Audio-Technica Celebrates Its 50th Anniversary in 2012 With Debut of Limited Edition Headphones and Phono Cartridges

STOW, Ohio, Jan. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2012 Audio-Technica is celebrating "50 Years of Passionate Listening" with the introduction of five Limited Edition 50th Anniversary products. Making their U.S. debut at CES 2012 are the ATH-W3000ANV over-ear audiophile headphones, the ATH-PRO700MK2ANV DJ headphones, the ATH-CKW1000ANV in-ear audiophile headphones, the AT50ANV air-core moving coil phono cartridge and the AT150ANV Dual Magnet™ phono cartridge.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120109/NY31560)

"These are very special products to commemorate this landmark occasion," noted Crystal Griffith, Audio-Technica Consumer Marketing Manager. "A limited number of each product is available, and each comes with a commemorative certificate. The anniversary products also feature a distinct Audio-Technica 50th Anniversary logo, design and color scheme."

The ATH-W3000ANV is the embodiment of 50 years of Audio-Technica headphones expertise. The ear pieces are made from strikingly beautiful, traditional Japanese Echizen lacquer-finshed Hokkaido Asada cherry heartwood. The ATH-W3000ANV is engineered for superlative sound quality, with special high-power driver magnets, OFC 7N ultra-high-purity oxygen-free-copper voice coils and isolated left/right internal wiring, a newly designed 53 mm wide-range driver element and numerous additional refinements. The frame is constructed from magnesium for exceptionally light weight and high rigidity, and the ear cushions are fabricated from luxurious Spanish lambskin. Like all 2012 Limited Edition products, the ATH-W3000ANV features a 50th Anniversary commemorative logo and anniversary box.

The ATH-CKW1000ANV are Audio-Technica's ultimate in-ear headphones. They are designed for deep, rich, immersive sound reproduction thanks to a specially designed limited-production 14 mm driver, titanium-and-wood hybrid ear pieces that minimize unwanted vibration for superb clarity, and a newly developed magnetic circuit that minimizes noise for pristine high frequency response. The ATH-CKW1000ANV is supplied with interchangeable XS, S, M and L-sized ear tips that ensure a perfect fit for any wearer, along with a carrying pouch and 2-foot extension cord.

The ATH-PRO700MK2ANV DJ headphones embody the sonic excellence, comfort and durability that have made Audio-Technica headphones industry favorites for 50 years. The headphones employ all-new 53 mm drivers designed especially for this model, to deliver authoritative bass, a clear midrange and open, well-defined treble. Its lightweight construction provides maximum comfort even during extended use, and the headphones' 50 degrees/90 degrees ear piece swiveling capability ensures a perfect fit for every monitoring application. The ATH-PRO700MK2ANV's gold trim accents add a touch of elegance. The headphones are supplied with one straight and one detachable cord.

Audio-Technica has been renowned for its phono cartridges for 50 years, and the moving-coil AT50ANV continues the company's distinguished tradition. The AT50ANV has a unique air-core design that employs a non-magnetic armature for the coil frame, yielding exquisite resolution of fine musical detail and a natural, transparent, spacious sound. Its new magnetic proprietary circuit design and neodymium magnets deliver almost twice the output of previous cartridges for extremely low noise and improved bass response.

Additional details include a solid boron cantilever with a specially designed line contact stylus, a machined titanium base and aluminum and titanium body components, OFC 7N wiring and other enhancements. This model comes in a wooden presentation case with the 50th anniversary logo engraved into the wood. 

The AT150ANV moving-coil phono cartridge combines traditional design elements with modern refinements to deliver richly detailed vinyl playback. Like the AT50ANV, it employs a non-magnetic armature coil-wound frame and a magnetic circuit design and neodymium magnets that deliver higher output than other moving coil designs. The AT150ANV utilizes a Micro Linear stylus tip mounted to a solid boron cantilever. Its machined aluminum housing and damping material are designed to absorb unwanted resonances for superb clarity and resolution. The musical result is sure to please the most discriminating audiophiles and music lovers.

The Audio-Technica ATH-W3000ANV over-ear headphones and ATH-CKW1000ANV and  ATH-PRO700MK2ANV headphones will be available at select U.S. dealers in February 2012. The AT50ANV and AT150ANV phono cartridges will also be available in February 2012. Suggested retail prices are as follows: ATH-W3000ANV $1,299.95; ATH-CKW1000ANV $549.95; ATH-PRO700MK2ANV $299.95; AT50ANV $1,499.00; AT150ANV $799.00.

Click here for ATH-W3000ANV, ATH-CKW1000ANV, ATH-PRO700MK2ANV, AT50ANV and AT150ANV product profiles and downloadable high-res photos.

Also see more here:

• 50th Anniversary Information and Video
• Lighthearted Company Tour of Audio-Technica USA Video
• Additional News Releases

Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2012, Audio-Technica is renowned worldwide for a broad range of consumer and professional audio products, including high-performance headphones, microphones, wireless systems, turntables and phono cartridges. Winner of numerous industry awards, Audio-Technica designs and manufactures products that set quality, durability and price/performance standards for major concert tours, broadcast and recording studios, corporate and government facilities, theaters, house-of-worship venues, and consumer applications. Learn more at www.audio-technica.com.

SOURCE Audio-Technica