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The Audio-Technica QuietPoint ATH-ANC7b headphones sounds better, is more comfortable, and offers better noise cancellation than its predecessor, the ANC7. Unfortunately, this headphone suffers from a couple of problems that may put off users.
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The ANC7b was able to eliminate background noises during our long commute to and from our office, as well as provide us with a ‘quiet’ environment while working. The noise cancelling electronics are fully integrated in each earpiece that folds flat for easy storage. Audio-Technica claims that the headphones are able to reduce background noise for up to 90 per cent.
The unit stores the AAA battery on the right earcup and can last for up to 40 hours. Like its predecessor, users can still continue the unit in passive mode without the battery, although it won’t offer any noise cancelling functionality (of course).
Like the ANC7, the ATH-ANC7b comes with a hard zip-up carrying case, two detachable 3.5mm cables, a 6.3mm stereo adapter, and a specialised airline adapter for connecting to in-flight entertainment systems.
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The unit is well-built despite being made out of plastic, is very comfortable to wear even for prolonged periods, and is fairly easy to use. The main switch is located on the left earcup, while the 3.5mm cables can be connected or disconnected with ease.
Listening to a whole variety of music tracks, we found the ANC7b to produce clear highs and mids, with vocals sounding warm and instruments being clearly heard in the background. The only problem is that the headphones lacked the bass on some tracks – we had to manually adjust the equaliser at times just to make it sound better.
The QuietPoint ANC7b’s closed-cup design helped minimise outside noise, but was unable to keep sound in. During our test, we found that the headphones leak sound, with some of our colleagues hearing our music even at moderate volume levels. This is not a good thing, especially if you are on the train trying to drown out the noise when you are actually adding to it.
Overall, the Audio-Technica ANC7b performs as well as other noise-cancelling headphones in the market. Unfortunately, those around you may get really annoyed as it is unable to contain the sound. The Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7b is available now from tag.com.au for $349.
