Sony Electronics Announces Release of 2016 EXTRA BASS™ and h.ear™ and series Lineup

New headphones, wireless speakers and hi-res Walkman® models deliver rich, elevated sound

03/15/2016

SAN DIEGO, March 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Sony Electronics announced the availability and pricing for its newest lineup of sound products. With the new models in the EXTRA BASS™ and h.ear™ series, Sony makes it possible to enjoy higher sound quality music by applying unique audio technologies that bring listeners closer to the spirit and intent of the artist's original performance. The enhanced EXTRA BASS™ lineup enables users to enjoy the intensity of deep bass notes in a variety of locations and scenarios, just like being at an actual club or live festival. The new h.ear lineup headphones join a growing line of Hi-Res Audio products designed to equip consumers with the best portable products to enjoy a fully immersive, Hi-Res Audio experience. Beginning in March, the EXTRA BASS™ and h.ear™ series will be available for purchase at Amazon, BestBuy.com and other authorized dealers nationwide.

MDR-XB650BT EXTRA BASS Bluetooth(r) Headphones

"At Sony, we are committed to bringing high quality sound products to consumers wherever they are listening to music, at home or on the go," said Dunja LaRosa, Director, Head of Mobile Audio Business, Home Entertainment and Sound, Sony Electronics, North America. "Our new lineup of EXTRA BASS™ and h.ear™ series products are testament to this commitment, playing back music as the artist intended and delivering consumers the ability to enjoy high quality music, regardless of their location."

EXTRA BASS Series

MDR-XB650BT (Headphones)
Currently available for $129.99 MSRP
The Bluetooth® compatible MDR-XB650BT headphones will allow users to experience premium sound quality with the bass booster no matter where they are. The sound technology ideally achieves deep sound at any volume level and is supported by the 30mm driver, exclusive to EXTRA BASS, which enables optimum playback of deep bass notes. Users can enjoy the benefits of the EXTRA BASS diaphragm, which boasts even higher compliance, while maintaining its properties of resistance to amplitude and atmospheric pressure, to achieve highly realistic deep bass notes.

SRS-XB2 and SRS-XB3 (Wireless Speakers)
Currently available for $99.99 and $149.99, respectively MSRP
Sony's SRS-XB3 and SRS-XB2 compact speakers are available with the newly developed wireless full range speaker units (42mm gauge in the SRS-XB2, 48mm gauge in the SRS-XB3). These speakers boast powerful bass notes with a lightweight diaphragm, which improves sound pressure levels, and a strong magnetic circuit which drives low frequency response. Dynamically applying Sony's unique DSP signal processing technology provides rich acoustic sounds as well as punchy and deep bass notes.

GTK-XB7 (Wireless Speaker)
Currently available for $349.99 MSRP
The new high-powered audio system is perfect for rooms and large party venues. The system, equipped with the EXTRA BASS technology, is sure to provide tones that fully sound out punchy and deep bass notes and comes with two large gauge 16cm woofers to amplify the deep bass notes even more. By dynamically applying the optimal compression process to suit various signal levels, bass notes and a rich sense of acoustic pressure can be achieved all the while sustaining excellent audio quality. The GTK-XB7's Digital Sound Enhancement Engine ('DSEE') reproduces the high acoustic range of compressed sound sources to resemble the rich, original sound much more closely.

h.ear series

h.ear on wireless NC, headphones (MDR-100ABN)
On sale online March 27, on shelves April 12 for $349.99 MSRP

The new h.ear on Wireless NC cuts out distracting ambient noise to let consumers focus on the music. Dual noise sensor technology featuring Digital Noise Canceling software reduces a variety of ambient sound through microphones both inside and outside the housings. What's more, the Automatic Al Noise Canceling function constantly analyzes environmental ambient sound and selects the most effective noise-canceling mode.

