Sony Introduces High-Resolution Audio Products Which Marry Convenience And Quality

NEW YORK, Sept. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Electronics today introduced a range of high-resolution audio products that help music lovers conveniently access and enjoy the digital music they love with the best playback quality. As part of its line of home entertainment products, the new Hi-Res devices capture the very essence of recorded music and support playback for virtually all high-resolution formats. 

What's old is new again
Whether working analog or digital, sound engineers and musicians have always pursued the highest quality recording with the best technology available to them. The introduction of Compact Discs (CDs) offered high quality digital sound and portability, but were limited in capacity. In contrast, MP3s made music more portable than ever, but the files required compression due to storage and bandwidth limitations and that significantly compromised sound quality.

With the growth of high-resolution audio technology, including formats like PCM (44.1kHz/ 48kHz/ 88.2kHz/ 96kHz/ 176.4kHz/ 192kHz in 24 bit depth) and DSD (DSF, DSDIFF); plus a variety of music files including, MP3, WAV, WMA, AAC, FLAC, ALAC, ATRAC, ATRAC Advanced Lossless and AIFF; the music industry has now come full circle. It's now possible to listen to performances as the recording artists intended. And with decreasing costs of storage media and faster internet speeds, the ability to have music in its purest form is more of a reality for listeners everywhere.

"High-resolution audio brings music lovers closer than ever to experience the original studio recording or live performance," said Neal Manowitz, director of Sony Electronics' Home Audio group. "Artists, producers, and music companies – have all come together to bring the emotional connection back and provide enthusiasts their favorite recordings in stunning quality and clarity in a way that they never have before."

Hear what's new
Sony's initial line-up of high-resolution audio components, which was demonstrated for the first time in New York today, includes three devices. The flagship model, part of Sony's ES (Elevated Standard) line, HAP-Z1ES Hi-Res HDD Music Player features a one-terabyte hard disc drive and DSD Re-mastering engine to convert and enhance virtually any music files to DSD (5.6M) quality. As with all of Sony's ES products, build-quality and sound performance technics have been instituted including, Analog FIR filter, low-phase noise liquid crystal oscillator, large capacity twin transformers and many more.

The HAP-S1 Hi-Res Music Player System with two-channel Class AB amplifier. It incorporates Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) which uses Sony's noise-shaping technology that offers natural sound with a spacious feel by restoring high frequency sound and tail shape of the waveform, typically lost through file compression.

Both the HAP-Z1ES and HAP-S1 enable music files stored on a PC or Mac® to be automatically synced, using the supplied HAP Music Transfer software. They can also be controlled via a simple-to-use, free HDD Audio Remote app available for both Android™ and iOS® tablets and smartphones.

For a computer-centric listening experience, the UDA-1 offers multiple options. This Hi-Res DAC Amplifier incorporates an asynchronous USB connector and is compatible with virtually every PC-based music player application, including iTunes®, Windows Media Player®, KORG® Audio Gate, and Media Go®. In addition, the UDA-1 supports coaxial, optical and analog inputs.

Finally, beginning this fall, owners of Sony's STR-DA2800ES and 5800ES receivers will also benefit from high-resolution playback capability in their home theater, thanks to a simple firmware upgrade that provides convenient access to high-resolution audio files through the integrated USB input.

Sony is also launching two speakers that are optimized for high-resolution audio and specially tuned for the HAP-S1 and UDA-1 products. The SS-HA1 and SS-HA3 use a wide-dispersion (WD), W-super tweeter to complement high band energy from high resolution music sources. For users who prefer a more personal listening experience, Sony also added to its line of high-resolution headphones. Designed for performance and comfort, these headsets join the MDR-R1 headphones to deliver a balanced, highly accurate reproduction from any digital format. Ideal matches for today's high-resolution audio recordings, the XBA-H3 ear bud headphones, MDR-10R and MDR-10RBT over the ear headphones reveal every nuance of your music collection – from delicately-detailed highs to full, rich bass.

Because you care about music™
All of Sony's new devices are capable of playing back virtually any file format available. Whether listeners experience MP3s or the latest 5.6 DSD files, Sony's high-resolution devices will decode them and play the music at the highest quality. They also simplify the process and make file transfers more convenient and do it all automatically. Further, all of the controls, including the user interfaces, have been designed to make storing, organizing and accessing high-resolution digital music a breeze. Whether listeners access music from their library or stream it from the cloud, Sony's new lineup includes the right High-Resolution Audio device for their lifestyle.

New experiences, right out of the box
Sony's new lineup of high resolution products is poised to deliver an amazing listening experience for audiophiles. Thanks to collaboration with the major record labels, select high resolution media players with hard drives will be preloaded with music from award-winning artists.

