Sony Unveils New Line Of High Performance Balanced Armature In-Ear Headphones And Headsets
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 deep and rich sound across all models.
Sony XBA-4iP
“Today more than ever, consumers expect the best possible sound from their headphones,” said Andrew Sivori, Vice President of the Personal Audio Group at Sony Electronics. “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-1iP through XBA-4iP models, come in a version with Apple® 3-button control, adding a microphone, track, and volume control functionality.
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.
To complete the line, three single-driver solutions including the noise canceling XBA-NC85D, the rinsable XBA-S65 sports model, and the Bluetooth XBA-BT75, offer the extra utility needed for unique listening needs.
World’s First Boxless In-Ear Digital Noise Canceling 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.
Rinsable
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. Rinsable 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.
Wireless Music on the Go
The XBA-BT75 boxless Bluetooth® headset features a Smart Charge system with no external battery. Sony achieved a boxless Bluetooth headset thanks to minimized electrical circuits and micro-sized BA drivers. In addition, the supplied carrying case, while keeping the ear buds safely stowed, can also charge the headphones on-the-go up to 2.5 times.
Sizing
The XBA-1, XBA-2, XBA-3 and XBA-4 headphones, as well as the iP headsets with Apple® 3-button control, 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. The XBA-BT75 comes supplied with hybrid silicone rubber 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 Inc.’s booth at 2012 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 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.com, http://www.amazon.com, and other authorized retailers nationwide at the following pricing: XBA-1,$79.99; XBA-2, $199.99; XBA-3, 279.99; XBA-4, $349.99; XBA-1ip, $99.99; XBA-2ip, $219.99; XBA-3ip, $299.99; XBA-4ip, $369.99; XBA-S65, $89.99; XBA-BT75, $299.99; XBA-NC85D, $499.99.
Print this article
Related articles
- Oct 4, 2018
Sony Announces New Premium Headphones Including IER-Z1R Priced At 2300 USD
Sony today announced the expansion of its Signature Series premium audio products, introduced a new line of in-ear stage monitor headphones, and showed the successor to the highly acclaimed MDR-Z7 over-the-ear headband headset at the Rocky Mountain International Audio Fest (RMAF). Housing integrated sound path: IER-M9 and IER-M7 has an outer housing molded sound path; the sound path realizes ideal frequency response with its short and wide sound path that suppress peaky acoustic resonance.. - Aug 29, 2018
Sony WH-1000XM3 Headphones Offer The Next-Level Noise Cancellation
Sony today announced the WH-1000XM3 noise cancelling headphones, the newest addition to the highly acclaimed Sony 1000X family. Another improvement is the Customizable Automatic Power Off function on the companion Headphones Connect app, which can enable the headphones to stay on and in noise cancellation mode without being connected to a device - perfect for reducing noise without listening to music, like when wanting to rest peacefully on a long haul flight... - Jan 8, 2018
New Wireless Sports Headphones From Sony: WF-SP700N, WI-SP600N and WI-SP500
Sony announced today three new sports wireless headphones for the active, stylish music lover. The WF-SP700N truly wireless and WI-SP600N in-ear headphones provide wireless noise cancelling where noise cancelling has seldom gone before, such as in a high intensity cardio class or while walking or jogging... - Jan 8, 2018
Sony Announces MDR-1AM2 Headphones
Sony announced today the latest in Hi-Resolution headphones, the MDR-1AM2. “At Sony, we are committed to bringing high quality sound to consumers”.. - Aug 31, 2017
Sony Presents WF-1000X, WI-1000X and WH-1000XM2 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Sony announced today three wireless headphones with industry leading noise cancellation technology. New models bring Sony industry leading noise cancelling technology to truly wireless style and behind-the-neck style headphones, with the world’s first Atmospheric Pressure Optimizing and Adaptive Sound Control...
