Canon Puts Efficiency On PressAudio Technica ATH-ANC7B Active Noise-Cancelling Closed-Back Headphones
Manufacturer: Audio-Technica Part number: ATH-ANC7b
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- We hoped that the Audio-Technica's QuietPoint ATH-ANC7b noise-canceling headphones would deliver more bang for the buck than Bose's noise-canceling models--but they don't.
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CNET editors' review
Audio Technica ATH-ANC7B Active Noise-Cancelling Closed-Back Headphones price range: $116.95 - $199.99
- Reviewed by: David Carnoy
- Edited by: John P. Falcone
- Reviewed on: 10/28/2009
The good: Less expensive than competing models from Bose; effective noise-canceling circuitry; device folds for compact storage in included carrying case; they work (in passive mode) when the noise-canceling function is turned off or the batteries have died.
The bad: Still fairly pricey; they leak more sound than they should (for a closed-cup design); they sound only OK for the money.
The bottom line: We hoped that the Audio-Technica's QuietPoint ATH-ANC7b noise-canceling headphones would deliver more bang for the buck than Bose's noise-canceling models--but they don't.
Last year, we reviewed the Audio-Technica QuietPoint ATH-ANC7 noise-canceling headphones, and editor Jasmine France thought they were a good value, offering decent but not great sound for the money. Well, when we heard that Audio-Technica was releasing a new, improved version of these headphones with a "b" tacked on to the model name, we were eager to get our hands on a pair.
What exactly has the company improved? According to the news release, these 'phones are supposed to sound better, offer a more comfortable fit (the earcups have been redesigned), and deliver some additional design tweaks, including an easier-to-access battery bay and two detachable cables of varying lengths: 1.6 meters (5.2 feet) and 1 meter (3.3 feet). Also according to Audio-Technica's release, the ATH-ANC7b headphones deliver "smoother, richer and more natural tonal balance...with impactful bass, a detailed midrange, extended treble and accurate imaging in an immersive soundfield."
All that sounds good and a lot of people have their eyes on the ATH-ANC7b headphones as good alternatives to the Bose QuietComfort 15s and QuietComfort 3s that cost significantly more ($300 and $350, respectively). So we decided to see if the Audio-Technicas measure up to that hype.
Like competing models, these headphones fold flat for storage and come with a protective carrying case (it's good), a full-size phono (6.3-millimeter) adapter, and an airline adapter for connection to in-flight entertainment systems. Another thing these Audio-Technicas have going for them is that they also work when the noise-canceling function is turned off (they operate in a passive mode without batteries). In contrast, Bose models are dead in the water when they're turned off, or when the battery dies. However, the only problem is that they sound muffled when you don't engage noise canceling.
And when we compared them to the QuietComfort 15s, we noticed some discernible differences:
- The ATH-ANC7b QuietPoints have firmer earcups than the Bose earcups. And while they're fairly comfortable, they aren't as comfortable as the Bose QuietComfort 15s.
- The Audio-Technicas' noise-canceling is good, though not quite as good as that of the Bose models.
- The ANH-ANC7b headphones leak sound. We're not sure why this is the case since closed-cup headphones typically do a good job of preventing sound leakage. But when this reviewer handed off the headphones to freelance audio expert Steve Guttenberg to have a listen, a fair amount of sound could be heard emanating from headphones, even when the volume wasn't that loud. By comparison, the Bose headphones leaked far less sound.
- The Audio-Technicas sound OK, but at this price, they should sound a lot better. The treble sounds somewhat harsh, their sound isn't terribly detailed, and the bass is lackluster. Overall, the Bose QuietComfort 15s sounded significantly better. They're more open (read: the sound is less "stuck inside your head"), more detailed, and offer better bass.
In the end, we have to say we were a bit disappointed. We've heard a lot of good things about Audio Technicas' noise-canceling headphones, and hoped that we could say that these were a much better value than competing models from Bose. Alas, they're not. In terms of sound quality, they're only OK, which leaves only their lower price as the primary advantage over Bose's offerings. (To be clear, we don't think the Bose QuietComfort 15s are a bargain at $300).
As for price, the ANH-ANC7b's list for $220 but can be had online for $200, while the original ANH-ANC7 headphones are selling for closer to $150. If you're looking for a deal on noise-canceling headphones, we can't say this new, "improved" model is it. Of course, sound and even comfort is a matter of taste, so if you can get your hands on a pair of these and some competing models, you may come to a different conclusion than we did.
Freelancer Steve Guttenberg contributed to this review.
User reviews
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I Recomend Audio-Technica QuietPoint ATH-ANC7B
by WilliamNYC on April 26, 2011
Pros: 1. soft, comfortable and do not squeeze head
2. very good noise canceling
3. as good as Bose, but way cheaper
4. two audio cords
5. good passive isolation
6. holds very long on one battery
7. good quality cord, easy to untieCons: 1. too loud, you should buy volume control if you want to use it on the plane
Summary: These are very good headphones. Comparable to Bose but much cheaper. Nice looking and comfortable. Sound quality is very impressive and noise canceling works great.
