Short answer: the Meze Poet. It ranks #233 of 481 over-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 3.6/5, at $2,000; the Audio-Technica ATH-AWKT ranks #295, rated 3.3/5, at $1,999. The price gap is small enough that the sound-quality ranking should decide it.
The Meze Poet is the better-sounding choice. At 55 ohms and 101 dB SPL/mW this open planar plays at satisfying levels from most desktop sources without needing a powerful amp. Watch for: A 9.6 dB dip near 9.5 kHz and a 3.7 dB shortfall in presence dull cymbal attack and vocal articulation, while a 6.0 dB peak near 11.9 kHz adds a thin glint above that, leaving a preference score of 72.1.
The case for the Audio-Technica ATH-AWKT: The closed back keeps sound in and outside noise out, and the 48 ohm, 102 dB/mW load reaches good volume straight from a phone. Watch for: A deep 16.9 dB dip near 6.7 kHz leaves the 6 to 10 kHz treble about 11 dB below target in oratory1990’s measurement, so cymbals, string texture and room ambience sound muted.
Buy the Meze Poet. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $1 saving on the Audio-Technica ATH-AWKT is not enough to make up the difference.
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At 55 ohms and 101 dB SPL/mW this open planar plays at satisfying levels from most desktop sources without needing a powerful amp.
Amazon $2,000.00 eBay
The closed back keeps sound in and outside noise out, and the 48 ohm, 102 dB/mW load reaches good volume straight from a phone.
B&H Photo Video $1,999.00 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
| Meze Poet | Audio-Technica ATH-AWKT | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,000.00 | $1,999.00 |
| Ranked | #233 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones | #295 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 72 (median of 2 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) | 65 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.43 dB standard deviation | 3.44 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.69 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.38 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-5.9 dB at 30 Hz) | Falls 6 dB below target at 42 Hz (-9.2 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Open | Closed |
| Driver Type | Planar magnetic | Dynamic |
| Impedance | 55 ohms | 48 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 101 dB SPL/mW | 102 dB/mW |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (350 g) | 0.9 lbs (405 g) |
| Frequency Response | 4Hz - 96kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 5Hz - 45kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | - | 1 x 53mm dynamic |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
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