Audio-Technica Awkg vs STAX SR-007S: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the STAX SR-007S comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 83. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: STAX SR-007S - Outstanding overall at around $2390.

Over-Ear

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

STAX SR-007S leads on 4 of 4 measures.

Audio-Technica Awkg
STAX SR-007S

HearWiki score

Sound

8.8

9.5

Value

5.5

7.2

Price (USD)

$4,500

$2,390

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

STAX SR-007S (2025) against Audio-Technica Awkg (2024). These are the same generation of hardware - nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price.

Awkg2024
SR-007S20251 yr newer

Specifications

AwkgSR-007S

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $4,500; $2,390
HearWiki score: 69; 83
Released: 2024; 2025
Availability: Discontinued; Sold new
Driver: 53 mm dynamic; 2× electrostatic
Driver type: dynamic; electrostatic
Driver size: 53 mm; -
Drivers per side: 1; 2
Frequency response: 5 Hz - 45 kHz; 6 Hz - 41 kHz
Impedance: 48 Ω; 145000 Ω
Sensitivity: 102 dB/mW; 101 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling: No; No
ANC type: -; none
Transparency mode: -; No
Companion app: -; No
Custom EQ: -; No
Wear detection: -; No
Controls: -; none
Weight: 390 g; 430 g
Detachable cable: Yes; Yes
USB-C: No; No
Balanced connection: Yes; -

Specification comparison of Audio-Technica Awkg vs STAX SR-007S
Spec	Audio-Technica Awkg	STAX SR-007S
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$4,500	$2,390
HearWiki score	69 / 100 Good	83 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2024	2025
Audio
Driver	53 mm dynamic	2× electrostatic
Driver type	dynamic	electrostatic
Driver size	53 mm	-
Drivers per side	1	2
Frequency response	5 Hz - 45 kHz	6 Hz - 41 kHz
Impedance	48 Ω	145000 Ω
Sensitivity	102 dB/mW	101 dB/mW
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	No
ANC type	-	none
Transparency mode	-	No
Companion app	-	No
Custom EQ	-	No
Wear detection	-	No
Controls	-	none
Design
Weight	390 g	430 g
Detachable cable	Yes	Yes
USB-C	No	No
Balanced connection	Yes	-

What reviewers said

Audio-Technica Awkg

The Audio-Technica AWKG is a premium closed-back wired headphone with a 53 mm dynamic driver, designed for high-end audio setups. It offers a balanced, detailed sound with strong musicality and power handling, though its isolation is less effective than typical closed-back models. The build is luxurious and comfortable, but the high price and limited portability make it a niche choice for dedicated audiophiles.

Pro:Exceptional build quality and premium materials
Pro:Detailed, balanced sound with strong musicality
Pro:Comfortable newer headband design

Con:Very high price point
Con:Weaker isolation than most closed-back headphones
Con:Less portable due to size and weight

STAX SR-007S

The STAX SR-007S is a refined electrostatic flagship that builds on the classic Stax formula with updated internals and comfort-focused earpads. It delivers a spacious, highly detailed soundstage with warm bass and clear treble, all while maintaining a smooth, airy presentation. This wired, over-ear design is a perfectionist's choice for those seeking an evolutionary upgrade in high-end audio.

Pro:Spacious and precise soundstage
Pro:Warm, deep bass with clear highs
Pro:Improved comfort and reduced earcup resonance

Con:Requires a dedicated electrostatic amplifier
Con:Very high impedance limits portability
Con:No built-in controls or wireless features

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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New comparison Audio-Technica Awkg STAX SR-007S