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Sony NW-ZX2 Walkman® High-resolution portable digital music player

Item # 158NWZX2B

Finally: a portable music player worthy of your high-resolution digital music collection.

Finally: a portable music player worthy of your high-resolution digital music collection.

7 questions - 12 answers

Item # 158NWZX2B

Shop all Sony Portable High-res Music Players

About the Sony NW-ZX2 Walkman®

Ralph Graves

For serious music lovers

Finally: a portable music player worthy of your high-resolution digital music collection. You understand the value of high-resolution files, how all the detail they capture can make music come to life. The Sony NW-ZX2 Walkman features a high-resolution digital-to-analog converter for playing high-res files in their native resolution for exquisite detail and spacious, better-than-CD sound. (You can download high-res tunes from sites like HDtracks).

 

For serious music lovers

Finally: a portable music player worthy of your high-resolution digital music collection. You understand the value of high-resolution files, how all the detail they capture can make music come to life. The Sony NW-ZX2 Walkman features a high-resolution digital-to-analog converter for playing high-res files in their native resolution for exquisite detail and spacious, better-than-CD sound. (You can download high-res tunes from sites like HDtracks).

The 'ZX2BLK is compatible with high-res DSD files (up to 5.6MHz), PCM-based files (up to 24-bit/192kHz), Apple Lossless, and other formats. And if you've got lossy MP3s, Sony's Digital Sound Enhancement Engine can help them sound fuller. Pair the 'ZX2 with a great set of headphones, and you might discover details in your favorite digital tunes you've not heard before.

Ample storage for high-res files

One thing about high-quality digital music, those great-sounding files can be HUGE. That's why the 'ZX2 comes with 128GB of built-in storage — enough for 2700 CD-resolution songs. Need more memory? The player's microSD card slot can accommodate up to a 128GB card. That gives you up to 256GB of storage, plenty for high-resolution files as well as CD-quality files and compressed formats like MP3.

Sony NWZ-X2BLK Hi-Res Walkman

Control buttons built into the side make operation simple.

Intuitive, elegant interface

The NW-ZX2 features a 4” full-color touchscreen interface. Just drag and drop to move files on and off the player. And no special software is required. If you're taking a long plane flight, don't worry – the player's built-in battery can deliver up to 60 hours of playback. Just slip the player into its handy leather travel case and board the plane.

Bluetooth® compatible for wireless listening

The NW-ZX2 is ideal for wireless listening. With Bluetooth built in it lets you stream music to your favorite Bluetooth speaker.  You can also use Bluetooth headphones to really cut down on cables. This player offers high-quality aptX® playback as well LDAC Hi-Fidelity wireless music streaming to compatible products.

Dual-band Wi-Fi® for more options

Connect to your home network through the NW-ZX2's built-in dual-band Wi-Fi. When you do, you'll appreciate the fact that the player comes with Google Android™. As you listen, you'll be able to access Google's suite of services, including Gmail, Google search, Google Plus, and the Google Play Store to download apps.

High-res audio on the road

Interested in using this high-res player in your car or truck? You'll want to check out Sony's impressive RSX-GS9 high-res digital media receiver, part of their High Resolution Audio System – a series of incredibly advanced speakers, amps, and subs optimized for high-res performance.
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Product highlights:

  • plays MP3, FLAC, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, WMA, DSD, and LPCM audio files
  • plays high-resolution digital music files (PCM files up to 24-bit/192kHz; DSD files up to 5.6MHz)
  • microSD card slot accepts,microSD, microSDHC, or microSDXC cards (available separately)
  • 128GB internal flash memory, with up to 128GB additional storage (up to 256GB total memory)
  • 4" color touchscreen display (854 x 480 pixels)
  • Bluetooth-compatible with LDAC Hi-Fidelity wireless music streaming
  • built-in Google Android and dual-band Wi-Fi for connection
    • for access to Gmail, Google search, Google Play Store and other Google services
    • wirelessly access and share music on other DLNA devices
  • Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) restores high-frequency signals to compressed digital formats like MP3 for more natural, expansive sound
  • S-Master® HX amplification offers accurate, detailed playback of high-resolution music files
  • drag-and-drop simplicity for easy transfer of files
  • minijack headphone output (3.5mm)
  • frequency response: 20-40,000 Hz
  • high-speed USB 2.0 port
  • rechargeable battery provides 33-60 hours of playback
  • leather case
  • USB 2.0-compliant cable included for file transfer and battery charging
  • leather case
  • 2-5/8"W x 5-1/4"H x 3/4"D
  • weight: 8.3 oz.
  • warranty: 1 year parts, 90 days labor
  • MFR # NWZX2BLK

What's in the box:

  • Digital Media Player (black)
  • Leather carrying case
  • 42" USB connecting cable (Type A USB on one end and proprietary WM-PORT plug on other end)
  • Rubber spacer
  • Quick Start Guide (English)
  • Quick Start Guide (French)
  • Limited Warranty sheet (US)
  • Consumer Warranty sheet (Canada)
  • Listen for a Lifetime booklet

Customer reviews for Sony NW-ZX2 Walkman®

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4.5 out of 5 stars
11 reviews

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More details on the Sony NW-ZX2 Walkman®

Mark G.