I normally had been using ...Summary: These are very good headphones. Comparable to Bose but much cheaper. Nice looking and comfortable. Sound quality is very impressive and noise canceling works great.
I normally had been using ear plugs on the plane. They are comfortable to sleep with, but when you are active, they are not good for putting them on and off frequently. On the other end headphones are very comfortable to put on and off when you are woke up and want sometimes to hear better whats going on around.
For watching in-flight movies and listen to music they are just unrepleacable! After trying, you will never turn on the movie without them.
When having them on, you still hear much, like people talking etc., but engine noise is very well canceled - this is great. If you want to cut yourself completely you can still put on ear plugs simultaneously with the headphones. This is perfect - you hear engines only when opening your mouth!
Only downside is that in-flight entertainment system plays very loud to work properly with plane stock headphones together with all the noise around. When you are using your great, fancy, good quality Audio-Technica's with noise canceling you find the minimum level of volume to be to high. I recommend buying external volume control for headphones.
The good workaround when lacking volume control is to put the ear plugs with the headphones, and increase the volume of the movie slightly. Actually this works nicer that you would think.
They work great with glasses. Also they are very good for work with noisy air conditioning and computer fans running all the day long. I use them all the time in office.
One should also remember that as they are over-the-ear headphones, they are pretty big, so reserve more space in your carry on baggage.
I really like their container. It looks very nice and professional, is strong and you can store there some additional stuff like ear plugs. One thing I really appreciate that Audio Technica ship the headphones with battery, so you can try them straight away.
So buy them and try them today! You're gonna love it.
*** P.S. If you will buy these headphones I suggest you have compare price before you decide at: www.amazon.com/gp/*************?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Foffer-listing%2FB002HWJT1A%3Fie%3DUTF8%26ref_%3Ddp_olp_new_map%26condition%3Dnew&tag=***************&********=ur2&camp=1789&creative=39095714 out of 14 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Do not buy these under any circumstance
by Graham Eldridge on March 14, 2012
Pros: Great noice cancelling and good quality sound. When you turn on the noice cancelling you can hear the background noise dissapear. And then the RFI kicks in and you have to turn noise cancelling off!
Cons: Suffers very badly from Radio Frequency Interference.
Suffer from presure build up.Summary: The noise cancelling on these Audio_Technica Quiet Point ATH-NAC7b headphones is indeed excellent, but there is a reason why they are so cheap. They suffer from RFI (Radio Frequency Interference) ...
Summary: The noise cancelling on these Audio_Technica Quiet Point ATH-NAC7b headphones is indeed excellent, but there is a reason why they are so cheap. They suffer from RFI (Radio Frequency Interference) when in noise cancelling mode. Whenever a phone hunts for a new signal or negotiates with an access point having found one, you will hear a lot of interference.
I ware these on the train going home and as we go into and out of range of mobile signal masks these things go crazy. But that is as nothing compared with the frenzy that envelops them when you come out of the Tube/Metro/Subway.
I have been onto Audio-Technica's technical support line and they have admitted this is a known fault, and that there is no cure. Apparently then are coming out with an ATH-ANC9 model that is less prone - though the emphasis was on less.
It's a real shame because apart from that they are great. -
Noise Cancelling NON-Existant !
by Weeesz on April 12, 2011
Pros: In-expensive, looks pretty stylish.
Cons: Terrible...Terrible Noise Cancellation !! its almost as if it doesnt even exist !! I bought these headsets because I travel alot and I needed something to put off the airplane's jet engine noise, and they practically do NOTHING !! Compared to the bose....
Summary: If you really need a pair of noise cancelling headsets to do nothing more than CANCEL NOISE, then stay away from these ...... they are NOT the right ones. They are ...
Summary: If you really need a pair of noise cancelling headsets to do nothing more than CANCEL NOISE, then stay away from these ...... they are NOT the right ones. They are by far some of the worst noise cancelling headsets I have tried. I honestly dont know how they have so many good reviews and ratings on various sites !. I hope my message will save someone his/her 100 Bucks !
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Poor Sound Quality
by daudetj on March 9, 2011
Pros: Sylish and Comfortable
Nice Case
Relatively InexpensiveCons: Poor sound clarity
Harsh mid range
Nearly unusable with the noise cancellation UN-poweredSummary: I read reviews on these headphones on a number of websites and for the price of around $100 plus shipping these looked to be worth a try. I listened to ...
Summary: I read reviews on these headphones on a number of websites and for the price of around $100 plus shipping these looked to be worth a try. I listened to a variety of genres with noise canceling off and on and found that while the noise canceling feature worked well, the sound quality didn't even compare to my wife's $50 pair of Sony noise canceling headphones which sound good but not great. If you want a good looking pair of headphones and a nice travel case that offers decent noise canceling but poor sound quality then these are for you.
