Audio-Technica celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2022 with many commemorative product launches in limited quantities, like the SB2022 Sound Burger, the LP2022 acrylic turntable. In this article, I reviewed the WB2022, the most expensive wireless headphones, retailing at S$4188 in Singapore.
I have previously reviewed very expensive wireless headphones, like the Mark Levinson No. 5909 (S$1600) and T+A Solitaire T (S$2590). These headphones overwhelm me with so many features that I was checking them off my spec list to determine how much price value they are offering.
In the case of the WB2022, it offers only two connectivity and listening options:
- Bluetooth 5.1, codec LDAC, AAC and SBC
- USB Audio, up to 24-bit 96kHz
The WB2022 has no ANC, no Transparency Mode, no analog wired audio. But through the smartphone app, you can change the audio codec, volume level steps, apply EQ, set latency mode, Nevertheless, I was drawn into the listening experience and the design details. The WB2022 does not pretend to throw in premium materials and components, but as I inspect the headphones, I can see how each piece of material is carefully manufactured.
The most striking feature is of course, the earcups, crafted from a selection of intertwined marbled maple, walnut and mahogany wood and polished to glisten just like a violin body. The headband is wrapped with Alcantara that has subtle design pattern for the added details, and this fabric is definitely more lasting and less warm than leather.
Check out the extendable headband arm that is sandblasted with copper tone, but instead of a normal metal bar, it is made of two strips that slide without steps. Also, the plastic components have a certain warmth and density to them which are not commonly felt in mass produced products. The robust carrying case designed and made by Zero Halliburton further reinforces the impression that this is a product that deserves utmost storage care. An accompanying soft pouch with matching brown tones keeps the braided cables. Through a built-in proximity sensor, the headphones will power down automatically when placing it back to the case.
As an audiophile, I was a little disappointed that the WB2022 does not support analog connection over 3.5mm, as it was considered the most faithful form of audio delivery. But I also understand that the WB2022 is a fully digital audio product, with built-in separate DAC and operational amplifier on each driver, achieving a completely balanced digital audio output system. Throwing in another analog signal path will require careful separate tuning but would not benefit from the built-in DAC. Actually, analogue purists could consider the ATH-W2022, though that is quite beyond the league of most consumers.
And from the listening session I went through over the short two weeks, the WB2022 has offered a very unique sound that I rarely get to hear. That the WB2022 is able to tune the headphones to be midrange strong without making it sound muddy, bloomy, boxy, heavy. We know headphones are easy to tune to strong bass and sparkling treble, and many budget headphones suppress the midrange so that the audio sounds clear and punchy. So it takes courage to focus on tuning the midrange frequency and more importantly, bring out the many colours of the instruments.
This endeavour makes the WB2022 sound very analogue, a path that Audio-Technica takes pride when tuning their premium audio products. The bass presentation is firm with prominence yet controlled without overpowering. The treble is detailed and smooth, does not overshine, blends well with the rest of the frequencies. Sound staging is immersively spatial, very room-feel. And because the ear cushions fit comfortably without the closed-back pressure, I experience audio presentation similar to open-back headphones.
Verdict
During the review of the Audio-Technica ATH-WB2022, I was seriously considering getting one, even though objectively speaking, they are hard to justify. The features are sorely lacking (no ANC, Transparency Mode whatsoever), and the major drawback is that it does not support 3.5mm analog passive connection.
And while the Mark Levinson No. 5909 seems like a bargain and the T+A Solitaire T offers outstanding analog audio tuning, they both could not match the listening comfort that I get from the WB2022. Those former two headphones have excellent audio details, and functionally versatile, but perhaps too clinical.
It is very interesting how a pair of headphones like the ATH-WB2022 can change the way I experience music, through the design, the wearing comfort, and the sound signature. It is as unexplainable as how listening to vinyl records makes music sound better than digital copies.
Anyway, given the limited quantity of the ATH-WB2022 and the premium price, this headphones are for consumers who can emotionally connect to the experience after touching the product and listening to it. So, go find some time to visit the Audio-Technica showroom at Funan and try it yourself.
