Audio Technica ATH-AWX7000 Review: New Dynamic Closed-Back

Audio-Technica has brought a new headphone to the table for audiophiles to get their hands on. Following in the footsteps of the flagship ATH-ADX7000, Audio-Technica has released its closed-back counterpart: the ATH-AWX7000. This closed-back, dynamic headphone has a gorgeous wooden design that immediately says quality without even giving it a listen. How does the ATH-AWX7000 sound? In this review, we dive into all the details that make this model worthy of adding to your collection. 

Let's start with the physical design of the headphones. The earcups on the AWX7000 are made from wood from the Kiso cypress and are finished with a lacquer that brings out the natural grain and color of the wood. This brings out the stark red finish that makes the headphones stand out on a desk. The lacquer finish makes the headphones shine and gives them a layer of protection against the elements. Audio-Technica has made some high-end closed-back headphones in the past, such as the ATH-AWKT and the ATH-W5000. These two models also have a beautiful wooden exterior, but most notably, they have a bulkier build that doesn't seal over the ear very well. From this previous experience, I was a bit nervous that the AWX7000 would be the same. The bulkiness was still there, but the fit was much more comfortable, and the seal was able to block out most of my ambient environment. 

For years, Audio-Technica has given some pretty standard cables with the A2DC connection. The AWX7000 also has this A2DC connection at the headphone jack, but the cable is an upgraded braided cable that is sturdier and cleaner than what they've provided in the past. You get a cleaner sound with the headphones, and it becomes a higher-quality listening experience when you know the cable matches the quality of the headphones. 

As far as power requirements go, the AWX7000 doesn't necessarily need a huge amplifier and system to be powered. However, it does need something. Using a portable amplifier like the Chord MOJO 2 or the iFi GR 2 is a great compact option if you don't want to get a whole desktop piece. The AWX7000 does perform well when pushed with more powerful amplifiers, so if you're looking to integrate this into your system, the dynamic driver will certainly be able to take some more volume for heavier equipment. 

• Type: Closed-Back Dynamic
• Driver: 58mm
• Sensitivity: 97 dB/mW
• Frequency Response: 5Hz - 50kHz
• Maximum Input Power: 1000mW
• Impedance: 48 Ω
• Input Jack: A2DC Connector Jack
• Weight (without cable): ~353 g

SOUNDSTAGE & IMAGING

The big question: what does the ATH-AWX7000 sound like? When I first listened to the AWX7000, I was blown away by the bass. The isolation from the over-ear style made it easy to get immersed in the sound profile, and the low end really jumped out and became a star feature of the signature. While the low end was very prominent, it didn't take away from the treble or midrange that was still well-produced. The treble balanced out the heaviness of the low end quite well, and the midrange became a little pushed back because of it. Still, the separation between elements in this sound signature made it easy to pick apart small details in the tracks. The horizontal space of the AWX7000's soundstage was used to a maximum, and I was easily immersed in my listening in a host of genres. Classical orchestras were especially fun to listen to because of the separation and individuality all the instruments were able to achieve. 

The soundstage of the AWX7000 was very forward and intimate, focusing on the horizontal expanse rather than the depth the signature could provide. It was wide and provided a lot of space to wrap around your head, and the height allowed frequencies to expand upwards to create a wall of sound. Depth wasn't as prominent as I would have expected, but it kept all the track instrumentation very close and almost personal while you listened. That being said, there was an effective three-dimensional profile being reproduced that I found very enjoyable for instrumental tracks. The slight U-shape in the signature made the midrange take a backseat, but it wasn't distracting enough to make you go searching for those memorable instrumental bits. 

BASS FREQUENCIES

The bass frequencies in the AWX7000 are the most prominent in the signature. They take up most of the profile and make the AWX7000's signature quite heavy in a lot of genres. The extension into the sub-bass frequencies is effective and makes the entire signature sound full and grounded. I found the low-frequency reproduction to be very colorful and full of texture. Because of the detail and texture coming through, the prominent bass felt more fun as opposed to oppressively heavy. There was a lightness in the reproduction that made instruments easily recognizable. Drums had a good slam to them, delivering energy and punch in every track. The AWX7000 has good tonal reproduction as well, as heard in low strings and bass guitars. You could make out notes that were being played in the lower range without risking muddiness or losing texture. It made the powerful response of the bass much more manageable, as the forwardness was engaging rather than overwhelming. 

