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 ZMF Auteur Classic ranks #372, rated 2.9/5, and costs $1,499.99, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
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 catch: The response is fairly uneven, with a standard deviation near 3.7 dB.
The case for the ZMF Auteur Classic: Lower mids sit within about 0.5 dB of target, keeping voices and guitars natural. Watch for: A 4.7 dB peak near 5.4 kHz can make cymbals and sibilance sound sharp.
Buy the Audio-Technica ATH-AWAS. It is rated higher for sound quality than the ZMF Auteur Classic and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
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
Lower mids sit within about 0.5 dB of target, keeping voices and guitars natural.
ZMF Headphones $1,499.99 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 | ZMF Auteur Classic | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,499.00 | $1,499.99 |
| Ranked | #338 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones | #372 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 60 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) | 56 (median of 5 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 3.69 dB standard deviation | 3.38 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.53 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.98 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Closed | Open |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 53mm dynamic | 1 x 50mm dynamic (biocellulose) |
| Impedance | 40 ohms | 300 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 99 dB/mW | 96 dB/mW |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs (395 g) | 1.1 lbs (490 g) |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 42kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Sub-bass Extension | - | Falls 6 dB below target at 28 Hz (-5.9 dB at 30 Hz) |
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