW-ZX707 is a smartphone without calling capabilities, and users can install any Android app, including music streaming apps.

Additionally, the device can be used as an external DAC earphone when connected to a computer. Its exclusive music-processing technology sets the NW-ZX707 apart from smartphones, making it an excellent choice for audiophiles prioritizing sound quality.

When it comes to digital music technology, Sony is undoubtedly the industry leader, particularly in DSD technology. The NW-ZX707 is a testament to Sony’s commitment to providing top-notch sound technology at a competitive price. Sony has spared no effort delegating its advanced sound technology to the NW-ZX707.

One of the most impressive features of the SONY NW-ZX707 is its ability to perform native DSD decoding, allowing for pristine audio quality. Moreover, it can use DSD to re-record and play, converting PCM or ordinary MP3 to DSD mode with a frequency of 11.2 MHz quadruple, ensuring the most authentic sound experience. DSD is a format developed by Sony, making the NW-ZX707 the perfect hardware complement to convert all digital music files to 11.2 MHz DSD, resulting in unparalleled sound quality.

It’s no wonder that the NW-ZX707 is an excellent choice for audiophiles who are particular about sound quality.

SONY NW-ZX707 boasts Sony’s advanced digital music processing technology, including the innovative DSEE Ultimate and DESS technology, developed in-house to restore compressed music files to the quality of a CD by interpolating sound algorithms. DSEE Ultimate is Sony’s most advanced technology, which incorporates AI artificial intelligence, enhancing the dynamics and mid-to-high frequency details of music while also providing real-time upscaling for an immersive audio experience.

While these technologies may sound complex, consider DSEE Ultimate as “real-time photo editing” for sound. It enhances the dynamic contrast and fine-tunes the music details, producing a more beautiful sound. If you prefer unmodified sound, DSEE Ultimate can be turned off. However, with this function, you can play timbre, providing a personalized audio experience.

The SONY NW-ZX707 Portable Audio Player offers a feature that is sure to please audiophiles: the vinyl record processor. Many people still have a solid attachment to analog vinyl in the digital age. The charm of vinyl is undeniable – it simply sounds more flavorful and rich than digital. But where does this richness come from? It’s all about the distortion that’s inherent in analog recording. The subtle noises of the stylus friction and low-frequency resonance of the turntable itself bring a unique coloring to the sound, which is pleasant to the ear.

The NW-ZX707 can artificially add this analog coloring to clean digital files, making them sound like they were recorded on vinyl. And rest assured, the vinyl record processor won’t introduce any annoying noise or distortion – it simply adds a warm analog flavor to your music.

Why not just stick with digital? But for many audiophiles, the appeal of vinyl is too strong to resist. However, playing vinyl is not only about buying a turntable – it also requires time-consuming adjustments. With the SONY NW-ZX707, you can instantly compare the taste of vinyl without the hassle of owning a turntable. And the best part? You can take it with you anywhere you go.

In the technical realm, the NW-ZX707 also boasts Sony’s exclusive DC phaser technology. The name might sound a bit confusing, but essentially it’s a digital filter that can change the tone of the music. With six different settings, it’s like having six other tone options.

With features like DSEE Ultimate, the vinyl record processor, and the six-segment DC phase adjustment, it might seem like a lot of technical jargon to digest. But, in essence, the NW-ZX707 gives you a range of tone adjustment options through advanced digital sound processing technology.

And, with the ability to fine-tune your favorite timbre, you can customize the listening experience to your preferences. After all, timbre is subjective, and everyone has different choices; some might prefer a clean and transparent sound, while others prefer something warmer and richer. It all comes down to your taste.

The amplifier circuit that drives the earphones on SONY NW-ZX707 Portable Audio Player utilizes Sony’s renowned S-Master HX digital amplification technology, which may not be immediately noticeable to some, but the devil is in the details. It incorporates premium components, such as sizeable solid polymer capacitors, custom-made specifications FT CAP3, and 8 mm flat coils for balanced output. Using OFC oxygen-free copper wiring, case shielding, and digital grounding enhances audio performance.

While these technical features may seem like standard requirements for a high-end Walkman, each component carries a significant cost, and the development process is time-consuming and intricate. For instance, Sony has formulated a unique gold-containing solder, and engineers must conduct repeated tests on various configuration versions to compare the differences. Ultimately, creating an exceptional Walkman goes beyond selecting high-quality materials and components; optimization is critical to solving engineering challenges.

It’s great to hear that SONY NW-ZX707 is environmentally friendly and compatible with various earphones. The ability to drive high-impedance headphones is essential for an audiophile-grade digital audio player. The fact that it can handle the Sony M1ST and SE-Master 1 quickly suggests that it can also drive other headphones with similar impedances without any problems.