MIDRANGE FREQUENCIES

In a headphone so intimately detailed like the AWX7000, I was surprised to hear the midrange take a step back in the signature. When it came to placement, the midrange was expertly placed behind the bass and treble, making the signature a U-shape that you don't see very often. This U-shape made vocals sit behind some other instrumentation, and other midrange frequencies took a break and let other features shine. For vocal-heavy tracks, the reproduction did sound a bit odd; however, in instrumental tracks in classical or jazz genres, the recessed midrange wasn't a problem and allowed for other instruments to be highlighted and appreciated in more detail. The more I listened to the AWX7000, the more I became entranced by this signature and how it placed all the midrange frequencies very expertly in the sound field. I thought this was a clever way of keeping the signature engaged and fully focused on their tracks. 

TREBLE FREQUENCIES

The treble in the AWX7000 is bright and airy, providing a much-needed relief from the strong low end. I was impressed by the amount of detail and sharpness that cut through the thicker low end, and it was a nice balance to that bass response. Without it, the AWX7000 could be quite dark and almost suffocating, especially being a closed-back with no room for the frequencies to really expand back in depth. The treble brings everything up one level, so it doesn't push down and make the signature compressed. This brightness is carried throughout the entire signature, making the detail stand out in every range from sub-bass to ultra-highs. The ultra-high range really opened up the profile of the AWX7000 to give it more height and let frequencies ring out more naturally. I liked how this sharp brightness balanced with the heavier low end, and it made the AWX7000 very even and dynamic across the frequency range. 

What does the AWX7000 bring to the table that would entice audiophiles to buy? For those who are fans of the ADX7000, you may find that this is the closed-back counterpart you need. The two share a lot of qualities to make the AWX7000 familiar to those who may know the ADX7000 sound. But are they different enough to justify having both? 

The obvious difference between the ADX700 and the AWX7000 is the open-back versus closed-back designs, so you have an immediate difference in sonic presentation from that element alone. The AWX7000 keeps instruments close and intimate during listening, so you are hyper-aware of all the elements happening in a track. The ADX7000's open-back design allows them space to breathe, separate out even further, and create an impressive sense of depth. Another important thing to note in these headphones is the difference in how to drive them, with the ADX7000 needing some heavy-duty equipment while the AWX7000's lower impedance allows it to have more versatility across devices. 

The AWX7000 utilizes the same Hybrid Matrix Diaphragm (HMD) that was introduced on the ADX7000, so you find a lot of the same sonic qualities from one headphone to the other. The sound is natural, honest, and highly detailed on both headphones. Both can be used for reference and casual listening, and each reveals certain details about tracks that the other may fall short in. For hearing the most space and openness in a track, using the ADX7000 is a better choice. To really get the fine details and minute details that may be hidden behind other elements, the intimate sound of the AWX7000 is a good option. Below is a helpful table outlining the technical similarities and details between the two headphones. 

The ATH-AWX7000 is a great headphone for those looking for their next closed-back upgrade. Joining models like the Dan Clark E3 and the Focal Stellia, it offers premium sound at a premium cost. The AWX7000 provides an intimate listening experience for those who want to block out the world around them and are looking to find all the details in their listening. For people sensitive to bass, you may find the AWX7000 to be a bit overwhelming, especially paired with the very frontal and close nature of the signature. Still, those who appreciate detail and forwardness will find the AWX7000 a fun and engaging experience for all their favorite tracks. 

The best way to know if the ATH-AWX7000 is for you is to listen to it. Your ears will be the best judge of whether the AWX7000 is worth adding to your audiophile collection. 

You can get the ATH-AWX7000 at Audio46.