Sony Headphones Ask: ‘How Low Can You Go?’

Not to be outdone by Sennheiser kicking off its 2009 earphone refresh with the new CX 300 II, Sony has launched 5 new sets of cans that promise the best bass around.

With the tag, 'How low can you go?', Sony's XB series [eXtra Bass, geddit?] are promoted as having the "lowest ever bass", thanks to an ultra-low bass response. No doubt other manufacturers might query that claim. Sony hopes the new models will appeal to fans of hip-hop, dubstep, drum'n'bass etc.

Sony claims that the XB range accurately reproduces ultra-low frequencies "without compromising crystal-clear midrange vocals and high frequency sounds". Heading the charge are the closed MDR-XB700 flagship headphones, featuring an extra-large 50mm dome-type driver.