[vulc4n]

Has anyone had the opportunity to compare these two?

I picked up the 280 Pros after listening to them at guitar center, but I was unable to find the ATH-ANC7 anywhere. Any insight into how they compare would be greatly appreciated.

 

[1Time]

I suggest burning in your HD280 for a straight two weeks, moderately loud music for the first week and loud music for the second. Sorry, can't help you with the comparo.

 

[vulc4n]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1Time /img/forum/go_quote.gif I suggest burning in your HD280 for a straight two weeks, moderately loud music for the first week and loud music for the second. Sorry, can't help you with the comparo.

Thanks for the suggestion on burn in. They getting a good listening session without me right now

Main reason I'm considering the ATH-ANC7's is that they will likely be much more successful at blocking out any distractions. I'll be using these while I'm studying at college this year, and for me the fewer distractions the better. But, at the same time I don't want to compromise sound quality by switching to the ATH-ANC7s. I'll likely be placing an order for them tonight. I will of coarse post a quick comparison once I receive them.

 

[vulc4n]

Received the ATH-ANC7s today.

First impressions:
Very nice build quality.
Smaller and lighter than the HD 280 Pro.
very comfortable.

As far as audio quality. It depends on whether you have the noise cancellation circuit activated. Without it activated the ATH-ANC7 is very very dark. Lots of bass, some mids, very absent highs. Flip the switch and its like pulling something out from in front of the driver. The mids and highs are both come out of the shadows and the ATH-ANC7 becomes a very very listenable headphone.

Overall, in comparison with the HD280 Pro, I prefer the sound of the ATH-ANC7. This may have alot to do with the fact that the 280 has less than 24 hours of use on it so far. In any case, I will likely be keeping the ATH-ANC7 for its smaller size and light weight.

 

[scompton]

How does the isolation compare between the two? I'm looking for an isolating headphone for use on my subway commute to work. The HD280 is not really portable enough because of the cord. I just got an Equation RP-21, but it doesn't isolate enough. I'm now looking to get an HD-25 or the ATH-ANC7.

 

[vulc4n]

Quote:

Originally Posted by scompton /img/forum/go_quote.gif How does the isolation compare between the two? I'm looking for an isolating headphone for use on my subway commute to work. The HD280 is not really portable enough because of the cord. I just got an Equation RP-21, but it doesn't isolate enough. I'm now looking to get an HD-25 or the ATH-ANC7.

With the noise cancellation on, the ATH-ANC7's have a clear advantage over the isolation of the 280 Pros. This is particularly noticeable in what I would call the mid to upper bass range.

One oddity I have noticed with the ATH-ANC7 is the presence of quiet white noise in the left driver with no source plugged in and NC activated. If this is a direct result of noise cancellation, why don't I hear it in the right channel as well? I might try calling/emailing audio technica about it because other than that I really like the ATH-ANC7.

 

[riceboy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by vulc4n /img/forum/go_quote.gif Received the ATH-ANC7s today. First impressions: Very nice build quality. Smaller and lighter than the HD 280 Pro. very comfortable. As far as audio quality. It depends on whether you have the noise cancellation circuit activated. Without it activated the ATH-ANC7 is very very dark. Lots of bass, some mids, very absent highs. Flip the switch and its like pulling something out from in front of the driver. The mids and highs are both come out of the shadows and the ATH-ANC7 becomes a very very listenable headphone. Overall, in comparison with the HD280 Pro, I prefer the sound of the ATH-ANC7. This may have alot to do with the fact that the 280 has less than 24 hours of use on it so far. In any case, I will likely be keeping the ATH-ANC7 for its smaller size and light weight.

I haven't heard the HD280, but I heard the ATH-ANC7. As per your impressions, they are the same I had. I really do like the AHH-ANC7 sound when the NC is on. It is kind of dark without it on, but it's the best NC I heard so far.

 

[holland]

My ANC7 doesn't have any white noise.

Isolation on the ANC7 is not great, sound gets through the mic I think. With noise cancellation on, it's above average, IMO. Not as good as the Bose QC2, but better than most closed headphones.

 

[pbalcer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by vulc4n /img/forum/go_quote.gif One oddity I have noticed with the ATH-ANC7 is the presence of quiet white noise in the left driver with no source plugged in and NC activated. If this is a direct result of noise cancellation, why don't I hear it in the right channel as well?

I have the same thing in my ANC7. However the white noise is present in the right driver - just at much lower level. On the other hand, the right driver picks up cordless and cell phones' noise much better than the left one.

 

[vulc4n]

Quote:

Originally Posted by holland /img/forum/go_quote.gif My ANC7 doesn't have any white noise.

Can you please double check that and listen very very closely?

I honestly picked up on the noise right away. I kept looking over my shoulder because it sounded like there was an air vent there or something. Then I realized what it was.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pbalcer /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have the same thing in my ANC7. However the white noise is present in the right driver - just at much lower level. On the other hand, the right driver picks up cordless and cell phones' noise much better than the left one.

Hmm. Very odd.

Kind of a disconcerting problem really.


I'm gonna call AT and see what they have to say about it.

 

[vulc4n]

I just called Audio Technica. Have to say their support seemed pretty awesome. He suggested trying a new battery, and if that didn't fix it he said I should call back tomorrow.

I did try a new battery, no difference at all.

Also, I'm trying to pick up white noise on the right driver but I'm not hearing anything. Honestly, this probably wouldn't even be terribly noticeable if the noise was equal in both drivers. But with it being only in one I feel liek there is a waterfall over my left shoulder or something. [okay, so thats a bit of an exaggeration]

 

[riceboy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by vulc4n /img/forum/go_quote.gif I just called Audio Technica. Have to say their support seemed pretty awesome. He suggested trying a new battery, and if that didn't fix it he said I should call back tomorrow. I did try a new battery, no difference at all. Also, I'm trying to pick up white noise on the right driver but I'm not hearing anything. Honestly, this probably wouldn't even be terribly noticeable if the noise was equal in both drivers. But with it being only in one I feel liek there is a waterfall over my left shoulder or something. [okay, so thats a bit of an exaggeration]

Thanks for the update. I'm glad that AT tech is great. I'm sure they will get it replaced for you.

 

[vulc4n]

Well, spoke with AT again today. The person I talked to said my best bet would be to exchange them. I'm thinking I may exchange them for something entirely different. I have a feeling that the replacemnt will be the same, or nearly the same.

Perhaps I will sell my Super.Fi 5 Pro as well and then splurge on an E500 or Westone 3 (that has to be out soon doesn't it?)

 

[vulc4n]

any suggestions guys?

I realy love the sound/comfort of these headphones in comparison to my Super.Fi 5 pros, but the hiss really gets to me.

 

[holland]

Quote:

Originally Posted by vulc4n /img/forum/go_quote.gif Can you please double check that and listen very very closely? I honestly picked up on the noise right away. I kept looking over my shoulder because it sounded like there was an air vent there or something. Then I realized what it was.

No noise at all.