Expected on April 15th in Japan, the Panasonic RP-HT260 are closed-type headphones which feature for an affordable price $25, large 40mm driver units, an housing rotation mechanism for one-ear monitoring and a 3.5mm gold-plated jack plug. The headphones weigh 215g.

Specifications:
► Frequency response: 10Hz ~ 27kHz
► Nominal impedance: 32Ω
► Sensitivity: 102dB/mW
► Power handling: 1,000mW

Kenwood will release this month in Japan a new pair of high-end headphones, the KH-K1000 Sound Meister Edition. Costing something like $399 these headphones feature a 53mm driver unit, weigh 390g and come with a mini-jack adapter.

Specifications:
► Frequency response: 10Hz ~ 45kHz
► Nominal impedance: 42Ω
► Sensitivity: 98dB/mW
► Power handling: 1,500mW

Sony is launching its fifth model of noise canceling headphones with a new lightweight design that reduces weight from the headband and earpieces by placing the battery pack onto the cord of the headphone. The Sony MDR-NC40 has an open air design that distributes pressure evenly across the outer ear, and the soft, pressure-reducing urethane cushioning prevents user fatigue during long trips.

Available in March for about $100, these noise canceling headphones fold into a case the size of a softball to fit easily in your carry-on bag or briefcase.

Sony is updating its flagship EX series of earbud headphones with a new reference standard, the MDR-EX700LP model. These feature lightweight magnesium housings, an exclusive 16mm multilayer diaphragm for reproducing your audio with balance and clarity, and seven sizes of silicone earbuds to give users a more comfortable and secure fit. This model will be available in March for about $300 but a similar model, the MDR-EX700SL, is currently imported via AudioCubes.com for $299.

Specifications:
► Frequency response: 04Hz ~ 28kHz
► Nominal impedance: 16Ω
► Sensitivity: 108dB/mW
► Power handling: 200mW

Audio-Technica has released in Japan the ATH-SJ1 for only $25. These cheap headphones were developed for personal use or DJ monitoring with rotatable ear cups for one-ear listening. Also this lightweight model features a pair of large 36mm driver units to provide powerful bass.

Specifications:
► Frequency response: 15Hz ~ 22kHz
► Nominal impedance: 35Ω
► Sensitivity: 104dB/mW
► Power handling: 500mW

Denon Japan has announced its new portable foldable headphones, the AH-P372. It will retail in black or white color next month for about 59.90€ in Europe. These headphones include the "Acoustic optimiser" feature from Denon which balances the sound pressure in front of and behind the diaphragm to deliver dynamic bass sounds. Also the AH-P372 allows one-eared monitoring with a reversal mechanism.

Specifications:
► Frequency response: 10Hz ~ 22kHz
► Nominal impedance: 35Ω
► Sensitivity: 100dB/mW
► Power handling: 1W

AudioCubes.com imports for $35.99 (worldwide delivery) the new Pioneer SE-CL21M outdoor earphones in black, white or red finish. This model features a nice square-shaped design with a metal insert and a 0.8m cord lenght. The SE-CL21M employs large 9mm driver units with high-quality neodymium magnets to enhance bass response within a compact and light (4g) earphone.

Specifications:
► Frequency response: 10Hz ~ 20kHz
► Nominal impedance: 16Ω
► Sensitivity: 100dB/mW
► Power handling: 75mW

AKG is going to release earlier this month a couple of new headphones, the K512 ($60) and K514 ($80). The first one is based on a sealed design while the K514 model employs a semi-open design.

Specifications (K512):
► Frequency response: 18Hz ~ 20kHz
► Nominal impedance: 32Ω
► Sensitivity: 97dB/mW
► Power handling: 200mW

Specifications (K514):
► Frequency response: 18Hz ~ 22kHz
► Nominal impedance: 32Ω
► Sensitivity: 100dB/mW
► Power handling: 200mW

Both headphones feature adjustable headbands, imitation leather earpads, a 2.5m OFC cable and come with a 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter. Each model has its own color, Pearl Gray for the K512 and Tobacco for the K514.

Victor aka JVC will release soon in Japan a couple of new headphones, the HP-RX900 and HP-RX700. Both are equipped by the proprietary "Sound Stabilizer" technology to ensure minimal resonance which results in high pitched sound along with deeper bass. This series adopts a large headband with outstanding wearing comfort for long listening sessions and leather ear pads. In addition the HP-RX900 features a bigger driver (50mm).

Specifications (HP-RX900):
► Frequency response: 7Hz ~ 26kHz
► Sensitivity: 106dB/mW
► Power handling: 1.5W

Specifications (HP-RX700):
► Frequency response: 10Hz ~ 22kHz
► Sensitivity: 105dB/mW
► Power handling: 1.5W

Each model is packaged with a 1.5m extension cord and a gold-plated adapter. Prices are $60 and 40$ for the HP-RX900 and the HP-RX700 respectively.

Denon released its new headphones AH-D501K (pictured) & AH-D301K, both are pretty much similars in design but made use of different drivers. Available in black or grey finish they feature a double headband for easy wearing and sewn synthetic leather ear pads with a reversal mechanism for one-ear monitoring.

Specifications (AH-D501K):
► Frequency response: 10Hz ~ 24kHz
► Nominal impedance: 28Ω
► Sensitivity: 103dB/mW
► Power handling: 1W

Specifications (AH-D301K):
► Frequency response: 10Hz ~ 22kHz
► Nominal impedance: 28Ω
► Sensitivity: 100dB/mW
► Power handling: 1W

Both come with a 6.3mm stereo plug adapter and a 1.7m extension cable. Prices are $69.99 for the AH-D501K and 49.99 for the AH-D301K.