[BLOG] #CES2015: Sony targets the audiophile craze with new Walkman

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CrimsonShade
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[BLOG] #CES2015: Sony targets the audiophile craze with new Walkman

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With the growing trend of late being to listen to music at the highest possible quality (even when it doesn't actually make a discernible difference to the human ear), Sony took to the stage at CES today to reveal its second high-resolution music player: the Walkman ZX2. Designed both to upscale the quality of more compressed music formats and online streams using DSEE HX tech; and to keep music of all kinds sounding crystal clear with an S-Master HX digital amp, this new aluminium-bodied offering from Sony is designed to offer the best quality music whatever your format, with MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC, AIFF, WAV and ALAC including DSD files supported at bitrates up to 192kHz/24-bits. A sizeable 128GB of internal memory is on-board, but should you have a music collection at half as big as that of one of our DJs here at Sanitarium.FM, a microSD card slot is also available for extra space; or you can use the built-in Wi-Fi to stream your music from online radio stations (cough) or download your tracks from online music stores.



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In terms of the software on board, the Sony Walkman ZX2 takes the unusual step of running Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, though Sony say using such an old build of Android as the base for their new music player was a concious choice due to its stability. By being Android-built, the Walkman ZX2 will also be compatible with many music and other Apps from Google's Play Store, although apps targeting only newer Android versions beyond 4.2 will obviously be out. You will be able to use services such as Tidal and many other high-res streaming services though. You'll also be able to listen to the music through compatible wireless headsets through Bluetooth, which will also make use of LDAC tech for enhanced clarity - though this is likely to cut into the battery life. Still, with the device rated to last 60 hours on a single charge, there should be plenty of power available to let you rock out until you crash out if you so choose.



Sony are not yet confirming a price point for the new device, which press rumours place at a range around $1,100 to $1,200; however, representatives state that a final decision on pricing will be made soon in time for the device's planned release this spring.
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