Audio-Technica ATH-AWX7000 is a wooden closed-back flagship at £3299

The ATH-AWX7000 is Audio-Technica's new flagship closed-back headphone. It is on sale now at £3299, and the company describes it as a design that joins high-end acoustic technology to traditional Japanese craftsmanship.

Acoustic design

This is the first Audio-Technica headphone with the "True Closed-back Acoustic" design, which is built to use the air pressure generated inside the earcups. According to the company, the result is powerful low-frequency performance and wide dynamic range, with "greater transparency across the mid and high frequencies".

The driver uses a newly developed Hybrid Matrix Diaphragm. It bonds thin films of different materials together, aiming to improve transient response and dynamics. The diaphragm works with the brand's High-Concentricity X Dynamic Transducer technology. That manufacturing process aligns the baffle, magnet, voice coil and diaphragm, which Audio-Technica says allows "exceptionally precise diaphragm movement".

Build and cables

Each earcup housing is made of Japanese Kiso cypress, a wood valued for its durability, natural beauty and distinctive grain. The housings are finished by hand with Echizen lacquer to bring out that grain.

The earpads are soft leather, intended to give a "gentle yet effective seal". Precision-machined aluminium sliders connect to a lightweight magnesium frame and arms.

In the box are a 2.5 m balanced cable with XLR connectors, a 3.0 m unbalanced cable with a 6.3 mm stereo plug and a hard-shell carry case.

For comparison, Yamaha's YH-C3000 headphones are priced at £1499 / $1700 / AU$3000.

Source: What Hi-Fi?