Audio-Technica ATH-AWAS
About This Headphones
About Audio-Technica ATH-AWASFind unparalleled audio quality and aesthetic appeal with the ATH-AWAS Audiophile Hi-Resolution Closed-Back Dynamic Over-Ear Wooden Headphones. Crafted from the rare Asada Zakura, or Japanese Cherry wood, these headphones are not only visually striking but also acoustically superior. The wood, celebrated for its excellent acoustic properties and durability, suppresses unwanted resonance within the earcups, delivering clear, natural sound reproduction. Each headphone is adorned with a hand-applied half-gloss finish, highlighting the wood's gentle grain and warm beauty. The headphones are powered by exclusive 53 mm drivers, equipped with potent magnetic circuitry, an integrated pure-iron yoke, and a DLC (diamond-like carbon) coating. These features, combined with 6N-OFC (high-purity, oxygen-free copper) voice coils, ensure exceptional full-range audio reproduction that will satisfy even the most discerning audiophile. The ATH-AWAS headphones also incorporate Audio-Technica's exclusive D.A.D.S. (Double Air Damping System). This innovative system divides the housing structure into two separate acoustic chambers, delivering smooth, accurate bass response. The headphone arms, constructed from a lightweight yet highly rigid magnesium alloy, are angled to provide an optimal fit and excellent earcup seal. Comfort is further enhanced by the smooth, synthetic leather earpads and headband, making these headphones a pleasure to wear for extended periods. The headphones also feature A2DC (Audio Designed Detachable Coaxial) jacks for a secure connection to the two included 3.0 m (9.8') detachable cables. One cable is fitted with a 6.3 mm (1/4") gold-plated stereo plug for compatibility with standard audio equipment, while the other features a 4-pin XLRM balanced connector, designed for use with high-fidelity equipment to achieve superior channel separation. Experience the perfect blend of style, comfort, and high-resolution audio with the ATH-AWAS Audiophile Hi-Resolution Closed-Back Dynamic Over-Ear Wooden Headphones.Audio-Technica ATH-AWAS FeaturesAsada Zakura (Japanese cherry) housings, hand-finished with half-gloss, suppress unwanted resonance for clear, natural sound reproductionExclusive 53 mm drivers with powerful magnetic circuitry deliver exceptional full-range audioIntegrated pure-iron yoke improves transient response for accurate audio reproductionDLC (diamond-like carbon) coating applied to diaphragms to improve high-frequency response6N-OFC (high-purity, oxygen-free copper) voice coil provides ideal signal transferD.A.D.S. (Double Air Damping System) structure provides deep bass reproductionTwo detachable 3.0 m (9.8') cables with A2DC (Audio Designed Detachable Coaxial) connectors at the headphones: one with a 6.3 mm (1/4") gold-plated stereo plug, the other with a 4-pin XLRM balanced connectorMagnesium alloy headphone arm is angled to provide the best possible fit with excellent earcup sealEarpads and headband are made from smooth, synthetic leather for long-lasting comfortJapanese craftsmanship: all Audio-Technica wooden headphones are hand-assembled in TokyoWarranty InformationThis product has a limited warranty of 24 months.https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us - - Join VIP PROEarn 2X Points + Exclusive Perks!Sell or Trade your GearGet started in 3 easy stepsKey FeaturesExperience audiophile sound quality with these Audio-Technica wooden headphones.Enjoy supreme comfort with over-ear design, perfect for long listening sessions.Closed-back headphones provide excellent noise isolation for focused listening.Durable build ensures these headphones will be your go-to for years to come.Detachable A2DC cables offer balanced sound and easy replacement options.Immerse yourself in rich audio with a wide 5-42,000Hz frequency response.What's in the box:ATH-AWAS Closed-Back Over-Ear Wooden Headphones9.8' Detachable 1/4 " TRS Cable9.8' Detachable 4-Pin XLRM CableAudio-Technica 2 Year Limited Warranty
- Experience audiophile sound quality with these Audio-Technica wooden headphones.
- Enjoy supreme comfort with over-ear design, perfect for long listening sessions.
- Closed-back headphones provide excellent noise isolation for focused listening.
- Durable build ensures these headphones will be your go-to for years to come.
- Detachable A2DC cables offer balanced sound and easy replacement options.
- Immerse yourself in rich audio with a wide 5-42,000Hz frequency response.
The 30-Second Version
Gorgeous, soulful wooden headphones that serve up a warm, addictive sound. Just don't expect to take them anywhere or wear them for a full workday without feeling the heft.
Overview
Let's get one thing straight: the Audio-Technica ATH-AWAS is not trying to compete with your Sony or Bose wireless cans. This is a handcrafted, closed-back dynamic headphone made from Japanese cherry wood, and it puts sound and aesthetics above all else. The result is a stunning, if somewhat impractical, luxury item that delivers one of the warmest, most musical presentations we've heard in a closed-back design.
