Audio-Technica ATH-AWX7000

The ATH-AWX7000 is Audio-Technica's flagship closed-back headphone and the high point of its wooden headphone line, pairing the company's latest acoustic technology with traditional Japanese artistry. The housings are shaped from Kiso cypress, a timber used historically to build Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, then hand-finished in Echizen lacquer to bring out the natural color and grain of the wood. Deep red lacquer sits against a navy frame, with soft deerskin on the pads and headband. Audio-Technica notes that the wood darkens with time, so each pair keeps developing its own character.

Type and Technology

Over-ear, closed-back, dynamic. Each housing holds a 58mm driver that combines Audio-Technica's newly developed HMD (Hybrid Matrix Diaphragm) technology with the HXDT driver molding technology introduced on the ATH-ADX7000 open-back headphones. HMD widens the area where the composite diaphragm's polymer film bonds to its metal dome, which spreads out stress at high input levels so the diaphragm holds its shape under air pressure. HXDT's precision molding keeps that diaphragm round. Together, Audio-Technica says, they let the diaphragm vibrate as a single unit and drive the air with a precise, piston-like motion from the internal front chamber all the way to the listener's ears, a level of performance previously unattainable in closed-back designs. The magnetic circuit uses non-oriented electrical steel sheet, which Audio-Technica says minimizes energy loss and maximizes electrical conversion efficiency.

Sound Character

Audio-Technica describes the sound as warm and lush, with a wide dynamic range, an expansive soundstage, and strong, clear bass extension. The company says the diaphragm stays stable even at frequencies below the audible range, which it credits for deep, dynamic bass, and the aim is a lively, well-layered musical expanse that immerses the listener.

Build and Comfort

Kiso cypress cups with a hand-applied Echizen lacquer finish. The frame and arms are lightweight magnesium, with machined aluminum sliders for precise size adjustment, and the trim is finished in kachi-iro, a deep navy known as the lucky color of the samurai. The earpads and headband are supple Japanese deerskin, which Audio-Technica says ensures lasting comfort and sound isolation. Manufactured in Tokyo.

Best For

Listeners who want a flagship closed-back headphone for private listening at home or in a shared space, without giving up scale or bass extension. The warm, lush voicing Audio-Technica describes should suit vocals, acoustic and jazz recordings, orchestral music, and long album sessions. Two cables ship in the box, a 4-pin XLR balanced cable for amplifiers with a balanced output and a 6.3mm unbalanced cable for standard headphone outputs, and the hard shell carry case protects the lacquered cups between sessions. It also suits buyers who appreciate fine Japanese craft.

What's in the Box

• Audio-Technica ATH-AWX7000 headphone
• 2.5m (8.2') detachable 8-braid balanced cable with Neutrik 4-pin XLRM connector
• 3.0m (9.8') detachable 8-braid unbalanced cable with 6.3mm (1/4") gold-plated stereo plug
• Hard shell carry case
• Cable pouch

Specifications