Pioneer has just announced three new precision audio products: the SE-MASTER1 Headphone, XDP-100R Digital Audio Player and the SX-N30 Network Stereo Receiver. These new products, along with the latest Pioneer & Elite AV line, will be showcased at CEDIA 2015, at the Omni Dallas Hotel.
SE-MASTER1 Headphones (MSRP $2,500 U.S.)
The SE-MASTER1 is a reference-grade handmade headphone, build with fine materials by a single, certified craftsman. Over 100 individual processes are required to produce a single unit. At the core of the SE-MASTER1 is its newly developed 50 mm driver units with a 25 µm aluminum diaphragm which is finished with a Parker Ceramic Coating (PCC) that pushes the performance of the aluminum diaphragms to a much higher level. It is the first headphone in the world to receive the PCC treatment and the unit is capable of reproducing high-resolution audio of up to 85.000 Hz, more than double the minimum requirement for high-res headphones (40.000 Hz). The new SE-MASTER1 is ideal for discerning listeners as well as for use in professional recording, mixing and mastering in a professional studio environment.
XDP-100R Digital Audio Player (MSRP $700 U.S. estimated)
From its internal design to its first-of-its kind features, the XDP-100R ushers in a new era of digital audio players. Based on the Android OS, the XDP-100R supports many high res audio formats up to DSD 11.2MHz, 384kHz/24bit FLAC/WAV audio files as well as streaming audio. It is the first player to support the upcoming “MQA” lossless format (via free update) and features a class-leading 4.7 inch touchscreen display. Access to Google Play expands the capabilities of the player to include games and videos, and the internal storage is expandable to 288GB. Analog circuitry is employed near the headphone jack, while the switching circuitry is kept a far as possible away to minimize noise. Each device has an independent local power supply that allows for closed loop circuit design, and audio signals are completely isolated from other blocks to keep the signal pure. The circuit board was tuned to the micron to eliminate grounding issues. Finally, the unit comes with a built-in speaker for casual listening without headphones and the volume knob has 161 step positions for fine granular control. With the mainstream growth for streaming audio and video services, the XDP-100R is the only player needed to enjoy high res contents anywhere.
SX-N30 Network Stereo Receiver (MSRP $600 U.S. estimated)
The SX-N30 is loaded with advanced connectivity features that support an innovative power design. The receiver is equipped with high power amplifiers with 80W/Ch. and designed around the “Direct Energy” concept of achieving excellent signal transmission and high S/N by the optimizing the circuit blocks and parts layout. This ensures that electric signals are efficiently sent to the speakers to play music with superior sound quality. It features wireless playback via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Apple Airplay, and supports streaming services such as Pandora and Spotify, as well as FM/AM radio through the installation of an antenna. The receiver is equipped with four digital inputs (two optical and two coaxial), six analog inputs with a dedicated input for turntables. In addition, the USB memory connection terminal is at the front side of the receiver for ease of access.
For more information about Pioneer Home Entertainment’s entire line, please visit: http://www.pioneerelectronics.com.
About the Author: George de Sa
