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The Sony NW-ZX707 is the most practical PD5 alternative for many listeners, while the Sony NW-WM1AM2 is the better fit when internal storage and long, high-resolution playback matter most. The Astell&Kern PD5 remains a useful baseline: it handles PCM up to 384 kHz, native DSD256, and both 3.5 mm unbalanced and 4.4 mm balanced headphones. Neither Sony model can be declared a universal sound-quality winner from published specifications; the meaningful differences are storage, battery estimates, software, size, connections and the headphones you plan to use.
Which PD5 alternative should you choose?
Use the following short list before studying the specifications:
- Choose the Sony NW-ZX707 if you want a relatively compact Android-based player with a 5-inch display, streaming-app flexibility, microSD expansion and support for PCM up to 384 kHz and DSD up to 11.2896 MHz.
- Choose the Sony NW-WM1AM2 if you keep a large local library. Its 128 GB internal storage is twice the PD5’s documented capacity category only when compared with the ZX707’s 64 GB, and it also accepts microSD cards. Sony’s own-player estimates reach about 40 hours with 96 kHz/24-bit FLAC.
- Stay with the PD5 if its compact 198 g body, 4.4 mm balanced output, native DSD256 support and documented output figures match your headphones and library better than either Sony option.
Prices, stock, warranty terms and software availability vary by country. The PD5 price most often quoted in the October 7, 2026 What Hi-Fi? review—£899, $1049 or AU$1399—was a review-time figure, not a current worldwide price. Check the price and seller in your own market immediately before buying.
The Astell&Kern PD5 baseline
The PD5 is a dedicated digital audio player (DAP): a self-contained device for local high-resolution files, wired headphones and wireless playback. Astell&Kern lists PCM playback from 8 kHz through 384 kHz and native DSD64, DSD128 and DSD256. That covers the common high-resolution formats and gives the PD5 a clear benchmark for comparing the two Sony players.
#1 Best Overall
- A Brand-New Processor That Surpasses Competing Products — Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 Built on a 6nm process, it delivers superior performance and enhanced power efficiency. With 4GB+64GB storage and Android 13, it ensures smooth and seamless operation for all major music apps.
- Patented Desktop Mode with 950mW High Power Output: When Desktop Mode is activated, the M21 operates entirely on external power, with the built-in battery neither charging nor discharging—effectively extending battery lifespan.
- Quad CS43198 Matrix DACs, Fully Balanced 2-Stage Amplification: Featuring a 4-channel, 8-path fully differential output design, it unleashes its full potential with exceptional dynamic range and high noise immunity. The headphone amp adopts a 2-stage circuit design—the first stage handles voltage amplification while the second stage boosts current—ensuring pristine sound quality and rich detail.
- Versatile Ports, High-Performance Output: Supports dual 3.5mm + 4.4mm headphone/LO outputs, equipped with independent line amplification circuits. Also supports SPDIF and USB Audio output, with SPDIF performance rivaling professional digital transports—reducing jitter by 70%.
Outputs and drive requirements
There are two analogue headphone connections: a 3.5 mm unbalanced jack and a 4.4 mm balanced jack. In the manufacturer’s Octa mode and under no-load conditions, Astell&Kern lists up to 4 Vrms from the unbalanced output and 8 Vrms from the balanced output. Those figures are not a universal measure of power delivered to every headphone: the mode, load and operating condition matter. Use them as stated specifications, not as proof that the PD5 will sound louder or better with every model.
Wireless, size and weight
The PD5 includes dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.3 with the codecs listed by Astell&Kern. Its body measures 69.7 × 119.7 × 16.1 mm and weighs about 198 g. That combination is useful if you want a player that can fit beside a phone in a small bag without moving to a very large chassis.