Performance
We were surprised most by the comfort. Despite that 395g heft, the plush pads and angled magnesium arms make them far more wearable than the numbers suggest. The sound is exactly what you'd expect from a top-tier dynamic driver: rich, spacious, and with a midbass warmth that flatters everything from jazz to classic rock.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Stunning Asada Zakura wood design 93th
- Exceptionally warm, engaging sound 77th
- Detachable balanced cable
- Impeccable build quality
Cons
- Heavy at 395g 15th
- No wireless or ANC 16th
- Very expensive 31th
- Warmth might not suit neutral-heads 35th
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed |
| Weight | 0.4 kg / 0.9 lbs |
| Ear Cushion | synthetic leather |
| Headband | synthetic leather |
Audio
| Driver Type | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 53 |
| Freq Min | 5 |
| Freq Max | 42000 |
| Impedance | 40 |
| Sensitivity | 99 |
| Hi-Res Audio | Yes |
Connectivity
| Wireless | No |
| Wired Connector | 6.35mm |
| Detachable Cable | Yes |
| Cable Length | 3 |
Value & Pricing
At $1499, you're paying a premium for craftsmanship and that wooden housing. If you're the type who treats headphones like furniture, it's worth every penny. For everyone else, the price is a tough sell.
vs Competition
The competitor list here is filled with wireless ANC cans like the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 and Sony WH-1000XM6, but that's an apples-to-oranges fight. Those are travel companions; the ATH-AWAS is a stay-at-home luxury item. If sheer sound quality is your only metric, the Audio-Technica wipes the floor with anything in that list. But if you need to take calls or block out the subway, grab the Sony and save yourself a grand.
| Spec | Audio-Technica ATH-AWAS | Sony WH-1000XM6 WH-1000XM6 | Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 M4AEBT | Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Px8 S2 | Bose QuietComfort Ultra QuietComfort Ultra | Technics EAH-A800 EAH-A800 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear |
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic | Dynamic | dynamic | Dynamic | PEEK/Polyurethane 3-Layer Diaphragm |
| Driver Size (mm) | 53 | 30 | 42 | 40 | - | 40 |
| Impedance Ohms | 40 | 48 | 470 | - | 32 | 34 |
| Wireless | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | - | true | true | true | true | true |
| Open Closed Back | closed | closed | closed | closed | closed | closed |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.3 | 5.2 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Battery Life Hours | - | 30 | 60 | 30 | 24 | 50 |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Anc | Mic | Build | Sound | Battery | Comfort | Connectivity | Social Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audio-Technica ATH-AWAS | 30.8 | 15.7 | 77.1 | 92.8 | 44.3 | 15.2 | 36.8 | 34.8 |
| Sony WH-1000XM6 WH-1000XM6 Compare | 97.7 | 91.3 | 92.3 | 95.1 | 72.7 | 79.5 | 99.8 | 93.6 |
| Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 M4AEBT Compare | 97.7 | 85.1 | 77.1 | 97.6 | 89.3 | 79.5 | 99 | 79 |
| Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Px8 S2 Compare | 97.7 | 99.4 | 95.9 | 99.4 | 72.7 | 50.8 | 97.5 | 98.8 |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra QuietComfort Ultra Compare | 87.5 | 78.6 | 95.9 | 47.9 | 69.3 | 79.5 | 99.4 | 93.6 |
| Technics EAH-A800 EAH-A800 Compare | 92.5 | 98.3 | 77.1 | 96.9 | 83.8 | 50.8 | 93.1 | 98.8 |
Common Questions
Q: Do I need a dedicated amp to drive these?
Not strictly, since 40Ω and 99dB sensitivity mean even a smartphone dongle can get them loud. But a good DAC/amp will tighten the bass and open the soundstage noticeably.
Q: Can these be used for gaming?
They can, but without a mic and with that weight, you're better off with a dedicated gaming headset. The wide imaging is nice, but the warmth might obscure positional cues in competitive shooters.
Q: Why no wireless or noise cancelling?
These are designed for audio purity first. Adding Bluetooth and ANC circuits would add cost and compromise the acoustic design. Audio-Technica expects you'll pair them with a desktop stack.
Who Should Skip This
If you're looking for a wireless headphone with active noise cancelling, these aren't it. Pick up the Sony WH-1000XM6 or Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 and keep the extra cash for a nice dinner out.
Verdict
For the right person, the ATH-AWAS is a masterpiece. If you love rich, warm sound and have a dedicated listening station, they're a beautiful, soulful investment. But anyone expecting modern conveniences will be disappointed. Audiophiles who crave that wooden resonance will be thrilled.