Product Research

Features

Overview: The Sony NW-ZX2 is a Hi-Res Walkman digital music player, capable of playing high-resolution audio files, video files, and photographs. It also has Bluetooth Audio Streaming with NFC technology. The unit features a 4" LCD screen, and an internal 128 GB flash memory. You can add even more memory by inserting a microSD card up to 128 GB, for a total memory capacity of 256 GB. The NW-ZX2 comes with a convenient leather carrying case that provides access to the bottom-mounted connections and the side-mounted control buttons.

Google Android: The ZX2 is based on the Google Android operating system, which allows you to download and install apps from Google Play, check email, keep a calendar, play games, view photos, watch movies, and much more.

Supported Audio Formats: The NW-ZX2 Hi-Res Walkman can support multiple digital audio formats, from CD-quality (16-bit/44kHz) through sound that is 6 times the resolution of CDs (24-bit/192kHz):

MP3 32-320 kbps (incl. VBR) at 32, 44.1, and 48 kHz
WMA 5-384 kbps (incl. VBR) at 8-48 kHz
FLAC 16/24-bit at 8, 11.025, 12, 16, 22.05, 24, 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, and 192 kHz
L-PCM 16/24-bit at 8, 11.025, 12, 16, 22.05, 24, 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, and 192 kHz
AAC 16-320 kbps (incl. VBR) at 11.025, 12, 16, 22.05, 24, 32, 44.1, and 48 kHz
HE-AAC 32-144 kbps at 11.025, 12, 16, 22.05, 24, 32, 44.1, and 48 kHz
ALAC (Apple Lossless) 16/24 bit at 8, 11.025, 12, 16, 22.05, 24, 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, and 192 kHz
AIFF 16-24 bit at 8, 11.025, 12, 16, 22.05, 24, 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, and 192 kHz
DSD 1-bit at 2.8244 or 5.6448 MHz

Supported Video and Photo Formats: The unit can play videos as well as still photos in the following formats:

  • AVCHD: 10 Mbps bit rate, 30 fps frame rate, 720 x 480 max
  • MPEG4: 6 Mbps bit rate, 30 fps frame rate, 720 x 480 max
  • WMV9: 6 Mbps bit rate, 30 fps frame rate, 720 x 480 max
  • JPEG: Maximum image size: 6048 x 4032 pixels
  • PNG: Maximum image size: 2048 x 2048 pixels

Build Quality: The NW-ZX2 features exceptional build quality with a heavy duty gold plated copper chassis, a solid aluminum body, and a 4" TFT touchscreen display (854 x 480 pixels) with white LED backlighting. The S-Master HX digital amplifier is optimized for high-resolution audio playback, delivering smooth, natural sound over a wide 20Hz-40kHz frequency range.

DSEE-HX: Sony has included their DSEE-HX "up-scaling" technology in the NW-ZX2. DSEE-HX uses an algorithm to analyze the music, and automatically replace the "lost" information. DSEE-HX (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) gives your highly-compressed MP3 and AAC music files new life so they sound almost as good as true Hi-Res Audio quality.

Dual Clock Circuits: For superior noise reduction and distortion-free playback, the NX-ZX2 has dual dedicated clock oscillators. With one circuit dedicated to 44.1kHz (44.1kHz, 88.2kHz, 176.4kHz, CD/DSD) and another for 48kHz (48kHz, 96kHz, 192kHz), the unit can switch between the two circuits to reduce D/A conversion timing inaccuracies for better sound staging and clarity.

Memory: The NW-ZX2 has a 128 GB internal memory, which is enough for about 2700 high-resolution tracks (LPCM 1411 kbps @ 4 minutes per song). The unit's memory card slot will accept microSD cards up to 128 GB, giving you a total memory capacity of 256 GB.

Bluetooth/Wi-Fi: With built-in Bluetooth 3.0, you can stream your music files wirelessly from compatible devices up to 30 feet away. Devices that have the NFC (Near-Field Communication) function, can be automatically turned on, and paired with the Walkman, by simply touching the back of the Walkman to the device on the NFC logo. You can also wirelessly connect to your PC, Mac, or other compatible DLNA device via Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bands) to stream music stored on your computer or from your favorite music streaming service.

Rechargeable Battery: The Walkman has a built-in, high-capacity Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery (1880 mAh) for better sound quality and exceptional stamina. The unit has a 3-way LED battery life indicator (Green, Orange, Red). After a 4.5-hour full recharging time (via USB connection), the unit's estimated battery life is as follows:

  • Audio:
    • MP3 (128 kbps): approximately 60 hours
    • Linear PCM (1411 kbps): approximately 61 hours
    • FLAC (96 kHz/24-bit): approximately 43 hours
    • FLAC (192 kHz/24-bit): approximately 33 hours
    • DSD 2.8224 MHz/1-bit: approximately 22 hours
    • DSD 5.6448 MHz/1-bit: approximately 16 hours
  • Video:
    • MPEG-4 384 kbps: approximately 9 hours

Connections/System Requirements: On the bottom of the unit, there is a 3.5mm stereo headphone output and a 22-pin WM-PORT for connecting the unit to a computer using the supplied USB cable. The NW-ZX2 is compatible with the following operating systems: Windows XP (SP3 or later), Windows Vista (SP2 or later), Windows 7 (SP1 or later), Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and Mac OS X v10.6 - 10.12. You can use the WM-PORT to connect the unit to one of Sony's Headphone DAC/Amplifiers, such as the PHA-3.

