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Audio-Technica has announced the release of its ATH-AWKG wooden high-fidelity headphone. Hand assembled in Tokyo, the ATH-AWKG incorporates Kurogaki wooden housing which, the company says: “possesses unique physical properties to deliver both exceptional sound quality and a unique and striking design”.

Kurogaki wood is a apparently a cherished material in Japanese craftmanship that: “embodies the wonder of nature and refers to persimmon wood that exhibits black ink-like patterns. This unique material is only found in ancient trees that are over a century old and, as the drying process requires extensive knowledge and expertise, is something that is revered across Japan. Throughout history it has been admired by nobles and literati thanks to its mysterious and Zen-like patterns, the cause of which is still unknown to this day.

“The ATH-AWKG’s 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.” The ATH-AWKG’s stitched ergonomic earpads and headband are made from durable sheepskin and the magnesium alloy headphone arm has been angled to provide the best possible fit.

The headphone is equipped with 53mm drivers, featuring German Permendur magnetic circuitry. Additionally, each driver has a lightweight titanium flange and a 6N-OFC voice coil for optimal signal transfer. Meanwhile, a Double Air Damping System is employed in a bid to provide a smooth and accurate bass response.

The new headphone is accompanied by a fancy storage box adorned with Kurogaki wood, two detachable 3m cables with A2DC (Audio Designed Detachable Coaxial) connectors at the headphone end: one with a 6.3mm gold-plated stereo plug, the other with a 4-pin XLR-M balanced connector.

Available to buy now for £3,000, you can find out more about the Audio-Technica ATH-AWKG here.