PD5, NW-ZX707 and NW-WM1AM2: documented specifications
| Specification | Astell&Kern PD5 | Sony NW-ZX707 | Sony NW-WM1AM2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCM support | 8 kHz–384 kHz | Up to 384 kHz (FLAC/WAV listed) | High-resolution PCM support; Sony lists playback estimates for 96 and 192 kHz FLAC |
| DSD support | Native DSD64, DSD128 and DSD256 | DSD up to 11.2896 MHz | Native DSD support; Sony lists 2.8224 MHz and 5.6448 MHz battery estimates |
| Headphone connections | 3.5 mm unbalanced and 4.4 mm balanced | 3.5 mm and balanced headphone connections | 3.5 mm and balanced outputs |
| Internal storage | Manufacturer specification should be checked for the regional unit | 64 GB total; 47 GB available according to Sony | 128 GB |
| Expandable storage | Check the regional product specification before purchase | microSD expansion | microSD expansion |
| Operating system or player platform | Dedicated Astell&Kern player software | Android 12 and Sony Walkman software | Sony Walkman software with Wi-Fi and app/service availability that can vary by region |
| Wireless | Dual-band Wi-Fi; Bluetooth 5.3 with listed codecs | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth features listed by Sony | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth listed by Sony |
| Body size and weight | 69.7 × 119.7 × 16.1 mm; about 198 g | Size and weight should be checked on the regional Sony specification page | Size and weight should be checked on the regional Sony specification page |
The table deliberately keeps manufacturer claims separate from listening conclusions. Maximum sample rate, DSD number, DAC implementation or a branded sound description does not establish audible superiority in a controlled comparison.
Sony NW-ZX707: the flexible Android alternative
Why it is a strong match for the PD5 buyer
The NW-ZX707 combines a 5-inch HD screen with Android 12. That makes it the more phone-like option of the two Sony players: you can navigate a larger local library, install compatible music applications and use Wi-Fi services where Sony and the relevant service support them in your region. The player is still a dedicated audio device, so you can leave your phone handling calls and notifications while the ZX707 handles music.
Storage reality
Sony specifies 64 GB of internal memory, with 47 GB available to the user, plus microSD expansion. The available figure is the one that matters when estimating your library: the operating system and preinstalled software occupy the remainder. If you mostly stream or carry a modest selection of albums, 47 GB may be adequate. Large collections of 192 kHz FLAC or DSD files will require a microSD card, and you should budget for the card when comparing total purchase cost.
Rank #2
- [Hi-Res Sound with ESS DAC] Built with the ESS ES9018K2M DAC, the H2 delivers clear, detailed sound for serious music listening. It supports DSD128, FLAC, WAV, APE, ALAC and other high-resolution formats, with 107dB SNR and low distortion for a richer experience than standard phone audio.
- [Bluetooth 5.2 Transmitter & Receiver] Enjoy flexible wireless listening with Bluetooth 5.2. The H2 can send music to Bluetooth headphones or work as a receiver for phone audio, with aptX support for cleaner wireless playback. Ideal for commuting, travel, office listening and home audio use.
- [64GB Card Included, Supports up to 512GB] The H2 comes with a 64GB microSD card, so you can start loading your music right away. It supports microSD cards up to 512GB and can read up to about 14,999 songs, making it suitable for large local music collections.
- [USB DAC, Line Out & Headphone Out] Use the H2 as more than a portable MP3 player. Connect it to your computer as a USB DAC, plug in wired headphones through the 3.5mm headphone jack, or use the dedicated line out with car AUX, powered speakers or home audio systems.
- [Zinc Alloy Body with Physical Controls] The solid zinc alloy chassis gives the H2 a premium, durable feel, while the physical buttons and scroll wheel make music control simple without relying on a touchscreen. Up to 10 hours of playback supports daily listening at home, work or on the go.
Format coverage and battery estimate
Sony lists FLAC and WAV playback through 384 kHz and DSD through 11.2896 MHz. In the Walkman app, Sony estimates about 21 hours for 192 kHz/24-bit FLAC on either of the listed headphone connections. This is a manufacturer estimate under specified playback conditions, not a guarantee for every app, file, wireless setting or screen-brightness level. Streaming, Bluetooth transmission and frequent screen use can change endurance.
When to pick the ZX707
- You want Android 12 and a 5-inch screen rather than a more appliance-like player interface.
