The balance may not be for everyone, especially those with a taste for bass. But although the AWKT may not be the most versatile choice, it’s hard to beat if you mainly listen to acoustic genres. For character alone, this baby gets the MajorHifi Gold Award and then some.

Audio-Technica Kokutan recreates the music with a warm glow that is almost incomparable in this class.

Audio-Technica’s Kokutans are hugely capable headphones. They will appeal to those who value a cultured attitude to music replay

The ATH-AWKT is never going to be chosen by an out-and-out ‘objectivist’ – it’s been crafted in such a way as to appeal to your sense of sight, smell, and touch in addition to the way it sounds. Its appeal is very much an emotional one and will be appreciated by those who appreciate finesse, tactility and detail – in terms of both its sonic character and the way it has been put together. I did find I had some comfort questions (which might not be relevant to you), but the only real let-down with the ATH-AWKT was with the microphonics from the supplied cables.