The Sennheiser HD 400 Pro is an excellent example of headphones with high impedance and low sensitivity. It is reassuring that NW-ZX707 can drive these headphones with sufficient power and without compromising the volume levels. Overall, NW-ZX707 has many advanced features that can satisfy the needs of audiophiles who value high-quality sound and sustainability.

Sound Performance

The SONY NW-ZX707 Portable Audio Player was tested with three different earphone brands, each offering a unique listening experience. The SE-Master 1 produced the best low-frequency performance due to its larger driver size and broader sound field. Meanwhile, Sony’s M1ST earphones were a perfect match, delivering a clean, detailed, and authentic “Sony taste”. However, when paired with the HD 400 Pro, the M1ST lost some of its volumes, and the HD 400 Pro emerged as the better choice for a more robust and immersive experience.

Sony remains the obvious choice if you’re searching for a Walkman. As the inventor of the Walkman, Sony’s brand is synonymous with quality and innovation in this category. Regardless of the price range, Sony’s Walkman always sets the standard for features and functionality.

If a competitor wants to sell a cheaper or more expensive product than the standard, they must offer unique features to differentiate themselves. In this regard, the SONY NW-ZX707, priced at around 30,000 yuan, has redefined the standard for high-end Walkmans, offering a range of advanced features and technical specifications that will impress even the most discerning audiophiles.

The NW-ZX707 sets a new standard in timbre balance, detailed resolution, and driving force. Its performance in these areas is nothing short of impressive. When I first paired the NW-ZX707 with the M1ST and listened to John Mayer’s album “Sob Rock”, the jazz drums at the beginning of “Last Train Home” were powerful, and the sound field was transparent and open. The music background was dark and quiet, and the vocals and electric guitar were vividly rendered. The NW-ZX707’s sound field performance was on par with its higher-end counterparts.

I was captivated by the NW-ZX707’s performance as I continued to listen to “Shouldn’t Matter But It Does.” As John Mayer played and sang, the crisp sound of the acoustic guitar was beautifully rendered with a realistic timbre. Mayer’s singing was gentle and supported by the chords and electric bass of the electronic synthesizer. The appropriate thickness of the bass and soft jazz drum rhythm, coupled with the compression effect, created a fresh sound that identified the adjustments made in the recording.

The addition of Android makes it easy to pair the NW-ZX707 with digital streaming music apps. I use Apple Music, but Tidal is also an option. Even more exciting is that the NW-ZX707 boasts almost all of Sony’s current high-end technologies.

In terms of both sound and appearance, the SONY NW-ZX707 Portable Audio Player is a standout. For example, when listening to Oscar Peterson Trio’s album “We Get Requests”, you can hear the subtle sound field between your ears, even through earphones. That indicates that the channel separation of the NW-ZX707 is excellent.

The double bass has a full and round sound, and the sound image is slightly to the left. The jazz drum is slightly on the right side, with the sound of drumsticks and the light opening and closing of the Hi-Hat creating a pleasant jazz swing.

That is precisely how jazz should sound when listening through the NW-ZX707 – relaxed and enjoyable.
Classical music is also a joy to listen to with the NW-ZX707. For example, when listening to the “Beethoven Triple Concerto” by Mutter, Yo-Yo Ma, and Barenboim, the cello leads the solo, with the violin repeating the same theme.

The SONY NW-ZX707 accurately reproduces the timbres of the two stringed instruments, and then the piano is added. The three solo instruments echo each other and gather in the center of the stage, while the orchestra is widely distributed in the sound field. I am in awe of the NW-ZX707, which sets a new standard in sound quality, timbre, and sound field performance, presenting a highly balanced and nuanced listening experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Sony NW-ZX707 Portable Audio Player is a high-quality digital audio player redefining the Walkman device standard. Its sleek design, Android compatibility, and use of Sony’s latest high-end technologies make it a standout choice for anyone looking for a premium listening experience.

The SONY NW-ZX707 offers a well-balanced sound with excellent detail resolution, driving force, and channel separation, making it a suitable reference standard for those searching for their preferred sound signature. Its ability to reproduce music with precise and subtle nuances creates a listening experience that is both enjoyable and immersive.

Whether you are a jazz enthusiast, a classical music lover, or simply someone who wants to appreciate their favorite tunes to the fullest, the SONY NW-ZX707 is a top contender that can handle a wide range of genres and styles with ease.

Overall, if you are looking for a high-end digital audio player that provides a balanced and detailed sound, the Sony NW-ZX707 is an excellent choice that won’t disappoint. Its standard-setting performance and versatile features make it a standout device worth considering for anyone who takes music seriously.