Three models in the Steez line, two audiophile

Pioneer Electronics disclosed five different on-ear headphones models today. Three of the headsets come from the Steez line, directed at the dance and DJ scenes. The other two are noise-reducing headphones aimed at the audiophile market, one with enhanced passive external sound reduction and the other with active noise cancellation technologies.

From the Steez line comes the Effects, 808, and Dubstep models. The Effects headphones are available in one of four colors and have driver optimization for low bass frequencies. An iPod/iPhone inline microphone is included making the Effects model certified by Apple as "Made for iPod and iPhone." Frequency response is between 6 and 28,000 Hz with a sensitivity of 104 dB/mW. Effects headphones will be available in May for $69.99.

Steez 808 headphones are similarly styled to the Effects line, but sport a high gloss black finish. Bass performance is increased with a dedicated 40mm driver, with mid and high frequencies covered by the second set of 30mm drivers. An inline microphone gives the 808 the same iPod/iPhone functionality as the Effects line. Frequency response is between 6 and 28,000 Hz with a sensitivity of 104 dB/mW. The 808 model will also be available in May and retail for $129.99.

The Dubstep line is fashioned in the style of DJ headphones and available in black or white with interchangeable ear pads. The black model sports green and orange ear pads, the white has blue and pink. Similar technologies to the Effects headphone model boost bass. An inline microphone allows the Dubstep line to be used with a phone as well. Frequency response is between 8 and 28,000 Hz with a sensitivity of 105 dB/mW. Dubstep headphones are available now for $99.99.

Moving up the line, the SE-MJ591 headset is equipped with newly designed 40mm drivers with passive sound reduction padding on the earpieces. Frequency response is between 5 and 40,000 Hz with a sensitivity of 108 dB/mW. These will be out in April, and will sell for $299.

Finally, the SE-NC21M uses active noise cancellation technologies that Pioneer claims reduces up to 90 percent of ambient noise. A single AAA battery will run the noise reduction for up to 120 hours, but the headphones are still usable when the battery is depleted. Frequency response is between 10 and 22,000 Hz with a sensitivity of 92 dB/mW with active noise cancellation on, or 95 dB/mW with it off. SE-NC21M headphones can be found on store shelves in May for $119.

by MacNN Staff