New Audio Technica noise canceling headphones

[riceboy]

Seems like Audio Technica is releasing an update model to their ATH-ANC7 called ATH-ANC7b. Audio Technica said the improvements made to the model include new electronics (not sure if they meant drivers, noise canceling or both), redesigned earcups for better comfort, the battery is easily accessible, and the package now has long and short cables. It should be available by August for the retail price of $220.

New ATH-ANC7b QuietPoint headphones

 

[GuyDebord]

I use the original ANC7's quite a lot, especially while traveling. I have to say that I really like them (only with an amp), I hope this new version improves on resolution and soundstage. For a noise canceling headphone, I think many would agree that this is the best of the bunch.

The impedance on the originals is 260ohm which is quite high for a portable, but this new one is even higher! 300ohm

 

[warrior05]

I got a chance to spend some time with the ANC7s. I was pretty impressed by them being what they are. However, I found the SQ took a nosedive when the active noise cancelling was turned off. One of their marketing angles is that you can use them as regular 'phones so you aren't left with nothing if - for instance - the batteries die. I would hope they improved upon this with their updated model.

I may have to start doing long distance (read, by plane) for a period of 3 months or so. If it happens, I just may pick me up a pair. Too bad the updated model won't be out in time.

 

[MrOutside]

The ANC7b is already here and I have heard it (a prerelease model).
The differences are: thicker pads, it doesnt sound crap when you turn off noise canceling.
In my opinion they are still overpriced for the sound they offer but you are paying a premium for the noise canceling feature which reduces about 25 dB at a rough guess. It still doesnt sound as good with noise canceling off as it does on but it is a lot better than the previous.

 

[warrior05]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrOutside /img/forum/go_quote.gif The ANC7b is already here and I have heard it (a prerelease model). The differences are: thicker pads, it doesnt sound crap when you turn off noise canceling. In my opinion they are still overpriced for the sound they offer but you are paying a premium for the noise canceling feature which reduces about 25 dB at a rough guess. It still doesnt sound as good with noise canceling off as it does on but it is a lot better than the previous.

Very interesting indeed.

As for overpriced, I tend to disagree - at least considering they are a direct competitor to Bose's solution. If memory serves, the ATs offer much better SQ (haven't had a chance to try the Bose other than in a store) and for less dollars. Personally, I would never expect to get hifi sound from nc 'phones. $200 for something that sounds decent and saves your hearing... worth it to me. A nice alternative to mechanical noise isolation a la IEMs (have not experienced a closed 'phone that isolates as well as a decent pair of IEMs though I am hearing that Shure's new 'phones offer very good isolation.)

 

[yourstruly]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrOutside /img/forum/go_quote.gif The ANC7b is already here and I have heard it (a prerelease model). The differences are: thicker pads, it doesnt sound crap when you turn off noise canceling. In my opinion they are still overpriced for the sound they offer but you are paying a premium for the noise canceling feature which reduces about 25 dB at a rough guess. It still doesnt sound as good with noise canceling off as it does on but it is a lot better than the previous.

Do they still hiss and give those annoying squeaks when you turn on anc?

 

[ear8dmg]

Someone working for a specialist headphone retailer claimed on another forum that the original ANC7 shares several components (including electronics) with the Goldring NS1000s. Having looked at some photos of the ANC7s, they do look very similar to the Goldrings. I'm thinking same OEM manufacturer but not exact model. Build quality is supposed to be marginally better on the ANC7 (no creaky hinges). Also the NS1000 drivers are supposed to be the same as the Goldring DR150, so I'm not sure if the drivers are the same.

I find the noise cancelling on my NS1000s a bit hissy. If they could sort that out, I'd say that's the only real flaw with those particular headphones sorted out. Do the ANC7 and ANC7b hiss with noise cancelling on?

Edit: Just noted the comments on impedance. The NS1000 and ANC7b are both 300 ohm with noise cancelling on (ANC7 is 260 ohm).

Further edit: the headband hinges are certainly different. The carry case they come with looks identical, save for the logo on the front. Other members of the 'family' appear to be Phitek Blackbox M10 and M14 noise cancelling headphones. Also Creative Aurvana X-fi Noise Cancelling headphones (which appear to have some proprietary Creative stuff going on as well as noise cancelling).

Linkages: https://www.blackboxonline.com/globa...s/Buy-Now.html
http://www.goldring.co.uk/headphones/ns1000.htm
http://us.creative.com/products/prod...?product=16975