Sony is bringing new High-resolution audio products to the market with the release of three new headphones -- the MDR-Z7 headband type Hi-Res Headphones, MDR-1ADAC Hi-Res Headphones with Integrated DAC/Amplifier, and XBA-Z5 Hi-Res In-Ear Headphones?as well as the PHA-3 Portable Headphone DAC/ Amplifier, and several headphone cables including models engineered with Kimber Kable. The MDR-Z7 headphones are featuring an aluminum structure with relatively large 70 mm HD drivers. Lightweight Aluminum-coated Liquid Crystal Polymer diaphragms also provide uniform sound production across all frequencies without coloration.

Additionally, the Z7 features a 4-wire structure that uses separated ground cables to minimize crosstalk between left/right channels and supports balanced audio connectors while silver-coated OFC cable strands reduce signal transmission loss. The MDR-Z7 also includes a balanced output cable (2m) for improved signal separation with the option of plugging into a compatible, audio amplifier.

Made in Japan, the MDR-Z7 has ergonomic urethane ear pads designed using the latest 3D sewing in order to keep the square shape of the internal cushion from crushing or hardening. There's also an Inward Axis structure that utilizes a slanted swivel axis design to bring the pads closer to your ears.

The MDR-1ADAC headphones are equipped with 1 ADAC, which can also play both PCM (at up to 192 kHz /24-bit) and DSD (at up to 5.6 MHz) music files directly, without the need of an external decoder. Additionally, its built-in S-Master HX digital amplifier reduces noise and distortion across all frequencies, and reproduces each track in detail. The MDR-1ADAC headphones support PCM 192 kHz/24 bit, and DSD 2.8MHz/5.6MHz ? New 40mm aluminum coated liquid Crystal Polymer HD drivers also deliver frequency response up to 100kHz.

The MDR-1ADAC headphones also come with multiple-inputs and the cables that are necessary to connect to a smartphone, portable audio player or PC. Sony has created several different cables for direct connection ? including the specially developed thin and flexible USB connecting cable, the Digital connecting cables specifically for Walkman and Xperia devices, an exclusive iOS Lightning connector cable as well as a conventional audio connecting cable. Plus its built-in rechargeable battery provides up to 7.5 hours of continuous playback.

Similarly to the MDR-Z7 headband type headphones, the new XBA-Z5 in-ear headphones are also Balanced Audio Capable and take full advantage of dedicated left and right channel connectivity for improved separation loss.

It delivers Hi-Res audio reproduction via its newly developed, Linear Drive Balanced Armature technology which utilizes a more symmetrical design for enhanced waveform reproduction.

The XBA-Z5 incorporates 16mm dynamic driver units with Aluminum-Coated LCP diaphragms and its lightweight magnesium housing has the necessary rigidity and preventing vibration for listening to music anywhere on-the-go.

The Z5's adjustable ear-hanger design with Shape-memory resin also enables comfortable fit, while lowering sound leakage. Plus it includes 2 pairs of detachable cables for both balanced and unbalanced connections.

Sony's new PHA-3 portable DAC/Headphone amplifier utilizes balanced audio outputs with dedicated left and right channels. It uses an ESS Technology, Inc. ES9018 D/A converter.

Whether at home or on-the-go, the PHA-3 can decode virtually any PCM (up to 384 kHz/32bit) or DSD (up to 5.6MHz) audio source. You can also use Sony's DSEE HX technology to up-scale low resolution audio sources (MP3, AAC, ATRAC, and WMA) to achieve higher music quality.

The internal rechargeable battery provides approximately 5 hours of balanced audio playback when connected via USB, or up to 28 hours of playback when connected using the analog, 1/8" stereo input.

Sony is also introducing a series of headphone MUC-B cables in pursuit of further high-quality sound playback suitable for High-Resolution music. These headphone cables, engineered in partnership with Kimber Kable namely for use with the MDR-Z7 ultimate Hi-Res headphone include: the MUC-B12SM1 High-Performance Portable Audio Headphone Cable (1.2m with 1/8" stereo connectivity), the MUC-B20BL1 High-Performance Balanced Audio Headphone Cable (2.0m with balanced stereo L/R connectivity), and the MUC-B30UM1 High-Performance Connecting Cable (3.0m with 1/3" stereo connectivity).

The 8-wire braided headphone utilizes the braiding technology. Braided cables naturally reject outside interference, reduce intra-conductor sonic degradation and result in lowered noise floor and optimized electrical parameters. Additionally, the cables engineered with Kimber Kable utilize a 4-core structure with separated grounds - which improve the stereo separation and balance audio fidelity.

Additionally, Sony is introducing the MUC-S20BL1, MUC-S30UM1 and MUC-S12SM1 cables all use a multi-gauge conductor and twisted pair cable structure which twist hot and cold signal lines with each other. The influence of the current noise caused by external magnetic fluxes that go through the cable is also reduced through this twisted pair structure,. These Sony cables utilize a 2-layer conductor composed of silver-coated OFC (Oxygen Free Copper). The MUC-M20BL1 and MUC-M12SM1 Sony cables similarly utilize the Silver-coated OFC and Multi-gauge conductor structure ? but differentiate themselves through the use of a Star Quad cable structure. By applying a twisted 4-pole structure, the magnetic flux caused by signal current is cancelled and the current noise influence from outside is reduced. MUC-S cables are designed for the MDR-1A and the MUC-M cables are designed for XBA-Z5.

