SONY HEADPHONES RAISE HOME THEATRE TO BALCONY LEVEL
Featherweight Design and Technology Enhancements Drive Audio Quality
LAS VEGAS, March 8, 2005 - With the growing popularity of movies-through-the-mail, the American living room is now the best seat in the house and Sony headphones are part of the ticket. Each month, millions of Americans visit their mailbox, grab the popcorn in the kitchen and enjoy a high quality in home theatrical experience which, of course, includes crystal clear sound.
"Typically, home theatre enthusiasts have outfitted their home with a high quality entertainment system, and state-of-the-art headphones enhance that experience," said Jim Leahey, director of peripherals and enhancement products at Sony Electronics. "Recent awards given for sound mixing and sound editing demonstrate the thought and detail that goes into cinematic audio, which deserves to be heard as intended."
It takes a wide frequency range to produce high quality sound, and Sony's new Super Audio series delivers this capability. The three new Super Audio models are lightweight, open air headphones and include exclusive Nano composite and high definition drivers for ample sound output. A wide and pressure-dispersing head pad and mechanical frame structure ensure a comfortable, lightweight fit.
The entry level MDR-SA1000 model offers cloth ear pads, a durable plastic frame structure and an 8-80 kHz frequency response.
Stepping up, there is the MDR-SA3000 model which has 50mm Nano composite high definition driver units for deep bass, low distortion and a wide dynamic range, with a carbon composite frame structure for a featherweight fit.
The MDR-SA5000 model, the last in the series, weighs just 240 grams. A magnesium frame structure and leather ear pads contribute strength and comfort with no additional weight. The MDR-SA1000, MDR-SA3000 and MDR-SA5000 will be available this month for about $200, $350 and $700, respectively.
For the first time, Sony is introducing an Extended Dynamic series, ideal for home theatre enjoyment. Most models can be adjusted between two modes - music or movies - to optimize listening pleasure. In movie mode, wider and more powerful bass reproduces movie theatre sound while the music mode reproduces natural sound.
The MDR-XD100 model offers a frequency response of 12-22 kHz and 40mm ferrite magnets for ample sound output. With its closed-type design and stylish look, these headphones are ready to bring entertainment at an affordable price.
The MDR-XD200 model offers powerful 40 mm Neodymium magnets for high energy, and the long stroke diaphragm and frequency response of 10-22 kHz ensures excellent sound reproduction.
Available this month, the MDR-XD100 and MDR-XD200 models are expected to sell for about $20 and about $30, respectively.
Both the MDR-XD300 and MDR-XD400 models are equipped with movie/music mode and include a wide area suspender which disperses pressure over the head, allowing for a relaxed fit.
With a long stroke diaphragm, the MDR-XD300 model comes with powerful 40 mm Neodymium magnets and offers a frequency response of 8-25kHz.
The MDR-XD400 model is a closed-type design with unshakeable 50 mm Neodymium magnets and a frequency response of 5-30kHz.
The MDR-XD300 and MDR-XD400 models are coming to market this month for about $60 and $100, respectively.
For the most dedicated armchair director, the MDR-DS4000 model is a must-have with its Digital Infrared audio transmission for both movies and music. The virtual 5.1 channel surround mode means the mighty 40 mm Neodymium magnets are fully optimized, and the compression function ensures sound is properly adjusted for home theatre usage. With complete audio surround, what else is there to do but get lost? The MDR-DS4000 model will be available this month for about $300.
Editor's Note: News releases and digital images with captions are available at http://www.sony.com/news. For information regarding the nearest Sony authorized dealer or service location, your readers can call 1-800-222-SONY.
