Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7B QuietPoint Active Noise-Cancelling Closed-Back Headphones

by Audio-Technica

Product Features

• QuietPoint noise-cancelling headphones feature noise-cancelling circuitry that effectively reduces environmental noise by 90%
• Closed-back headphones feature large-aperture 40 mm drivers with neodymium magnet systems for impactful bass, extended treble and higher fidelity
• Lightweight, compact, fold-flat design is ideal for travel; fully integrated electronics: no external modules needed
• Full-size 1/4-inch adapter and specialized airline adapter for connecting to in-flight entertainment systems, and a handy carrying case
• Redesigned, comfortable earcups with generously cushioned padding and a shape that fits easily over any ear

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 2.5 x 11 inches ; 1.8 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B002HWJT1A
• Item model number: AUD ATH-ANC7B
• Batteries 2 AAA batteries required. (included)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (796 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
  • #51 in Electronics > Accessories & Supplies > Audio & Video Accessories > Headphones
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 2, 2001

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

ATH-ANC7b QuietPoint Active Noise-cancelling Headphones

Arrive refreshed after a long flight, avoid distractions in a noisy office, or find peace & quiet in your living room...with ATH-ANC7b QuietPoint Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones. These lightweight, compact headphones effectively reduce distracting background noise by 90% while offering the superior audio quality that has made Audio-Technica a worldwide leader in electro-acoustic technology.

Ideal for use with MP3, CD, DVD & in-flight entertainment systems, ATH-ANC7b QuietPoint closed-back headphones deliver clear, high-resolution sound, with impactful bass, a detailed midrange, extended treble and accurate imaging in an immersive soundfield. Their earcups have been redesigned for greater comfort, with generously cushioned padding and a shape that fits easily over any ear.

The ATH-ANC7b QuietPoint headphones feature large-aperture 40 mm drivers with neodymium magnet systems and extremely high 109dB sensitivity to provide generous volume levels from any music source. The headphones also work when the noise-cancelling function is turned off, and operate in passive mode without batteries. Noise-cancelling electronics are fully integrated in each earpiece, with no need for external modules.

ATH-ANC7B Key Features:

• ATH-ANC7b QuietPoint noise-cancelling headphones feature ANC circuitry that effectively reduces environmental noise by 90%
• Lightweight, compact, fold-flat design is ideal for travel
• Ideal for use with Apple iPod, iPhone™ and iPod touch portable music and DVD players, laptop computers, in-flight entertainment systems and other devices
• Closed-back headphones feature large-aperture 40 mm drivers with neodymium magnet systems for impactful bass, extended treble and higher fidelity
• Comfortable earcups with generously cushioned padding and a shape that fits easily over any ear
• Audio functions (in passive mode) even without the battery
• Fully integrated electronics - no external modules needed
• Fold-flat design with included 3.5 mm mini-plugs, a full-size ¼" adapter, a specialized airline adapter for connecting to in-flight entertainment systems, and a handy carrying case

Specifications

Type: Active noise-cancelling
Driver Diameter: 40 mm
Magnet: Neodymium
Frequency Response: 10 - 25,000 Hz
Quietpoint Active Noise Reduction: Up to 20 dB
Maximum Input Power: 500 mW
Sensitivity: 109 dB
Impedance: 300 ohms
Battery: AAA (alkaline)
Battery Life: Up to 40 hours, typical (alkaline)
Weight: 210 g (7.4 oz), without cable and battery
Cable: Detachable 1.6 m (5.2') with 3.5 mm (1/8") stereo mini-plug; Detachable 1.0 m (3.3') with 3.5 mm (1/8") stereo mini-plug
Connector: 3.5 mm (1/8")
Accessories Included: 6.3 mm (1/4") stereo adapter; airline adapter; AAA battery; carrying case with attached accessory pouch

+ enlarge image

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Product Description

These lightweight, compact headphones boast circuitry that effectively reduces distracting background noise by 90% while offering the superior audio quality that has made Audio-Technica a worldwide leader in electro-acoustic technology. Arrive refreshed after a long flight, avoid distractions in a noisy office, or find peace and quiet in your living room with ATH-ANC7b QuietPoint Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones.

