It doesn't help that Sony's last attempt at a Statement Product, the 010 Qualia, was not well received, and even called an outright flop by many.
So my take, is that we may well see another 'King of Dynamics' like the R10 - but I doubt we will see Sony make it. The Edition 10 is already an attempt at this - did it succeed? That's a totally different question.
Well honestly, how couldn't it be a flop? It needed to be specifically sized for different headbands, of which are already fragile, and its sound was that of a pimped out SA5000. There aren't too many people after that sound. There'd probably be more looking for an R10 type of sound instead of a cold, analytical sound.
And wasn't one of the MAJOR problems of the ED10 the fact that Ultrasone screwed the pads up on their initial batch?
akg will be releasing their new flagship soon
It's been "soon" for 2 years...at least. They promised to reveal something at CES. No dice.
I say roll one out, every manufacturer has the top flagship, the dream can and the one they can say is a symbol of their capability.
Most already have one:
Ultrasone Ed 10
Sennheiser HD800 (or Orpheus depending)
Grado PS1000
Stax 02
The list goes on... perhaps that is what Sony is missing - a true top tier can, a status symbol that will drive sales of their lower end models which is a great marketing technique used in fashion, cars and interior design.
Stax 009.
The O2 is now the second up model.
Honestly, I have no idea why Sony
doesn't release a statement model. They totally have the ability/extra money to spare to, and seeing as the entire production of Ed10's were purchased (right?) They know people are willing to fork down $3000 for a headphone. Sure, they might not want to seem like they're supporting gluttony, but it's kinda like the same deal as the venerable C800G, their flagship microphone (MSRP $8000+?), they can be known as "the best" in the world of audio, and certainly can do it if they wanted. Granted, a new R10 would be impossible for the reasons listed above, but
something new and innovative should be created. The Z1000 isn't cool enough.
