audio Technica ATH-ANC9 QuietPoint Active Noise Cancelling Headphones review

Audio-Technica Intro:

Audio-Technica’s ATH-ANC9 Quietpoint headphones use proprietary active noise-cancelling technology to provide a comfortable listening experience in areas with high ambient noise.  The headphones feature two miniature microphones in each earpiece that pick up ambient noise (such as traffic, air-handling systems, etc.) and create a sound cancelling signal to effectively block the noise.

Introduction

There is already a plethora of noise-cancelling headphones available but only a few actually stand out in terms of offering total isolation form background. One such example is the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC9 – it offers three levels of noise isolation and even features memory foam that meant that it has one of the most comfortable headphones we’ve tested in a while.

Manufacturer’s Specification:

• Type: Active noise-cancelling
• Driver Diameter: 40 mm
• Frequency Response: 10 – 25,000 Hz
• Quietpoint Active Noise Reduction Mode 1: Up to 30 dB
• Quietpoint Active Noise Reduction Mode 2: Up to 30 dB
• Quietpoint Active Noise Reduction Mode 3: Up to 20 dB
• Sensitivity: 100 dB
• Impedance: 100 ohms
• Battery: AAA
• Battery Life: Up to 35 Hours (Lithium), Up to 25 Hours (Alkaline), Up to 20 Hours (Rechargeable)
• Weight: 220 grams
• Cable: Detachable 1.2 m (3.9′) cable with 3.5 mm stereo mini-plugs; Detachable 1.2 m cable with inline control/ microphone and 3.5 mm stereo mini-plugs
• Connector: 3.5 mm

Design and Specifications:

The Audio-Technica ATH-ANC9 comes in a standard headphone design, but the difference is that Audio-Technical placed memory foam on each of the ear cups. It also comes with a padded headband that makes even easy to wear for long periods of time.

There is a single button on the left ear cup that controls the noise-cancelling functions of the headphones. As mentioned, the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC9 has three levels of noise-cancellation: Airplane, Office and Study modes.

The Audio-Technica ATH-ANC9 can cut the background noise by 95 percent at 200 Hz in Airplane mode, 95 percent at 300 Hz in Office mode and 85 percent at 200 Hz on Study mode. Audiophiles would love the variations of noise cancellation, but the simpler modes should make even average listeners love the headphone.

There are two microphones on each ear cups that is used to create the noise cancellation effect. But with most headphones in the category, it usually requires power which in this case, an AAA battery. While it’s a convenient way to replace the power, it would have been preferable to use a rechargeable battery, but that of course could raise the price.

Setup

The Audio-Technica ATH-ANC9 connect via the usual 3.5 mm audio cable, which is compatible with every audio device. Additionally, the package includes a 6.3 mm adapter along with another adapter used for airplanes.

I hooked up the headphones with my iPhone testing high-res tunes I’ve loaded that varies from classical to heavy metal music.

Performance:

The Audio-Technica ATH-ANC9 excels on almost all levels of noise cancellation, and it perfectly blocks out noise on every mode I have tested it on. Additionally, the audio levels on the songs I have played showcase varying details across all frequencies.

Bass is deep and mid-range tunes are spot on. It’s one of those headphones that showcase another detail in sound that you wouldn’t expect.

But remember that all of these awesome features will work when noise cancellation is on. When it is off, the headphones can still work in ‘passive’ mode but of course doesn’t have the same sound fidelity offered when the power is on.

Supplied Accessories:

• Audio-Technica ATH-ANC9
• 6.3 mm stereo adapter
• Airline adapter
• AAA battery
• Carrying case

Pros & Cons:

Pros

• Excellent sound output
• Great noise cancelling function

Cons

• Rechargeable battery would’ve been better

Conclusion:

The Audio-Technica ATH-ANC9 is one of the best noise-cancelling headphones we’ve tested and also has comfortable fit. We only wish it came with rechargeable batteries.