- Your library fits comfortably on 47 GB plus a microSD card.
- You value a clearly documented 21-hour high-resolution FLAC estimate more than maximum internal storage.
- Your headphones use either a 3.5 mm connection or the player’s balanced connection, and you will verify the required adapter before ordering.
Sony’s output-power figures are presented in a format that should be read exactly as published. Do not place those numbers directly beside the PD5’s no-load Vrms claims and call one device more powerful without matching load, mode and measurement conditions.
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More room for a local library
The NW-WM1AM2 provides 128 GB of internal storage and a microSD slot. That is the clearest specification-based reason to choose it over the ZX707: more of a large local library can stay on the player before you add a card. High-resolution files consume storage quickly, so 128 GB is especially relevant if you keep multiple versions of albums, offline downloads or DSD material.
Battery figures under different files
Sony’s Walkman-app estimates show why one headline battery number is misleading. The company lists about 40 hours for 96 kHz/24-bit FLAC and about 35 hours for 192 kHz/24-bit FLAC. For DSD on the balanced output, it lists about 15 hours at 2.8224 MHz and about 13 hours at 5.6448 MHz. Output choice, file format, volume, screen use, wireless activity and the application in use all affect the result.
When to pick the WM1AM2
- You want the largest documented internal storage among these three players.
- You listen away from chargers and mostly use the Walkman app with local FLAC files.
- You need native DSD playback and accept the shorter endurance shown for DSD and balanced output.
- You are comfortable checking regional software, service and warranty details before purchase.
The WM1AM2’s longer FLAC estimate should not be interpreted as 40 hours in every use case. Its own DSD estimates demonstrate how sharply playback time can fall with a different format and output.
Rank #3
- The world's first Snapdragon 680 portable HiFi player JM21: The Qualcomm Snapdragon 680, built on a 6nm advanced process, features an 8-core Kryo 265 architecture with a clock speed of up to 2.4GHz. This results in a significant performance boost, lower power consumption, and smooth, seamless operation.
- Custom Android 13 open-source system: The deeply customized Android 13 open-source system offers smooth and seamless performance, allowing effortless control. It provides the freedom to install streaming apps like Spotify, Apple Music, and other applications as desired.
- Dual flagship DACs, CS43198, with a powerful 700mW output drive: The JM21 features a fully balanced audio architecture, powered by two flagship Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs paired with two high-performance SGM8262 operational amplifiers. Through audiophile-grade circuit design and tuning, the JM21 delivers a balanced output power of up to 700mW + 700mW, offering powerful drive and exceptional sound quality. It effortlessly powers headphones or large over-ear models with ease and authority.
- At just 13mm thin and weighing only 156g, the device offers a comfortable one-handed grip that completely frees your pinky. With an impressive 12.5 hours of battery life, it ensures uninterrupted listening wherever you go, easily lasting from morning to night. Every listening session is a pleasurable experience without worrying about battery life.
- The self-developed DAPS digital audio purification system, coupled with a fifth-generation FPGA and custom dual femtosecond crystal oscillators, ensures that both local playback on third-party music apps like FiiO Music and Apple Music, as well as output to an external USB DAC, maintain the original audio sampling rate. This guarantees lossless audio quality for a pristine listening experience.
Compare the features that actually affect your decision
1. Match the player’s formats to your library
Make a list of the files you already own: PCM sample rates, FLAC or WAV containers, and DSD rates. The PD5 is documented through PCM 384 kHz and native DSD256. The ZX707 is documented through 384 kHz FLAC/WAV and DSD 11.2896 MHz. The WM1AM2 supports native DSD and publishes battery estimates for 2.8224 and 5.6448 MHz. A player that cannot decode your files creates a conversion task before you ever listen, so format compatibility comes first.
2. Check the plug on every headphone
Write down whether each headphone uses 3.5 mm single-ended, 4.4 mm balanced, another connector or a detachable cable. Balanced wiring is not automatically louder or better, and an adapter must be electrically appropriate. The PD5 explicitly provides both 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm outputs; Sony lists both connection types on the ZX707 and WM1AM2. Confirm the regional specification and your cable standard before relying on a balanced connection.
