CES 2017

And you thought that headphones were all the same – just two cans with magnetics and stuff inside. Audio-Technica politely, but urgently, wants to update that notion with a plethora of new headphones. Two in particular caught my attention with their innovative conversion technology, and support of 24-bit/48-kHz wireless.

Let’s first consider the ATH-DSR9BT (pictured), a high-end over-ear wireless headphone. It (along with the ATH-DSR7BT) is the first headphone to use AT’s Pure Digital Drive technology which omits traditional D/A conversion while allowing 24-bit/48-kHz wireless audio transmission. At least in theory, this overcomes the problem of making the hard choice between wireless operation and high-fidelity audio.

The Pure Digital Drive works like this: Instead of a conventional D/A converter, the system uses the Dnote chipset from Trigence Semiconductor; it receives a digital audio signal from the Bluetooth transmission, processes it, and conveys it to a driver where digital pulses move a voice coil/diaphragm. This seems very interesting; however fidelity is still potentially constrained by the Bluetooth link. This problem is mitigated with a 24-bit/48-kHz Qualcomm aptX HD codec. aptX, AAC and SBC codecs are also supported. For wired operation, you can use an included USB cable.

The diaphragm uses a diamond-like carbon coating and supports a 5 – 45,000 Hz frequency response. An acoustic resistor controls air flow around the diaphragm, and the voice coil uses 4-core twisted OFC-7N wire. Everything is housed in a layered aluminum structure that is said to minimize resonance. The internal battery provides 15 hours of use and is recharged via the USB cable. The ATH-DSR9BT will retail for $549 and will be available this Spring.

Also deserving an honorable mention is the ATH-SR9 over-ear headphone. It also uses OFC-7N voice coils, diamond-like carbon coating on the diaphragm, and an acoustic resistor to control airflow. The headphone uses 45mm True Motion drivers. Midpoint Mount Technology ensures uniform spacing in the front and rear of the diaphragm. It uses aluminum housings.

It comes with two detachable cables; one is just a cable while the other has an in-line controller and a microphone. Both cables use Audio Designed Detachable Coaxial connectors at the headphone for durability and ease of use. The headphones fold flat. The ATH-SR9 will retail for $449 and will be available this Spring.