Sony to release 4 new XBA headphones (Update)

When Sony announced the new A-Series, some of the images on the Sony website featured new XBA headphones, but of course Sony Europe would tell me which model they were.  But it appears Sony Singapore has jumped the boat and posted the new headphones on their site.

The headphones in question were probably the XBA-A2, but I cannot certify which model is in the photos, since the pictures are too small to see the numbering clearly.  The full lineup is, XBA-Z5, XBA-A3, XBA-A2 and XBA-A1.

The XBA-Z5 headphones will be Sony's flagship XBAs for 2014, just like the MDR-Z7s are the flagship for the larger headphones.  Pricing on Amazon.com is a staggering $700 USD, but that should hopefully drop once they are released.   There is no pricing for the other 3 models but it should be in line with the previous versions they replace, XBA-H3, XBA-H2 and XBA-H1.  Availability is a mystery for now but should be sometime this year, possibly October/November time frame when the XBA-100s (October 24) are to be released in Japan.  I feel this would be the same time the new A-Series would hit Japan as well, October/November.  Hopefully Sony will announce these soon with pricing and availability.

UPDATE - AV Watch

MDR-Z5 - 65,000 yen (470 Euros) - available October 18th

All 3 will be available October 24th.

• XBA-A3 - 36,000 yen (260 Euros)
• XBA-A2 - 26,000 yen (187 Euros)
• XBA-A1 - 15,000 yen (110 Euros)

Hands on with the new Headphones from AV Watch

I really hope Sony announces these for Europe soon.

Full specifications, more photos below

XBA-Z5

• High-Resolution Audio HD Hybrid 3-way driver system deliver spacious, wideband audio from 3 - 40,000Hz
• Linear drive Balanced Armature driver
• Magnesium HD super tweeter
• 16mm Aluminum-coated Liquid Crystal Polymer diaphragm dynamic driver
• Supplied cable for balanced connection with optional headphone amplifier (PHA-3)
• Made in Japan

Type	Closed
Driver Unit	Hybrid 3-way System: 16mm Dynamic + 2 X Balanced Armature
Diaphragm	Aluminum-coated Liquid Crystal Polymer
Frequency Response	3 - 40,000Hz
Sensitivity	107dB/mW
Impedance (at 1 kHz)	32 Ω
Cable	1.2m detachable Silver-coated OFC Litz Wire Y-Type cable; 2m detachable Silver-coated OFC Litz Wire Balance Connection cable
Plug	Gold-plated L-shaped Stereo Mini; Gold-plated 3-pole Mini
Approx. Weight(excl. cable）	11g
Supplied Accessories	Carrying Case, Foamed Silicone Earbuds (S / M / L each 2), Hybrid Silicone Rubber Earbuds (SS/S/M/L each 2), Clip, Cable Adjuster

XBA-A3

 

• High-Resolution Audio HD Hybrid 3-way driver system
• Linear drive Balanced Armature driver
• HD super tweeter
• 16mm Liquid Crystal Polymer diaphragm dynamic driver
• Enjoy radiant highs and deep bass

Type	Closed
Driver Unit	Hybrid 3-way System: 12mm Dynamic + 2 X Balanced Armature
Diaphragm	Liquid Crystal Polymer
Frequency Response	3 - 40,000Hz
Sensitivity	105 dB/mW
Impedance (at 1 kHz)	32 Ω
Cable	1.2m detachable Silver-coated OFC Litz Wire Y-Type cable; 1.2m detachable Silver-coated OFC Litz cable with in-line remote and mic
Plug	Gold-plated L-shaped Stereo Mini; Four-Conductor Gold-plated L-shaped Stereo Mini
Approx. Weight(excl. cable）	10g
Supplied Accessories	Carrying Case, Foamed Silicone Earbuds (S / M / L each 2), Hybrid Silicone Rubber Earbuds (SS/S/M/L each 2), Clip Cable Adjuster

 

XBA-A2

• High-Resolution Audio HD Hybrid 3-way driver system
• Linear drive Balanced Armature driver
• HD super tweeter
• 12mm Liquid Crystal Polymer diaphragm dynamic driver
• Enjoy radiant highs and deep bass

Type	Closed
Driver Unit	Hybrid 3-way System: 12mm Dynamic + 2 X Balanced Armature
Diaphragm	Liquid Crystal Polymer
Frequency Response	4 - 40,000Hz
Sensitivity	108 dB/mW
Impedance (at 1 kHz)	32 Ω
Cable	1.2m detachable Silver-coated OFC Litz Wire Y-Type cable; 1.2m detachable Silver-coated OFC Litz cable with in-line remote and mic
Plug	Gold-plated L-shaped Stereo Mini; Four-Conductor Gold-plated L-shaped Stereo Mini
Approx. Weight(excl. cable）	9g
Supplied Accessories	Carrying Case, Foamed Silicone Earbuds (S / M / L each 2), Hybrid Silicone Rubber Earbuds (SS/S/M/L each 2), Clip Cable Adjuster

XBA-A1AP

• Hybrid 2-way driver system
• Linear drive Balanced Armature driver
• 9mm dynamic driver
• Hands-free calls with in-line remote and microphone
• Enjoy clear, smooth vocals and dynamic bass

Type	Closed
Driver Unit	Hybrid 2-way System: (9mm dynamic + Balanced Armature)
Diaphragm	Liquid Crystal Polymer
Frequency Response	5 - 25,000Hz
Sensitivity	107 dB/mW
Impedance (at 1 kHz)	24 Ω
Cable	1.2m Silver-coated OFC Litz Wire Y-Type cable with In-line Remote and Mic
Plug	Four-Conductor Gold-plated L-shaped Stereo Mini
Approx. Weight(excl. cable）	7g
Supplied Accessories	Carrying Pouch, Foamed Silicone Earbuds (S / M / L each 2), Hybrid Silicone Rubber Earbuds (SS/S/M/L each 2), Clip, Cable Adjuster

Source: Sony Singapore, Sony China, Sopp