SONY CANADA EXPANDS HIGH-RESOLUTION AUDIO LINE WITH THREE NEW HEADPHONES, PORTABLE HEADPHONE DAC/AMPLIFIER AND HEADPHONE CABLES

Enjoy music at a higher sound quality by applying unique audio technologies that brings listeners closer to the spirit and intent of the artist’s original performance

TORONTO, October 11, 2014 – Further continuing the commitment to bring premium High-Resolution audio to consumers everywhere, Sony Canada today introduced an expanded range of portable audio options to enjoy Hi-Res sound on-the-go. This premium range includes three new headphones: the MDR-Z7 headband type Hi-Res Headphones delivering music closer to the original studio recording; MDR-1ADAC Hi-Res Headphones with Integrated DAC/Amplifier for incredible detailed audio; XBA-Z5 Hi-Res In-Ear Headphones when portability and stereo sonic performance are paramount. In addition the new PHA-3 Portable Headphone DAC/ Amplifier will be available which converts low quality music to higher grade sound, and several headphone cables including models engineered with audio pioneer Kimber Kable® using the highest quality materials for the ultimate sound experience.

“By continuing to expand our Hi-Res audio line, we continue to push the envelope and offer the best Hi-Res products for our customers to elevate the listening experience beyond their normal expectations,” said Adele D’Abarno, director, Sony Canada Audio group. “Our new Hi-Res headphones and PHA-3 Portable Headphone Amplifier are great examples – as are the new line of headphone and cables, some of which were created in close collaboration with Kimber Kable to achieve the best playback suitable for Hi-Res audio.”

MDR-Z7 Hi-Res Headphones

The MDR-Z7 headphones meld ultra-responsive audio performance, a solid, thoughtfully designed aluminum structure and lush, ergonomic, enfolding comfort for an unparalleled listening experience. The large 70 mm HD drivers deliver a sound wave similar to that of a loudspeaker, keeping every note precise, no matter how high the volume is. With their massive size, these drivers create a plane wave effect in the earcups that prevents reflection delays and minimises sound loss. Listeners hear all the emotion and energy of the original recording with punchy bass and crystal clear high notes. Lightweight and responsive Aluminum-coated Liquid Crystal Polymer diaphragms also provide a more consistent and precise sound across the entire frequency range.

Additionally, the MDR-Z7 comprises a balanced cable consisting of four silver-coated copper wires, and independent ground wires for both channels, the audio channel is improved for better sound. Unlike conventional headphones which share a ground wire, the cord includes left, right and independent ground wires for both channels, giving listeners less distortion and cross-talk.

Made in Japan, the MDR-Z7 exudes quality and precision workmanship. The pressure-relieving, ergonomic urethane ear pads were designed using the latest 3D sewing in order to keep the square shape of the internal cushion from crushing or hardening. The MDR-Z7 also includes an Inward Axis structure that utilizes a slanted swivel axis design to bring the pads closer to your ears, for improved stability, better bass response and long-term comfort.

MDR-1ADAC Hi-Res Headphones with Integrated DAC/Amplifier

The newly created MDR-1ADAC headphones enable listeners to experience the best from multiple digital audio devices. The MDR-1ADAC headphones come with multiple-inputs and the cables that are necessary to connect to a smartphone, portable audio player or PC. The built-in rechargeable battery provides up to 7.5 hours of continuous playback and when the battery runs low, you can continue to enjoy your music in a conventional manner.

The MDR-1ADAC can also play both PCM (at up to 192 kHz /24-bit) and professionally produced DSD (at up to 5.6 MHz) music files directly, without the need of an external decoder.  Additionally, its built-in S-Master HX™ digital amplifier reduces noise and distortion across all frequencies, delivering ground-shaking lows and delicate highs.

In order to accelerate the Hi-Res experience, Sony has created several different cables for direct connection – including the specially developed thin and flexible USB connecting cable, the digital connecting cables specifically for Walkman® and Xperia® devices, an exclusive iOS Lightning connector cable for iPod, iPad and iPhone connectivity, as well as a conventional audio connecting cable.

XBA-Z5 Hi-Res In-Ear buds

Similarly to the MDR-Z7 headband type headphones, the new XBA-Z5 in-ear headphones are also Balanced Audio Capable and take full advantage of dedicated left and right channel connectivity for improved separation loss and a stellar listening experience.

