HiFi Blog: digital audio goodness

Audio-Technica, makers of some fine headphones (among other audio equipment) announced they’ll be presenting their Import Series to the U.S. market in next month’s Consumer Electronics Show (Las Vegas—Jan. 5th, 2006).

The Import Series consists of 15 headphone models, previously available only in Japan. They can be classified in the following categories:

[Note: for the links that follow to work, you’ll have to pay a visit to Audio-Technica’s website first, and set your region—then come back here and the links should work fine; sorry for that, not my fault.]

For the audiophile

We’ve got 5 circumaural cans; three open-air models

• ATH-AD700 ($249)


• ATH-AD500 ($169)


• ATH-AD300 ($119)

And two closed-back models:

• ATH-A700 ($299)


• ATH-A55 ($179)

Key features include large-aperture drivers, double air damping system, copper-clad aluminum wire (CCAW) voice coils, a self-adjusting 3D wing support housing, velvet or leather ear-fitting pads, high quality titanium alloy cable or OFC oxygen-free copper cable with a gold-plated stereo 1/8” connector and 1/4” adaptor.

For the DJ:

These are monitor headphones:

• ATH-PRO700 SV ($279) [pictured on the right]


• ATH-PRO5 V ($119)


• ATH-PRO5 MS ($119)

Featuring a low-profile, closed-back dynamic (circumaural isolation) design for excellent isolation in loud listening environments, the new DJ headphones have the ability to handle extremely high SPLs, and employ large-aperture drivers, CCAW voice coils, rotating earpieces for easy one-ear monitoring, and OFC oxygen-free copper cable with gold-plated stereo 1/8” connector and 1/4” adaptor.

For portability:.

“Designed to work with today’s portable players and are perfect for people on the go”, we’ve got: three clip-on models, available in either a machined aluminum or a wooden housing:

• ATH-EW9 ($329)


• ATH-EM9r ($299)


• ATH-EM7 GM ($)

Two ear-buds models, made from either brushed titanium or aluminum:

• ATH-CM7 SV ($249)


• ATH-CM7Ti ($299)

One ear-bud/clip-on hybrid headphone (with three-position design for custom fit):

• ATH-EC7 GM ($249)

One folding headphone, which according to the press release is supposed to be”sleek, innovative”:

• ATH-ES5 SV ($169)

The Import Series is available immediately. All prices are MSRP from Audio-Technica’s website.