About a month ago Sony USA did a soft release on the new PIIQ headphones and earphones, and it has now moved on to something international as confirmed by Sony Japan. The PIIQ family, officially known as Marqii, Giiq, Triqii, Qlasp, and Exhale are most certainly exotic and colorful. This new line is a bold experiment for Sony, and was made in collaboration with Japanese designer Rui Morisawa. Sony has played this smart by keeping prices fairly reasonable for the line, with options all the way to $99. There’s also the matter that these will definitely give you attention if you wear them out and about. Let’s get acquainted, shall we?
First, we have the top of the PIIQ line headphone called Marqii (MDR-PQ1) at $99. The posh closed, dynamic (supra-aural) headphones feature 40mm drivers (1000mW capacity) and tout “powerful bass and supreme sound.” The pink padded headband keeps comfort in check while an adjustable headband ensures a comfortable fit. Another cool aspect is that the Marqii has a smooth, flat detachable 3.9 foot cord.
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Next is the Giiq (MDR-PQ2) at $49, which has three funky color schemes titled Green, Gray, and Multi – each with a unique design. Sony describes it as “Hi-Fi without the heft. Flex motion cups and slick skinned cord doesn’t crimp your style.” Giiq features 300mm neodymium drivers that deliver rich, full sound. They have a soft cushioned headband and soft earpads. The cords are pretty cool with their unique colors. Giiq flourishes with detail.
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Next is the Triqii headphones (MDR-PQ3) at $29, and come in colors such as Pink, Yellow, Multi and Black. They are the cheapest headphone in the PIIQ line but still seem comfortable. Like the Giiq, they have 30mm drivers but have more emphasis on bass (14 – 22,000 Hz frequency response). They also feature a durable design that has coating to resist impacts and scratches. The sliding mechanism to ensure proper fit is actually hidden inside the headband for added strength.
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The top earphone of the PIIQ line is the Qlasp (MDR-PQ4) at $24, featuring a close dynamic design that has never been attempted in earphones before. These may become a hit with it’s soft clip-on mechanism that ensures a comfortable fit without slippage. Colors are plentiful with the exotic Multi, Brown, Pink, Yellow and Black. The 9mm drivers deliver clear sound and a 6 – 23,000 Hz frequency response.
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Lastly, we have the open-air, dynamic Exhale (MDR-PQ5) earphones at $14, that have an emphasis on bass and a rather interesting earpiece design – it almost looks like a gas mask turned sideways. Pretty rad. Color options are numerous just like the Qlasp, available in Green, Pink, Yellow and Multi. The earbuds feature 13.5mm drivers for powerful sound with 12 – 22,000 Hz frequency response and a 3.9 foot cord.
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Real life photos of the PIIQ line courtesy of AV Watch.
