NEW YORK, Oct. 19 -- Sony is targeting music purists with a new generation of Walkman players, led by a gold-plated flagship costing US$5,900 (about RM24,100) as the company seeks to serve listeners willing to pay a premium for portable high-fidelity audio.

Bloomberg reported that the three new models, unveiled on October 15, are priced between US$1,900 and US$5,900.

Sony said the range is designed to offer the "finest portable sound experience", with preorders open but shipping dates yet to be announced.

The flagship NW-WM1ZM3 is distinguished by an oxygen-free copper body finished in gold plating.

Even its screws receive gold-plated treatment, which Sony says creates a "stable ground connection that delivers powerful bass, an expans...