Sony’s new high-resolution audio lineup, the “h.ear in” headphones, is created for the young music enthusiasts. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Developing the high-resolution technology for its audio segment is a natural progression for all of Sony’s audio products. After all, the Japanese firm invented mobile music with Walkman.
Audio is the core business of Sony in the Philippines, according to Nobuyoshi Otake, president of Sony Philippines. Its biggest markets in Asia Pacific for high-res audio are Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.
“Sony developed high resolution audio (high-res audio) in 2013,” says Otake.
High-resolution audio refers to a collection of digital processes and formats that allows the encoding and playback of music using higher sampling rates than the standards used in CDs. If television monitors and mobile devices screens have high-definition, high-resolution is the equivalent to audio products.
The initial products that bore hi-res audio technology were geared toward the high-end market. This time, Sony introduces a new lineup geared toward the much younger market.
Sony stores are designed to let customers experience and enjoy Sony music products first-hand, says Otake. “Once they experience it and realize the difference from a CD or MP3 quality, they won’t be able to go back listening to the old formats.”
Functional design
Sony’s “h.ear on” headband-type headphones (MDR-100AAP) come in different colors and promise a comfortable fit. High-resolution audio compatibility and accurate bass responses are complemented by the 40mm HD driver unit that reproduces sounds of up to 60kHz, while lightweight CCAW voice coils yield high-linearity responses in high-pitched sounds. The diaphragms have been titanium-coated to minimize unwanted vibrations, resulting in crystal clear tunes.
The “h.ear in NC” noise cancelling in-ear headphones (MDR-NW750N) is an example of Sony’s focus on functional design and aesthetics. With its newly developed compact 9mm high sensitivity driver unit, this slim and compact in-ear headphones can reproduce frequencies of up to 40kHz.
The third product in series is the “h.ear in” headphones (MDR-EX750AP). Designed with an aluminum housing that suppresses vibrations and reproduces high-quality sounds, the “h.ear in” headphones features a 9mm high-sensitivity driver unit that supports high-resolution audio. Beat response control helps improve the transient characteristics in the bass and delivers the rhythm accurately. The acoustic port on the hosing further controls airflow for a more solid bass range and optimizes diaphragm movements.
Similar to both the “h.ear on” headphones, the “h.ear in” headphones come with 4-wire configuration and a separated ground cross-talk reducing cable for expanded sound and tight bass. The compact size of the “h.ear in” headphones is also designed for a tight, comfortable and stable fit.
More delicate, dynamic sound
The NW-A26HN Walkman comes bundled with High-Resolution Audio compatible Digital Noise Cancelling headphones. With advancements to Sony’s S-Master HX full digital amplifier, music is played with more delicate and dynamic sound than ever before. DSEE HX, Sony’s unique upscaling technology, enhances compressed music files like MP3 formats to near high-resolution audio quality.
The new Walkmans are available in two capacities, 16GB (NW-A25) and 32GB (NW-A26HN), as well as with an added microSD card slot for expanded memory.
Sony hopes the new lineup is affordable for the segment it is currently looking at. RC
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