Short answer: the Audio-Technica ATH-AWAS. It ranks #166 of 216 over-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 3.0/5, at $1,499. The Beyerdynamic DT 1350 ranks #176, rated 2.9/5, at $1,161.61, $337.39 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.
The case for the Beyerdynamic DT 1350: This closed-back headphone weighs only 0.4 lbs (174 g) and keeps sound in and outside noise out, which suits monitoring in loud spaces. The catch: A preference score of 58 in crinacle’s measurement places its tonal balance well away from the response most listeners prefer.
Buy the Audio-Technica ATH-AWAS. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $337.39 you would save on the Beyerdynamic DT 1350 does not close the gap.
Still deciding? The full Headphones rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Audio-Technica ATH-AWAS | Beyerdynamic DT 1350 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,499.00 | $1,161.61 |
| Ranked | #166 of 216 in Over-Ear Headphones | #176 of 216 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 60 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) | 58 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 3.69 dB standard deviation | 3.50 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.53 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.78 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 53mm dynamic | 1 x dynamic |
| Impedance | 40 ohms | 80 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 99 dB/mW | 109 dB SPL (nominal) |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs (395 g) | 0.4 lbs (174 g) |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 42kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 5Hz - 30kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
Related Headphone Comparisons
More top alternatives to Audio-Technica ATH-AWAS:
- Sendy Peacock vs Audio-Technica ATH-AWAS
- Fostex TH900mk2 vs Audio-Technica ATH-AWAS
- Audeze LCD-3 vs Audio-Technica ATH-AWAS
- Fostex TH900mk2 vs Beyerdynamic DT 1350
- Beyerdynamic DT 1350 vs Focal Clear Mg
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 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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The Two Headphones In Full
Audio-Technica ATH-AWAS: $1,499.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: 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. Its Harman preference score of 60 in crinacle’s measurement shows a response that is reasonably close to target. The rated range of 5 Hz to 42 kHz points to a wide, extended design.
Cons: The response is fairly uneven, with a standard deviation near 3.7 dB. At 395 g it is heavy for long sessions, and it has no wireless option or microphone. The price is extremely high for this score, and the Focal Elear has a higher rating for less money.
Full Audio-Technica ATH-AWAS review and specifications →
| Released | Nov 2019 (6 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Closed |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 3.69 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 53mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 42kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 60 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 40 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 99 dB/mW |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.53 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs (395 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -6.2 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | +6.2 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 7,334 Hz | +6.5 dB | 0.38 |
| Peak | 258 Hz | -3.4 dB | 0.58 |
| Peak | 1,856 Hz | -4.5 dB | 1.50 |
| Peak | 4,512 Hz | -6.3 dB | 3.33 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -3.9 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 167 Hz | +2.0 dB | 3.76 |
| Peak | 97 Hz | -1.9 dB | 3.56 |
| Peak | 59 Hz | +0.6 dB | 1.80 |
| Peak | 230 Hz | -1.0 dB | 3.01 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Beyerdynamic DT 1350: $1,161.61 Amazon eBay
Pros: This closed-back headphone weighs only 174 g and keeps sound in and outside noise out, which suits monitoring in loud spaces. With 80 ohm impedance and a nominal 109 dB sensitivity it reaches useful volume from portable sources without a headphone amp.
Cons: A preference score of 58 in crinacle’s measurement places its tonal balance well away from the response most listeners prefer. The Focal Elegia rates higher and costs less.
Full Beyerdynamic DT 1350 review and specifications →
| Released | Feb 2011 (15 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Closed |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 3.50 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x dynamic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 30kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 58 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 80 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 109 dB SPL (nominal) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.78 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs (174 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -6.2 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | +1.1 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 2,762 Hz | +6.9 dB | 1.10 |
| Peak | 496 Hz | -4.5 dB | 0.48 |
| Peak | 4,606 Hz | -7.2 dB | 1.87 |
| Peak | 1,546 Hz | +5.4 dB | 1.70 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -1.7 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 98 Hz | -1.6 dB | 1.90 |
| Peak | 7,672 Hz | +2.5 dB | 2.60 |
| Peak | 5,822 Hz | -2.3 dB | 6.00 |
| Peak | 174 Hz | +1.4 dB | 3.45 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons


