AndrewB
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Jun 21, 2001
- Posts
- 463
- Likes
- 10
I have been interested in a noise canceling phones for a while. Seeing as I could grab these ATH-ANC7 Audio-Technica's for short change, and that I really like my ATH-M40's I decided to give these a go.
Sources:
Iriver H120 rockbox'd for FLAC and SHN specific play back
Desktop PC Ubuntu 7.04 using VLC/XMMS for playback of FLAC and SHN
Amplification:
Stand alone amplification capabilities of Iriver H120
Proton D940 Receiver
Millett Hybrid built to Pete's original spec with BUF634 buffers
Xtra X1 non-buffer configuration +15Db gain setting
Music used:
The Dandy Warhols- 13 tales- Godless....................FLAC VBR
Dead Can Dance- Aion- Black Sun..........................mp3 @256K
Tool- Live Stuttgart 12/5/06- Vicarious....................FLAC VBR
Paul Kantner-Blows Against the Empire- Starship...mp3@320K
Jazz is Dead- Great Sky River-Terrapin Station...FLAC VBR
Headphone:
Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7
The headphone comes packed with a detachable 3.5 to 3.5 cable ~5ft in length, a Energizer AAA battery, a 3.5mm to 1/4 stereo plug, and an airline audio adapter. As well as a nice carry case, for when the phones are not in use.
Initial impressions:
After installing the battery and getting acclimated to the audio characteristics of the ANC7's the following can be noted:
1) the high frequency response is moderately muted when the active electronics are switched off.
2) the phones sound very good with the active electronics switched on.
Its nice that ATH though to have the phones work in a default mode. If the battery dies, the phones work as phones.If the ANC is off, the phones work as phones.
Fit and finish is very nice, the headband adjust with very positive detents holding my preferred position. The ear pads are comfty and not too uncomfortable. I expect that they will loosen up and become more comfortable with time.
Critical Listening:
After listening for a couple of hours this afternoon, both powered and un-powered. Then breaking for dinner and a walk. I find that the initial roll off on the highs is less severe than I originally noted. The steel guitar in Starship is less recessed, the bass line a bit clearer. I expect I am adjusting to the 'sound' of these now. Once the ANC is turned on there is a significant change in the overall performance of the phones. It is almost in your ear presentation, not at all unpleasent. I find it necessary to reduce the volume of source or amp once the ANC is active.
With ANC on:
In the Tool track it becomes possible to clearly make out the audience participation during quiet passages, the vocals sound natural, the slap bass unforced.
Jazz is Dead, is a lively jazz interpretation of the Grateful Dead's more classic songs and jams. Again I found the presentation fine with the ANC active.
As Noise cancellation:
I would not recommend walking around with these on. They are very efficient at removing background noise, cars faded to dull rumble, the neighbors sub-woofer disappeared, my wife felt neglected (what hon?) The general drone of fans in the computer room faded to sonic neutrality. I did find it rather difficult to have a conversation with these on, conversational tones were lost to the ANC circuit too.
In conclusion:
With ANC off, the ATH-ANC7's require an extra bit of power to push them, they are rated as 260 ohm impedance. With the ANC active, the phones are in my estimation well worth the street price of $120~140usd. The active noise cancellation works very well. I intend to do further listening and probe how well the ANC functions in noisier environments.
Sources:
Iriver H120 rockbox'd for FLAC and SHN specific play back
Desktop PC Ubuntu 7.04 using VLC/XMMS for playback of FLAC and SHN
Amplification:
Stand alone amplification capabilities of Iriver H120
Proton D940 Receiver
Millett Hybrid built to Pete's original spec with BUF634 buffers
Xtra X1 non-buffer configuration +15Db gain setting
Music used:
The Dandy Warhols- 13 tales- Godless....................FLAC VBR
Dead Can Dance- Aion- Black Sun..........................mp3 @256K
Tool- Live Stuttgart 12/5/06- Vicarious....................FLAC VBR
Paul Kantner-Blows Against the Empire- Starship...mp3@320K
Jazz is Dead- Great Sky River-Terrapin Station...FLAC VBR
Headphone:
Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7
The headphone comes packed with a detachable 3.5 to 3.5 cable ~5ft in length, a Energizer AAA battery, a 3.5mm to 1/4 stereo plug, and an airline audio adapter. As well as a nice carry case, for when the phones are not in use.
Initial impressions:
After installing the battery and getting acclimated to the audio characteristics of the ANC7's the following can be noted:
1) the high frequency response is moderately muted when the active electronics are switched off.
2) the phones sound very good with the active electronics switched on.
Its nice that ATH though to have the phones work in a default mode. If the battery dies, the phones work as phones.If the ANC is off, the phones work as phones.
Fit and finish is very nice, the headband adjust with very positive detents holding my preferred position. The ear pads are comfty and not too uncomfortable. I expect that they will loosen up and become more comfortable with time.
Critical Listening:
After listening for a couple of hours this afternoon, both powered and un-powered. Then breaking for dinner and a walk. I find that the initial roll off on the highs is less severe than I originally noted. The steel guitar in Starship is less recessed, the bass line a bit clearer. I expect I am adjusting to the 'sound' of these now. Once the ANC is turned on there is a significant change in the overall performance of the phones. It is almost in your ear presentation, not at all unpleasent. I find it necessary to reduce the volume of source or amp once the ANC is active.
With ANC on:
In the Tool track it becomes possible to clearly make out the audience participation during quiet passages, the vocals sound natural, the slap bass unforced.
Jazz is Dead, is a lively jazz interpretation of the Grateful Dead's more classic songs and jams. Again I found the presentation fine with the ANC active.
As Noise cancellation:
I would not recommend walking around with these on. They are very efficient at removing background noise, cars faded to dull rumble, the neighbors sub-woofer disappeared, my wife felt neglected (what hon?) The general drone of fans in the computer room faded to sonic neutrality. I did find it rather difficult to have a conversation with these on, conversational tones were lost to the ANC circuit too.
In conclusion:
With ANC off, the ATH-ANC7's require an extra bit of power to push them, they are rated as 260 ohm impedance. With the ANC active, the phones are in my estimation well worth the street price of $120~140usd. The active noise cancellation works very well. I intend to do further listening and probe how well the ANC functions in noisier environments.
