Наушники — Audio-Technica ATH-AWKG

The ATH-AWKG is a sealed wooden headphone from Audio-Technica with earcups made from Kurogaki, released in Japan on December 8, 2023. Kurogaki is not a separate species - the name describes persimmon wood that has developed black ink-like markings inside, which appear only in trees older than 100 years. Drying it demands specialist skill, so very little is produced, and the material was prized by Japanese nobles and writers as far back as the Nara and Heian periods. The same wood first appeared on the AW-KG NARU headphone bundled with the HPA-KG NARU amplifier, and the ATH-AWKG was added as a standalone version to make it more widely available.

Key specs that matter

Drivers measure 53 mm. Quoted figures are 5 to 45,000 Hz, 102 dB/mW, 48 ohm and a maximum input of 2,000 mW, with a weight close to 390 g excluding the cable. Signal enters through A2DC jacks, and two detachable 3.0 m fabric-covered cables are packed - one with a gold-plated 6.3 mm stereo plug for ordinary audio gear, the other with a 4-pin male XLR connector. A storage box decorated in the same Kurogaki wood is included, and replacement pads are listed as HP-AWKT.

Engineering and use context

Each driver has a German-made Permendur magnetic circuit with high flux density. A light but durable titanium flange holds the diaphragm so it tracks the input signal accurately, while 6N-OFC wire forms the bobbin-wound voice coil. Behind the driver, the brand's Double Air Damping System divides the enclosure into two chambers of unequal volume to use trapped air as a spring for extended bass reach. Specialist craftsmen apply a hand-painted lacquer finish to the persimmon cups, which brings out the natural pattern that differs from one piece to the next. Arms are magnesium alloy for low weight and stiffness, and their mounting angle together with the cup and pad shape improves fit and reduces leakage. Both the pads and the headband are covered in sheepskin. Assembly and final inspection take place by hand at Audio-Technica's Japanese factory.

Pairing

High sensitivity and moderate impedance make the ATH-AWKG easy to drive from ordinary headphone amplifiers through the unbalanced lead. Its XLR cable suits newer hi-fi headphone amplifiers with a 4-pin balanced output, the connection the maker points to for better channel separation. The HPA-KG NARU amplifier/preamplifier from the same company is the most obvious in-house partner.

Alternatives

The ATH-AWAS is the brand's sealed wooden alternative with Asada Zakura cherry housings and a 40 ohm rating.