Japan Victor Corporation (JVC) will begin sales of "HP-AL301" headphones, a new model in their "Be!" series of clip-on headphones with fully retractable cord storage, from 1 November. The headphones are the world's thinnest retractable cord headphones. I know it's hard but try to contain your excitement.

Japan Victor Corporation (JVC) will begin sales of "HP-AL301" headphones, a new model in their "Be!" series of clip-on headphones with fully retractable cord storage, from 1 November. The headphones will have no set price but the retail price is expected to be approximately 2,900 yen.

Seven colours will be available - matt black, Carmine red, silver, silver & blue, silver & black, pure white and pearl white & pink. A "Double Cord Automatic Retract Mechanism" allows both the plug cord that connects to the portable audio device and the neck cord to be stored in the left/right housings. This prevents cord entanglement during storage.

The cord can be retracted in 2-3 cm lengths, allowing the user to adjust the cord to their preferred length. A fitting on the headphone plug allows it to be secured to the housing when the cord is stored, even if still connected to the remote control. The respective lengths of the neck and plug cords are 1 m and 50 cm respectively.

The headphone housing is 19mm thick (excluding earpad), which is the thinnest amongst retractable cord headphones. The "Soft Silent Earpads" reduce sound leakage by 30% in comparison to previous models. The ear clips are made of rubber to produce an improved fit.

Playback frequency response is 12Hz - 25kHz, maximum input is 500 mW and impedance is 32 ohms. The headphones weigh 38 grams (excluding cord).

Inspired by:
http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/20041026/victor2.htm

News release:
http://www.victor.co.jp/press/2004/hp-al301.html

Product information:
http://www.victor.co.jp/accessory/headphone/be/hpal301/index.html