Audio-Technica has begun rolling out their rather varied headphone collection for 2011, a wide lineup with something for every need and budget. A trio of new audiophile models expands their current high-end choices. The over-ear ATH-W1000x "Grandioso" headphones (suggested retail price $699.95) are the tenth generation of Audio-Technica's W Series, a favorite among music lovers. The ear cups of the ATH-W1000x have an American black cherry wood housing for both esthetics and performance: the wood's anti-resonant quality contributes to the clarity and resolution.
They also employ a large-diameter 53mm driver, high-power rare earth-magnet drive system and OFC-6N oxygen-free copper-wire voice coils, in addition to a new Double Air Damping System and further new tweaks. As a result, they offer a 5-42,000Hz frequency response, smooth tonal balance with deep bass, natural midrange reproduction and extended treble. They also feature Audio-Technica's self-adjusting 3D Wing Support Housing that automatically adapts to fit any wearer without adjustment.
The open-air ATH-AD900 ($299.99) headphones combine superior sound with high comfort, owing to a lightweight, honeycomb aluminum casing and the self-adjusting 3D Wing Support Housing. The 53mm drivers with neodymium magnets and Audio-Technica's copper-clad aluminum-wire voice coil technology empower a 5-35,000Hz frequency response on the ATH-AD900 cans, which also offer a ten-foot (three-meter) Hi-OFC oxygen-free copper cord with a 1/8-inch (3.5 mm) stereo mini-plug and included 1/4-inch adapter.
The ATH-A900 ($249.99) closed-back 'phones kick up the bass with that Double Air Damping System: beyond the main air chamber that houses the driver, the earpieces have another chamber that operates in tandem with the specially shaped housing and port to focus the airflow produced by the driver movement and enhance its bass output. The 53mm-driver ATH-A900 promises a 5-40,000Hz frequency response thanks to its oxygen-free copper voice coil and rare-earth magnets, along with the 3D Wing Support Housing and generously padded earpieces. And those matte blue aluminum earcups are mighty snazzy.
Audio-Technica is also introducing their all-new "Solid Bass" headphones in two over-ear and two in-ear models. As we would hope, Solid Bass headphones deliver strong low end, but also accurate midrange and treble, ideal for music listeners with a penchant for bass-driven hard rock/metal, hip-hop and electronica. Solid Bass technology utilizes the company's Double Air Damping System, which puts an additional air chamber in the earpiece, working with the specially shaped housing to again focus the air flow and increase bass output.
The over-ear 'phones are the ATH-WS70 and ATH-WS50, priced at $149.95 and $99.95, respectively. Their earpads further enhance bass response by providing an acoustic seal, attenuating outside noise and preventing sound leakage. They also utilize large-diameter drivers and rare-earth magnets. The eartips of the in-ear ATH-CKS70 and ATH-CKS50 ($119.95 and $69.95) meanwhile are designed for maximum bass response with a new, movable two-position post that lets wearers adjust them for the best fit, sound isolation and low-frequency performance. These also feature Audio-Technica's direct-diaphragm driver design that mounts the diaphragm assembly (the moving internal part that produces sound) directly onto the edge of the enclosure for increased fidelity and dynamic impact.
Audio-Technica's most unusual new product for 2011 has to be their in-ear ATH-ANC23 QuietPoint Active Noise-Canceling (ANC) Headphones, which deliver industry-leading 90% active noise reduction in earbud form, at an attractive suggested price of only $99.95. QuietPoint active noise-canceling technology detects environmental noise with the help of tiny microphones inside each earpiece, then applies a corresponding sound-canceling audio signal. The ATH-ANC23 can also work in a passive mode when the battery runs dry.
Their in-line volume control makes for easy level adjustment without fumbling for the iPod or the airplane armrest buttons. The new Comply eartips are made of viscoelastic polyurethane memory foam (30 times softer than standard silicone) in a patented design that exploits the shape of the ear canal, allowing the tip to rest inside the canal instead of over the ear. They also offer a comfortable fit that provides further passive noise reduction. The ATH-ANC23 in-ear noise-canceling earbuds also arrive with small, medium and large silicone eartips, a soft drawstring carrying case, airline adapter plug and the one necessary AAA battery to get us started.
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