Hands on Review of the Audio Technica ATH-ANC7B SVIS Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Since I travel a bunch for my job at Gallup, I am in and out of planes (and sometimes trains) a little more than I like. Ever since Bose came out with their noise cancelling headphone several years ago, I have been eyeing them, but get held up at the $299 price tag. I know they are good and I have tested them out at several tech outlets, but the price has always held me back.
Bose QuietComfort 25 Headphones, Black by Bose for $299.00
I have also been using the Audio-Technica ATR-2100 as a podcasting microphone now for the last 2 years. It’s a great mic at 1/4 of the cost of the industry standard Heil PR40 and wondered if Audio-Technica had a set of headphones that would compete with Bose at a fraction of the price as well. Enter the Audio Technica ATH-ANC7B SVIS Noise-Cancelling Headphones coming in at $125.
Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7B QuietPoint
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
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
Connector: 3.5 mm (1/8″)
Accessories Included: 6.3 mm (1/4″) stereo adapter; airline adapter; AAA battery; carrying case with attached accessory pouch
I have used them now for four weeks on several flights across the country. I used them both with my Android phone and without a cable. There is an easy switch on the side that allows you to switch between active noise cancelling and off. Below list a list of Pro’s and Con’s. For half the price of the Bose, I would say they are a good deal. They do have a few drawbacks.
Pros
- Price – half the price of the Bose that come in at $299 retail.
- Uses a single AA battery and is very easy to change when it runs out of juice.
- Can be used with either a device or without. If you plug in your iOS, Android or iOS device, they work just like any other set of headphones.
- Comes with a cord that will allow you to take phone call. Also comes with one that doesn’t.
- The hard shell case is plenty of protection for the headphones. It also has room for all your cords and easily fit inside my backpack with out issues. I normally carry two laptops and all three still fit.
- They worked at reducing the noise on a flight amazingly well. Still could listen to podcasts as well.
Cons
- They fit tight on my big head. Both on my ears and on top of my head, it got uncomfortable after an hour or so.
- Because of the tight fit, there is a bit of glasses fatigue. I would have to adjust the fit about every 30 minutes
- They are about a half and ounce heaver than the Bose and you can fell that over a 2 or 3 hour period.
Conclusion
If you are price or budget constrained, then the Audio-Technica headphones will work just perfect for you. In my tests, the Bose fit better and were more comfortable, but not my much. If I traveled more or did international travel where I would need to wear them for more than 3 hours at a time, I would consider upgrading to the Bose.
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