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Customer Q&A

7 questions already asked

Q
I use a Mac, how do I tag tunes? Most are coming up as "Unknown." Thank you
gerald j  Sep 05, 2017
1 answer
A
If you purchased the product from Crutchfield, feel free to contact our Tech Support team. They can help see if there may be a fix. Our toll-free Tech Support number is printed on your invoice, and is also available under the "My Orders" tab in the "My Account" section of our website. If you did not purchase the unit from Crutchfield, then you may want to contact Sony.
jeff  Sep 07, 2017 (Staff)
Q
My music collection is in my HAP-Z1ES, is there an easy way to transfer to this Walkman?
richard  Aug 30, 2017
1 answer
A
I cannot find any information anywhere indicating there is a way to transfer the songs from the HDD player to the portable audio player. You might check with Sony to see if they have a workaround for this. My Bio: http://www.crutchfield.com/Support/Bio.aspx?bio=101
jason  Sep 02, 2017 (Staff)
Q
Here's what I don't understand. This says it plays music at 192 mhs, whereas Spotify plays songs at 320. I use Spotify because it has a lot of the music I listen to, whereas Apple Music doesn't. Plus Spotify is user-friendly and very convenient. But my phone already has 4 DACs, and this player only has 1. What makes this player better than my phone if I'm only going to use Spotify??
jbflores95  Nov 09, 2016
2 answers
A
I think you are mixing spec units and also comparing across Hi-Res files and compressed files. The 192 spec looks to me like it refers to the sampling rate in kilo Hertz of PCM Hi-Res files = 24 bit/192kHz. These PCM files are uncompressed versus MP3 files which are compressed. The 320 refers to 320kbps bitrate of compressed files like MP3. For comparison, CDs have a bitrate of 1411kbps and the PCM 24 bit/192 files have a bitrate of 6144kbps. So to answer your question - this player has one very high end DAC which is all you need. If you are going to use Spotify to stream songs at 320 this player will provide some advantage over a phone because the DAC is most likely much better, and also because of another feature called Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) which restores high-frequency signals to compressed digital formats like MP3 for more natural, expansive sound. I've used mine for Spotify and it sounds very good and noticeably better than when I use a phone or tablet.
richard  Nov 11, 2016
A
If you are only using Spotify, you will be just as happy with your phone. 320kbs from a lousy source will still sound lousy. The Sony player is much better if you load it with good source files from Hi-res rips or download Hi-res files from several sources on the internet. The number of DAC's is not as important as the quality of the componentry and of the source file. Read the reviews. I've had my Sony for over a year and have no regrets whatsoever.
rocco  Nov 10, 2016
Q
Does this support MQA?
eugene a  Jan 24, 2016
1 answer
A
It doesn't appear that this currently supports MQA. You can see the formats that are supported by clicking on the "Details" tab.
jeff  Jan 25, 2016 (Staff)
Q
Is this Walkman have FM-Radio?
jeff  Jan 11, 2016
1 answer
A
No I'm sorry this unit does not have an FM tuner.
kenneth  Jan 11, 2016 (Staff)
Q
Is it possible to upgrade the android version? Android 4.2 is a little dated and I am worried I may not be able to use spotify with it.
michael s  Apr 28, 2015
2 answers
A
Not sure about the android upgrade but I do stream Tidal using it>
terrance  Apr 29, 2015
A
Sony can answer your question better than I. I predate the transistor by a decade and I don't own a smart phone. However, the Media Go software which comes with the Walkman is all that I need to rip CDs to the NW-ZXX2. The Media Go software is updatable online. Sorry, that doesn't help you. I like the device; it's high quality.
charles  Apr 29, 2015
Q
so will this play my music apps like Pandora?
kevin  Apr 22, 2015
4 answers
A
Will play the pandora app but was not able to use the sirius xm app as it wasn't compatible with the operating system version.
bruce  Apr 24, 2015
A
Sure ... But not really the best use of this device .. You can do that on any phone or MP3 players .. This device is purchased for playing AIFF 24bit /192mhs files ... They are spectacular .. But you must buy them ... This thing is AMAZIng !!!!
mark  Apr 23, 2015
A
I know for a fact that it will play Spotify as long as you have a wifi signal. So I'm pretty sure that it will play Pandora as well. I hope this helps!
wayne  Apr 22, 2015
A
It's an android device. As long as wifi is available and you download the pandora app then you can use pandora.
elton  Apr 22, 2015
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