Sony Hi-Res Products – Details, Pricing and Availability

Sony HAP-Z1ES 1TB Hi-Res HDD Music Player

• Stores, plays back and decodes virtually all Hi-Res audio formats
• Built-in 1TB hard drive with expandable storage
• Front panel LCD and HDD Audio Remote mobile app (Android and iOS) for browsing and playback
• Supports virtually all Hi-Res formats including: PCM (44.1kHz/ 48kHz/ 88.2kHz/ 96kHz/ 176.4kHz /192kHz in 24 bit depth); DSD (DSF, DSDIFF); MP3, WAV, WMA, AAC, FLAC, ALAC, ATRAC, ATRAC ADVANCED LOSSLESS, AIFF
• DSD Re-mastering Engine upscale music files to DSD(5.6) quality
• DSEE restores missing data from compressed files
• HAP Music Transfer software compatible with both Windows and Mac computers for automatic copy of music files to HDD when new files are added on computer
• Available Fall 2013 for $1,999 in silver

Sony HAP-S1 Hi-Res Music Player System

• Stores, plays back and decodes virtually all Hi-Res audio formats
• Built-in 500GB hard drive with expandable storage
• Front panel LCD and Mobile apps (Android and iOS) for browsing and playback
• 2-channel Class AB amplifier (40 Watts x 2)
• Supports virtually all Hi-Res formats including: PCM (44.1kHz/ 48kHz/ 88.2kHz/ 96kHz/ 176.4kHz /192kHz in 24 bit depth); DSD (DSF, DSDIFF); MP3, WAV, WMA, AAC, FLAC, ALAC, ATRAC, ATRAC ADVANCED LOSSLESS, AIFF
• DSD Re-mastering Engine upscale music files to DSD(5.6) quality
• DSEE restores missing data from compressed files
• HAP Music Transfer software compatible with both Windows and Mac computers for automatic copy of music files to HDD when new files are added on computer
• Available Fall 2013 for $999 in black or silver

Sony UDA-1 USB Hi-Res DAC System for PC Audio

• Allows enjoyment of Hi-Res music as well as conventional compressed music restored by DSEE technology
• 2-channel 20 amplifier (20 Watts x 2)
• Supports virtually all Hi-Res formats including PCM (44.1kHz/ 48kHz/ 88.2kHz/ 96kHz/ 176.4kHz /192kHz in 24 bit depth); DSD (DSF, DSDIFF); MP3, WAV, WMA, AAC, FLAC, ALAC, ATRAC, ATRAC ADVANCED LOSSLESS, AIFF
• Compatible with virtually every PC music player application, including iTunes, Windows Media Player, KORG Audio Gate, and Media Go
• USB connectivity to PC (USB-A x 1 and USB-B x 1)
• Multiple connection terminals include Optical in, Coax in, and Analog RCA in, with RCA analog out and Headphone out
• Available Fall 2013 for $799 in black or silver

Sony SS-HA1 Hi-Res Speaker

• Wide Dispersion (WD) W-Super Tweeter complements high band energy for high resolution music sources
• Mica Reinforced Cellular (MRC) fiber for supremely light and extraordinarily rigid woofer cones, producing exception musical transients that are clear and with minimal distortion
• Baffle shape for diffraction effect reduction
• Rigid aluminum body for optimized sound
• Available Fall 2013 for $599 / pair in black

Sony SS-HA3 Hi-Res Speaker

• Wide Dispersion (WD) W-Super Tweeter complements high band energy for high resolution music sources
• Baffle shape for diffraction effect reduction
• Rigid aluminum body for optimized sound
• Available Fall 2013 for $349 / pair in black

Sony MDR-10R Headphones

• High resolution capable, featuring 40mm driver units that deliver a balanced, highly accurate reproduction of today's up-front vocals, mid-range details, as well as rich, powerful lows and extended highs
• High-definition HD driver assures ultra-wideband audio performance extending from 5Hz to 40kHz matching today's high resolution music sources
• Designed for hours of comfortable listening, with pressure-relieving ear cushions that provide a supportive, wrap-around feel, as well as a highly effective acoustic seal, further reinforcing the headphones' powerful sub-bass reproduction
• Detachable cable provides an innovative design that eliminates friction between cable surfaces and reduces the source of frustrating tangles. A smartphone cable with microphone and remote is also included, to easily switch from music to calls.
• Available in October for $199.99 in black and white

Sony MDR-10RBT Headphones

• High resolution capable (with wired connection), this Bluetooth® headset brings the same innovative sound processing technologies to music lovers who demand the ultimate in sound quality without wires
• Incorporating Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, the new MDR-10RBT eliminates the cumbersome process of pairing and connecting. Users can simply tap an NFC-enabled smartphone or tablet to the MDR-10RBT Bluetooth® headset to instantly stream high-quality music or crystal-clear phone calls via Bluetooth
• Stream music wirelessly from iPhones® and iPads® as well as Android™ smartphones and tablets that are not NFC equipped
• Support AptX and AAC codecs to ensure higher quality sound while streaming wirelessly
• Up to 18 hours of battery life between charges, though can also be used as standard headphones without the battery
• Available in November for $249.99 in black

Sony XBA-H3 Ear Bud Headphones

• High resolution capable, featuring dedicated high-definition hybrid three-way driver unit (16mm dynamic driver unit and two Balanced Armature driver units) for music enjoyment throughout all frequencies
• Driver unit delivers radiant highs and deep, bellowing bass, including even the most subtle musical nuances
• Rigid, yet responsive Liquid Crystal Polymer Film diaphragm provides the needed rigidity and internal loss for balanced and highly accurate sound reproduction
• Smartphone cable with microphone and remote is also included, to easily switch from music to calls
• Available in December for $349.99

For more information and high-resolution images, please visit www.sony.com/news.

SOURCE Sony Electronics