SONY advertises "high quality sound solder" in their Walkman

[owiecc]

High Quality Sound Solder Containing Gold for improved sound localisation and a wider sound stage. I guess SAC305 with silver is not good enough any more.

[SiliconWizard]

Nice board.

[Stray Electron]

   They probably meant that you couldn't use solder that was made for repairing automobile bodies or for repairing automobile radiators. You'd be surprised at how many have tried to repair electronics with those! 

[Ed.Kloonk]

I'll wait for the book to come out.

[Gyro]

Maybe they're counting the Gold leached off the ENIG coated pads. 

[ebastler]

High Quality Sound Solder Containing Gold for improved sound localisation and a wider sound stage. I guess SAC305 with silver is not good enough any more.

I guess this mainly shows that it takes some doing to still sell dedicated MP3 (etc.) players to people, in a day and age where nearly everyone is carrying a suitable phone in their pocket all day. Specifically, it takes some audiophoolery, smoke, and mirrors...

400 and 800 Euros -- they certainly aren't shy about the audio-phoolish pricing either. 

[coppercone2]

Well I have a  few thoughts on this

1) the usual linking everything together in the cell phone kinda sucks. Entirely situation dependent if its appropriate. The cell phone has many downsides, but it does usually work, so that is the usual swiss army knife vs normal knife argument that I don't get into. This is like arguing about someone elses budget/luxury (I am sure everyone can get 'busted' for something related to luxury goods)
2) gold solder does have its uses but doubtful it will effect audio quality much, it might allow the device to take a bigger impact though

https://www.indium.com/products/solders/gold/

If applied properly I can certainly appreciate the lower chance of stress failure of solder joints inside of portable equipment.

[SiliconWizard]

If that makes it more reliable, what's not to like?

Nothing wrong with good and reliable products. Whether one considers them overengineered is somewhat subjective.
And as was said above, competing with current solutions will of course take some extra. That's the kind of markets that the highly developed countries still have a chance with.

As to marketing talk, it's marketing talk. It's not any worse or better for low-cost products than it is for these "high-end" ones. That's marketing.

[ebastler]

If that makes it more reliable, what's not to like?

Well, but does it? It is "Sound Solder containing Gold", according to Sony. Nobody said anything about the 80Au20Sn alloys which coppercone2 Googled.

I am confident that it adds as much value to the Walkman as do the "Full Digital Amplifier", the "Solid High Polymer Capacitor", and the "OFC Milled Block for clear sound". 

Edit: Thats OFC as in "oxygen-free copper", by the way. For a shielding can. And it is "reflow solder containing gold, whose effect is significant in the overall improved sound localization and wider sound space." Did anyone mention audiophoolery yet?

[Bud]

The ad is clearly targeting audiophools, but audiophools are not into walkman type of gear, are they.

[langwadt]

Maybe they're counting the Gold leached off the ENIG coated pads. 

hopefully, because much more than that makes solder brittle

[ebastler]

The ad is clearly targeting audiophools, but audiophools are not into walkman type of gear, are they.

Trying to move that brand up-market, I guess, since the "bread and butter" users are all happily using their phones as audio players.

Would have loved to eavesdrop on the marketing discussions. "We need to leverage the power of the established Walkman brand!" -- "But that's not our new target audience..." -- "Let's call it the Strutman then!" 

[SiliconWizard]

If that makes it more reliable, what's not to like?

Well, but does it? It is "Sound Solder containing Gold", according to Sony. Nobody said anything about the 80Au20Sn alloys which coppercone2 Googled.

Oh I don't know for sure. Maybe not.  But I have no doubt the devices are well engineered nevertheless.
The rest is marketing as I said.

[Ed.Kloonk]

The ad is clearly targeting audiophools, but audiophools are not into walkman type of gear, are they.

Trying to move that brand up-market, I guess, since the "bread and butter" users are all happily using their phones as audio players.

Would have loved to eavesdrop on the marketing discussions. "We need to leverage the power of the established Walkman brand!" -- "But that's not our new target audience..." -- "Let's call it the Strutman then!" 

Online price is $999.00AUD

That's ridiculous. The whole thing kind of reminds me of when the iPhone showed up.

