Note: This headphone is made with rare wood and there only a limited number of units being produced for this headphone. This is a pre-order, which will ship on or before December 2024. November 2024 batch is shipping soon (updated Nov 15, 2024 based on information from Audio-Technica)

Tuned By Ear, Not Algorithm

Taking its name from the thunder god of Japanese legend, the NARUKAMI series features high-end audio products designed to ignite elemental passions. Their engineers rely on their refined auditory judgment, rather than a sterile set of technical specifications, to assess sound quality, while key materials, like precious KUROGAKI wood, are selected to bring the listener closer to the wonders of nature.

Legendary KUROGAKI Wood

Audio-Technica have crafted the ATH-AWKG as a standalone pair of KUROGAKI headphones, adopted from the AW-KG NARU headphones included with the HPA-KG NARU tube amplifier/preamplifier.

KUROGAKI refers to persimmon wood that exhibits internal, black ink-like patterns. The reason these naturally distinct black patterns form remains elusive to this day. Additionally, the drying process of KUROGAKI is quite challenging and requires extensive knowledge and expertise accumulated over years. These factors contribute to the wood’s revered status across Japan. Due to its mystique and Zen-like patterns, KUROGAKI has been cherished by nobles and literati throughout history, serving as a testament to the importance of KUROGAKI in Japanese culture.

Hand-lacquered Finish

The ATH-AWKG’s KUROGAKI wood housing possesses unique physical properties that contribute to exceptional sound quality. The lacquer finish, applied by hand by a skilled craftsman, brings out the natural beauty of the wood’s grain—a beauty that will only deepen with age.

Large 53mm Drivers

The headphones are equipped with exclusive 53 mm drivers featuring highly efficient German Permendur magnetic circuitry, which enables the delivery of exceptionally accurate audio with an expansive sound field.

Each driver is equipped with a lightweight, durable titanium flange and a 6N-OFC (high-purity, oxygen-free copper) voice coil to ensure precise diaphragm movement and optimal signal transfer. Our exclusive D.A.D.S. (Double Air Damping System), which divides the housing structure into two separate acoustic chambers, provides smooth, accurate bass response.

Durable Sheepskin Earpads 

The arms that secure the housings are constructed from a lightweight, highly rigid magnesium alloy. The arms are angled to ensure the best possible fit with an excellent earcup seal. Comfort is further enhanced by the smooth, durable sheepskin earpads and headband. And as a special addition, we include an interchangeable pair of ZMF Universe Hybrid earpads to provide a unique alternate listening experience.  

Versatile Connections

The headphones are equipped with A2DC (Audio Designed Detachable Coaxial) jacks for secure connection to the two included 3.0 m (9.8') detachable cables. One cable is fitted with a 6.3 mm (1/4") gold-plated stereo plug for use with standard audio equipment. The other cable features a 4-pin XLR-M balanced connector for use with the latest high-fidelity equipment, delivering improved channel separation for an enhanced audio experience.

Product highlights

• The housing is crafted from precious KUROGAKI wood with a hand-applied lacquer finish, harnessing the wood’s unique physical properties to deliver remarkably clear sound quality
  
• 53 mm driver units with highly efficient German Permendur magnetic circuitry deliver powerful audio with an expansive sound field 
  
• The driver’s lightweight, durable titanium flange allows the diaphragm to react to the signal more accurately
  
• A 6N-OFC (high-purity, oxygen-free copper) voice coil provides optimal signal transfer
  
• The D.A.D.S. (Double Air Damping System) structure provides deep bass reproduction 
  
• Includes two detachable 3.0 m (9.8') fabric-braided headphone cables with A2DC (Audio Designed Detachable Coaxial) connectors at the headphones: one with a 6.3 mm (1/4") gold-plated stereo plug, the other with a 4-pin XLR-M balanced connector 
  
• The magnesium alloy headphone arm is angled to provide the best possible fit with an excellent earcup seal 
  
• Stitched ergonomic earpads and headband are made from smooth, high-durability sheepskin for long-lasting comfort
  
• Additional set of ZMF Universe Hybrid earpads is also included for a unique alternate listening experience
  
• Japanese craftsmanship: All Audio-Technica wooden headphones are hand-assembled in Tokyo

Specs

• Type: Closed-back dynamic
• Driver diameter: 53mm
• Frequency response: 5 - 45,000Hz
• Maximum input power: 2,000mW
• Sensitivity: 102dB/mW
• Impedance: 48ohms 
• Weight: 14oz (without cable)
• Connector: A2DC connector jack

What’s included

• Cable (3.0 m (9.8’)/6.3 mm (1/4”) gold-plated stereo plug)
• Balanced cable (3.0 m (9.8’)/XLR-M connector (4-pin)
• ZMF Universe Hybrid Earpads
• Wooden storage box adorned with KUROGAKI wood
• (Included Free) Apos Flow Cable for Audio-Technica

Featured reviews

"Might be the best technically-performing headphone that I've heard to date." -WaveTheory

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