Nothing says ‘I have too much money’ like a six-figure headphone amp.
Audio-Technica has taken the pursuit of sound reproduction to a remarkable new level with the introduction of their NARUKAMI ultra-high-end audio products. These include the HPA-KG NARU Tube Headphone Amplifier and ATH-AWKG Closed-Back Dynamic Wooden Headphones, which will make their U.S. premiere at CanJam NYC 2024.
Audio-Technica has been using wood in their products for 28 years. But, what makes these products special is the use of kurogaki wood.
Kurogaki is a highly prized material used in Japanese craftsmanship. Also known as persimmon wood, it is found only in ancient trees that are over a century old. Kurogaki has unique black ink-like patterns. It requires extensive knowledge and expertise to dry properly, making it a cherished and revered material across Japan.
HPA-KG NARU Tube Headphone Amplifier Features
According to Audio-Technica, they have spent 10 years developing the HPA-KG NARU amplifier. They went through 11 prototypes before settling on a design that met their high standards.
This dedication is evident in the final product, which is a stunning work of audio art with the front and side panels made from precious kurogaki wood.
The amplifier’s top looks like a dry landscape garden, representing water flows. And, the metal mesh covering the vacuum tubes has a pattern that resembles the flat needles of the Ayasugi tree.
With a price tag of more than $100K, no expense was spared on the internal components of this ultra-high-end amplifier.
The HPA-KG NARU uses four Takatsuki 300B power tubes, which are some of the best available, and ECC83S gold pin small-signal tubes.
Using this, richly detailed sound with remarkable depth and presence is expected due to the dual-mono configuration and fully balanced drive design.
An impedance selector switch also allows perfect matching with a wide range of headphones. You can choose the appropriate impedance (32–80 ohms, 80–250 ohms, 250–600 ohms) based on your headphones and desired sound quality.
Plus, an amorphous-core silver-wire Lundahl input and output transformers ensure the highest level of sonic clarity.
The HPA-KG NARU is not just a headphone amplifier; it also serves as a preamplifier with balanced and single-ended inputs and outputs. It has one set of unbalanced RCA line inputs and two pairs of balanced XLR inputs for connecting a CD/DVD player and other audio devices.
Technical specifications
- Circuit Configuration: All-tube balanced amplifier
- Headphone Impedance: 32 to 600 ohms
- Maximum Output Level (Pre-output, 10%, 1 kHz):
- Balanced pre-output: 35 dB
- Line pre-output: 29 dB
- Frequency Response:
- Headphone output: 10 Hz to 60 kHz (±3 dB)
- Pre-output: 10 Hz to 90 kHz (±3 dB)
- Total Harmomic Distortion: 0.8% or less (at 10 mW output, 20 Hz to 20 kHz)
- Noise: 98 dBv or less (A-weighted)
- Analog Input Terminal: RCA jack line input x 1 XLR balanced input × 2
- Headphone Output Terminal: 6.3 mm (1/4”) stereo headphone output × 1 XLR4 balanced stereo headphone output × 1
- Dimensions: 493.5 mm (19″) × 409 mm (16″) × 352.5 mm (14″) (W × D × H)
- Weight: Approx. 50 kg (110 lbs)
- Accessories Included: Vacuum tube (TA-300B) (replacement) × 4, Function explanation plate
ATH-AWKG Headphones Features
Just like the NARUKAMI amplifier, The ATH-AWKG headphones are equally exceptional.
They are handcrafted in Tokyo from the same rare kurogaki wood as the HPA-KG NARU amplifiers. The headphones’ housings use the wood’s unique physical properties to deliver remarkably clear sound quality. And, the hand-applied lacquer finish brings out the wood’s natural beauty, which will only improve with age.
These headphones are specially tuned to deliver exceptional sound quality, especially when paired with the HPA-KG NARU amplifier.
But, on their own, the ATH-AWKG has purpose-designed 53-mm drivers with Permendur magnetic circuitry.
The drivers also feature lightweight and durable titanium flanges for accurate diaphragm reaction, and 6N-OFC voice coils for precise movement and optimal signal transfer.
Audio-Technica’s exclusive D.A.D.S. Double Air Damping System ensures smooth, accurate bass response. Plus, they come with the ZMF Universe Hybrid earpads if you want a slightly different sound signature.
Outside of sound quality, the headphones are also designed for maximum comfort. They come with stitched ergonomic earpads and a headband made from smooth, high-durability sheepskin. The magnesium alloy headphone arm is angled for the best possible fit with an excellent earcup seal.
The ATH-AWKG come with two detachable 3.0 m (9.8′) cables. These cables have A2DC (Audio Designed Detachable Coaxial) connectors at the headphones. One cable has a 6.3 mm (1/4″) gold-plated stereo plug, while the other has a 4-pin XLR-M balanced connector.
Technical specifications
- Type: Closed-back dynamic
- Drivers: 53 mm with German Permendur magnetic circuitry
- Frequency Response: 5 to 45,000 Hz
- Maximum Input Power: 2,000 mW
- Sensitivity: 102 dB/mW
- Impedance: 48 ohms
- Weight: Approx. 390 g (14 oz), without cable
- Connector: A2DC connector jack
- Accessories 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
Where to Buy
The ATH-AWKG headphones are priced at $4,200, while the HPA-KG NARU amplifier carries a price tag of $108,000. Both products are already available for purchase through Audio-Technica’s website via these links:
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