Audio-Technica’s Solid Bass headphones have earned a well-deserved reputation for delivering impactful bass, along with smooth, accurate midrange and treble and at CES 2016 they’re delivering a bigger sonic punch than ever with the introduction of six new models. Two over-ear headphones, the ATH-WS99BT wireless headphones with Bluetooth technology and the ATH-WS1100iS with Hi-Res Audio join the in-ear ATH-CKS1100iS with Hi-Res Audio, ATH-CKS990iS and ATH-CKS550iS headphones in a lineup that delivers bass-driven music the way it was meant to be heard. All are smartphone-compatible, with integrated control for answering/ending phone calls, and for controlling music. The ATH-WS99BT over-ear wireless headphones (SRP: US$249.95) employ aptX® technology, specifically created to yield the best-possible audio performance over Bluetooth transmission, large 53 mm drivers, built-in headphone amplifier and Audio-Technica’s exclusive Double Air Chamber System for powerful bass, presence and impact without sacrificing midrange and treble response. For maximum clarity, precision-machined aluminum housings eliminate undesired vibrations. A microphone, music and volume controls are built into the earcup for answering/ending calls, controlling music and video playback and controlling volume. Memory foam earpads on the ATH-WS99BT provide a comfortable fit with outstanding sound isolation. The ATH-WS99BT remembers the last eight devices paired for ready pairing with the listener’s favorite audio sources. The ATH-WS99BT comes with a protective pouch, a 3.3-foot (1.0 m) USB charging cable and 3.9-foot (1.2 m) cable with an in-line mic and controller for usage when Bluetooth may not be allowed or when battery runs out. The ATH-WS1100iS Hi-Res Audio compliant over-ear headphones employ Audio-Technica’s 53 mm Deep Motion Drivers, designed exclusively for the ATH-WS1100iS (SRP: US$229.95), which feature an ultra-powerful magnetic circuit that delivers accurate, powerful audio reproduction with a wide frequency response. The large surface area of the drivers operate in conjunction with a specially designed Extra Bass Venting System that includes side vents positioned for optimal control of air movement inside the driver housings to deliver deep, powerful bass. The housings utilize an aluminum stabilizer ring that contributes to the headphones’ clear midrange and high frequency reproduction. Adding to the sonic refinement, the dual-layer earpads offer outstanding acoustic isolation and comfort. The ATH-WS1100iS comes with a detachable 3.9 ft. (1.2 m) cable with in-line mic and controls, and a carrying pouch. The ATH-CKS55XBT takes the in-ear Solid Bass experience wireless, thanks to its Bluetooth technology. Like all Solid Bass in-ear models, the ATH-CKS55XBT (SRP: US$79.95) features Audio-Technica’s direct-diaphragm driver design for superior fidelity and dynamic impact. It incorporates a high-quality headphone amplifier and an exclusive Double Air Chamber System that operates in conjunction with a specially shaped housing to focus the drivers’ airflow and expand their bass output. In addition, the eartips are designed for maximum bass response, with a moveable two-position post that lets wearers adjust for the best fit, sound isolation and low-frequency performance. The ATH-CKS55XBT is supplied with XS/S/M/L eartips, a 3.3-foot (1.0 m) USB charging cable, and a 3.9 (1.2 m) smartphone cable with in-line mic and controls for wired connection when wireless operation is prohibited or when battery power is depleted. Audio-Technica’s ATH-CKS1100iS Hi-Res Audio compliant in-ear headphones offer a host of high-performance features including exclusive dual-phase push-pull drivers that work in tandem with each other to reduce intermodulation distortion and deliver remarkably clear and authoritative audio reproduction from an in-ear design, with deep bass, a rich midrange and extended highs. Sound quality is further enhanced by Audio-Technica’s new Dual Bass Venting System and machined aluminum housings that reduce resonance and extend mid-to-high frequency response. The ATH-CKS1100iS (SRP: US$199.95) features a newly developed 3.9 ft. (1.2 m) detachable cable with in-line mic and control to answer calls and control music and video that attaches to the headphones with newly developed A2DC (Audio Designed Detachable Coaxial) connectors. Separate star-quad cables for left and right channels improve isolation from external noise and channel cross talk. The headphones come with a carrying case and XS/S/M/L eartips that fit over the earphones’ two-position posts for a custom fit with superior sound isolation. The ATH-CKS990iS offers true high-performance sound for under $100 (SRP: US$99.95). These in-ear headphones employ newly designed 13 mm Dual Magnetic-Field Drivers that place an extra magnet in front of the driver to