CES 2020: Audio-Technica Showcases Latest in Headphones, Microphones, Turntables, Cartridges

The start of a new year, and a new decade, calls for high-quality additions to A-T’s expanding equipment line. Our team is excited to be attending the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) in Las Vegas this week and debuting a variety of new gear! People all around the world gather for this annual event to witness the latest and greatest in consumer technology. A-T is thrilled to be presenting new headphones, microphones, phono cartridges, and more.

Here is a peek of what A-T is bringing to the global stage at CES 2020. All products listed below will be on exhibit at the Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall 1, Booth 20648 (January 7 – 10, 2020). If you’re visiting the show, be sure to stop by the A-T booth to see these products for yourself!

New Headphones
Showcasing for the first time at CES are four new high-performance Hi-Res headphones. The over-ear ATH-AWKT and ATH-AWAS audiophile and over-ear ATH-WP900 portable headphones combine beautifully crafted woods with superb sound quality, and the ATH-IEX1 features an exclusive hybrid multidriver system for an unmatched in-ear listening experience.

Also being introduced at CES 2020 are our new QuietPoint ATH-ANC300TW truly wireless noise-cancelling in-ear headphones. The ATH-ANC300TW combines A-T’s next-generation truly wireless technology with newly designed digital hybrid active noise-cancelling (ANC) electronics. The result is improved high-fidelity sound and superior noise-cancelling performance, all without requiring any connecting wires. A-T will be also be showcasing its ATH-CKS5TW and ATH-CK3TW truly wireless in-ear headphones, which feature compact, lightweight designs, long-lasting battery life, Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology and outstanding audio quality.

Also on exhibit are two new SonicSport in-ear headphones with Bluetooth wireless technology. The ATH-SPORT90BT features a built-in music player for additional convenience for the active lifestyle and, along with the new ATH-SPORT60BT, includes a number of useful upgrades from previous SonicSport models. Both headphones offer a host of fitness-friendly features, including IPX5 waterproof-rated construction, a built-in mic and controls for smartphone and portable device operation, as well as stay-in-place designs that keep them secure even during intense workouts. Both feature improved high-sensitivity drivers for impactful, immersive sound, and offer longer battery life along with additional improvements.

The recently introduced ATH-G1WL wireless and ATH-G1 wired premium gaming headsets will also be showcased at CES 2020. These headsets will transform even the most demanding players’ gaming sessions, as the lightweight design and proven studio audio quality allow both esports players and casual gamers to enjoy a long gaming session in extreme comfort.

Upgraded ATR Series Microphones
At CES 2020, A-T is unleashing its newest models of ATR microphones. The series features improvements such as USB-C connectivity, improved internal A/D converters, restyled designs, and other refinements. The full collection includes the following:

• ATR2500x-USB streaming/podcasting/recording microphone
• ATR2100x-USB streaming/recording microphone
• ATR6550x video/recording shotgun microphone
• ATR6250x video/recording stereo microphone
• ATR4697-USB digital tabletop microphone
• ATR4750-USB digital gooseneck microphone
• ATR4650-USB digital surface-mount/clip-on microphone
• ATR3350xiS clip-on microphone
• ATR1500x vocal/instrument microphone
• ATR1300x vocal/instrument microphone
• ATR1200x vocal/instrument microphone
• ATR1100x vocal/instrument microphone

In addition, Audio-Technica is introducing its ATR2x-USB 3.5 mm to USB-C digital adapter, which converts any microphone or headphones with a 3.5 mm (1/8-inch) plug into a USB-compatible device.

High-Performance Turntable
A-T couldn’t come to CES without bringing a new turntable. The AT-LPW50PB belt-drive turntable combines an exceptional high-fidelity listening experience with a stunning, high-gloss piano black finish that complements any music system. The AT-LPW50PB is engineered for superior record playback quality in every respect. It features:

• Anti-resonance 30 mm thick MDF plinth (base) to dampen low-frequency acoustic feedback
• 33-1/3 and 45 RPM speeds
• Professional-grade die-cast aluminum platter, driven by a speed sensor-monitored motor that ensures continuously accurate platter rotation
• Straight-line matte-black carbon fiber tonearm fitted with a AT-VM95E moving magnet (MM) cartridge
• Built-in phono preamp, enabling the turntable to be used with music and home entertainment systems, powered speakers, and A/V receivers that do not have a dedicated phono input
• Height-adjustable feet that provide isolation from outside vibration and allow the turntable to be precisely leveled
• External power supply isolates unwanted electrical noise from the turntable

Latest Generation of Legendary Cartridges
Since their introduction more than 30 years ago, A-T’s OC9 Series moving coil phono cartridges have been acclaimed by listeners and reviewers worldwide for their exceptional sound quality and musical transparency. At CES 2020, A-T is exhibiting its next-generation AT-OC9X Series phono cartridges.

Each OC9X model features a Dual Moving Coil structure, which enables the audio information in the record grooves to be separated to the left and right channels with pinpoint accuracy. This improved channel separation results in a more precise stereo image and wider frequency response.

AT-OC9X Series cartridges are available with a choice of stylus types, including Special Line Contact (AT-OC9XSL), Shibata (AT-OC9XSH), Microlinear (AT-OC9XML), nude elliptical (AT-OC9XEN) and bonded elliptical (AT-OC9XEB). The Special Line Contact, Microlinear, and Shibata stylus models have been upgraded with a boron cantilever, while the nude elliptical and bonded elliptical models feature an aluminum cantilever. These materials were carefully selected to keep unwanted vibrations to a minimum, and to reduce internal resonances for clearer, more detailed audio reproduction.

To complement the new cartridges, A-T is also introducing its AT-LH headshells. The new headshells are made from hard-anodized aluminum for maximum rigidity and vibration isolation and are available in three different weights (13, 15 and 18 grams). All feature OFC (Oxygen-Free Copper) cartridge leads and are adjustable for precise setting of azimuth and overhang.