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Audio-Technica unveils premium wooden headphones with a world’s first audio twist

The Audio-Technica ATH-WB2022 anniversary headphone process

Japanese Hi-Fi specialist Audio-Technica has unveiled a pair of luxury wireless headphones that feature a wooden housing. The new ATH-WB2022 will go on sale next year, as part of the brand’s 60th anniversary.

The housings are made from a combination of solid flame maple, walnut, and mahogany woods.

But that’s not the only thing that’s notable about these Bluetooth beauties. In a world’s first, the ATH-WB2022 will also introduce independent left-right balance, with separate batteries for each channel, and employ a  pair of audiophile-grade ESS DAC ES9038Q2M digital-to-analogue converters for higher fi left and right.

The housings are made from a combination of solid flame maple, walnut, and mahogany woods…

A close up of the Alcantara earpads on the Audio-Technica ATH-WB2022

The ATH-WB2022 will also feature newly designed 45mm HD drivers with a DLC (diamond-like carbon) coated diaphragm. Soft, sustainable Alcantara is used for the earpads and headband.

Codec support includes LDAC,  AAC and SBC. 24-bit/96 kHz high-resolution sound can be enjoyed via wireless or USB connections.

Battery life is claimed to be nine hours, and when that fades the headphones can continue to be used with a USB connection.  A multipoint pairing function allows two Bluetooth devices to be connected at once.

Want more control? The A-T Connect app offers a low latency mode, EQ adjustment and volume level.

These stylish headphones will be a limited edition, although Audio-Technica hasn’t specified just how many will be made available. The headphones will come with a rugged transport case, made in collaboration with Zero Halliburton.

Expect the ATH-WB2022 to sell for £2,599.99 (€3,000/$2,700) when they debut next year.

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About Steve May

Creator of Home Cinema Choice magazine, and editor of The Luxe Review, Steve muses and reviews for Trusted Reviews, T3, Yahoo UK, Home Cinema Choice, Games Radar, Ideal Home, Louder Sounds, Channel News and Boat International. He’s also the editor of professional home cinema website Inside CI. He's on Twitter and Instagram as @SteveMay_UK

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