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Audio-Technica ATH-AWAS
ATH-AWAS
For the housings of the ATH-AWAS over-ear wooden headphones, we’ve selected the rare Asada Zakura (Japanese cherry) wood. Renowned for its use in high-end audio speakers due to its fine acoustic characteristics and durability, the striking red Asada Zakura suppresses unwanted resonance inside the earcups for clear, natural sound reproduction. The half-gloss finish, applied by hand, accentuates the wood’s gentle grain and warm beauty.
For the housings of the ATH-AWAS over-ear wooden headphones, we’ve selected the rare Asada Zakura (Japanese cherry) wood. Renowned for its use in high-end audio speakers due to its fine acoustic characteristics and durability, the striking red Asada Zakura suppresses unwanted resonance inside the earcups for clear, natural sound reproduction. The half-gloss finish, applied by hand, accentuates the wood’s gentle grain and warm beauty.
The headphones are equipped with exclusive 53 mm drivers with powerful magnetic circuitry, integrated pure-iron yoke, DLC (diamond-like carbon) coating, and 6N-OFC (high-purity, oxygen-free copper) voice coils for exceptional full-range audio reproduction. Our exclusive D.A.D.S. (Double Air Damping System), which divides the housing structure into two separate acoustic chambers, ensures smooth, accurate bass response.
The arms that hold the housings are made from a lightweight, highly rigid magnesium alloy. The arms are angled to provide the best possible fit with excellent earcup seal. The comfortable fit is enhanced by smooth, synthetic leather earpads and headband.
The headphones also feature A2DC (Audio Designed Detachable Coaxial) jacks for secure connection to the two included 3.0 m (9.8') detachable cables. One cable has a 6.3 mm (1/4") gold-plated stereo plug for use with standard audio equipment. The other cable features a 4-pin XLRM balanced connector for use with the latest high-fidelity equipment to achieve better channel separation.
About High-Resolution Audio
In Brief: The Move to Hi-Res Audio
While many listeners may believe that high-resolution audio came along with the introduction of the Compact Disc in 1982, constraints on the disc’s storage space always prevented CD audio (standardized at 44.1 kHz/16-bit) from fully and completely reproducing the original recorded sound. The advent and subsequent popularity of MP3s only made this problem more pronounced – the necessary compression of these files causes audio information to be lost, thus greatly reducing the audio quality. But with lossless audio file formats, faster Internet speeds, and storage space increasingly easy to come by (and in ever-smaller packages), the push is on to create audio equipment capable of capturing and reproducing true Hi-Res Audio, generally considered to be 96 kHz/24-bit or better. The Hi-Res Audio logo certifies that a product meets the Hi-Res Audio standards. Per these standards, headphones must have transducer frequency performance to at least 40 kHz. As a producer of these types of audiophile headphones since 1972, Audio-Technica is well-positioned to provide audio solutions that meet the demands of Hi-Res Audio media formats, allowing for the full reproduction of their extended sonic characteristics.
ATH-AWAS
For the housings of the ATH-AWAS over-ear wooden headphones, we’ve selected the rare Asada Zakura (Japanese cherry) wood. Renowned for its use in high-end audio speakers due to its fine acoustic characteristics and durability, the striking red Asada Zakura suppresses unwanted resonance inside the earcups for clear, natural sound reproduction. The half-gloss finish, applied by hand, accentuates the wood’s gentle grain and warm beauty.
The headphones are equipped with exclusive 53 mm drivers with powerful magnetic circuitry, integrated pure-iron yoke, DLC (diamond-like carbon) coating, and 6N-OFC (high-purity, oxygen-free copper) voice coils for exceptional full-range audio reproduction. Our exclusive D.A.D.S. (Double Air Damping System), which divides the housing structure into two separate acoustic chambers, ensures smooth, accurate bass response.
The arms that hold the housings are made from a lightweight, highly rigid magnesium alloy. The arms are angled to provide the best possible fit with excellent earcup seal. The comfortable fit is enhanced by smooth, synthetic leather earpads and headband.
The headphones also feature A2DC (Audio Designed Detachable Coaxial) jacks for secure connection to the two included 3.0 m (9.8') detachable cables. One cable has a 6.3 mm (1/4") gold-plated stereo plug for use with standard audio equipment. The other cable features a 4-pin XLRM balanced connector for use with the latest high-fidelity equipment to achieve better channel separation.
About High-Resolution Audio
In Brief: The Move to Hi-Res Audio
While many listeners may believe that high-resolution audio came along with the introduction of the Compact Disc in 1982, constraints on the disc’s storage space always prevented CD audio (standardized at 44.1 kHz/16-bit) from fully and completely reproducing the original recorded sound. The advent and subsequent popularity of MP3s only made this problem more pronounced – the necessary compression of these files causes audio information to be lost, thus greatly reducing the audio quality. But with lossless audio file formats, faster Internet speeds, and storage space increasingly easy to come by (and in ever-smaller packages), the push is on to create audio equipment capable of capturing and reproducing true Hi-Res Audio, generally considered to be 96 kHz/24-bit or better. The Hi-Res Audio logo certifies that a product meets the Hi-Res Audio standards. Per these standards, headphones must have transducer frequency performance to at least 40 kHz. As a producer of these types of audiophile headphones since 1972, Audio-Technica is well-positioned to provide audio solutions that meet the demands of Hi-Res Audio media formats, allowing for the full reproduction of their extended sonic characteristics.
