STOW, OH, January 3, 2017 — At CES 2017 Audio-Technica is reaffirming its commitment to high-performance audio with product introductions that incorporate a host of technological innovations to deliver new levels of sonic excellence. The products making their debut include the first headphones to employ the company’s groundbreaking Pure Digital Drive system, high-quality turntables, improved SonicFuel® in-ear headphones, the all-new VM-Type phono cartridges and more.
“At CES 2017 Audio-Technica is more dedicated to high-performance audio than ever before,” said Crystal Griffith, Audio-Technica U.S. Marketing Manager. “In fact, we’re exhibiting in the high-performance audio area at The Venetian as well as at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Our 2017 product lineup is created to bring listeners closer to their favorite music through better sound at every level from high-end to high-value, whether high-resolution digital, on-the-go wireless or the finest in analog vinyl playback.”
Following is an overview of the new Audio-Technica products on exhibit at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Booth 20918, South Hall Lower Level and at The Venetian, Suite 29-236 (January 5 – 8, 2017).
Winner of a CES 2017 Innovation Honoree award, the ATH-DSR9BT, and the new ATH-DSR7BT are the first headphones with Bluetooth® wireless technology to employ Audio-Technica’s new Pure Digital Drive system, which keeps the audio signal completely digital from source to driver to offer never before-available wireless headphone sound quality.
Typically, in headphones using Bluetooth wireless technology, the digital signal goes through a series of steps that process the wireless signal – and can also degrade the sound. The Pure Digital Drive system utilizes the Trigence Semiconductor Dnote® chipset instead of a traditional D/A converter and amplifier and keeps the audio signal entirely in the digital domain from the source right through to the driver. The sonic result is remarkably clear and accurate audio reproduction. The ATH-DSR9BT (US$549.00) and ATH-DSR7BT (US$299.00; both models available in Spring 2017) support a variety of codecs at up to 24-bit/48kHz signals in Bluetooth mode, and deliver Hi-Res Audio playback at up to 24-bit/96kHz when connected to a digital source with the included USB cable.
The AT-LP3 Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Turntable combines outstanding sound quality with advanced features. The AT-LP3 (US$279.00, available in spring 2017 in black or white finish) plays 33-1/3 and 45 RPM records and comes with a pre-mounted AT91R Dual Moving Magnet phono cartridge. The tonearm’s removable universal headshell also gives listeners the option of installing a moving magnet or moving coil phono cartridge of their choosing. Adding to its versatility, the AT-LP3’s built-in phono preamp is switchable to accommodate either moving magnet or moving coil cartridges, a unique feature not found on most turntables with built-in phono preamps.
Audio-Technica is further expanding its lineup of wireless headphones with its high-performance/high-value SonicFuel ATH-AR3BT on-ear model and Solid Bass® ATH-CKS990BT and ATH-CKS550BT in-ear headphones. All employ aptX® sound-improvement technology to deliver superior audio performance over Bluetooth transmission and NFC (Near Field Communication) functionality for easy pairing with compatible devices. The SonicFuel ATH-AR3BT uses a new dynamic driver to deliver richly detailed sound in a compact foldable design and sets a new value standard for high-performance on-ear wireless headphones at US$119.00. The Solid Bass ATH-CKS990BT and ATH-CKS550BT in-ear wireless headphones (US$199.00 and US$119.00, respectively) feature new Dual Magnetic Field drivers with Multiple-Transition diaphragms for improved sound and offer better wireless functionality over previous in-ear models, along with easier to reach controls.
The new Sound Reality ATH-CKR100iS, ATH-CKR90iS and ATH-CKR70iS in-ear headphones combine extraordinary Hi-Res Audio sound quality with an attractive design, to appeal to music lovers and audiophiles seeking top-quality reproduction of high resolution audio formats and favorite music. The headphones deliver powerful wide-range audio with extended frequency response to beyond 40,000 Hz thanks to innovations including dual-phase push-pull drivers (ATH-CKR100iS and ATH-CKR90iS), machined metal housings and more. (ATH-CKR100iS, US$389.00; ATH-CKR90iS, US$189.00; ATH-CKR70iS, US$99.00; all models available Spring 2017.)
The new over-ear Sound Reality ATH-SR9 headphones (US$449.00, available Spring 2017) are also debuting at CES 2017. The ATH-SR9 incorporates 45 mm True Motion Hi-Res Audio drivers with Diamond-Like Carbon coated diaphragms and high-purity 7N-OFC (oxygen-free copper) voice coils, to provide superlative Hi-Res Audio quality with natural, detailed and spacious reproduction of vocals and instruments and extended frequency response to beyond 40,000 Hz.
Three additional SonicFuel models are making their CES debut. The in-ear ATH-CKR50iS and ATH-CKR30iS incorporate improvements including a newly developed driver and machined brass stabilizer that keeps the drivers under precise control for clearer, more detailed audio quality. The ATH-CKR50iS and ATH-CKR30iS (US$49.00 and US$39.00, available Spring 2017) feature a redesigned, sleeker shape that fits unobtrusively into the ear and a repositioned remote control with easier access. The ATH-AR3iS on-ear model (US $79.00, available Spring 2017) shares the same newly developed dynamic driver and powerful magnetic circuit used in the ATH-AR3BT to deliver impactful bass with extended frequency response. The compact, foldable ATH-AR3iS is available in black and white and is equipped with an in-line mic and controller for handling phone calls and music and video playback on compatible devices.
