PlayStation is buying awesome headphone maker Audeze

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Sony Interactive Entertainment, aka PlayStation, is buying high-end headphone maker Audeze. The announcement mentions that it won’t mean the end of multi-platform gaming headphones, at least not at first.

The California-based headphone company is known for its planar magnetic drivers, which use different technology than the drivers used in most gaming headphones. We’re big fans at KnowTechie, with every pair we’ve reviewed getting high marks.

Audeze is a premier brand for headphones, and this acquisition highlights Sony Interactive’s focus on innovation and providing the best audio experience to PlayStation players

Hideaki Nishino, Senior Vice President, Platform Experience at Sony Interactive Entertainment.

So, what does this mean for gamers?

PlayStation Pulse Elite and Explore headphones presumably use Audeze drivers

Well, for a start, the PlayStation Pulse Elite and Pulse Explore gaming headsets say they have planar magnetic drivers. That’s not the norm and made us wonder who was supplying them.

Now it seems we know, with Audeze becoming a part of the PlayStation family of accessory makers. The $199.99 Pulse Elite over-ear headphones and $149.99 Pulse Explore wireless earbuds are most likely using Audeze technology.

That means great audio, possibly better than any other audio accessory PlayStation has branded. That’s not hyperbole; we’ve used many Audeze devices in both over-ear and IEM forms, and all have been great.

As to what this means for Xbox fans, well, that’s unclear at this time. The press release does mention it won’t have platform-exclusive Audeze headphones (yet), but that could change at any moment.

We also don’t know what will happen to Audeze’s high-end headphone business. Will we see Sony-branded LCD models in the future? I know I’d love a pair of Sony ANC over-ears with planar drivers.

We’ve reached out to Audeze’s PR and will update when we hear back.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Review: Audeze LCD-3 planar headphones
• Review: Audeze LCD-1 headphones – planars that don’t break the bank
• Review: Audeze LCDi3 in-ear planar headphones
• Portable console coming from Lenovo might have AR glasses

Joe Rice-Jones

Maker, meme-r, and unabashed geek with nearly half a decade of blogging experience at KnowTechie, SlashGear and XDA Developers. If it runs on electricity (or even if it doesn't), Joe probably has one around his office somewhere, with particular focus in gadgetry and handheld gaming. Shoot him an email at joe@knowtechie.com.