Short answer: the Audio-Technica ATH-AWAS. It ranks #338 of 481 over-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 3.0/5, at $1,499. The Austrian Audio The Arranger ranks #363, rated 2.9/5, at $1,299, $200 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The case for the Audio-Technica ATH-AWAS: A wired closed-back headphone with a large 53mm driver, 40 ohms and 99 dB/mW sensitivity, which a phone can drive at moderate volumes though a headphone amplifier will suit it better. The tradeoff: The response is fairly uneven, with a standard deviation near 3.7 dB.
What the Austrian Audio The Arranger does well: The open back delivers a spacious presentation, and the 25 ohm impedance with 110 dB SPL/V sensitivity means it gets loud from a phone or laptop without a dedicated amp. The tradeoff: In the median of 3 hobbyist measurements on squig.link it scores just 58 for preference, with bass about 5 dB and low mids nearly 4 dB above target, so the sound turns thick and muddy on dense mixes.
Buy the Audio-Technica ATH-AWAS. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $200 you would save on the Austrian Audio The Arranger does not close the gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphones rankings.
A wired closed-back headphone with a large 53mm driver, 40 ohms and 99 dB/mW sensitivity, which a phone can drive at moderate volumes though a headphone amplifier will suit it better.
Amazon $1,499.00 eBay
The open back delivers a spacious presentation, and the 25 ohm impedance with 110 dB SPL/V sensitivity means it gets loud from a phone or laptop without a dedicated amp.
HeadAmp $1,299.00 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 16, 2026 at 5:46 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Audio-Technica ATH-AWAS | Austrian Audio The Arranger | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,499.00 | $1,299.00 |
| Ranked | #338 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones | #363 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 60 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) | 58 (median of 3 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 3.69 dB standard deviation | 2.97 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.53 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -1.21 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Closed | Open |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 53mm dynamic | 1 x 44mm dynamic |
| Impedance | 40 ohms | 25 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 99 dB/mW | 110 dB SPL/V |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs (395 g) | 0.7 lbs (320 g) |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 42kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 5Hz - 30kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Sub-bass Extension | - | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+0.4 dB at 30 Hz) |
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