Sony confirms launch of four new Bluetooth headphones

The four new products are the MDR-1ABTs; the MDR-ZX770BNs; the MDR-ZX330BTs; and MDR-AS600BTs – all of which feature NFC for instant wireless connections to enabled Walkmans, MP3 players or smartphones.

And its the MDR-1ABTs (above) that come with LDAC on board, a new codec that Sony says delivers high-quality wireless listening by sending three times as much data as a standard Bluetooth connection is normally capable of.

MORE: Sony refuses to rule out exiting TV and mobile markets; Video and Sound businesses to be spun off

Sony says the new LDAC technology will stream "pristine, lag-free" audio from compatible devices such as the high-resolution NW-ZX2 Walkman, the £950 portable player we first caught sight of at CES 2015 in January.

In addition, the MDR-1ABTs include 40mm HD driver units and DSEE technology, which is said to serve up "a more natural sound experience". A touch sensor at the side, meanwhile, lets you skip tracks or adjust volume.

The second addition to Sony's headphone line-up is the MDR-ZX770BN (above) – the latest digital noise-cancelling Bluetooth headphones that sport around-the-ear design and uses the company's DNC software engine.

MORE: Read all our Sony reviews and news

With noise cancelling on, it's claimed the MDR-ZX770BNs can last up to 13 hours between battery charges. Meanwhile, the third addition – the MDR-ZX330BTs – contain 30mm driver units and has a battery life of 30 hours.

The final new headphones are the MDR-AS600BTs (above) – designed for the "toughest workout", letting you exercise with the convenience of Bluetooth streaming. A built-in mic and splash-proof design are also prominent features.

It is expected the MDR-1ABTs (£300), MDR-ZX770BNs (£130), MDR-ZX330BTs (£70) will hit the shelves in Europe in May, while the MDR-AS600BTs (£70) are poised to go on sale in April.

MORE: 5 of the best Bluetooth headphones

Pete was content editor on What Hi-Fi?, overseeing production and publication of digital content. In creating and curating feature articles for web and print consumption, he provided digital and editorial expertise and support to help reposition What Hi-Fi? as a ‘digital-first’ title; reflecting the contemporary media trends. He is now a senior content strategist. 

Latest in Headphones
Sony WF-C710N earbuds lined up in different finishes
They’re official! Sony finally takes the wraps off its WF-C710N budget wireless earbuds
Sony WH-1000XM4 on a table with a plant
Some of our favourite-ever five-star wireless headphones have plummeted to nearly half price – £172 off!
Fiio FX17 in-ear headphones
Fiio's flagship in-ear headphones are packed full of drivers to put your music in pole position
Apple AirPods Max 2024 in blue finish on bookshelf
Lossless audio and wired listening finally come to the AirPods Max
Sennheiser HD 550 on a blue background
Aimed at gamers and audiophiles alike, Sennheiser's detail-hungry wired cans seek to put you fully in the sonic picture
Bone conduction headphones
Samsung to launch its first bone conduction headphones this summer, report says
Latest in News
Sony WF-C710N earbuds lined up in different finishes
They’re official! Sony finally takes the wraps off its WF-C710N budget wireless earbuds
A flower on a TV screen with a gem in the middle.
TCL's new Mini LED TV range comes with huge brightness gains, reduced blooming and souped-up sound
Sony WH-1000XM4 on a table with a plant
Some of our favourite-ever five-star wireless headphones have plummeted to nearly half price – £172 off!
RCA Roku TV 24-inch (RK24HF1) small TV
My favourite kitchen TV has dropped to under £100 for Amazon Spring Deal Days
Sony XR-48A90K
Amazon has slashed the price of this five-star Sony OLED, but we have found an even better deal
Fiio FX17 in-ear headphones
Fiio's flagship in-ear headphones are packed full of drivers to put your music in pole position