Over-Ear
Audio-Technica Awkt
78Great
$1999
Full review dataAudio-Technica Awkt vs ZMF Tessidera: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the ZMF Tessidera comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: ZMF Tessidera - Outstanding overall at around $2500.
Over-Ear
ZMF Tessidera
88Outstanding
$2500
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Audio-Technica Awkt
Sound8.0
Value6.0
ZMF Tessidera
Sound9.2
Value7.5
Specifications
| Spec | Audio-Technica Awkt | ZMF Tessidera |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1999 | $2500 |
| HearWiki score | 78 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2019 | 2026 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | Planar magnetic with 1-micron diaphragm |
| Driver size | 53 mm | 80 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz-45kHz | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Impedance | 48 Ω | 35 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 102 dB/mW | 92 dB/mW |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 405 g | 570 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | - |
| Balanced connection | Yes | - |
What reviewers said
Audio-Technica Awkt
The Audio-Technica ATH-AWKT is a premium closed-back headphone that pairs large 53 mm dynamic drivers with dense kokutan wood housings for a refined, detailed sound. Despite its substantial 405 g weight, it stays comfortable, and its 48-ohm impedance and 102 dB sensitivity make it easy to drive even from modest sources. The package includes both balanced and unbalanced cables, adding flexibility for different setups.
- Pro:Large 53 mm drivers deliver rich, detailed audio
- Pro:Easy to drive thanks to efficient tuning
- Pro:Premium build with dense kokutan wood cups
- Con:Hefty at 405 g, which may tire some listeners
- Con:Closed-back design limits soundstage width
- Con:High price tag limits accessibility
ZMF Tessidera
The Tessidera is a premium open-back planar headphone that channels ZMF's signature warm, musical tuning into a planar driver format. It delivers a smooth, full-bodied sound with particularly rich vocals and natural timbre, all while being relatively easy to drive for a high-end model. The build is solid overall, though the stock grill finish shows minor cosmetic imperfections.
- Pro:Smooth, full-bodied tuning with rich vocals
- Pro:Excellent timbre and natural instrument reproduction
- Pro:Relatively easy to drive despite large 80mm drivers
- Con:Mid-forward balance can vary with amplifier pairing
- Con:Minor cosmetic roughness on the stock grill
- Con:Heavy at 570g, requiring a sturdy headphone stand
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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