Sony Electronics have released a new line of products dubbed the Signature Series at IFA 2016 in conjunction with their 70th Anniversary. The lineup consists of the MDR-Z1R headphones, NW-WM1Z and NW-WM1A Walkman players; along with the TA-ZH1ES headphone amplifier.
MDR-Z1R Headphones
The MDR-Z1R are premium-priced headphones that feature 70mm, magnesium dome HD drivers and an aluminum coated LCP edge diaphragm – along with neodymium magnets. These components are housed in a breathable, resonance-free housing that allows for ventilation and better comfort.
The Z1R’s headband is constructed from beta titanium and is covered with genuine leather that is also found on the ear pads. The balanced cable makes use of the industry’s new 4.4mm plug and the ear cup connection jack utilises a non-magnetic plated Corson alloy jack for low resistance.
NW-WM1Z Walkman and NW-WM1A Walkman
Sony’s new music player is encased in gold-plated, copper chassis that minimises contact resistance and magnetic interference. It also incorporates a dual clock circuit with low phase noise quartz oscillation and internal wiring by Kimber Kable. The less privileged NW-WM1A Walkman is instead housed in aluminum, but retains the same internals.
Both Walkman models support Hi-Res audio playback with support up to 384kHz/32bit recording and Quad (11.2MHz) DSD native playback. The players include a built-in amplifier that is capable of driving headphones such as the new MDR-Z1R as well.
TA-ZH1ES Headphone Amplifier
Finally, we have the TA-ZH1ES amplifier. The amp features a new D.A. Hybrid Amplifier Circuit, which utilizes Sony’s S-Master HXTM digital amplifier. The device of course supports Hi-Res music file formats such as DSD and PCM.
The TA-ZH1ES is constructed mainly of aluminum but its housing is shaped in a way that suppresses vibrations and resonance. Connectivity is also a breeze with balanced and unbalanced connections.
The MDR-Z1R headphones, the NW-WM1Z Walkman and the TA-ZH1ES Headphone Amplifier will be available this November, while the NW-WM1A Walkman will be available early next year.
The MDR-Z1R Signature Series headphones will retail for $2,299.99 (RM9,400) and the TA-ZH1ES amplifier will go for $2,199.99 (RM9,000). The NW-WM1Z Walkman and NW-WM1A Walkman retail for $3,199.99 (Rm13,000) and $1,199.99 (RM5,000) respectively.
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