Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.'s Professional Sound and Visual Division, the leader in ProDJ products and the innovator of the CDJ and DVJ turntables, today unveiled the new reference model, HDJ-2000, the latest addition to its popular, professional DJ headphone series.

The development of the Pioneer HDJ-2000 stems from numerous requests from top DJs around the world desiring headphones with:

• Exceptional high-quality sound that clearly and accurately reproduces audio
• Comfortable fit to minimize fatigue from long periods of use
• High durability that withstands demanding conditions and touring

"Our engineers put great care and thought into every aspect of our product line; from our scratch emulation technology to headphone features, we place a strong emphasis on design, sound quality, and overall performance." said Matt Dever, vice president of Pioneer's Professional Sound and Visual Division. "These new headphones are a testament to our dedication to elevating the user and artist experience."

The headphone is uniquely designed to improve sound quality and reliability-perfect for use in DJ environments and studios.

• Thick 35mm Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) diaphragm improves rigidity and strength needed for better lower frequency response.
• PET material used in the diaphragm also helps to dampen unwanted resonance.
• Wide frequency response with high clarity and detail results from a large 50mm driver, ideal for all types of music.

Additionally, the headphones have an enclosed "over-ear" design with ear pads that seal around the user's ears, reducing ambient noise and providing superior sound isolation for tracking in a loud club environment or a studio. The ear pad's unique material, memory foam (Polyurethane foam), provides a tight yet comfortable seal, further enhancing sound reproduction especially in the mid to high frequency ranges.

The HDJ-2000's lightweight construction and soft comfortable ear pads are ideal for long listening/recording sessions and reduce the well-known phenomenon of "headphone fatigue." The headphones feature:

• "Protein Leather"1 Wrapped Pads - provide durability while making long use of the headphones more comfortable.
• Low-rebound memory foam2 - used inside the ear pads and head pad, contouring to the shape of the head and maintaining a snug fit.
• Magnesium alloy components - used in the main body components to achieve both a lightweight and durable design to minimize stress on the user's head and ensure comfortable DJ play.

The HDJ-2000 employs a Mini XLR connection to join the main body with the nearly ten feet of cable to achieve both a quality "sound" connection and easy replacement. With a new i-type hinge, a smooth and integral form has been achieved that naturally fits the hands at any time during DJ performance. The headphone's ear pads have a spun finish aluminum ring that matches the design of Pioneer's CDJ players' "play/cue" buttons for a cohesive stylish design.

• Folding Structure: The headphones fold into a compact configuration for portability and storage.
• Swivel Mechanism: The ear cups turn 90 degrees for more convenient single-ear or on-shoulder monitoring use. A torsion system returns the ear-cup to its normal position after each use.
• Click Mechanism: Ear cups and hinges gently click into place to prevent inadvertent rotation or folding of the headphones during use.
• Mono/Stereo Switch: Combines the audio signal for single-ear monitoring.
• Carrying Bag: A soft pouch is included to protect the headphones when not in use.

The HDJ-2000 will be available in December 2008 with a manufacturer suggested retail price of $450.

• Type: Tightly closed dynamic stereo headphones
• Frequency range: 5Hz - 30kHz
• Impedance: 36
• Maximum input: 3,500mW
• Output sound level: 107dB/m
• Unit type: 50mm dome
• Plug: 3.5mm 3P mini plus (Gold-plated, Screw-type)
• Weight: 290g / 10.23 ounces (excluding cord)
• Included accessories: ø6.3mm 3P plug adapter (Gold-plated, Screw-type)
• Carrying bag
• Connection cord: 1.2m long single coiled cable (about 3m when straight)