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Audio Technica ATH-ANC7B Active Noise-Cancelling Closed-Back Headphones by Audio-Technica
List Price: $219.95Our Price: Calculated in a shopping cartAvailability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: Speakers See more product details
Digital Photo Product DetailsManufacturer: Audio-Technica Brand: Audio-Technica Edition: Electronics Format: CD-ROM Model: AUD ATH-ANC7B Color: Fully integrated electronics-no external modules needed Publisher: Audio-Technica Studio: Audio-Technica Music Label: Audio-Technica Product features: - QuietPoint noise-cancelling headphones feature noise-cancelling circuitry that effectively reduces environmental noise by 90%
- Closed-back headphones feature large-aperture 40 mm drivers with neodymium magnet systems for impactful bass, extended treble and higher fidelity
- Lightweight, compact, fold-flat design is ideal for travel; fully integrated electronics?no external modules needed
- Full-size 1/4-inch adapter and specialized airline adapter for connecting to in-flight entertainment systems, and a handy carrying case
- Redesigned, comfortable earcups with generously cushioned padding and a shape that fits easily over any ear
Accessories:
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Audio Technica ATH-ANC7B Active Noise-Cancelling Closed-Back HeadphonesCustomer Review: A superb set of cans Summary: 5 Stars
When I first came across these headphones, I was skeptical of the quality since the price was cut nearly in half. If a headphone is favored by the public, then why would the amazon price differ so greatly from the retail price? Well, I decided to purchase them regardless; I just didn't feel like shelling out an extra $200 just for a pair of Bose Quiet Comfort 15 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones.
When they arrived, I found the package very easy to open and handle. On top of that, the little headphone carrying case seemed very convenient for me- it had a hook on the top in case you wanted to clip it to your backpack or anything of that sort, the case was relatively hard and will protect the headphones very well, the left side of the interior has a small compartment for wires/adapters/batteries, and the right interior (where you put the headphones) is very snug.
I'm not gonna lie, when I looked at the headphones, they sent a chill down my back- they were pretty dam sexy. They came wrapped and double wrapped in bubble-wrap, thus ensuring that the headphones come to you in pristine shape. The materials which the headphones are made of are very high-quality (They probably won't form stress cracks like how Bose Quiet Comforts always do after 3-4 months of usage). I also love the silver ring around the outside of the headphones.
When I put them on, I very soon forgot that I even had them on. I also tried wearing them for 8 hours straight today, and I have absolutely no complaints about the comfort. I also took a look in the mirror- despite their size, they actually look pretty good due to their sleek design. The only downside to this is that it presses the hair around your ears into your head, so that when you take them off, you may first think that some of your hair had just disappeared, but that's not much of an issue.
The sound quality is by far the best I've ever heard so far. I don't have the funds to go out and purchase brand new Bose QC 3's and 15's, Sennheiser PX 450's, etc, but I did go to a friend who owns both the QC 2's, 3's, and 15's. The ANC7B's sound quality blows away that of the QC 2's, and the AT's mid and high range frequencies are far more crisp and detailed than those of the 3's and 15's. The only thing that the ANC7B lacks is the Bose Bass punch, but then again, the difference is only minimal. If you've never had headphones like these before, then you're guaranteed to hear notes/beats that you've never heard before.
Both Bose models beat the ANC7B in terms of noise cancellation, but only by a slight margin- 5%-10% at max. Besides the fact, I tried my headphones in the basement, which is where my AC unit is housed, and all I have to say is "Wow." The ANC7B's immediately reduced the rumbling noise which my ears had perceived only seconds before; Audio Technica's headphones definitely lived up to its claim of 85% ambient noise reduction. Now I have a legit reason to walk away and pretend that my mother isn't talking to me. One thing to add, when you have the noise cancellation on, the mechanism makes this noise that sounds like a very quiet ocean breeze (It's almost impossible to detect unless you're in a quiet room).
Everything is gold-plated, so that is a very reassuring sign that Audio Technica intends on delivering the highest quality of music to its consumers. One thing that I love about these headphones is that the music cord is detachable on both ends, meaning that if you are on the plane and wish to go for a quick walk or stretch, you can simply take the cable out of the cans and leave.
