Monday, January 13th 2020
Audio-Technica Also Debuts High-Performance Exotic Wood-Finish and Innovative In-Ear Headphones
Audio-Technica is introducing four new high-performance Hi-Res Audio headphones. The over-ear ATH-AWKT and ATH-AWAS audiophile and over-ear ATH-WP900 portable headphones combine beautifully crafted woods with superb sound quality, and the ATH-IEX1 features an exclusive hybrid multi-driver system for an unmatched in-ear listening experience.
Like all the new wooden headphones, the over-ear ATH-AWKT is handcrafted at our factory based in Tokyo. The ATH-AWKT (SRP: US$1,899.00) features housings made from prized Kokutan (striped ebony) hardwood. Long used for woodwind instruments and pianos, Kokutan is distinguished by its attractive black and brown stripes, and the housings have a hand-applied semi-gloss finish that brings out the wood's natural beauty. In addition, the high density of the Kokutan wood suppresses unwanted resonances to contribute to the headphones' clear, natural sound.
The Hi-Res ATH-AWKT features 53 mm drivers with a highly efficient Permendur magnetic circuit with extremely high flux density for expansive, powerful sound with a frequency response from 5 - 45,000 Hz. The drivers are mounted in a lightweight titanium flange and have 6N-OFC (high-purity oxygen-free copper) voice coils, providing precise driver movement and signal transfer that yields exceptionally transparent music reproduction. The ATH-AWKT utilizes Audio-Technica's exclusive D.A.D.S. (Double Air Damping System), for increased and articulate bass output.
The ATH-AWKT combines its refined audio performance with total comfort, thanks to its natural sheep leather earpads and headband, and magnesium-alloy earcup arms that are angled to provide a comfortable fit as well as the best-possible earcup seal. The ATH-AWKT features Audio-Technica's A2DC (Audio-Designed Detachable Coaxial) jacks that can be used with the supplied detachable 1/4-inch and 4-pin XLRM balanced cables. A wooden storage case is also included.
Audio-Technica's ATH-AWAS Hi-Res Audio over-ear headphones are made with rare Asada Zakura (Ostrya Japonica, a type of ironwood) renowned for its use in high-end loudspeakers because of its beauty, durability and ability to limit undesired resonances. The Asada Zakura wood's red coloration is enhanced by the headphones' hand-applied semi-gloss finish.
The ATH-AWAS (SRP: US$1,399.00) is equipped with large-diameter 53 mm drivers with an exclusive DLC (diamond-like carbon) diaphragm coating, integrated pure-iron yoke and 6N-OFC voice coils for detailed, natural audio from 5 - 42,000 Hz. The headphones' D.A.D.S. (Double Air Damping System) ensures accurate bass response. Angled magnesium-alloy earcup arms and cushioned earpads and headband provide long-wearing comfort. The ATH-AWAS features A2DC jacks and both 1/4-inch stereo and 4-pin XLRM balanced cables.
The ATH-WP900 Hi-Res Audio over-ear headphones deliver outstanding on-the-go audio in a compact, portable design accented by striking flame maple wood earpieces. Maple is a stiff, dense wood used to make stringed instruments like guitars and violins, and the ATH-WP900 features machined solid maple earpieces covered by a layer of flame maple provided by renowned Japanese guitar manufacturer Fujigen.
The ATH-WP900 (US$650.00) is equipped with powerful 53 mm drivers with a DLC Diamond-Like Carbon coating for impactful sound with a wide 5 - 50,000 Hz frequency response. The ATH-WP900 features a top-mounted PCB that optimizes airflow, allowing smoother diaphragm movement. In addition, a specially designed angled baffle controls the airflow between the front and rear of the diaphragm to deliver better bass and midrange reproduction, and positions the earpieces for comfort and sound isolation. The ATH-WP900 comes with two detachable 1.2 m cables (A2DC to 1/8" plug and A2DC to 4.4 mm 5-pole plug). The headphones fold flat for easy transport in its included carrying pouch.
Audio-Technica's Hi-Res Audio compliant ATH-IEX1 sets a new standard for in-ear listening, thanks to its hybrid multi-driver system that employs dual-phase 9.8 mm and 8.8 mm drivers, plus two balanced armature drivers. The drivers are mounted in a solid titanium housing and mounted along a coaxial line. The 9.8 mm driver operates as a full-range unit while the 8.8 mm driver functions as a passive radiator to augment the bass frequencies. These drivers face each other and move in unison, a configuration that provides maximum output and reduces distortion. The balanced armature drivers act as supertweeters for extended high-frequency reproduction (5-50,000 Hz).
The ATH-IEX1 (SRP: US$1,200.00) is crafted using a five-step machining and finishing process which yields lightweight, non-resonant housings that rest comfortably in the ear. In addition, two-position eartip posts ensure a customized fit. The ATH-IEX1 features Audio-Technica's A2DC jacks and is supplied with detachable 1/8-inch stereo and 4.4 mm 5-pole balanced cables, Comply foam eartips, silicone eartips, a hard carrying case and more. Each pair is identified by a laser-etched serial number.
