There are merchandise we think about among the greatest over-ear headphones, after which there are restricted version sonic artworks – which is what we now have right here.
Audio-Technica has been within the enterprise of audio for 60 years now, and the Japanese hi-fi specialist isn’t any stranger to low-cost wi-fi over-ear propositions (see additionally the fantastically edgy ATH-SQ1TW true wi-fi earbuds) and cheap however gifted turntables.
However the restricted version ATH-W2022 over-ear wired headphones break the mould. Simply take a look at them.
These closed-back dynamic headphones, fully sourced and assembled in Japan, definitely rejoice 25 years of picket headphone craftsmanship, would not you agree?
Utilizing the Japanese maki-e lacquer approach (which makes use of conventional urushi lacquer, however you knew that) the Mizume (Japanese birch) headphone housings incorporate hand-painted Sakura (cherry blossom) and hou-ou phoenix designs, with mother-of-pearl on the left and proper sides respectively.
However it’s not all about appears! Throughout the beautiful housings are baffle-integrated 58mm drivers that had been specifically developed and optimised for the brand new closed-back mannequin. Moreover, the diaphragm is comprised of a pure titanium centre dome, pressed to a thickness of 30 microns (0.03 mm), which locations an emphasis on mid-high-range audio copy and prime high-frequency response.
You get a Sixtieth-anniversary commemorative picket storage case with a Kiso cypress lid that’s lower to form the irimoya styling of the headphone arms, and the newly designed magnet circuit incorporates a pole and yoke, structured from laminated pure iron plates to cut back counter-electromotive power (aka again EMF. In fact).
The ear pads and headband are comprised of deerskin for long-lasting sturdiness and luxury, and also you get two removable 3m cloth-wrapped cables (with A2DC connectors on the headphones) one with a 6.3mm gold-plated stereo plug, the opposite with a 4-pin XLRM balanced connector.
Opinion: I am a fragile flower too – and these needs to be mine
Solely 100 of the Audio-Technica W2022 can be accessible worldwide, and every set can be numbered from 1-100 (we’re unsure in the event you get to decide on your fortunate quantity although).
Frankly, I’m a fragile flower and I would like them. My high-end headphones needs to be a mirrored image of me and these cans are the closest illustration I’ve seen but.
Clearly, the Audio-Technica W2022 don’t sit inside this working-class gal’s finances (solely as a result of there is a price of residing disaster on, you perceive) however she will be able to nonetheless dream, cannot she? And though I’ve by no means heard them, Audio-Technica has executed sufficient to persuade me it cares much more concerning the sound than it does the attractive aesthetic…
How a lot are we speaking right here? £8,900/ €10,000, which is round AU$14,750.
There isn’t a option to make that charge palatable on this universe, is there? So I will simply log out. (Additionally, cut price!)