Reference Closed-Back Headphones Crafted with Rare Kokutan Wood
The Audio-Technica ATH-AWKT Audiophile Closed-Back Dynamic Wooden Headphones combine Audio-Technica's long tradition of premium wooden headphones with advanced acoustic engineering for a refined, highly resolving listening experience. Their housings are crafted from Kokutan, a rare striped ebony prized for its density and traditionally used in high-quality woodwind and stringed instruments. The rigid wooden enclosures work with exclusive 53 mm dynamic drivers to deliver articulate bass, natural midrange reproduction and finely resolved high-frequency detail.
Designed for serious home listening, the ATH-AWKT uses Audio-Technica's Double Air Damping System to reinforce low-frequency control while highly efficient Permendur magnetic circuitry drives the diaphragm with precision. Detachable A2DC connections provide flexibility for cable replacement, and two premium 3-meter 6N-OFC cables are supplied for conventional 6.3 mm stereo and balanced 4-pin XLR connections.
Highlights & Benefits
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Kokutan Striped-Ebony Housings — Dense Japanese striped ebony provides exceptional rigidity and distinctive natural grain while contributing to controlled acoustic behavior.
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Exclusive 53 mm Dynamic Drivers — Large-aperture drivers are engineered for wide-bandwidth reproduction with strong dynamics, fine detail and natural tonal balance.
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Permendur Magnetic Circuitry — Highly efficient magnetic material provides strong magnetic flux for precise diaphragm control and responsive transient reproduction.
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Double Air Damping System — Audio-Technica's D.A.D.S. acoustic system controls airflow inside the closed housing to support deep, well-defined low-frequency reproduction.
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Balanced and Unbalanced Cables Included — Two detachable 3-meter 6N-OFC cables provide both 6.3 mm stereo and 4-pin XLR connection options for high-end headphone systems.
Technology & Design
Kokutan Wooden Housings — Also known as striped ebony, Kokutan is valued for its hardness, density and attractive grain structure. Audio-Technica uses the material to create a rigid closed enclosure with the visual character associated with its premium wooden-headphone lineage.
53 mm Drivers with Permendur Magnetic Circuitry — The large dynamic drivers employ high-efficiency German Permendur magnetic circuitry, providing the magnetic strength needed for accurate control of diaphragm motion and highly responsive reproduction.
Double Air Damping System — Internal acoustic chambers regulate air movement behind the drivers, allowing the closed-back design to reproduce extended bass while maintaining definition and control.
Detachable A2DC and 6N-OFC Cabling — Audio-Technica's A2DC connectors provide a secure detachable interface at each earcup, while the supplied high-purity 6N-OFC cables support both single-ended and balanced headphone systems.
FAQ — Audio-Technica ATH-AWKT
What wood is used for the ATH-AWKT housings?
The ATH-AWKT uses Kokutan, or striped ebony, for its headphone housings. Audio-Technica notes that this rare hardwood has traditionally been used for woodwind instruments because of its acoustic and structural properties.
Does the ATH-AWKT require a dedicated headphone amplifier?
A dedicated headphone amplifier is not strictly required because the ATH-AWKT has a nominal impedance of 48 ohms and sensitivity of 102 dB/mW. However, a high-quality headphone amplifier or premium source component can provide better control, dynamic headroom and system matching for these reference-class headphones.
Are the ATH-AWKT cables detachable?
Yes. The headphones use detachable A2DC connections. Audio-Technica supplies two 3.0-meter cables: one terminated with a 6.3 mm stereo plug and another with a balanced 4-pin XLR connector.
Are the ATH-AWKT open-back or closed-back headphones?
The ATH-AWKT is a closed-back dynamic headphone. The enclosed Kokutan housings provide greater acoustic isolation and reduced outward sound leakage compared with an open-back audiophile design.
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