[Haenk]

Trying to move that brand up-market,

They sell those "new" MP3 players for quite some time now - and mostly pretty expensive.
Like
https://www.amazon.de/dp/B09S12NP2L

I like the dedication, but most of it is just Audiophoolery.
(But then I paid 400,- DM back then for an AIWA "walkman" - that was a lot of money in 1990, but worth it, as it had Dolby C. I also considered a Sony WM-D6C, but that was even more uncheap at 650,- DM.)

[tszaboo]

Cool. Can I connect it to my noise cancelling BT headphone?

[mcinque]

what a hateful music!

[MrMobodies]

Joke: I wonder what DRM's are hidden in there.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-NW-WM1ZM2-Signature-High-Resolution-Bluetooth-Gold/dp/B09S12NP2L/

Sony NW-WM1ZM2 - Signature Series Walkman Digital Music Player with High-Resolution Audio, Android 11, Touch Screen, Bluetooth & Wi-Fi - Gold
Price:£2,949.60 (including import fee's to uk)
Brand: Sony
Model name: Sony NW-WM1ZM2 - Signature Series Walkman Digital Music Player with High-Resolution Audio, Android 11, Touch Screen, Bluetooth & Wi-Fi - Gold
Special feature   Upscales Music, Streaming service compatibility, Hi-Res Audio Certified
Connectivity technology   Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0
Memory storage capacity   256 GB
Colour: Gold  (is that not real gold or even gold plating?)
Screen size: 12.7 Centimetres
Media type Micro SDHC, Micro SDXC, Micro SD
Included components: Operating Instructions, Reference Guide, Walkman, USB Type-C®Cable(USB-A - USB-C), Headphone jack cap (Stereo Mini), Headphone jack cap (Balanced Standard) (1), Leather case
Operating Instructions, Reference Guide, Walkman, USB Type-C®Cable(USB-A - USB-C), Headphone jack cap (Stereo Mini), Headphone jack cap
Component typ: Battery

About this item
This MP3 player has an oxygen-free copper (OFC) chassis with incredible 99.99% purity (4N).
Includes Sony's unique in-built * DSD remastering engine , as well as Sony's DSEE Ultimate technology, accurately upscaling all your music. Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certified, supporting native playback of multiple audio formats, including DSD and MQA.
Streaming service compatibility with Wi-Fi and Android 11. Featuring USB-DAC (digital analogue converter) functionality, a Ø4.4mm balanced connector, 256 GB internal memory, Micro SD slot for expansion, and up to 17 hours of battery life.
Stable power supply, minimal noise and improved digital grounding is achieved through the use of high quality capacitors and an OFC milled block.
Included components: headphone jack cap (stereo mini), headphone jack cap (balanced standard) (1), leather case
Power source type: battery powered

*Would that inlclude the autotune?

DSD Remastering engine:
https://audioxpress.com/news/sony-expands-hi-res-audio-options-with-new-products-on-its-signature-series

A first for digital music players, listeners can personalize their preferred sound with Sony's *DSD Remastering Engine which lets users convert all PCM music sources into DSD 5.6MHz. The DSD Remastering Engine can be switched on or off easily in the user interface. A newly developed Vinyl Processor feature can recreate the **acoustic phenomena unique to vinyl playback.  This includes the effect of tone-arm resonance, sensitivity improvement caused by tiny surface noise and a "***richer sound character,"  due to acoustic feedback from the speakers to the turntable.

** Does that mean to subject the recordings to typical scratchy noise effect of record players?
*** If I think what I think that is I wouldn't class it as a "rich sound" more like scratchy.
Joke: Why don't they put some valves inside and expose it to the surface?
* " convert all PCM music sources into DSD 5.6MHz." I still don't know what that means for the output.

Still don't know what this means for audio output.
Maybe I will have to compare it to hear the difference.


Amazon reviews:

David Spencer 3.0 out of 5 stars An MP3 player for 2022
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 October 2022
Not expensive enough. This should cost much more, it’s that good. I’m now homeless but at least I can listen to music

Sounds sarcastic but I like the answer.

Now this one is sounding to me like a proper Audiophool:

Wojtek 5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful and perfect
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 January 2023
What can I say PERFECTION. You can say that mobile phone can play music but if you really into music then this little device is must have. It’s expensive but you will rediscover music again

I bet he is hearing the difference.

Joke: The walkman is perfect and not you, right? the walkman is better in every way, shape and form than you'll every because it is perfect.