3. Calculate usable storage, not headline storage
For the ZX707, start with Sony’s 47 GB available figure, then add the capacity of a compatible microSD card. For the WM1AM2, start with 128 GB and add microSD if needed. For the PD5, verify the exact regional storage specification before comparing totals. Leave free space for database indexing, artwork, updates and temporary downloads rather than filling a card to its advertised capacity.
4. Decide whether you need Android applications
The ZX707’s Android 12 platform is the clearest choice when you want an app-capable interface. The Sony players’ Wi-Fi and app/service behavior can differ by region, account and software version. Confirm that the streaming services you use are supported in your country and that the current application versions still install on the player’s operating system. If your use is almost entirely local files, a dedicated player interface may be simpler and less power-hungry than an app-heavy setup.
5. Compare battery estimates on the same file type
Use like-for-like figures. The ZX707’s documented comparison point is about 21 hours of 192 kHz/24-bit FLAC in the Walkman app. The WM1AM2’s comparable figures are about 35 hours at 192 kHz/24-bit FLAC and about 40 hours at 96 kHz/24-bit FLAC. Those are not laboratory results shared across brands; they are manufacturer estimates made under each company’s stated conditions. The PD5 figures supplied here do not establish a directly comparable playback-hour claim.
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Rank #4
- A Brand-New Processor That Surpasses Competing Products — Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 Built on a 6nm process, it delivers superior performance and enhanced power efficiency. With 4GB+64GB storage and Android 13, it ensures smooth and seamless operation for all major music apps.
- Patented Desktop Mode with 950mW High Power Output: When Desktop Mode is activated, the M21 operates entirely on external power, with the built-in battery neither charging nor discharging—effectively extending battery lifespan.
- Quad CS43198 Matrix DACs, Fully Balanced 2-Stage Amplification: Featuring a 4-channel, 8-path fully differential output design, it unleashes its full potential with exceptional dynamic range and high noise immunity. The headphone amp adopts a 2-stage circuit design—the first stage handles voltage amplification while the second stage boosts current—ensuring pristine sound quality and rich detail.
- Versatile Ports, High-Performance Output: Supports dual 3.5mm + 4.4mm headphone/LO outputs, equipped with independent line amplification circuits. Also supports SPDIF and USB Audio output, with SPDIF performance rivaling professional digital transports—reducing jitter by 70%.
Buying and setup checklist
- Confirm the exact regional model. Check the manufacturer’s page for storage, included accessories, supported wireless codecs, output configuration and software version in your country.
- Price the complete system. Add a microSD card, a 4.4 mm cable or safe adapter if required, and a case if you carry the player daily. A case designed specifically for the PD5 protects an existing PD5; it is not a substitute for choosing another player.
- Verify seller terms. Check current stock, warranty coverage, return period and whether the seller is authorized in your region. The PD5’s £899/$1049/AU$1399 review prices are historical reference points only.
- Prepare your files. Keep original FLAC, WAV and DSD files organized in folders, and retain backups before copying them to a player or card.
- Update before loading a full library. Install the current supported firmware and music applications, then confirm that your streaming accounts and downloaded files work.
- Test both headphone outputs. Start with low volume, verify left and right channels, and check for a secure connection. Never assume a balanced plug can be inserted into an incompatible jack.
- Measure your own endurance. Play one representative album with your normal output, volume, screen and wireless settings. Use that result for travel planning instead of treating a best-case estimate as a promise.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Treating specifications as a sound-quality ranking
Published specifications establish decoding support, connectors and operating conditions. They do not provide a controlled, level-matched head-to-head listening result. Choose on documented compatibility first, then audition with your own headphones and music if a return policy allows it.
Comparing unlike power numbers
The PD5’s 4 Vrms unbalanced and 8 Vrms balanced figures are explicitly Octa-mode, no-load values. Sony presents its output information differently. Because load and measurement conditions are not identical, a larger-looking number on one page does not prove greater real-world drive capability.