Pricing and Availability

• MDR-Z7 Hi-Res Stereo Headphones will be available in October for a suggested retail price of $699.99.
• MDR-1ADAC Hi-Res Stereo Headphones will be available in December for a suggested retail price of $399.99.
• XBA-Z5 Hi-Res, in-ear headphones will be available in October for a suggested retail price of $699.99.
• PHA-3 Portable DAC/Headphone Amplifier will be available in October for a suggested retail price of $999.99.
• MUC-B12SMI High-Performance Portable Audio headphone cable engineered with Kimber Kable will be available in November for a suggested retail price of $229.99.
• MUC-B20BL1 High-Performance Balanced headphone cable engineered with Kimber Kable and the MUC-B30UM1 High-Performance headphone cable engineered with Kimber Kable will be available in November for a suggested retail price of $249.99.
• MUC-S20BL1 connecting cable will be available for a suggested retail price of $109.99.
• MUC-S30UM1 connecting cable will be available for a suggested retail price of $109.99.
• MUC-S12SM1 connecting cable will be available a suggested retail price of $99.99.
• MUC-M20BL1 connecting cable will be available for a suggested retail price of $119.99.
• MUC-M12SM1 connecting cable will be available for a suggested retail price of $109.99.

All the new cables will be available in November.

Technical Specifications

MDR-Z7
Type: Closed Dynamic
Driver Unit: φ70 mm, Dome type （CCAW Voice coil）
Sensitivity: 102 dB/mW
Frequency Response: 4 Hz ～ 100,000 Hz
Impedance: 70 Ω (at 1 kHz)
Power Handling Capacity: 2,000 mW
Plug: Gold-plated stereo miniplug (headphone cable), Gold-plated miniplug x2（balanced-connection headphone cable）
Mass (exclude cable): Approximately 335 g
Supplied Accessories: Headphone cable（3m), balanced-connection headphone cable（2m), Gold-plated plug adaptor

MDR-1ADAC
Type: Closed Dynamic
Driver Unit: φ40 mm、Dome type
Sensitivity: 102 dB/mW
Frequency Response:
4 Hz ～ 40,000 Hz (Digital input)
4 Hz ～ 100,000 Hz (Analog input)
Impedance: 24 Ω(at 1 kHz)
Power Handling Capacity: 1,500 mW
Battery Life: Approximately 7.5 hours
Charging Time: Approximately 4 hours
Plug: Gold-plated stereo miniplug (headphone cable)
Mass (exclude cable): Approximately 300 g
Supplied Accessories:
Digital cable for Xperia (1.2m)
Digital cable for Walkman (1.2m)
Lightning connector cable (1.2 m)
Micro USB cable(1.5m)
Headphone cable（1.2m)
Carrying Pouch

XBA-Z5
Type: Closed, Hybrid
Driver Unit: Hybrid 3way(16mm dynamic + 2 x Balanced Armature)
Sensitivity: 107 dB/mW
Frequency Response: 3 Hz ～ 40,000 Hz
Impedance: 32 Ω (at 1 kHz)
Power Handling Capacity: 100 mW
Plug: Gold-plated stereo miniplug (headphone cable), Gold-plated miniplug x2（balanced-connection headphone cable）
Mass (exclude cable): Approximately 11 g
Supplied Accessories:
Headphone cable（1.2m), balance connection headphone cable（2m), Carrying Case, Foamed Silicone Earbuds (S / M / L each 2), Hybrid Silicone Rubber Earbuds (SS/S/M/L each 2), Clip, Cable Adjuster

PHA-3
Frequency Range: 10 Hz ? 100 kHz (AUDIO IN input)
Distortion 0.01 % or less (1 kHz)
Supported Impedance: 8 Ω ? 600 Ω
Maximum Output (when using the built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery):
Balanced-connection ? Approx. 320 mW + 320 mW (32 Ω, 1 % distortion)
Normal connection ? Approx. 100 mW + 100 mW (32 Ω, 1 % distortion)
Output Jack:
3-pole mini jack (headphones) BALANCED-L
3-pole mini jack (headphones) BALANCED- R
Stereo mini jack (headphones) NORMAL
Stereo mini jack (Switching the input and output of the AUDIO IN/LINE OUT jack by the OUTPUT switch)
Input jack/port:
Computer/WALKMAN?/Xperia connecting port
iPhone/iPad/iPod connecting port
Optical input connecting port (OPT IN port)
Stereo mini jack (Switching the input and output of the AUDIO IN/LINE OUT jack by the OUTPUT switch)Battery Life:
Approximately 28 hours (Analog in)
Approximately 5 hours (Digital in)
Charging Time:
Approximately 6 hours (When using AC-UD20)
Approximately 15 hours (When using PC)
Power Source:
DC 5 V: when using the AC adaptor
DC 3.7V: When using Li-ion Battery without AC Adaptor
Dimensions: Approx. 80 x 29 x 140.5 mm
(W/H/D, projecting parts are not included)
Mass: Approx. 300 g
Supported Sampling Frequencies/Bit:
PCM -
when connecting a computer: Maximum 384 kHz/32 bit
when connecting iPhone/iPad/iPod: Maximum 48 kHz/24 bit
when connecting optical link: Maximum 192 kHz/24 bit
DSD ? 2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz
Supplied Accessories:
Headphone Amplifier (this unit) (1)
Digital cable for WALKMAN? (1)
Digital cable for Xperia (1)
Micro-USB cable (1)
Audio cable (stereo mini) (1)
Silicone belt (4)
Sheet (1)

Operating Environment Compliant OS:
Windows 8.1/Windows 8.1 Pro/Windows 8/Windows 8 Pro
Windows 7
Windows Vista
Mac OS X (v10.6.8 or later)
CPU: Intel Core 2 Processor 1.6 GHz or better
Memory: 1 GB or better
USB port (USB 2.0 High Speed)