As for the sound leakage, other users are correct, these headphones do leak a significant amount of sound when the volume is pumped up. However, that's the thing- the volume has to be relatively high in order for the sound to leak through. With these headphones, there isn't much need to turn the volume up even halfway, therefore, I personally don't find the sound leakage to be much of a problem.
All in all, these headphones are absolutely wonderful, and at the price of $118, it just makes no sense to purchase any of Bose's headphones at $300-$350.
*Suggestion* You may want to consider making sure that your music source is good. It makes no sense to have wonderful headphones if your source doesn't have maximal clarity and fidelity. I hope that this review helped!
**Update 8/1/10**
Everything is holding up just fine. The headphones actually perform better now than they did before (Dynamic headphones usually take a while to break-in). None of the cables have shown any signs of cracking, which is expected- the cables are of very high quality. The leather earpads are doing pretty well (showing no signs of cracking), although I would recommend that for anyone using headphones with leather pads, to buy leather wipes (The human oil damages and cracks leather products). The only complaint I have with these headphones is that they make my ears sweat whenever I'm not in an AC'd environment.
I've also noticed a relative lack of bass in these headphones after purchasing an audio speaker set. I've more-or-less converted myself into a basshead (I want music that just melts my head off), which may have something to do with me noticing a lack of bass, but nevertheless, the sound quality of the headphones is very good. I listen to hip hop and R&B by the way.
Description of Audio Technica ATH-ANC7B Active Noise-Cancelling Closed-Back HeadphonesThese lightweight, compact headphones boast circuitry that effectively reduces distracting background noise by 90% while offering the superior audio quality that has made Audio-Technica a worldwide leader in electro-acoustic technology.Arrive refreshed after a long flight, avoid distractions in a noisy office, or find peace and quiet in your living room with ATH-ANC7b QuietPoint Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones. Arrive refreshed after a long flight, avoid distractions in a noisy office, or find peace and quiet in your living room with ATH-ANC7b QuietPoint Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones. Effectively reduces distracting background noise by 90%. Includes 1/4-inch and airline adapters and carry case. These lightweight, compact headphones boast circuitry that effectively reduces distracting background noise by 90% while offering the superior audio quality that has made Audio-Technica a worldwide leader in electro-acoustic technology. Ideal for use with MP3, CD, DVD and in-flight entertainment systems, ATH-ANC7b QuietPoint closed-back headphones deliver clear, high-resolution sound, with impactful bass, a detailed midrange, extended treble and accurate imaging in an immersive soundfield. Their earcups have been redesigned for greater comfort, with generously cushioned padding and a shape that fits easily over any ear. The ATH-ANC7b QuietPoint headphones feature large-aperture 40 mm drivers with neodymium magnet systems and extremely high 109dB sensitivity to provide generous volume levels from any music source. The headphones also work when the noise-cancelling function is turned off, and operate in passive mode without batteries. Noise-cancelling electronics are fully integrated in each earpiece, with no need for external modules. These headphones feature a lightweight, compact, fold-flat design is ideal for travel--in fact, a specialized airline adapter for connecting to in-flight entertainment systems is included, along with a handy carrying case. ATH-ANC7B Specifications | Type: | Active noise-cancelling | | Driver Diameter: | 40 mm | | Magnet: | Neodymium | | Frequency Response: | 10 - 25,000 Hz | | QuietPoint Active Noise Reduction: | Up to 20 dB | | Maximum Input Power: | 500 mW | | Sensitivity: | 109 dB | | Impedance: | 300 ohms | | Battery: | AAA (alkaline) | | Battery Life: | Up to 40 hours, typical (alkaline) | | Weight: | 210 g (7.4 oz), without cable and battery | | Cable: | Detachable 1.6 m (5.2') with 3.5 mm (1/8") stereo mini-plug; Detachable 1.0 m (3.3') with 3.5 mm (1/8") stereo mini-plug | | Connectorr: | 3.5 mm (1/8") | What's in the Box ATH-ANC7B Headphones, 1/4-Inch Adapter, Airline Adapter, AAA Battery, Carrying Case With Attached Accessory Pouch
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