CES 2017: Audio-Technica Shows Off New Wireless Headphone Technology

Audio-Technica has received an Innovation Honoree award at CES 2017 for two new wireless headphones which feature the company’s Pure Digital Drive technology.

The Pure Digital Drive system, employed in both the ATH-DSR9BT and the ATH-DSR7BT headphones, removes the need for a digital-to-analog converter found in all other wireless Bluetooth headphones by keeping the audio signal digital from the sound source to the driver.

“The sonic result is remarkably clear and accurate audio reproduction,” Audio-Technica said in a statement.

Both headphones support 24-bit/48kHz audio over Bluetooth, with extensive support for wireless codecs (aptX HD, aptX, AAC and SBC) encompassing all the codecs currently used for audio streaming for Bluetooth. Over a USB connection, the headphones are capable of Hi-Res Audio playback at 24-bit/96kHz

While the cheaper DSR7BT features a single-core voice coil, the DSR9BT features a four-core voice coil. Both also feature a lightweight diaphragm with a diamond-like carbon coating for “superlative fidelity.”

NFC compatibility for pairing as well as touch controls for playback, phone and volume controls are also included on both headphones.

Pricing and availability for Australia has not yet been confirmed, with a release expected in the first half of the year.