[themadhippy]

£2,949.60 for a walkman that dont play cassettes,no thanks.

[MrMobodies]

0.14

Gold-plated oxygen-free copper (OFC) chassis (99.99%)

Okay so IT IS gold plated and not just the colour. 99.99% oxygen free copper with gold plating.


0.24

Oxygen-free copper (OFC) alumnium hybrid chassis
Aluminum back panel
Oxygen-free copper (OFC) Frame

10 seconds later, now it has aluminum in there and the frame being (part of it being 99.99% (OFC)
So it is not ALL gold plated 99.99% ofc chasses.

0.29

Aluminum milled rear chassis ensures high rigidy.
The best balance of rigidity, thinness and resistance value.

They talk about high rigidity, then say out balancing it with thinness. See a pattern above with the OFC claim.

0.14 Gold plated 99.99% OFC chassis - ensures higher rigidity
0.29 Aluminum rear chassis ensure high rigidity
So the first statement is not all correct.


0:19

**Expansive atmosphere 
Clear and powerful bass notes
Mid to high range sounds linger beautifully 
Instruments sound true-to-life.
0.34 Ensures powerful accurate bass and clear vocals.
0.50 Smoother sound 
A wider sound stage
Tighter Bass 
1.00 Powerful and smooth sound quality
Improved sound localisation

https://youtu.be/QBV7HRGM7ns?t=75
The Entrepooneur' - Theranos Parody

0:51 HI A SIMPLE BUT POWERFUL VISION.
WHAT IF EVERY PERSON IN AMERICA HAD A BOX IN THEIR HOUSE. AND EVERY PERSON COULD POO IN THAT BOX.
1:17 THE POSSIBILITIES OF ENDLESS,

**GENE MAPPING
KNIGHT VISION,
LOW-LEVEL FLYING,
NASAL HAIR REMOVAL CORN TOUR,
CORN KROAPIA,
HOW LONG DO YOU WANT ME TO GO ON.
MOON BOOTS.

2:24 WITH THE MOST POWERFUL PEOPLE IN THE WORLD HE FOOLED THEM INTO THINKING HE WAS DOING MORE THAN JUST GETTING PEOPLE TO POO IN A BOX.

[SiliconWizard]

Cute when guys suddenly discover marketing.

[Ed.Kloonk]

£2,949.60 for a walkman that dont play cassettes,no thanks.

And it doesn't even play Doom. Or even Tetris.

 

[MrMobodies]

It is so expensive you'll be scared of ever taking it out and using it.

Might get scratches on the expensive OFC copper gold cosmetic surfaces.

[Haenk]

Copper is not exactly a tough material, so it's likely totally scratched after one day of careful use.
For this price, I'd expect a gold anodized Titanium casing with maybe copper coating on the inside

[Electro Detective]

At those prices they should throw in roller skates, 80s polka dot headband, knockoff Spandex rig, 10 dorrar 'KO-Raybann', Maccas voucher..

Crank up 'Highway to the danger zone..' 'Eye of the tiger..' and 'Girls just wanna have fun..'  (if contemplating  hara-kiri)


Just joking folks, there are more appropriate tunes for that   


Marketing needs to get a clue in 2023 and release the 'WalkPerson'

Many ladies are cashed up too,
price is no object for phone and accessories purchases,
nail jobs, eyebrows, breast implants, botox pump ups,
and other assorted big dollar FrankenFace work    (  )

let's not ignore tattoos in poor choice visual positions 

and 5 figure status handbags are any indication of disposable wealth.

i.e. it's a new target market or one that needs a revisit   

[ebastler]

Copper is not exactly a tough material, so it's likely totally scratched after one day of careful use.

SONY is overly creative in their marketing, catering to audiophools, but their engineers are not stupid. What I gather from the fluffy descriptions is:

The "gold-plated OFC copper" piece is the internal chassis/frame, which holds things in place and probably has some shielding functionality. I can't see much value in the gold-plating, OFC, or copper for that matter, but I don't doubt that this will do the job. The outer shell is aluminum, with "gold-colored" anodization. Nothing special, but tough enough.

[AVGresponding]

Copper is not exactly a tough material, so it's likely totally scratched after one day of careful use.
For this price, I'd expect a gold anodized Titanium casing with maybe copper coating on the inside

Surely a TiN coating is the one you want? On the outside, I mean. Then, Au plating on the inside.