A Sound Connection
Since 2015, Audio-Technica has used the specially designed A2DC (Audio Designed Detachable Coaxial) connector on all of our in-ear headphones and select over-ear headphones with detachable cables. But why did we develop this connector and what makes it perform better than existing connectors in audio applications?
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Professional Reviews 89/100
Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
89/100
Comfort Fit
90/100
Build Quality
91/100
Features Usability
87/100
Value for Money
90/100
The Audio-Technica ATH-AWAS brings spacious closed-back sound to a lavish cherry-wood design, pairing deep yet disciplined bass with exceptional detail retrieval, expressive vocals and a refined, fatigue-free treble. What Hi-Fi? highlights its airy scale and clarity, while StereoNET United Kingdom praises its warm, organic balance and lounge-friendly comfort.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Unusually spacious, open presentation for a closed-back headphone, with strong clarity and instrumental separation.
Deep, punchy and agile bass stays balanced rather than overpowering the mix.
Premium build and long-session comfort, with well-distributed weight, soft pads and finely finished wooden cups.
&
Cons
Its analytical presentation can reduce dynamic punch, rhythmic drive and excitement with dense rock and hip-hop.
The supplied cables can transmit mechanical noise into the earcups when brushed or handled.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 89/100
Reviewers describe a refined, clean and organic closed-back presentation with unusually spacious scale, strong clarity and a well-judged tonal balance. Its principal caveat is that the analytical approach can soften rhythmic urgency and drama with dense rock or hip-hop.
Bass
92/100
What Hi-Fi praises bass that combines extension, punch and agility without the overbearing quantity heard from some rivals. StereoNET likewise found it warm, controlled and deeply extended, while keeping the rest of the mix clear.
Midrange
90/100
Laurie Anderson's voice was said to retain convincing texture, attitude and subtle expressive nuance. StereoNET also heard a smooth, coherent and warm presentation that let aggressive vocals come through with energy.
Treble
88/100
High frequencies offer bite, insight and enough refinement to remain composed with aggressive or bright recordings, according to What Hi-Fi. StereoNET enjoyed the rounded, forgiving top end, though it found the very highest peaks slightly subdued.
Resolution Detail
93/100
Detail retrieval is a standout: What Hi-Fi says the ATH-AWAS digs up substantial information and cleanly separates instrumental strands in busy recordings. Its low apparent distortion and clear, analytical presentation further support that impression.
Soundstage Imaging
91/100
What Hi-Fi found the presentation unusually spacious and open for a closed headphone, with a large-scale quality that gives music room to breathe. StereoNET also judged the soundstage competitive with high-end wooden-cup Fostex models.
Dynamics
82/100
The ATH-AWAS can carry energetic vocals well, but What Hi-Fi found that its analytical focus pulls apart dense rock and hip-hop mixes. That reduces punch, rhythmic drive and some of the music's drama compared with more overtly lively alternatives.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Comfort Fit
90/100
Both reviews that address fit are highly positive. What Hi-Fi says the 395 g weight is well distributed for longer sessions with secure but sensible clamp, while StereoNET praises the thick, soft pads and finds the headphone especially comfortable for relaxed listening despite a few remaining hotspots.
Build Quality
91/100
What Hi-Fi describes the construction as solid and well engineered. StereoNET is more emphatic, calling the enclosure fit and finish extremely impressive and the overall build lavish.
Features Usability
87/100
Audio-Technica includes both 3 m single-ended and 4-pin XLR balanced cables, a useful package for conventional and balanced systems. StereoNET also found the ATH-AWAS less fussy than expected about source equipment, although the A2DC cable connection is proprietary.
Value for Money
90/100
At roughly $1,300–$1,500, it is a serious premium purchase, but StereoNET explicitly calls it excellent value for listeners able to spend this amount. What Hi-Fi considers it a strong option for buyers who prioritize clarity and detail resolution.
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Authorized dealers for Audio-Technica ATH-AWAS
- The Audio Association — in-store — Anaheim, California, United States (website)
- A1 Futureshop — online and in-store — North Rocks, New South Wales, Australia (website)
- Absolute Audio - Canada — in-store — Calgary, Alberta, Canada (website)
- Abt Electronics — online and in-store — Glenview, Illinois, United States (website)
- Accesory Jack — online and in-store — New Territories, Hong Kong (website)
- Acclaim Sound and Light — online and in-store — North Bay, Ontario, Canada (website)
- Acoustic Sounds — online and in-store — Salina, Kansas, United States (website)
- Acoustic Technologies — online and in-store — Montréal, Québec, Canada (website)
- Acton Gate Audio — online and in-store — Cymru, United Kingdom (website)
- Adorama — in-store — New York, New York, United States (website)
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