Audio-Technica Demonstrates Pure Digital Drive Headphones, New Turntables, Phono Cartridges and More at CES 2017

STOW, Ohio, Jan. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- At CES 2017 Audio-Technica is reaffirming its commitment to high-performance audio with product introductions including the first headphones to employ the company's groundbreaking Pure Digital Drive system, high-quality turntables, the all-new VM-Type phono cartridges and more.

Following is an overview of the new Audio-Technica products on exhibit at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Booth 20918, South Hall Lower Level and at The Venetian, Suite 29-236 (January 5 – 8, 2017).

Winner of a CES 2017 Innovation Honoree award, the ATH-DSR9BT, and the new ATH-DSR7BT are the first headphones with Bluetooth^® wireless technology to employ Audio-Technica's new Pure Digital Drive system, which keeps the audio signal completely digital from source to driver to offer never before-available wireless headphone sound quality.

The Pure Digital Drive system utilizes the Dnote^® chipset instead of a traditional D/A converter and amplifier and keeps the audio signal entirely in the digital domain from the source right through to the driver. The sonic result is remarkably clear and accurate audio reproduction. The ATH-DSR9BT (US$549.00) and ATH-DSR7BT (US$299.00; both models available in Spring 2017) support a variety of codecs at up to 24-bit/48kHz signals in Bluetooth mode, and can deliver Hi-Res Audio playback.

The AT-LP3 Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Turntable combines outstanding sound quality with advanced features. The AT-LP3 (US$279.00, available in spring 2017 in black or white finish) comes with a pre-mounted AT91R Dual Moving Magnet phono cartridge and listeners can also install a cartridge of their choice. The AT-LP3's built-in phono preamp is switchable to accommodate either moving magnet or moving coil cartridges.

Audio-Technica's high-performance/high-value SonicFuel ATH-AR3BT on-ear model and Solid Bass^® ATH-CKS990BT and ATH-CKS550BT wireless in-ear headphones employ aptX^® sound-improvement technology to deliver superior audio performance and NFC functionality for easy pairing with compatible devices. The SonicFuel ATH-AR3BT uses a new dynamic driver to deliver richly detailed sound at US$119.00. The Solid Bass ATH-CKS990BT and ATH-CKS550BT in-ear wireless headphones (US$199.00 and US$119.00) feature newly-developed Dual Magnetic Field drivers for superior sound and offer improved ergonomics and wireless functionality.

The Sound Reality ATH-CKR100iS, ATH-CKR90iS and ATH-CKR70iS in-ear headphones combine extraordinary Hi-Res Audio sound quality with attractive design, to appeal to music lovers and audiophiles seeking top-quality reproduction of high resolution audio formats and favorite music. The headphones feature innovations including dual-phase push-pull drivers (ATH-CKR100iS and ATH-CKR90iS) and are equipped with an in-line mic and controller for handling phone calls and music and video playback on compatible devices. (ATH-CKR100iS, US$389.00; ATH-CKR90iS, US$189.00; ATH-CKR70iS, US$99.00; all models available Spring 2017.)

The over-ear Sound Reality ATH-SR9 headphones (US$449.00, available Spring 2017) debuting at CES 2017 incorporate 45 mm True Motion Hi-Res Audio drivers with Diamond-Like Carbon coated diaphragms to provide superlative Hi-Res Audio quality, with natural and spacious audio reproduction and extended frequency response to beyond 40,000 Hz.

Three additional SonicFuel models are making their CES debut. The in-ear ATH-CKR50iS and ATH-CKR30iS (US$49.00 and US$39.00, available Spring 2017) incorporate a newly developed driver and other improvements for clearer, more detailed audio quality and feature a redesigned, sleeker shape. The compact, foldable on-ear ATH-AR3iS (US $79.00, available Spring 2017) shares the same newly developed dynamic driver and powerful magnetic circuit used in the ATH-AR3BT to deliver impactful sound.

Audio-Technica's Live Sound headphones are created to bring the impact and excitement of the live concert experience to everyday listening. The ATH-LS400iS, ATH-LS300iS, ATH-LS200iS, ATH-LS70iS and ATH-LS50iS employ innovative multiple-driver technologies (each driver handles a different frequency range) to deliver extraordinary audio quality. Their ultra-compact styling with angled eartips provides a comfortable, sound-isolating fit. (ATH-LS400iS, US$579.00; ATH-LS300iS, US$389.00; ATH-LS200iS, US$249.00; ATH-LS70iS, US$129.00; ATH-LS50iS, US$79.00; all available in Spring 2017.)

The new VM-Type moving magnet phono cartridges employ Audio-Technica's acclaimed V-shaped Dual Magnet design along with a host of modern improvements. The nine models include three different 700 Series, 600 Series and 500 Series cartridge bodies and three different stylus shapes, available in various configurations to deliver optimized playback of all types of stereo, mono and even 78 RPM shellac records. Pricing ranges from US$109.00 to US$649.00 and all models will be available in February 2017.

In addition, Audio-Technica is demonstrating its ultra-high-end AT-ART1000 Direct Power Stereo Moving Coil Cartridge, winner of a CES 2017 Innovation Honoree award (US$4,999.00). The AT-ART1000's Direct Power System places its dual moving coils directly on top of the stylus tip (rather than at the base of the cantilever as in conventional designs), enabling the cartridge to deliver remarkable fidelity and musical accuracy.

The Bluetooth^® word mark and logos are owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Audio-Technica Corporation is under license.

aptX is a registered trademark of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

Dnote is a registered trademark of Trigence Semiconductor, Inc.

SOURCE Audio-Technica