Audio-Technica brings ancient craftsmanship to Hi-Fi headphones

March 6, 2024 – Today, Audio-Technica proudly announces the ATH-AWKG wooden high-fidelity headphones. Hand assembled in Tokyo, the ATH-AWKG incorporate KUROGAKI wooden housing which possesses unique physical properties to deliver both exceptional sound quality and a unique and striking design.

KUROGAKI wood is a cherished material in Japanese craftmanship that embodies the wonder of nature and refers to persimmon wood that exhibits black ink-like patterns. This unique material is only found in ancient trees that are over a century old and, as the drying process requires extensive knowledge and expertise, is something that is revered across Japan. Throughout history it has been admired by nobles and literati thanks to its mysterious and Zen-like patterns, the cause of which is still unknown to this day. The ATH-AWKG’s lacquer finish, applied by hand by a skilled craftsman, brings out the natural beauty of the wood’s grain —a beauty that will only deepen with age.

The ATH-AWKG’s stitched ergonomic earpads and headband are made from smooth, highly durable sheepskin for long-lasting comfort and the magnesium alloy headphone arm has been angled to provide the best possible fit.

Staying true to Audio-Technica’s superior audio performance, the headphones are equipped with exclusive 53mm drivers, featuring highly efficient German Permendur magnetic circuitry, that enables the delivery of exceptionally accurate audio with an expansive sound field.

Additionally, each driver is equipped with a lightweight, durable titanium flange and a 6N-OFC voice coil for optimal signal transfer and the Double Air Damping System provides a smooth, accurate bass response.

As a finishing touch, the new headphones are accompanied by an exquisitely designed storage box adorned with KUROGAKI wood.

Features

• The housing is crafted from precious KUROGAKI wood with a hand-applied lacquer finish, harnessing the wood’s unique physical properties to deliver remarkably clear sound quality
• 53mm driver units with highly efficient German Permendur magnetic circuitry deliver powerful audio with an expansive sound field
• The driver’s lightweight, durable titanium flange allows the diaphragm to react to the signal more accurately
• A 6N-OFC (high-purity, oxygen-free copper) voice coil provides optimal signal transfer
• The D.A.D.S. (Double Air Damping System) structure provides deep bass reproduction
• The magnesium alloy headphone arm is angled to provide the best possible fit with an excellent earcup seal
• Stitched ergonomic earpads and headband are made from smooth, high-durability sheepskin for long-lasting comfort
• Premium fabric-braided headphone cables prevent tangling
• Included: Two 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 XLR-M balanced connector.

The Audio-Technica ATH-AWKG will be available from 6^th March, RRP £3,000 /€3,500/$4,200. Find out more at www.audio-technica.com.