Targeting directly Hi-Res Audio enthusiasts, the ATH-W1000Z headphones represent the 11th generation of Audio-Technica’s prized W Series. Featuring uniquely grained wood housings made of pure teak – one of the three most precious woods in the world – these headphones deliver warm, resplendent audio, aided by the wood’s ability to reflect thick, natural bass sound. The bass extension is further improved by the brand’s exclusive D.A.D.S. (Double Air Damping System) housing structure.
Both of the headphones’ 53 mm drivers have been engineered with a unified yoke, comprised of two magnetic circuit parts, that boost magnetic flux density for increased efficiency and better sound quality. The drivers also feature high-quality, bobbin-wound OFC-7N voice coils to ensure nuanced sound reproduction.
Lightweight and highly rigid magnesium frames and baffles, affixed to the wood housings via a special “floating mount” system, help to reduce unwanted resonance. Resonance is further reduced by Audio-Technica’s 3D wing support mechanism, which also provides a great, comfortable fit for longer listening hours.
The ATH-W1000Z comes equipped with a 3.0 m dual-sided, four-core parallel cable with a thermoplastic elastomer sheath to prevent tangling. The cable terminates in a 6.3 mm (1/4”) gold-plated plug with a wooden sleeve. Hi-Res Audio (HRA) is generally considered to be 96 kHz/24-bit or better and the Hi-Res Audio logo - present in the ATH-W1000Z packaging - certifies that a product meets the standards. Per these standards, headphones must have transducer frequency performance to at least 40 kHz. As a producer of these types of audiophile headphones since 1972, Audio-Technica is well-positioned to provide audio solutions that meet the demands of HRA media formats, allowing for the full reproduction of extended sonic characteristics.
Each of Audio-Technica’s previous sets of wooden headphones has used a different type of wood, and the W1000Z is no different. The previous ATH-W1000X model was made of American black cherry wood. This time, the housings are made of pure natural teak sourced directly from Myanmar. One of the world’s most precious woods, teak is highly prized for its high tensile strength. In the past this made it a popular choice for boat building, and later in the construction of guitars where its ability to help create a rich, thick bass sound came to the fore.
The W1000Z’s sub-name is “Maestoso” – an Italian musical term instructing the playing of music in a stately, dignified and majestic fashion. The W1000Z stands out also for the 3D wing support and larger ear pads, while its light weight structure make the headphones comfortable to wear for extended periods. Combined with the latest flagship AT HA5050H headphone amplifier from Audio-Technica, both products represent a key step in enjoying the latest high-resolution audio formats at their very best.
The Audio-Technica ATH-W1000Z is on sale now, priced at $699.95 (list). Demonstrations will be available at IFA 2015.
www.audio-technica.com