[Haenk]

Surely a TiN coating is the one you want? On the outside, I mean. Then, Au plating on the inside.

Great idea! Add sapphire display glass and then we are talking

[Whales]

Oh my god the headphone jack is non-standard.

4.4mm balanced connector

Yes apparently this is a thing.



I've never had interference pickup problems with headphone cables.  Balanced is completely overkill for this length of cable + current levels.

If I did have interference problems with ordinary headphone cables: that's a great diagnostic tool to tell me that something is serious wrong in this room.  Like a broken transmitter (or a microwave oven with door open and microswitches defeated).

Maybe they're trying to avoid headphones pickup up >1MHz, injecting it back into the music player, rectifying it and you hearing it back?  EDIT: Why am I bothering to justify this     We have EMI immune opamps for a reason.

[Ed.Kloonk]

The only reason I thought of was for someone to plug a backing track into mixer/recorder while playing an instrument. All these different things plugged into SMPS used to cause problems.

[Kim Christensen]

Oh my god the headphone jack is non-standard.
<SNIP!>
Maybe they're trying to avoid headphones pickup up >1MHz, injecting it back into the music player, rectifying it and you hearing it back?  EDIT: Why am I bothering to justify this     We have EMI immune opamps for a reason.

There's a good reason for the non-standard headphone jack: Special overpriced headphones... 

[tszaboo]

Balanced is completely overkill for this length of cable + current levels.

If I did have interference problems with ordinary headphone cables: that's a great diagnostic tool to tell me that something is serious wrong in this room.  Like a broken transmitter (or a microwave oven with door open and microswitches defeated).

Maybe they're trying to avoid headphones pickup up >1MHz, injecting it back into the music player, rectifying it and you hearing it back?  EDIT: Why am I bothering to justify this     We have EMI immune opamps for a reason.

Balanced cable makes sense for high impedance headphones, if you drive it balanced. Not because of noise, but because of the voltage levels you need to drive a 300-600 Ohm headphone. And DAC outputs are already balanced, so it's not even that much more opamps, 4 instead of 3 for example.

[MrMobodies]

SONY is overly creative in their marketing, catering to audiophools, but their engineers are not stupid. What I gather from the fluffy descriptions is:

That just reminded me of this video:
EEVblog #719 - Sony Low Noise Audiophile SDXC Memory Card 7 years ago

3:26 look they've pulled some graph out of
their ass look at this what the hell is
it they've got like megahertz on the
x-axis in DB microvolts or some sort of
EMC thing trying to prove that it's
producing lower you know spectral
density or some like that what
the hell has that got to do with anything.

3:47 when you've got a complete digital
system ones and zero's between your
memory card and your DAC if your product
is going to be influenced by a slightly
less EMC somehow radiated by your memory
card then you haven't designed up your
product correctly.

4:03 It's just complete and utter bullshit but
they need some sort of crap in here to convince
the audiofools that it's going to sound better.

So after seven years of this nonsense and now they have come up with a version for the Walkman.

[Ed.Kloonk]

Nothing, if not consistent.

[SL4P]

If this s an official SONY document, I promise there was a room full of engineers choosing those words - and laughing over them.

If it was from an independent importer or agent, SONY HQ will have them for lunch tomorrow.

I worked for SONY in the early 90s… they have a great sense of responsibility and quality, but they also have a subtle sense of humour as long as it doesn’t affect business.

[v81]

Feeling a bit slow... only just read about this...

This part got me confused....

In what way can an inductor replace a capacitor?
They perform literally opposite jobs.

[Bud]

Replacement likely not in topological sense. Increasing inductance to reduce power rail ripple perhaps, but inductors cost more and have ohmic resistance, so an inductor with more turns may cause efficiency loss.

[Kim Christensen]

Feeling a bit slow... only just read about this...
This part got me confused....
In what way can an inductor replace a capacitor?
They perform literally opposite jobs.

It is a confusing sentence, but I don't read it as "replacing capacitors with inductors" but rather:

• Replacing laminated capacitors with "better" capacitors.
• Winding coils in the digital block power supply. (About this, I have no idea what they mean and I don't think Sony marketing does either)

[coppercone2]

I still like the gold solder

it pops right off turns into it pops right off when you work just a little harder