STOW, OH, January 3, 2017 — At CES 2017 Audio-Technica is expanding its lineup of wireless headphones with Bluetooth technology with the introduction of its high-performance/high-value ATH-AR3BT on-ear model, Solid Bass® ATH-CKS990BT and ATH-CKS550BT in-ear headphones and the ATH-DSR9BT and ATH-DSR7BT Hi-Res Audio over-ear wireless headphones incorporating all-new Pure Digital Drive technology (please refer to the separate press release for the ATH-DSR9BT and ATH-DSR7BT).
“At CES 2017 we’re increasing our selection of wireless headphones to accommodate growing worldwide customer demand,” said Crystal Griffith, Audio-Technica U.S. Marketing Manager. “While wireless is all about convenience and mobility, sound quality comes first at Audio-Technica, and the new models incorporate a number of technical advancements that take wireless headphone performance to new levels of audio quality.”
The ATH-AR3BT offers 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. It features a new dynamic driver with a powerful magnetic circuit to deliver impactful bass with extended frequency response. The ATH-AR3BT employs aptX® sound-improvement technology, specifically created to yield superior audio performance over Bluetooth transmission. In addition, the ATH-AR3BT has its electronics on a circuit board mounted on the driver’s flange (unlike many headphones with electronics mounted where they create unequal airflow), in order to facilitate even diaphragm movement.
Like all Audio-Technica headphones featuring Bluetooth wireless technology, the ATH-AR3BT remembers up to eight previously paired devices for ready pairing with the listener’s favorite audio sources, and includes a built-in mic and controller for answering calls and controlling volume and music playback. The ATH-AR3BT is rechargeable via its supplied USB cable and provides up to 30 hours of battery life with wireless use.
Connecting devices is simple thanks to the headphone’s NFC (Near Field Communication) functionality – simply touch any NFC-compatible device to the “N” logo on the headphones and the device and headphones are automatically paired and connected. Available in black or white finish in Spring 2017, the ATH-AR3BT comes with a headphone cable, allowing its use as wired headphones (or to continue listening if its rechargeable battery runs out), and a USB charging cable.
Audio-Technica’s Solid Bass ATH-CKS990BT and ATH-CKS550BT in-ear wireless headphones offer improved sound and wireless functionality over the previous models, along with more comfortable ergonomics, with the headphones’ control buttons located in front of the neckband for easier access and a more comfortable fit with better balance. Both headphones are equipped to answer calls, control music playback and control volume.
The ATH-CKS990BT and ATH-CKS550BT employ new Dual Magnetic Field Multiple-Transition driver diaphragms (13 mm and 9.8 mm respectively) that deliver impactful bass along with clearer midrange and treble. The ATH-CKS990BT features a Dual Bass Venting System that optimizes internal air damping for superlative bass reproduction, and includes aptX sound-improvement technology. The ATH-CKS550BT employs an efficient single-chamber bass venting system. Both models offer NFC functionality for easy pairing with connected devices. Both come with XS/S/M/L eartips, a USB charging cable, and a cable for use if the battery runs out. The ATH-CKS990BT will be available in black in Spring 2017 at US$199.00; the ATH-CKS550BT will begin shipping in Spring 2017 in a choice of black/gold and white finishes at US$119.00.
The ATH-DSR9BT and ATH-DSR7BT are the first wireless headphones to employ Audio-Technica’s new Pure Digital Drive system, which keeps the audio signal completely digital from the source directly to the headphones’ drivers, without the need for D/A conversion stages that typically degrade the sound quality.
In other headphones using Bluetooth wireless technology, the digital signal goes through a series of steps that process and transform the wireless signal. With each processing step, there’s an opportunity for distortion and disruption in the audio quality. With the ATH-DSR9BT’s Pure Digital Drive system, Audio-Technica combines its engineering know-how in designing headphone drivers with the latest technology. In the system, the Trigence Semiconductor’s Dnote® chipset is used instead of a traditional D/A converter and amplifier. The Dnote system keeps the audio signal entirely in the digital domain from the source right through to the driver, thereby eliminating the opportunities for disruption or distortion that occur in the conversion stages employed in traditional systems. The digital pulses generated by the chipset directly excite the voice coil(s) of the driver to move the diaphragm forward and backward to create the sound waves heard by the user.
The rechargeable ATH-DSR9BT and ATH-DSR7BT support aptX HD, aptX and AAC codecs (as well as the SBC format) 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. They feature a built-in mic, volume control and a simple tap control for answering/ending calls and playing/pausing music on a compatible device. Both will be available in Spring 2017 at US$549.00 and US$299.00 respectively.
The new models join Audio-Technica’s currently available ATH-S700BT, noise-cancelling ATH-ANC40BT, ATH-WS99BT and ATH-SR5BT to create a complete lineup of wireless headphones with Bluetooth technology for every listening preference and budget.
Click on the following links for ATH-AR3BT, ATH-CKS990BT, ATH-CKS550BT, ATH-DSR9BT and ATH-DSR7BT product profiles 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.