The Audio-Technica ATH-AWKT and ATH-AWAS will be available in March 2020, and the ATH-WP900 and ATH-IEX1 will be available in January 2020.
Like all the new wooden headphones, the over-ear ATH-AWKT is handcrafted at our factory based in Tokyo. The ATH-AWKT (SRP: US$1,899.00) features housings made from prized Kokutan (striped ebony) hardwood. Long used for woodwind instruments and pianos, Kokutan is distinguished by its attractive black and brown stripes, and the housings have a hand-applied semi-gloss finish that brings out the wood's natural beauty. In addition, the high density of the Kokutan wood suppresses unwanted resonances to contribute to the headphones' clear, natural sound.
The ATH-AWKT combines its refined audio performance with total comfort, thanks to its natural sheep leather earpads and headband, and magnesium-alloy earcup arms that are angled to provide a comfortable fit as well as the best-possible earcup seal. The ATH-AWKT features Audio-Technica's A2DC (Audio-Designed Detachable Coaxial) jacks that can be used with the supplied detachable 1/4-inch and 4-pin XLRM balanced cables. A wooden storage case is also included.
Audio-Technica's ATH-AWAS Hi-Res Audio over-ear headphones are made with rare Asada Zakura (Ostrya Japonica, a type of ironwood) renowned for its use in high-end loudspeakers because of its beauty, durability and ability to limit undesired resonances. The Asada Zakura wood's red coloration is enhanced by the headphones' hand-applied semi-gloss finish.
The ATH-AWAS (SRP: US$1,399.00) is equipped with large-diameter 53 mm drivers with an exclusive DLC (diamond-like carbon) diaphragm coating, integrated pure-iron yoke and 6N-OFC voice coils for detailed, natural audio from 5 - 42,000 Hz. The headphones' D.A.D.S. (Double Air Damping System) ensures accurate bass response. Angled magnesium-alloy earcup arms and cushioned earpads and headband provide long-wearing comfort. The ATH-AWAS features A2DC jacks and both 1/4-inch stereo and 4-pin XLRM balanced cables.
The ATH-WP900 Hi-Res Audio over-ear headphones deliver outstanding on-the-go audio in a compact, portable design accented by striking flame maple wood earpieces. Maple is a stiff, dense wood used to make stringed instruments like guitars and violins, and the ATH-WP900 features machined solid maple earpieces covered by a layer of flame maple provided by renowned Japanese guitar manufacturer Fujigen.
The ATH-WP900 (US$650.00) is equipped with powerful 53 mm drivers with a DLC Diamond-Like Carbon coating for impactful sound with a wide 5 - 50,000 Hz frequency response. The ATH-WP900 features a top-mounted PCB that optimizes airflow, allowing smoother diaphragm movement. In addition, a specially designed angled baffle controls the airflow between the front and rear of the diaphragm to deliver better bass and midrange reproduction, and positions the earpieces for comfort and sound isolation. The ATH-WP900 comes with two detachable 1.2 m cables (A2DC to 1/8" plug and A2DC to 4.4 mm 5-pole plug). The headphones fold flat for easy transport in its included carrying pouch.
Audio-Technica's Hi-Res Audio compliant ATH-IEX1 sets a new standard for in-ear listening, thanks to its hybrid multi-driver system that employs dual-phase 9.8 mm and 8.8 mm drivers, plus two balanced armature drivers. The drivers are mounted in a solid titanium housing and mounted along a coaxial line. The 9.8 mm driver operates as a full-range unit while the 8.8 mm driver functions as a passive radiator to augment the bass frequencies. These drivers face each other and move in unison, a configuration that provides maximum output and reduces distortion. The balanced armature drivers act as supertweeters for extended high-frequency reproduction (5-50,000 Hz).
The ATH-IEX1 (SRP: US$1,200.00) is crafted using a five-step machining and finishing process which yields lightweight, non-resonant housings that rest comfortably in the ear. In addition, two-position eartip posts ensure a customized fit. The ATH-IEX1 features Audio-Technica's A2DC jacks and is supplied with detachable 1/8-inch stereo and 4.4 mm 5-pole balanced cables, Comply foam eartips, silicone eartips, a hard carrying case and more. Each pair is identified by a laser-etched serial number.
The Audio-Technica ATH-AWKT and ATH-AWAS will be available in March 2020, and the ATH-WP900 and ATH-IEX1 will be available in January 2020.
6 Comments on Audio-Technica Also Debuts High-Performance Exotic Wood-Finish and Innovative In-Ear Headphones
I love all of my current AT stuff including my condenser mic, but I am so angry that they NEVER offer velour pads.
It destroys my skin because I wear my headsets for extended periods.
While you are there please tell them we want velour pads and fight them if they say anything but yes.
I dont want third party garbage either because they never fit the can right at all.
That price though... Might not matter, as I guess I will never spend that kind of money on headphones.
WORD:
n.O.
With the possible exception of wealthy elitists and/or audio professionals, anyone who would spend that amount of money on those seriously needs to have their head (and ears) examined by a doctor, like, yesterday..
Anyway, I too wear headphones for extended periods and the only problems I have with them is my ears hurt (with new ones anyway). I've never really even heard of your problem tbh.