Audio-Technica Review

The Audio-Technica ATH-AWAS is a beautiful but flawed luxury item. Its hand-finished cherry wood looks amazing, but it scores average for sound and has some of the worst comfort we've tested. At $1499, it's hard to recommend unless you're a collector who values aesthetics over performance.

The Audio-Technica ATH-AWAS is a statement piece. It's a $1500 wired headphone built from rare Japanese cherry wood, with a spec sheet full of exotic materials like DLC-coated diaphragms and 6N-OFC copper. This isn't a gadget for your commute; it's a dedicated listening tool designed for a specific, stationary audiophile experience.

Everything about its design screams 'serious audio.' From the hand-finished wood housings to the dual included cables with 6.3mm and balanced XLR connectors, it's built for a high-end desk setup. But our data shows this focus comes with some serious trade-offs that make it a niche product, not a daily driver.

Let's talk sound. With a sound quality ranking in the 35th percentile, the ATH-AWAS's audio performance is about average for its class. That's a tough pill to swallow at this price. The tech inside—like the Double Air Damping System—aims for deep, accurate bass, but the overall tuning doesn't stand out in our testing database. It's a competent listen, but for $1500, you'd expect it to be one of the best on the market, not middle of the pack.

At $1499, the value proposition is hard to justify for most people. You're paying a huge premium for the craftsmanship and materials, not for class-leading performance. The average sound scores and dismal comfort ranking mean you're not getting a top-tier listening experience for your money. This is a luxury item for collectors or wood-enthusiasts first, and a performance headphone second.

This headphone exists in a completely different universe than its listed 'competitors' like the Sony WH-1000XM6 or Apple AirPods Max. Those are wireless, noise-cancelling daily drivers. A fairer fight would be against other high-end wired cans like the Sennheiser HD 800 S or Focal Clear Mg. Compared to those, the ATH-AWAS often trails in both critical sound performance and, crucially, comfort. If you want a true high-end wired experience, our data suggests you can get better sound and much better comfort for the same money or less elsewhere.

Skip this if you want comfort, wireless freedom, or the best sound for your money. If you need a headphone for all-day listening, commuting, or even just moving around your house, look elsewhere. Our data shows its comfort is among the worst, and its feature set is stuck in the past. If you need a mic for calls or gaming, this isn't it.

Buy the ATH-AWAS only if you are a collector who values exquisite wood craftsmanship above all else and you have a dedicated, stationary listening station. You must also have a high tolerance for weight and clamp force. For everyone else—especially if you want great sound, comfort, or any form of convenience—this is an easy skip.