create a concentrated magnetic field that yields powerful, richly textured bass without distortion. The drivers operate in conjunction with new Multiple-Transition Diaphragms with a diamond-like carbon coating that adds power and precision to the bass reproduction, and Audio-Technica’s Dual Bass Venting System. The driver housings are machined from aluminum to reduce unwanted resonance and extend midrange and high frequency response. The ATH-CKS990iS features a 3.9 ft. (1.2 m) cable comprised of two separate star-quad cables, one dedicated to the left channel, the other to the right, which improves isolation from external noise and channel cross talk. The cable also includes an in-line mic and control that lets users answer calls and control music and video on your smartphone or other portable device. For improved noise isolation and reduced crosstalk, XS/S/M/L eartips that fit over the earphones’ two-position posts, and a carrying case are included. The ATH-CKS550iS in-ear headphones deliver superior Solid Bass sound quality at an incredible value (SRP: US$39.95). They feature 9.8 mm Dual Magnetic-Field Drivers with Multiple-Transition Diaphragms and Audio-Technica’s Dual Bass Venting System to provide remarkably full and detailed bass, along with a natural midrange and treble. The headphones’ two-position posts and XS/S/M/L eartips insure a comfortable fit and optimum bass response for any wearer, and like all the new Solid Bass models, its 3.9 ft. (1.2 m) cable includes an in-line mic and control for answering/ending calls and for controlling music. The ATH-CKS550iS is available in black, blue, white, black/gold and red. All the new Audio-Technica Solid Bass models will be available in February 2016. In Brief: The Move to Hi-Res Audio While many listeners may believe that high-resolution audio came along with the introduction of the Compact Disc in 1982, constraints on the disc’s storage space always prevented CD audio (standardized at 44.1 kHz/16-bit) from fully and completely reproducing the original recorded sound. The advent and subsequent popularity of MP3s only made this problem more pronounced – the necessary compression of these files causes audio information to be lost, thus greatly reducing the audio quality. But with lossless audio file formats, faster Internet speeds, and storage space increasingly easy to come by (and in ever-smaller packages), the push is on to create audio equipment capable of capturing and reproducing true Hi-Res Audio, generally considered to be 96 kHz/24-bit or better. The Hi-Res Audio logo certifies that a product meets the Hi-Res Audio standards. Per these standards, headphones must have transducer frequency performance to at least 40 kHz. As a producer of these types of audiophile headphones since 1972, Audio-Technica is well-positioned to provide audio solutions that meet the demands of Hi-Res Audio media formats, allowing for the full reproduction of their extended sonic characteristics. Celebrating over 50 years of audio excellence, Audio-Technica is a recognized leader in the development and manufacture of high-quality personal and professional audio equipment. Founded in Japan in 1962 by Hideo Matsushita, the company made its name by manufacturing state-of-the-art phonograph cartridges and tonearms. Today, Audio-Technica is a worldwide group of companies devoted to creating high-performance microphones, headphones, wireless systems, mixers, turntables, phono cartridges and other electronic products. A reputation for quality, durability, performance and value has made Audio-Technica products the first choice for many of today’s top musical artists and audio engineers, and for discerning listeners everywhere. Drawing from its audiophile heritage, Audio-Technica remains dedicated to providing music enthusiasts with great-sounding, innovative audio gear, including the award-winning QuietPoint® active noise-cancelling headphones, popular ATH-M50x monitor headphones, versatile USB microphones, and new Hi-Res Audio headphones and high-fidelity gaming headsets. Learn more at www.audio-technica.com. — For more information on the complete range of Audio-Technica products, contact Karen Emerson or Crystal Griffith, Audio-Technica U.S., Inc., 1221 Commerce Drive, Stow, OH 44224. Tel: (330) 686-2600; Fax: (330) 688-3752. — For further information regarding product availability and pricing in Europe, contact Tom Harrold (tharrold@audio-technica-europe.com) or visit our media centre at www.starscreamcommunications.com. The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Audio-Technica Corporation is under license. aptX is a registered trademark of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. Audio-Technica is exhibiting at the Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall Ground Level, Booth #20656 during CES 2016 in Las Vegas, NV.