Typically, in headphones using Bluetooth wireless technology, the digital signal goes through a series of steps that process and transform the wireless signal. With each processing step, there's an opportunity for distortion and disruption in the audio quality. With the Pure Digital Drive system used in the ATH-DSR9BT, Audio-Technica combines its engineering know-how of designing headphone drivers with the Trigence Semiconductor Dnote chipset, used instead of a traditional D/A converter and amplifier.
The Dnote system keeps the audio signal entirely in the digital domain from the source right through to the driver, thereby eliminating the opportunities for disruption or distortion that occur in the conversion stages employed in traditional systems. The digital pulses generated by the chipset directly excite the voice coil(s) (multi-coil) of the driver to move the diaphragm forward and backward to create the sound waves heard by the user.
In order to make the Pure Digital Drive technology a practical reality, Audio-Technica needed to engineer the drivers from the ground up. A unique four-wire voice coil is used in the ATH-DSR9BT to provide precise control of the diaphragm displacement, resulting in improved accuracy in the audio representation. The ATH-DSR9BT's True Motion D/A Driver uses a new, very light and responsive 45 mm driver diaphragm coated with DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) for superlative fidelity.
The ATH-DSR9BT has an acoustic damper inside its housing to control the airflow in front and behind the diaphragm to further tailor the sound to achieve smoother, more natural audio reproduction across the entire frequency range. The driver assemblies and housings are engineered to operate together as a complete system to deliver the required volume output along with wide frequency response and high efficiency, and take best advantage of the exceptional sonic purity provided by the Pure Digital Drive system.
The Pure Digital Drive system also enables the ATH-DSR9BT to overcome the sonic limitations of conventional Bluetooth transmission. The headphones support aptX HD, aptX and AAC codecs (as well as the SBC format) at up to 24-bit/96kHz and up to 24-bit/48kHz signals in Bluetooth mode. The ATH-DSR9BT features NFC (Near Field Communication) functionality for ready pairing with an NFC-compatible device, and a built-in mic and controller for answering calls and controlling volume and music playback.The ATH-DSR9BT is able to deliver Hi-Res Audio compliant playback from audio sources when connected via its included USB cable. All controls and indicators are mounted on one of the earcups for ready access. Three LED indicators provide pairing and charging status, battery level and the codec in use. The headphones feature soft formfitting foam earpads and a padded headband for total long-wearing comfort. The ATH-DSR9BT has a rechargeable battery that provides 15 hours continuous use (1,000 hours standby).
The Audio-Technica ATH-DSR9BT Wireless Headphones with Pure Digital Drive Technology are currently available at $US549.00.
www.trigence.com | www.audio-technica.com