At CES 2017 Audio-Technica is introducing its Live Sound headphones, created to bring the impact and excitement of the live concert experience to everyday listening. The ATH-LS400iS, ATH-LS300iS, ATH-LS200iS, ATH-LS70iS and ATH-LS50iS all employ innovative multiple-driver technologies (quad balanced, triple balanced, dual-balanced or dual-symphonic dynamic, depending on the model) and specially designed acoustic sound pipes to deliver extraordinary audio quality. All feature sleek, ultra-compact styling with angled eartips that provide a comfortable, sound-isolating fit. (ATH-LS400iS, US$579.00; ATH-LS300iS, US$389.00; ATH-LS200iS, US$249.00; ATH-LS70iS, US$129.00; ATH-LS50iS, US$79.00; all available in Spring 2017.)
The new VM-Type moving magnet phono cartridges employ the company’s patented V-shaped Dual Magnet design along with a host of modern improvements. The nine models in the VM lineup include three different 700 Series, 600 Series and 500 Series cartridge bodies and three different line contact, elliptical or conical stylus shapes, available in various configurations to deliver optimized playback of all types of stereo, mono and even 78 RPM shellac records. The Dual Magnet design duplicates the “V”-shaped arrangement of the magnets in the cutter head to provide exceptional channel separation, stereo imaging, frequency response and tracking. Pricing ranges from US$109.00 to US$649.00 and all models will be available in February 2017.
In addition, Audio-Technica is demonstrating its recently introduced ultra-high-end AT-ART1000 Direct Power Stereo Moving Coil Cartridge, winner of a CES 2017 Innovation Honoree award (US$4,999.00 available now). The AT-ART1000’s Direct Power System places its dual moving coils directly on top of the stylus tip (rather than at the base of the cantilever as in conventional designs), enabling the cartridge to deliver remarkable fidelity and musical accuracy. CES attendees can experience the extraordinary sound of the AT-ART1000 in Audio-Technica’s demonstration room at The Venetian, Suite 29-236.
Click here for ATH-DSR9BT and ATH-DSR7BT product profile and downloadable high-res images.
Click here for AT-LP3 turntable product profile and downloadable high-res images.
Click here for Solid Bass ATH-CKS990BT and ATH-CKS550BT product profiles and downloadable high-res photos.
Click here for Sound Reality ATH-CKR100iS, ATH-CKR90iS, ATH-CKR70iS and ATH-SR9 product profiles and downloadable high-res photos.
Click here for SonicFuel ATH-AR3BT, ATH-AR3iS, ATH-CKR50iS and ATH-CKR30iS product profiles and downloadable high-res photos.
Click here for Live Sound ATH-LS400iS, ATH-LS300iS, ATH- LS200iS, ATH-LS70iS and ATH-LS50iS product profiles and downloadable high-res photos.
Click here for VM-Type VM760SLC, VM750SH, VM740ML, VM670SP, VM610MONO, VM540ML, VM530EN, VM520EB and VM510CB product profiles and downloadable high-res photos.
Click here for AT-ART1000 product profile and downloadable high-res photos.
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Celebrating over 50 years of audio excellence, Audio-Technica is a recognized leader in the development and manufacture of high-quality personal and professional audio equipment. Founded in Japan in 1962 by Hideo Matsushita, the company made its name by manufacturing state-of-the-art phonograph cartridges and tonearms. Today, Audio-Technica is a worldwide group of companies devoted to creating high-performance microphones, headphones, wireless systems, mixers, turntables, phono cartridges and other electronic products.
A reputation for quality, durability, performance and value has made Audio-Technica products the first choice for many of today’s top musical artists and audio engineers, and for discerning listeners everywhere. Drawing from its audiophile heritage, Audio-Technica remains dedicated to providing music enthusiasts with great-sounding, innovative audio gear, including the award-winning QuietPoint® active noise-cancelling headphones, popular ATH-M50x monitor headphones, versatile USB microphones, and new Hi-Res Audio headphones and high-fidelity gaming headsets. Learn more at www.audio-technica.com.
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— For more information on the complete range of Audio-Technica products, contact Karen Emerson or Crystal Griffith, Audio-Technica U.S., Inc., 1221 Commerce Drive, Stow, OH 44224. Tel: (330) 686-2600; Fax: (330) 688-3752.
— For further information regarding product availability and pricing in Europe, contact Tom Harrold (tharrold@audio-technica-europe.com) or visit our media centre at www.starscreamcommunications.com.
The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Audio-Technica Corporation is under license.
aptX is a registered trademark of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Dnote is a registered trademark of Trigence Semiconductor, Inc.
Audio-Technica is exhibiting at the Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall Ground Level, Booth #20918 and at The Venetian, Suite 29-236 during CES 2017 in Las Vegas, NV.
