Pioneer has improved their top-of-the-range cordless digital headphones by adding AAC support, using a new 48-bit DSP chip and increasing the model number by 1000. The SE-DIR2000C headphones will be available in late July for approximately $US450. If you're in the market for some of these, you may also want to check out JVC's HP-W1000 which offer a similar level of specs.

Tohoku Pioneer will begin sales of premium "SE-DIR2000C" cordless headphones from late July. The headphones will have no recommended retail price but are expected to sell for approximately 46,800 yen.

The cordless headphone set consists of a transmitter (TRE-D2000) and headphones (SE-DHP2000). Uncompressed digital infra-red transmission is used for signal transfer and provides a range of approximately 10 metres. A new 48-bit DSP improves the precision of digital signal processing and audio quality.

In addition to the 48-bit DSP, the other change that differentiates the new headphones from the previous SE-DIR1000C model (released July 2002) is the inclusion of AAC support. This allows the headphones to be used with digital broadcasts that have 5.1ch multi-channel sound. A 3-level bass assist mode has been added to the transmitter section and the headphones can also be charged by simply placing them on the stand. A remote control is also now included.

Dolby Headphone stereo sound technology allows the stereo headphones to playback multi-channel sources. Three listening environment modes are provided - DH1 (small, well-damped room e.g. home theatre), DH2 (medium-sized acoustically live room) and DH3 (large room e.g. commercial movie theatre or concert hall).

In addition to AAC, Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES are supported. Dolby Pro-Logic II, which converts a stero source to 5.1 channels, is also included.

The headphones are open-air dynamic units and use the same 50mm-diameter driver unit as the SE-DIR1000C. However, the centre of gravity of the headphones has been lowered in comparison to the previous model and stability in use should be improved. Users also no longer have to worry about turning off the headphones - a new sensor automatically switches the headphone power on/off depending on their orientation.

The headphones (SE-DHP2000) will also be available separately for 26,250 yen.

The playback frequency range of the headphones is 10Hz - 24kHz. They weigh 350 grams and are powered by 2 AA NiMH batteries (included). Approximately 20 hours of use is possible on a single charge.

The transmitter comes with a horizontal/vertical stand and has an internal battery charger. 2 optical digital inputs, 1 coaxial digital input and 1 analogue input are provided. A headphone jack allows wired headphones to also be used. An optical digital pass-through is also a new addition to the transmitter.

Inspired by:
http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/20050620/pioneer1.htm

News release (PDF):
http://www.pioneer.co.jp/topec/pdf/2005_prs/050620se_dir2000c.pdf

Related articles:
Fully digital wireless headphones (JVC HP-W1000)