Assuming balanced means universally superior
A balanced output can be useful when your headphones have a correctly wired 4.4 mm cable and need the available voltage. It does not repair a poor recording, transform every headphone or guarantee longer battery life. In the WM1AM2’s published estimates, balanced DSD playback is specifically associated with about 15 hours at 2.8224 MHz and about 13 hours at 5.6448 MHz.
Buying on a dated price
Currency conversions, regional taxes, stock and seller support can change the value calculation. Recheck all three models locally on the day you order and compare warranty and return terms alongside the sticker price.
Bottom-line decision framework
Start with the headphones and files, not the brand name. If you need the smallest documented body and a clearly specified 4.4 mm balanced output, the PD5 remains a coherent baseline. If Android 12, a 5-inch display and flexible app use matter, investigate the NW-ZX707 and plan for microSD storage beyond its 47 GB available memory. If your priority is a large offline library and longer FLAC endurance, the NW-WM1AM2’s 128 GB storage and approximately 35-hour 192 kHz/24-bit estimate make it the specification-led alternative. None of those choices is a published proof of superior sound; the right player is the one that fits your files, headphones, software needs, carrying habits and local support.
Best Value
- The world's first Snapdragon 680 portable HiFi player JM21: The Qualcomm Snapdragon 680, built on a 6nm advanced process, features an 8-core Kryo 265 architecture with a clock speed of up to 2.4GHz. This results in a significant performance boost, lower power consumption, and smooth, seamless operation.
- Custom Android 13 open-source system: The deeply customized Android 13 open-source system offers smooth and seamless performance, allowing effortless control. It provides the freedom to install streaming apps like Spotify, Apple Music, and other applications as desired.
- Dual flagship DACs, CS43198, with a powerful 700mW output drive: The JM21 features a fully balanced audio architecture, powered by two flagship Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs paired with two high-performance SGM8262 operational amplifiers. Through audiophile-grade circuit design and tuning, the JM21 delivers a balanced output power of up to 700mW + 700mW, offering powerful drive and exceptional sound quality. It effortlessly powers headphones or large over-ear models with ease and authority.
- At just 13mm thin and weighing only 156g, the device offers a comfortable one-handed grip that completely frees your pinky. With an impressive 12.5 hours of battery life, it ensures uninterrupted listening wherever you go, easily lasting from morning to night. Every listening session is a pleasurable experience without worrying about battery life.
- The self-developed DAPS digital audio purification system, coupled with a fifth-generation FPGA and custom dual femtosecond crystal oscillators, ensures that both local playback on third-party music apps like FiiO Music and Apple Music, as well as output to an external USB DAC, maintain the original audio sampling rate. This guarantees lossless audio quality for a pristine listening experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Sony NW-ZX707 a direct replacement for the PD5?
It is a specification-backed alternative, not an identical replacement. It adds Android 12 and a 5-inch display, while its storage, output documentation and software behavior differ from the PD5. Match the player to your files, headphones and app needs.
Which alternative has the most internal storage?
The Sony NW-WM1AM2 has 128 GB. The NW-ZX707 has 64 GB total, with 47 GB available according to Sony, and both Sony players support microSD expansion.
Can these players play DSD files?
Yes. The PD5 supports native DSD64, DSD128 and DSD256; Sony lists DSD through 11.2896 MHz for the NW-ZX707 and native DSD support for the NW-WM1AM2.
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Playback time changes with sample rate, DSD versus PCM, output choice, volume, screen use, wireless activity and the app. Sony estimates about 21 hours for 192 kHz/24-bit FLAC on the ZX707, and about 35 hours for the same FLAC rate on the WM1AM2 in its Walkman app.
Are the PD5’s 8 Vrms balanced and Sony’s output figures directly comparable?
No. The PD5 figure is an Octa-mode, no-load specification. Sony presents its output information under different conditions, so the numbers should not be ranked without matching load and measurement methods.
Quick Recap
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