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The Panasonic RPHJE900 Brings Zirconium Sound to Headphones

Transduction is a scientific term for the process where matter or energy is converted to produce another form of energy. It is the core of how life, from plants to animals, survives. For the past century, sound engineers have grappled with concepts of how to make recorded sound reproduce as real as the original source material. As such, technologies developed using various elements and chemical structures to convert sound in speakers and headphones. Panasonic’s new RP-HJE900 takes a bold new step into that arena using a diamond-like substance called Zirconium as an audio transducer in a tiny earphone. Will digital music rise to yet higher levels?

The world’s first high fidelity in-ear headphones made of Zirconia, model RP-HJE900 is expected to get people talking and listening as it unfolds during the holiday season. Designed with the expertise of Technics sound engineers, these premium in-ear headphones are made with Zirconia to give audiophiles pure sound in a durable and stylish design.

Zirconia is a white crystalline oxide of zirconium dioxide (ZrO2). It is an extremely durable substance which can withstand extreme temperatures and is used as a thermal barrier coating in jet turbine and diesel engines. It’s diamond-like appearance has been used to create inexpensive jewelry.

Most earphones use synthetic materials (plastics) and thin metals to transduce electrical signals into sound. A sound chamber made of Zirconia has less resonance than plastic or aluminum. As a result, the RP-HJE900 in-ear headphones deliver ultra clear sound reproduction with virtually no distortion. In addition to realistic sound, the durability of Zirconia offers audiophiles a scratchproof, ultra-tough construction for a lifetime of use. They even have detachable wires which can be replaced if they fray, as the Zirconia headphones outlast wires in the long run.

Panasonic RP-HJE900 in-ear headphones are constructed using Neodymium magnets for deep, rich and powerful sound. They boast an impressive frequency response from as low as 6Hz up to 26,000Hz for realistic sound with precision highs and rich low end, well beyond the typical human’s hearing spectrum. They have a sound pressure sensitivity of 100dB for optimal sound loudness. The cord also has a slider to prevent tangling.

Zirconium experimentation has been explored as a high-quality audio transducer for several years. The Panasonic RP-HJE900 is the first consumer product to offer the benefit of an advanced technology in an uncommon earphone at a comfortable price. If you use iPods and MP3 players, you may appreciate the radically better sound that this lightweight earphone can deliver.