Behind the Signature Series, with Eric Kingdon

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Dubbed the ‘Ear of Europe’, Eric Kingdon is a technical specialist and all-round audio guru at Sony, where he has worked on iconic audio products for over 30 years. We caught up with Eric about the latest premium offering from Sony, the Signature Series.

Sony released the Signature Series products to much fanfare at IFA last year, so what sets these products apart?

In producing the series there was great focus on what is known in Sony circles as ‘kando’, a Japanese term that encapsulates the Sony philosophy. It is all about reaching people at an emotional level. The Signature Series achieves this, capturing all of Sony’s knowledge and passion for sound.

What is the inspiration behind ‘One Signature Sound’?

This is all about the design intention, which was to deliver something beyond the measurable. Sony craftsmen wanted to inspire a listening experience that was closer to the artists’ original intention. It’s about the difference between listening to Miles Davis at home and being there in person, actually witnessing the sweat on his forehead as he plays, and the raw emotion of his music in action. It is all about bringing the listener one step closer to the actual experience.

What difference does the quality of materials used make to the products’ sound quality?

A great deal! For example, the natural acoustic quality and unique timbre of the Z1R headphones means we refer to them as the ‘final instrument’. By allowing the air within the enclosed ear-cup space to breathe, we were able to recreate a tangible sense of sound space. It’s like when you walk into a church; even if you had your eyes clamped shut, you would sense the space around you. It was a tough challenge, but we were determined to bring this atmospheric experience to the enclosed environment of the headphones.

Can you explain how the new hybrid amp technology within the Signature Series amplifier works?

The hybrid technology is designed to maintain the purity of digital sound signals even at high power. Normally, the MOS FET (digital processor) is unable to keep up with the high power output required by over-head headphones. However, the analogue amplifier within the TA-ZH1ES feeds the signal forward through a low pass filter, which restores sound purity. To the best of my knowledge, this is a ground-breaking innovation that’s entirely unique to Sony.

Is being an audiophile a prerequisite to fully appreciating the Signature Series products?

 
No, absolutely not. The only prerequisite is that you have to love music. Naturally it also helps if you have a reference point to truly appreciate the quality they deliver!

What would you say to those who might be considering buying the Signature Series products? Are they worth the higher price tag?

I would warn anyone who may be considering investing in a Signature Series product to be prepared. Once you’ve experienced them, there’s probably no going back.

Explore the Signature Series at https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/audio-signature-series