The XBA-Z5 can also reproduce up to 40,000 Hz, whilst most people can only hear frequencies from 20-20,000 Hz. With an extended frequency range, listeners can hear the richness of live and studio-quality music experiences, which is normally lost with compressed digital files or other in-ear headphones.

Its compact in-ear design consistently delivers Hi-Res audio reproduction via its newly developed, Linear Drive Balanced Armature technology which utilizes a more symmetrical design for enhanced waveform reproduction of ultrasonic frequencies for Hi-Res audio.

The XBA-Z5 incorporates 16mm dynamic driver units with Aluminum-Coated LCP diaphragms also enable more lifelike sound, with rich, deep bass response and its ultra-compact, lightweight magnesium housing, has the necessary rigidity in preventing vibration for listening to music anywhere on-the-go.

The XBA-Z5’s easily adjustable ear-hanger design with shape-memory resin also allows for a secure and comfortable fit which can be moulded precisely for each individual ear, while significantly lowering sound leakage. With two pairs of detachable cables for both balanced and unbalanced connections, the XBA-Z5 is ideal for use with the Sony PHA-3 Portable Headphone Amplifier.

PHA-3 Portable Headphone DAC/Amplifier

Sony’s new PHA-3 portable DAC/Headphone amplifier lets consumers enjoy their favorite Hi-Res digital music in a whole new way. It takes the digital output of your PC, smartphone or Walkman and converts the signal to an analogue output for amplification. By utilizing balanced audio outputs with dedicated left and right channels it delivers an optimized listening experience. In addition, using the ESS Technology, Inc. ES9018 D/A converter the PHA-3 offers outstanding audio performance.

Whether at home or on-the-go, the PHA-3 can decode virtually any PCM (up to 384 kHz/32bit) or DSD (up to 5.6MHz) audio source, for maximum flexibility.  You can also use Sony’s exclusive DSEE HX™ technology to upscale low resolution audio sources (MP3, AAC, ATRAC, and WMA) to achieve near high-resolution audio quality. This technology restores the subtleties of the original recording, such as a violin’s most delicate notes, simulating the sound of live performance.

Flexible connectivity maximizes the personal audio experience no matter the input source – smartphone, portable audio player, PC or other analogue devices. The PHA-3 uses durable materials: compact aluminum to enclose the delicate circuitry from internal or external interference, front bumpers which protect the volume knob and headphone connectors from external impact, and recessed control switches which help to reduce the chance of accidental access during playback. The internal rechargeable battery provides approximately five hours of balanced audio playback when connected via USB, or up to 28 hours of playback when connected using the analogue 1/8” stereo input.

Headphone Cables including Kimber Kable Collaboration Models

As the performance of Sony headphones have improved over recent years, the demand for headphone cables that deliver high-fidelity headphone audio reproduction has also increased – encouraging Sony to provide more advanced and diversified cables for customers.

Sony is introducing a series of unique headphone MUC-B cables in pursuit of further high-quality sound playback suitable for Hi-Res music. These headphone cables, engineered in partnership with Kimber Kable namely for use with the MDR-Z7 ultimate Hi-Res headphone include: the MUC-B12SM1 High-Performance Portable Audio Headphone Cable (1.2m with 1/8” stereo connectivity), the MUC-B20BL1 High-Performance Balanced Audio Headphone Cable (2.0m with balanced stereo L/R connectivity), and the MUC-B30UM1 High-Performance Connecting Cable (3.0m with 1/3” stereo connectivity). Engineered in collaboration with Kimber Kable, the cables are one-of-a-kind and ensure an outstanding Hi-Res experience.

Ray Kimber, inventor, engineer and entrepreneur of Kimber Kable, expressed his sentiment around the collaboration by stating, “Sony is known for their excellent headphone and speaker quality and, since 1979, Kimber Kable has been known for creating high performance cables. Working in tandem with Sony, we’re now able to create the best sound experience possible through the use of the highest quality materials possible – it has been wonderful to watch unfold.”

The 8-wire braided headphone cable was designed in close collaboration with Kimber Kable, utilizing their braiding technology and high performance cable expertise. Braided cables naturally reject outside interference, reduce intra-conductor sonic degradation and result in lowered noise floor and optimized electrical parameters. Additionally, the cables engineered with Kimber Kable utilize a 4-core structure with separated grounds — which improve the stereo separation and balance audio fidelity. The design is a perfect balance of fidelity, flexibility and durability that has never been achieved in the industry before.

