Press Release

January 10, 2012

SONY UNVEILS NEW LINE OF HIGH PERFORMANCE BALANCED ARMATURE IN-EAR HEADPHONES AND HEADSETS FOR IMMERSIVE AUDIO EXPERIENCE

Lineup includes world's smallest and lightest digital noise cancelling headphones

LAS VEGAS (CES Booth #14200), January 9, 2012 – Sony today unveiled their all new Balanced Armature (BA) in-ear headphone series. Combining BA driver technology with Sony's expertise in superior sound quality, style, and comfort, this new series offers the truest sound reproduction and significant performance advantages that fit nearly every lifestyle.

With their micro-size driver construction and high sensitivity, the BA headphones achieve incredible sound resolution. At a quarter of the size of a conventional 13.5mm dynamic driver, the uniquely designed BA driver delivers a higher level of sensitivity in a more compact size. Due to their sealed housings, the headphones significantly reduce ambient noise and the level of sound leakage as compared to dynamic drivers, resulting in a deeper and richer sound across all models.

"Today more than ever, consumers expect the best possible sound from their headphones," said Hideaki Koita, Marketing Manager of the Personal Audio Group at Sony Canada. "Our new Balanced Armature line delivers an amazingly accurate listening experience, in form factors that satisfy nearly any use case."

High Quality Listening for Every Need

Featuring the newly developed, micro-sized and fully tuned BA driver units, the XBA-1, XBA-2, XBA-3 and XBA-4 headphones include one (full range), two (full range + woofer), three (full range + woofer + tweeter), and four (full range + woofer + tweeter + super woofer) BA driver units, respectively, for superior sound reproduction and quality. The ability to combine woofer and tweeter drivers in addition to the standard full-range driver is appealing to music lovers seeking an even more impressive listening experience, with bass and treble frequency ranges reproduced in even higher-fidelity.

Enclosed in a newly developed double-layered housing, the high-quality magnesium inner housing for the XBA-2, XBA-3 and the XBA-4 headphones, along with the Liquid Crystal Polymer housing of the XBA-1 model, holds the BA driver units rigidly in place for smooth sound response. The micro-sized BA drivers incorporate a noise blocking structure that prevents sound from leaking in or out, while also providing the ultimate in-ear fit and comfort.

For iPod, iPhone and iPad users, XBA come in a version with Apple 3-button control, adding a microphone, track, and volume control functionality.

To complete the line, three single-driver solutions including the noise canceling XBA-NC85D, the rinsable XBA-S65 sports model, offer the extra utility needed for unique listening needs.

World's First Boxless In-Ear Digital Noise Cancelling Headphones

The XBA-NC85D BA headphones feature the world's first box-free design – no battery box required – and the smallest and lightest in-ear digital noise cancelling headphones in the market today. With the battery included in the headphone, the result is a sleek, lightweight and compact design. This is made possible by the headphone's micro-sized BA driver unit and power-saving integrated DNC processor. The XBA-NC85D features extra-long battery life of up to 20 hours, and is coupled with a supplied portable compact USB charge adapter.

Because there are different types of noise, Sony's Artificial Intelligence Noise Canceling technology automatically selects the appropriate response based on intuitive analysis of ambient noise.  Sony's digital signal processing technology effectively reduces up to 97.5% of ambient noise whether on an airplane, on a train, or in an office.  

Water resistant

The XBA-S65 sports headphones are designed to closely match the contours of the ear and are suitable for the active consumer looking for a quality audio accessory on-the-run. Water resistant and waterproof (meeting IPX5 and IPX7 waterproof standards), the XBA-S65 headphones feature a high sound transmission waterproof film coating, while an adjustable ear loop mechanism provides secure comfort – all without sacrificing audio performance.

Sizing

The XBA-1, XBA-2, XBA-3 and XBA-4 headphones, come supplied with hybrid silicone rubber ear buds in four different sizes for a secure and comfortable fit, along with uniquely designed noise isolation ear buds in three sizes, while the XBA-S65 model includes four sizes. The XBA-NC85D headphones come with noise isolation ear buds in three sizes.

Pricing and Availability

The BA models will be displayed to the public for the first time at Sony Electronics' booth at CES 2012 in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, booth #14200 and will be available in March 2012 at Sony Stores, including online at http://store.sony.ca/ and other authorized retailers nationwide at the following pricing: XBA-1,$89.9979.99; XBA-2, $199.99; XBA-3, 299.99; XBA-4, $349.99; XBA-1ip, $99.99;; XBA-S65, $89.99;; XBA-NC85D, $499.99.  Pre-orders are available now.

 *Editor's Note:
Press releases are available for news media on the Sony of Canada news and information website at http://sony.ca/presscentre .

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 High Definition. Sony provides end-to-end solutions through products that include the market-leading Blu-ray Disc™ players, BRAVIA® televisions, Cyber-shot® digital cameras, Handycam® Camcorders, VAIO® computers, broadcast cameras, IPELA security cameras and video conferencing and many more products that deliver the true entertainment experience.

 

Sony is one of the most comprehensive entertainment companies in the world with a portfolio that includes electronics, music, movies, games and online businesses. With headquarters in Toronto, sales offices in Vancouver and Montreal and distribution centres in Coquitlam, British Columbia, and Whitby, Ontario, Sony Canada employees support a network of more than 500 authorized 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. 

 

Contact:

Christina Stefanski
Public Relations Specialist
Sony of Canada Ltd.
416-718-5048
christina_stefanski@sony.ca

 

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