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I really like them!
by drohrdanz on February 14, 2011
Pros: Very effective noise cancelling. Commute on train daily, love these. Very soft/comfortable, way more so than my Sennheiser HD202's (much cheaper and no sound cancelling).
Cons: I haven't had any problems--the case is quality, as is the fit and finish. I like handling them and very comfy on. Good sound, no down side yet--very happy with this purchase! See what the reviews on Amazon say before saying no.
Summary: Effective. Quality. Comfortable (That was really right up there in importance--if they hurt, doesn't matter how good they sound!) There are, I think, only three Brands of these generally ...
Summary: Effective. Quality. Comfortable (That was really right up there in importance--if they hurt, doesn't matter how good they sound!) There are, I think, only three Brands of these generally out there; Bose (has to be turned on with battery to work, $300), Sony ($250) and these. I tried the Sony on the ear noise cancelling phones--not effective at all. Zero. How could on the ear cans be effective at sound cancelling, much less comfortable to wear for an hour twice a day on the train!!?
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ANC7B.. Good sound, but not what I expected
by PBJ2 on February 7, 2011
Pros: If I travel, these were cheap and it won't upset me if anything happens to them
Cons: I asked my wife to get me the BOSE QC15's for Xmas and when I opened my present, I got these. I was somewhat dissapointented. They were way too tight for my head and I had to carefully bend the brace. Basically, they really HURT after 30 minutes.
Summary: Bottom line, I went to Best Buy, forked over $300 and bought the BOSE QC15's and I'm very satisfied! They are so much better in EVERY WAY! If ...
Summary: Bottom line, I went to Best Buy, forked over $300 and bought the BOSE QC15's and I'm very satisfied! They are so much better in EVERY WAY! If you want a good set of headphones, don't try to save a buck, BUY THE BOSE!
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Great Noise Cancellation and Great Sound Quality
by DullahanEX on August 28, 2010
Pros: The padding are very soft and will mold to your ear shape. The quality are fair and with great attack along with active noise canceling makes it a great mixer for live shows.
Cons: sounds horrible without the active noise canceling turned on. when it's turned on it sounds a little harsh in the high mid frequency and lack a little bass.
Summary: Overall, this is great for the price and definitely for you if you don't want to spend lots of money and still get the best sounding headphones.
Summary: Overall, this is great for the price and definitely for you if you don't want to spend lots of money and still get the best sounding headphones.
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great sound quality but horrible sound leakage.
by Framici on January 26, 2010
Pros: sounds quality
Cons: sound leakage is horrible
0 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Audio-Technica
- Part number: ATH-ANC7b
- Description: Imagine arriving refreshed after a long flight, shutting out unwanted distractions in a noisy office and the luxury of finding peace and quiet on your commute home. Audio-Technica's ANC7b QuietPoint closed-back headphones are designed for use with MP3, CD, DVD and in-flight entertainment systems, as well as all Apple products. They feature large aperture 40mm drivers with neodymium magnet systems, giving you deeper bass, extended treble and high fidelity. Noise-canceling electronics are fully integrated in each comfortable earpiece with no need for external modules and the headphones effectively cancel background noise by up to 85%. One AAA battery powers the active noise-canceling technology and the audio functions in passive mode even without the battery. The ANC7b QuietPoint headphones fold flat and are easily portable, in a lightweight, compact design that's easy to carry for pure shut the world out bliss.
General
- Recommended Use The noise canceling feature keeps out ambient sounds on buses and airplanes. Plus, they are portable for easy transport. Active noise canceling technology makes these circumaural headphones ideal for commuting and air travel.
- Product Type Headphones
- Weight 7.4 oz
- Recommended Use Home theater system,
Home audio system - Additional Features Noise canceling circuit ,
Lightweight,
Fold-flat design ,
Closed-back headphones,
Comfortable earcups Headphones
- Headphones Type Headphones - Binaural
- Headphones Form Factor Ear-cup
- Headphones Technology Dynamic
- Connectivity Technology Wired
- Sound Output Mode Stereo
- Active Noise Canceling Yes
- Response Bandwidth 10 - 25000 Hz
- Sensitivity 109 dB
- Impedance 300 Ohm
- Diaphragm 1.6 in
- Magnet Material Neodymium
Remote Control
- Type None
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x Headphones ( Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm )
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included 1 x Headphones cable - External - 5 ft
- Included Accessories 6.3 mm (1/4") stereo adapter
Power
- Power Device None
- Battery 1 x Standard battery - AAA type - Alkaline
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Audio-Technica products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:Audio-Technica
- Address:
1221 Commerce Drive, Stow, OH 44224 - Phone: 1-330-686-2600
- Email: sales@atus.com
- Fax: 1-330-688-3752
