Today, Sony announced the Altus portable stereo headphones (MDR-D777LP) that offer up to 80KHz frequency response.

The Altus headphones feature:

• an aura-nomic design (covers the entire ear and eliminates pressure) and padded ear cups
• single-sided cord (to minimize tangles)
• built-in ambient sound-in switch (to listen to outside noise)
• drawstring pouch for storage and carrying case

Why the name, "Altus"? Jim Leahey, Sony's general manager for peripherals and enhancements,  says: "We named this product Altus to represent the incredibly high frequencies and natural-sounding audio the headphones deliver."

The Altus headphones won't be available for purchase until November, but you can preorder a pair now for $150 at www.sonystyle.com/altus. Prefer to try before you buy? Visit any Sony Style store starting tomorrow to test them out.

The $150 price tag is a bit too steep for me, but seriously, anything is better than my Sony MDR-100 headphones I use for my computer! The ear cup's padding is about to completely rip off!

[via PR release]