We have seen it pre-ordered from Tokyo shops for a few months now, and Sony has just officially announced the launch of the ZX1, the 24-bit-compatible, high-end portable player which will be sold for an estimated 700 Euros (launch date February 2014).

After the launch of the F886, an audio Walkman which was slightly disappointing when it came to 24-bit files, Sony has put the pedal to the metal and announced to the world in Las Vegas what we had seen coming for several months: its first 24-bit-compatible portable player – a high-end version, that is, a version which contains high-quality materials and electronics.

The ZX1 has aluminium housing and contains components used by Sony in its Hi-Fi products: outsized capacitators of the OS-CON type, reinforced cabling, technology to improve 16-bit DSEE HX files, and a Sony S-Master HX digital amplifier .

Compatible with Mac and PC, it can read 24/192 files in WAV, FLAC, Apple Lossless, AIFF and PCM formats. It offers 32 hours of audio reading and works on Android 4.1 (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC). Note that headphones are not included with the product. Price 700 Euros

PP Garcia for Qobuz