Wireless headsets are going to BIG this year! At CES 2019 Audio-Technica is exhibiting an unprecedented number of new products. The wide variety of products on exhibit include the company’s standard-setting ATH-M50xBT wireless studio monitor headphones, an all-new turntable lineup, the new top-of-the-line QuietPoint ATH-ANC900BT wireless noise-cancelling headphones and much more. The recently introduced ATH-M50xBT wireless over-ear headphones (SRP: US$199, available now) bring Bluetooth wireless technology to one of the world’s most acclaimed pro audio and consumer headphones, the ATH-M50x. The ATH-M50xBT offers the same sonic signature that has made the ATH-M50x an audio industry standard, along with the convenience of on-the-go wireless operation.
The closed-back ATH-M50xBT’s 45 mm large-aperture driver, rare-earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire (CCAW) voice coils deliver studio-quality sonic accuracy and musical enjoyment. The ATH-M50xBT utilizes Bluetooth 5.0 and is compatible with aptX and AAC codecs for the best-possible wireless audio reproduction. Controls mounted on the left earcup provide easy handling of phone calls and music listening. An internal battery provides up to 40 hours on a full charge, and the headphones can also be used in wired mode. Like all of Audio-Technica’s new wireless headphones, the ATH-M50xBT is compatible with Audio-Technica’s new Connect smartphone app, which provides an array of convenient tools and features.
At CES 2019 Audio-Technica is introducing an all-new turntable lineup, including professional home/DJ, wireless and fully-automatic models and the company’s first-ever turntable and headphones bundle, the AT-LP60XHP. All offer a host of upgrades, come with high-quality phono cartridges and feature sleeker, updated styling in a variety of finishes and colors. The new turntables include the following:
- AT-LPW40WN manual belt-drive with wood finish (SRP: US$299.00)
- AT-LPW30TK manual belt-drive with wood finish (SRP: US$249.00)
- AT-LP140XP direct-drive for professional DJ/home use (SRP: US$399.00)
- AT-LP120XUSB direct-drive for professional/home use with USB (SRP: US$249.00)
- AT-LP60XHP fully-automatic turntable/headphones bundle (SRP: US$129.00)
- AT-LP60XBT fully-automatic wireless belt-drive with Bluetooth (SRP: US$149.00)
- AT-LP60XUSB fully-automatic belt-drive with USB (SRP: US$129.00)
- AT-LP60X fully-automatic belt-drive (SRP: US$99.00)
All the new models (except the AT-LP140XP) have a built-in phono preamp which allows them to be used with a wide variety of audio systems and components. All also come with a dust-cover, cables, stereo RCA output jacks (allowing the use of separate RCA cables of the user’s choice) and accessories. The new turntables will be available in early 2019.
The AT-LPW40WN and AT-LPW30TK manual belt-drive turntables are unlike any previously offered by Audio-Technica, with their striking wood finishes, elegant design and straight-line tonearms. The AT-LP140XP professional DJ turntable is designed to deliver exceptional sound quality and unmatched reliability. Audio-Technica’s AT-LP120XUSB is an update of the acclaimed AT-LP120-USB with upgrades including a new DC servo direct-drive motor, damped base construction for improved sonics and other refinements. In addition, Audio-Technica has upgraded its entry-level turntable lineup with the introduction of the AT-LP60XHP turntable and headphones bundle, the AT-LP60XBT wireless turntable, the AT-LP60XUSB with USB output and the AT-LP60X.
Audio-Technica is expanding its QuietPoint wireless active noise-cancelling headphones lineup with its new top-of-the-line over-ear ATH-ANC900BT, plus the over-ear ATH-ANC500BT and in-ear ATH-ANC100BT. The ATH-ANC900BT (SRP: US$299.00, available Spring 2019) features Audio-Technica’s new digital hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC) technology, which uses multiple microphones and exclusive digital feedback and feed-forward noise-isolation techniques including to deliver the highest degree of ambient noise reduction of any QuietPoint model, along with exceptional Hi-Res, aptX and Bluetooth 5.0-compatible audio quality. It provides up to 35 hours battery life when fully charged.
The over-ear ATH-ANC500BT offers exceptional value (SRP:US$99.00, available Spring 2019) and features 40 mm drivers for clear, impactful audio. The ATH-ANC500BT offers up to 20 hours of continuous wireless use and like the ATH-ANC900BT, can be used in wired as well as wireless mode. The ATH-ANC100BT (SRP: US$99.00, available Spring 2019) offers outstanding noise-cancelling and wireless audio performance in an attractive, comfortable pendant-type in-ear design with an in-line mic and controls.
Audio-Technica’s Sound Reality ATH-CKR7TW and Sonic Sport ATH-SPORT7TW true wireless in-ear headphones (both now shipping) incorporate the company’s new true wireless technology, which eliminates all connecting wires for completely cord-free listening. Both models come with a combination charging and carrying case, ear pieces and accessories.
The ATH-CRK7TW’s sleek design and interchangeable 3D Loop Support provide a discreet yet secure in-ear fit. The ATH-CKR7TW (SRP: US$249.00) employs 11 mm DLC (diamond-like carbon) drivers, a high-quality D/A converter/amplifier and other refinements and is compatible with Bluetooth 5.0, aptX and other codecs for superior wireless audio reproduction. The ATH-SPORT7TW (SRP: US$199.00) fitness-oriented headphones feature a stay-in-place fit and are IPX5 sweat-resistant-rated. It has compact ear pieces with ergonomic Freebit ear fins for stability and comfort even during intense workouts. The ATH-SPORT7W also provides a switchable ambient hear-through function that gives wearers the choice of hearing environmental sounds for safer use outdoors.
