Audio-Technica ATH-AWAS

The ear cups of the ATH-AWAS are crafted from rare Asada Zakura—Japanese cherry wood—a type of wood known for its rich, bright red hue and exceptional acoustic properties. This exclusive wood is often used in high-end speakers due to its durability and natural resonance damping. In these headphones, it suppresses unwanted vibrations in the ear cups and contributes to a clear, balanced, and natural sound reproduction. The hand-applied satin finish highlights the subtle grain pattern and the warm, elegant appearance of the wood.

At the heart of the ATH-AWAS are specially developed 53 mm drivers featuring powerful magnetic circuits, a pure iron magnet yoke, and voice coils made of ultra-pure 6N OFC (oxygen-free copper). The drivers are also equipped with a DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating, resulting in exceptionally accurate and dynamic audio reproduction across the entire frequency range. The exclusive D.A.D.S. (Double Air Damping System) divides the enclosure into two separate acoustic chambers. This innovative design optimizes airflow and delivers deep, controlled, and detailed bass reproduction.

The ear cups are supported by lightweight, extremely rigid magnesium alloy arms. Thanks to their tapered design, the ear cups fit perfectly on the head, ensuring an optimal seal and improved sound isolation. The comfort is exceptional, with soft synthetic leather ear pads and a comfortable headband that make long listening sessions effortless.

For maximum flexibility, the headphones are equipped with A2DC (Audio Designed Detachable Coaxial) connectors, to which the two included 3-meter detachable cables can be securely attached. One cable features a gold-plated 6.3 mm (1/4”) stereo jack for connection to standard audio equipment. The other cable features a balanced 4-pin XLRM connector, ideal for modern hi-fi systems and optimal channel separation.

Hi-Res Audio: Closer to the Original Recording

Although many people believe that high-resolution audio was introduced along with the CD in 1982, the CD format (44.1 kHz/16-bit) never provided a complete reproduction of the original studio sound due to storage limitations. The rise of compressed MP3 files exacerbated this problem, as this process results in the loss of audio data.

Thanks to lossless file formats, faster internet speeds, and affordable storage capacity, modern audio equipment can now reproduce true Hi-Res audio—96 kHz/24-bit or higher. The Hi-Res Audio certification guarantees that a product meets these strict standards. For headphones, this means, among other things, that the drivers must be capable of reproducing frequencies up to at least 40 kHz.

As a pioneer in audio since 1972, Audio-Technica combines traditional craftsmanship with advanced technology. With the ATH-AWAS, the brand delivers a listening experience that fully showcases the rich detail and dynamics of Hi-Res audio—exactly as the artist intended.