Sony’s new SBH80 wearable hands-free headset (S$188) with apt-X for lovers of quality audio

June 28, 2014 - PRLog -- You hardly know it’s there! Worn on the neck and perfectly balanced on the shoulders, Sony’s new premium wireless headset delivers outstanding sound quality and great useability to mobile users searching for more. Even the most exacting users such as hi-fi audiophiles will find much to rave about the SBH80 http://www.sonymobile.com/sg/products/accessories/stereo-bluetooth-headset-sbh80/ (http://www.sonymobile.com/sg/products/accessories/stereo-bluetooth-headset-sbh80/). The sound is superb. This stereo Bluetooth device is embedded with apt-X® audio enhancement, a high-quality audio codec designed to make wireless audio as good as any audio anywhere. Enjoy music as it’s meant to be enjoyed – with pure deep bass and clean clear highs.

Balanced armature drivers deliver the clarity and frequency accuracy required for the best in-ear audio experience. Along with specially-made dual-layered housings of high-strength magnesium, the listening experience for SBH80 users is crystal clear mid to high range sound and overall rich audio. Ear buds designed for maximum background noise-cancelling combine with perfect sealing so users get the best quality music experience.

Unveiled to the world at CES 2014, the sleek, highly durable SBH80 with ground-breaking audio technology now retails in Singapore for RRP S$188 at Sony Style, Sony Centres, Best Denki, Gadget World, Newstead Technologies, M1 Shops, Stereo Electronics, Tech@Vogue and other authorised resellers.

Optimized sound. Optimal wearability
SBH80 (http://blogs.sonymobile.com/2014/04/01/celebrating-michae...) is specifically tuned to match the linear characteristic of the recording studio of musical impresario, L.A. Reid (http://blogs.sonymobile.com/2014/04/01/celebrating-michael-jacksons-new-album-xscape-with-xperia-z2/). To celebrate this year’s launch of XSCAPE,an album of new music by the late King of Pop Michael Jackson, Sony audio engineers consulted with the visionary Epic Records Chairman and CEO to re-create the centre seat sound experience. Using the studio’s console and main monitors as a reference point to optimise the sound, the audio tuning settings have also been burnt to SBH80’s digital signal processor. The result? Users can hear the music exactly as its creators intended it to be heard.

Splash-proof! Wear it at work, at home, at gym, indoors or outdoors
Designed to be worn and used all day and in any situation, SBH80 - weighing 16g - is discreet and suits any type of clothing style. The neckband houses a long lasting battery and Bluetooth module and is where the micro USB charging port, power button, and NFC tag are located. From there, ultra-thin memory metal arms extend around the neck to rest securely on the shoulders, connecting to two slim stations holding microphones and remote control buttons for music and call navigating. Then they go on to finally end in small, lightweight, and extremely comfortable earbuds.

When not inserted in ears, these earbuds wear loosely down the front of shoulders. And when a call, message or other notification comes through, the neckband vibrates in a discreet alert.

Discreet vibrating alert for calls, messages & notifications
For real-time talking over the phone, the well-made SBH80 is equipped with double microphones. Whichever way the user’s head is turned, whether  to the right or left, there’s a microphone close-by and callers get an even, high-quality call experience. SBH80 is HD Voice-ready so callers hear your voice as it really sounds: natural and clear. With the vibrating alert, users won’t be missing a call or message, even in the noisiest, quietest, and busiest places. Staying connected becomes infinitely more comfortable and enjoyable.

SBH80 supports Bluetooth 3.0, NFC for easy pairing and multipoint connectivity for two or more devices at the same time. Equipped with a 125 mAh battery, the headset is capable of delivering up to 6 hours of stream time and up to 9 hours talk time.

Key features of SBH80 http://bit.ly/UT2F0l (http://www.sonymobile.com/sg/products/accessories/stereo-...)
Bluetooth 3.0, NFC
Multipoint connectivity, HD Voice
aptX® audio enhancement

Acoustic
Speaker type: 5.8 mm dynamic
Ear coupling: In-ear canal
Nominal Impedance: 15 Ohm
Frequency response: 10Hz - 20000Hz, (diffuse field oriented mid-high range).
Max SPL: 100dBA (EN 50332-1)
Total harmonic distortion: <0.5% (100Hz .. 10000Hz@100dBSPL)
Microphone: Dual MEMS

Battery
Standby time: (up to) 650 hours
Talk time: (up to) 9 hours
Stream time: (up to) 6 hours
Battery: 125 mAh

General
Weight: approx 15.8g (without cord)
Compatible with Bluetooth-enabled smartphones, tablets and computers
Earbuds with sleeves in 3 sizes