Sony has described its latest headphone launch as its "most technically advanced, audaciously styled headphones" yet, taking "design and performance to the next level". Three new ranges are about to go on sale, catering to all flavours of headphone enthusiast.
First up is the MDR-EX700LP that targets the "audio purist" consumer who apparently demands ultimate performance from a compact in-ear design. This headphone marries high-end materials with a new design including a 16mm drive unit (which Sony claims is the largest of any in-ear headphone - have you heard any different?), vertical driver orientation, multi-layer diaphragm and seven sizes of earbud to fit even the most gargantuan of ear canals. There's even a bundled premium leather carry case.
Sony is simultaneously releasing the MDR-AS Active Series of headphones with five models in the range aiming to cater to more active audiophiles. Described as having "cutting edge style and anodised finish… and rugged construction for extreme use", the flagship MDR-AS50G model sports 13.5mm driver unit, flex-shaped neckband for secure fit in moments of "high activity" and 60cm short cord for teaming it up with an arm-mounted music player. Last but most certainly not least are the PFR-V1 Personal Field Speakers that deliver "the ultimate in the action listening experience".
A "wearable speaker system", the unit features open design headphones with audiophile grade front facing speakers, separate bass reflex duct and a pair of spherical driver units that deliver mid and high-range frequencies in an open soundstage to the ear.
Sony calls it a "radical departure from conventional designs" (as the pic ably demonstrates), the PFR-V1 is being placed as ideal for home cinema and gaming situations that demand a powerful, uncompromised sound.
We tried them out and found them, erm, "interesting" - they sounded fine, but we weren't really sold on the benefit of inserting a metal tube into your ear rather than a normal earbud. And if you really don't want to put anything into your ear, shell-like, standard over-ear headphones are perfect, aren't they? All of Sony's latest go on sale this very April for as yet undisclosed prices.
www.ixos.co.uk
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