Audio-Technica’s range of 100% digital headphones!

” In Full Digital, we trust” (100% digital, we believe)! This should be the inscription appearing on the two new 100% digital headphones from Audio-Technica’s “Sound reality” range. Of course, I want to talk here about the ATH-DSR7BT headphones and its big brother the ATH-DSR9BT.

VSlately, we have seen a change in our devices. Do you remember the question that was yours when mention was made of the absence of a 3.5 jack output on the latest Apple iPhone? Moreover, we wondered in this article about this irrevocable deletion on the part of the Cupertino company. The iPhone 7 was only the first leading the way to other smartphones (HTC Bold or Lenovo’s Moto Z). As a result, the only solution to enjoy music, audio and video content and to respond to communications is to use a Bluetooth® wireless headset or a wired headset with a Lightning connector for Apple products or a USB Type-C audio connector for Android devices.

Lhe other cause of this mutation comes from the improvement of the Bluetooth® protocol and the codecs used. Thus, Bluetooth® version 5 is complete and is already being deployed (Samsung Galaxy S5 for example) as we were telling you about here. But before its adoption by the various tech-savvy players on the market, which should still take some time, manufacturers such as Sony, for example, did not wait to try to improve the qualities of current Bluetooth®. Thus Sony has developed the Bluetooth® LDAC codec compatible with the Bluetooth® 4.0 standard. This codec reports a transfer capacity of 990 kb/s, which is triple the data of the classic SBC codec, as well as a bit depth and a maximum frequency range of 96 kHz/24 bits, close to Hi quality. -Res Audio. It can therefore transfer a CD quality audio file (16 bits / 44.1 kHz) without deterioration.

PWhy, do I tell you about all this before telling you about Audio-Technica and these two 100% digital headphones? Quite simply, to illustrate the state of mind of the Japanese firm which questioned the way we listen to and consume music today. An interrogation which did not only focus on the vector (the digital wireless link) but also the media (high definition audio file) and therefore the listening equipment (the headphones). His response takes the form of two wireless headphones: ATH-DSR7BT and ATH-DSR9BT.

Lhe ATH-DSR9BT headphones have made a remarkable entrance on the world audiophile scene thanks to features that have earned them the eminent innovation award at CES 2017. A title that rewards headphones that push the limits of its condition by becoming the first 100% digital wireless headphones. Without going into details and to make it simple, its exclusive “Pure Digital Drive” system allows it to process the audio signal wirelessly from the source such as your smartphone or your walkman to the headphones drivers and this without using a D/A converter. The Signal therefore remains digital from end to end to arrive at the 45mm True Motion D/A dynamic transducers with 7N-OFC “4-core” voice coil which transform it into an acoustic signal for the greatest pleasure of your ears.

IThis is a small revolution that aims to offer you unique audio quality without sound alteration. Moreover, to do so, the Japanese manufacturer uses Bluetooth® 4.2 with support for the classic aptX™, AAC and SBC codecs. But what’s most important is support for Qualcom’s aptX™ HD codec which allows it to handle audio files up to 48kHz/24bit like LPCM files. Welcome to the era of Bluetooth® HD which allows you to listen to your music in better audio quality than with traditional codecs. Wireless high resolution is therefore essential for headphones in this category that offer a true audiophile experience.

Lhe DSR9BT is certainly 100% digital, but not 100% wireless. As I told you, it doesn’t have a 3.5mm jack but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t offer a digital alternative. This is therefore the case thanks to its micro-USB port which allows it to connect to your computer or a compatible device via a USB cable. Via this USB connection, it is capable of exploiting Hi-Res Audio high resolution files up to 96kHZ / 24 bits.

ATadd to that an irreproachable finish, a modern design, touch controls to control playback, volume and calls as well as a battery life of almost 15 hours and you get a surprising and above all attractive headset on many points. The Audio-Technica ATH-DSR9BT headphones pave the way for a new category of headphones that adapt to the habits and customs of our digital age.

LThe ATH-DSR7BT headphones, on the other hand, largely take up the characteristics of their renowned big brother, except for a few details such as the technology of the transducers. It also proudly represents the “Sound Reality” range which is designed to satisfy both music lovers and advanced audiophiles who want high quality reproduction of high resolution audio formats.

” LDigital audio reproduction has never sounded better and our Hi-Res compatible Sound Reality models allow listeners to experience the full sonic benefits of Hi-Res Audio and other high quality recordings. »

VSThis leaves no doubt about the Japanese manufacturer’s desire to offer exceptional listening. A leitmotif that has endured since 1962 when Hideo Mashishita founded the brand. BH therefore invites you to come and have an ear on these “new generation” audio headsets which have them under the shell and in the transducers. The ATH-DSR7BT and ATH-DSR9BT are precursors and they announce a change in the family of audio headsets that will be interesting to follow in the coming months.