Additionally, Sony is introducing the MUC-S20BL1, MUC-S30UM1 and MUC-S12SM1 cables. Each cable use a multi-gauge conductor and twisted pair cable structure which twist hot and cold signal lines with each other, resulting in a reduced loss of signal transmission. The influence of the current noise caused by external magnetic fluxes that go through the cable is also reduced through this twisted pair structure, resulting in Hi-Res sound with a sense of presence. These Sony cables utilize a two-layer conductor composed of silver-coated OFC (Oxygen Free Copper), resulting in smooth high note frequency reproduction that minimizes signal transmission loss & sound deterioration. The MUC-M20BL1 and MUC-M12SM1 Sony cables apply a twisted 4-pole structure, the magnetic flux caused by signal current is cancelled and the current noise influence from outside is reduced, resulting in a rich, stable sound that reproduces the air of the original recorded atmosphere. MUC-S cables are designed for the MDR-1A and the MUC-M cables are designed for XBA-Z5 headphones.

Pricing and Availability

MDR-Z7 Hi-Res Stereo Headphones will be available in October for a suggested retail price of $699.99 at Sony stores and other authorized dealers nationwide.

MDR-1ADAC Hi-Res Stereo Headphones will be available in January for a suggested retail price of $399.99 at Sony stores and other authorized dealers nationwide.

XBA-Z5 Hi-Res, in-ear headphones will be available in November for a suggested retail price of $699.99 at Sony stores and other authorized dealers nationwide.

PHA-3 Portable DAC/Headphone Amplifier will be available in October for a suggested retail price of $999.99 at Sony stores and other authorized dealers nationwide.

MUC-B20BL1 High-Performance Balanced headphone cable engineered with Kimber Kable and the MUC-B30UM1 High-Performance headphone cable engineered with Kimber Kable will be available for a suggested retail price of $249.99 at Sony stores and other authorized dealers nationwide.

MUC-B12SMI High-Performance Portable Audio headphone cable engineered with Kimber Kable will be for a suggested retail price of $229.99 at Sony stores and other authorized dealers nationwide.

MUC-S20BL1 connecting and the MUC-S30UM1 connecting cable will be available for a suggested retail price of $109.99 at Sony stores and other authorized dealers nationwide.

MUC-S12SM1 connecting cable will be available a suggested retail price of $99.99 at Sony stores and other authorized dealers nationwide.

MUC-M20BL1 connecting cable will be available for a suggested retail price of $119.99 at Sony stores and other authorized dealers nationwide.

MUC-M12SM1 connecting cable will be available for a suggested retail price of $109.99 at Sony stores and other authorized dealers nationwide.

All the new cables will be available in November. For more information including technical specifications on all models listed above, visit store.sony.ca.

Technical Specifications

Press Contacts:

Ved Khan
Sony of Canada Ltd
ved_khan@sony.ca
416-495-3703

Jasmine Dhaliwal
National Public Relations
jdhaliwal@national.ca
416-848-1702

About Sony of Canada Ltd.

Established in 1955, Sony of Canada Ltd. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation, of Tokyo, Japan, a world leader in audio, video, communications and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. Sony’s market-leading connected devices include BRAVIA® 4K televisions, Sony Mobile Smartphones and Tablets, Digital SLR cameras, Action-Cam and Handycam® Camcorders along with many other innovative products that deliver a true entertainment experience.

Sony is one of the most comprehensive entertainment companies in the world with a portfolio that includes electronics, music, movies, PlayStation gaming and online businesses; the Sony Entertainment Network (SEN) offers the ultimate destination to watch, listen, play and connect across Sony devices through one convenient account. Sony is an innovator in high-definition and 4K professional broadcast and video equipment, highlighted by the XDCAM® HD and CineAlta™ lines of cameras and camcorders, and SXRD™ and Laser light source LCD digital projectors. Sony also offers a full line of professional products for Audio, Medical, Security and Visual Imaging applications.

With headquarters in Toronto, sales offices in Vancouver and Montreal and a Whitby, Ontario distribution centre, Sony Canada employees support a network of more than 313 dealers and a number of Sony retail locations across Canada.

Sony Canada is devoted to the betterment of children, the environment, and the community. Through the Sony Canada Charitable Foundation (SCCF), Sony Canada aims to maximize its support of charitable and philanthropic organizations, including Make-A-Wish® Canada, the United Way of Canada and Earth Day Canada.

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