Delivering Hi-Res Audio compatibility, the h.ear on Wireless NC featuring 40 mm HD drivers, reproduce sounds up to 40 kHz, and DSEE™ technology, resulting in reproduces natural and expansive sound. Augmented bass is complimented by lightweight CCAW voice coils, which yield high-linearity responses in high-pitched sounds. Aiming to provide a superior sound experience, the domes of the acoustic diaphragms have been titanium-coated to minimize unwanted vibrations. Meanwhile, Beat Response Control improves the transient characteristic in bass reproduction and delivers accurate rhythm, while an acoustic port on the housing controls air flow for optimal diaphragm movement and additional bass range.

The h.ear on wireless NC headphones come with a matching cable for when you prefer to be wired for sound, and Bluetooth® and One-touch NFC when you prefer to listen wirelessly. LDAC transmits approximately three times more data (at the maximum transfer rate: 990 kbps) than conventional Bluetooth® Audio, which allows you to enjoy High-Resolution Audio content in exceptional sound quality near to High-Resolution Audio.

h.ear in wireless, in-ear headphones (MDR-EX750BT)
On sale online March 27, on shelves March 29 for $199.99 MSRP

The new h.ear in Wireless combine audio quality with convenience and comfort. Featuring a compact 9 mm driver unit, the h.ear in Wireless achieves broadband playback through optimization of the diaphragm shape, and enhanced driving power from an outer magnetic pathtype magnetic circuit. Like the h.ear on Wireless NC, the h.ear in Wireless utilizes Beat Response Control. Clear voice handsfree calling with built in microphone and HD Voice support is also included. With a slim smooth body and natural curved shape, the h.ear in Wireless gently fits around the neck for optimum comfort and portability.

The h.ear in wireless, in-ear headphones also come with a matching cable for those times you prefer to be wired for sound, and Bluetooth® and One-touch NFC for when you prefer to listen to music wirelessly. LDAC transmits approximately three times more data (at the maximum transfer rate: 990 kbps) than conventional Bluetooth® Audio, which allows you to enjoy High-Resolution Audio content in exceptional sound quality near to High-Resolution Audio.

h.ear go wireless speaker (SRS-HG1)
On sale online now, on shelves April 13 for $199.99 MSRP
The new h.ear.go is the world's smallest Hi-Res compatible, portable wireless speakers with up to 12 hours of battery time. Delivering uncompromising premium audio quality in a round compact and portable unit, the h.ear.go is equipped with all new Hi-Res compatible φ35mm gauge full range speaker unit and Sony's own unique DSP signal processing to achieve powerful bass notes. The new h.ear.go supports Google Cast, Spotify Connect and multi-room capability via Sony SongPal link. Additionally, multiple speakers can be combined to create wireless surround and wireless stereo creating the ability to enjoy the same music in every room throughout the home (available via software upgrade summer 2016).

NW-A26HN Walkman
Available for presale March 14, on-shelves April 4 for $319.99 MSRP
The A26 Walkman adds more color to life with a simple stylish design in new colors and a vibrant music experience with Hi-Res Audio compatibility. The Walkman is available in five vibrant hues which match the h.ear series colors and comes with a matching pair of noise canceling earbuds. The included earbuds work in conjunction with the A26HN Walkman to provide Digital Noise Canceling to mute distractions from the outside world.

NW-ZX100HN Walkman
On sale online now, on-shelves April 4 for $699.99 MSRP
The world's first Hi-Res noise canceling digital music player, the NW-ZX100 has a powerful combination of high-end audio technologies – for detailed, lossless playback for all your music, whether through headphones or speakers. Meticulously engineered with premium circuitry, refined aluminum body and Noise Canceling technology, so your only focus is the music.

For more information, please visit www.sony.com/news.

Sony.

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SOURCE Sony Electronics

For further information: Thomas Laemmel, Sony Electronics Home Entertainment and Sound, 858.942.9564, Thomas.Laemmel@am.sony.com