ATH-ANC7b QuietPoint Active Noise-cancelling Headphones

Arrive refreshed after a long flight, avoid distractions in a noisy office, or find peace & quiet in your living room...with ATH-ANC7b QuietPoint Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones. These lightweight, compact headphones effectively reduce distracting background noise by 90% while offering the superior audio quality that has made Audio-Technica a worldwide leader in electro-acoustic technology.

Ideal for use with MP3, CD, DVD & in-flight entertainment systems, ATH-ANC7b QuietPoint closed-back headphones deliver clear, high-resolution sound, with impactful bass, a detailed midrange, extended treble and accurate imaging in an immersive soundfield. Their earcups have been redesigned for greater comfort, with generously cushioned padding and a shape that fits easily over any ear.

The ATH-ANC7b QuietPoint headphones feature large-aperture 40 mm drivers with neodymium magnet systems and extremely high 109dB sensitivity to provide generous volume levels from any music source. The headphones also work when the noise-cancelling function is turned off, and operate in passive mode without batteries. Noise-cancelling electronics are fully integrated in each earpiece, with no need for external modules.

ATH-ANC7B Key Features:

• ATH-ANC7b QuietPoint noise-cancelling headphones feature ANC circuitry that effectively reduces environmental noise by 90%
• Lightweight, compact, fold-flat design is ideal for travel
• Ideal for use with Apple iPod, iPhone™ and iPod touch portable music and DVD players, laptop computers, in-flight entertainment systems and other devices
• Closed-back headphones feature large-aperture 40 mm drivers with neodymium magnet systems for impactful bass, extended treble and higher fidelity
• Comfortable earcups with generously cushioned padding and a shape that fits easily over any ear
• Audio functions (in passive mode) even without the battery
• Fully integrated electronics - no external modules needed
• Fold-flat design with included 3.5 mm mini-plugs, a full-size ¼" adapter, a specialized airline adapter for connecting to in-flight entertainment systems, and a handy carrying case

Specifications

Type: Active noise-cancelling
Driver Diameter: 40 mm
Magnet: Neodymium
Frequency Response: 10 - 25,000 Hz
Quietpoint Active Noise Reduction: Up to 20 dB
Maximum Input Power: 500 mW
Sensitivity: 109 dB
Impedance: 300 ohms
Battery: AAA (alkaline)
Battery Life: Up to 40 hours, typical (alkaline)
Weight: 210 g (7.4 oz), without cable and battery
Cable: Detachable 1.6 m (5.2') with 3.5 mm (1/8") stereo mini-plug; Detachable 1.0 m (3.3') with 3.5 mm (1/8") stereo mini-plug
Connector: 3.5 mm (1/8")
Accessories Included: 6.3 mm (1/4") stereo adapter; airline adapter; AAA battery; carrying case with attached accessory pouch

+ enlarge image

Similar Products to Consider

Audio-Technica ATH-ANC1 QuietPoint Active Noise-Cancelling On-Ear Headphones

Audio Technica's ATH-ANC1 QuietPoint Noise-Cancelling Headphones deliver natural sound and luxurious silence in a highly compact on-ear design.

Audio-Technica ATH-M50S Professional Studio Monitor Headphones

Audio-Technica has introduced a straight-cable version, ATH-M50s, of its flagship ATH-M50 headphones.

Audio-Technica ATH-M50 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones with Coiled Cable

With the ATH-M50 professional studio monitor headphones, Audio-Technica has achieved an exceptionally accurate response and long-wearing listening comfort.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2,583 of 2,605 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Bose QC15 vs. Sennheiser PXC 450 vs. Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7b December 11, 2009

By Joshua Brooks

Bose QC15 vs. Sennheiser PXC 450 vs. Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7b

Disclosure: I have tried all these on an airplane. I am not an audiophile. Noise Cancelation is the most important attribute to me.

The Carrying Case: All three are quite durable and stiff.
1.) Bose- the smallest, a low profile, room for an Ipod, accessories too.
2.) Sennheiser- Square shape, low profile, however not a lot of room for anything else in case.
3.) Audio Technica- Nice big case if you want to carry extra stuff (Nintendo DS, ipod, etc).

Build Quality:
1.) Sennheiser- you can tell this is built VERY well. Strong plastics, good components, thick cord. Top notch. You feel like you are getting something really high quality.
2.) Audio Technica- Nice solid construction, appears durable.
3.) Bose- If this had a Sanyo logo on the side, I would not have flinched. How can something $300 be so incredibly cheaply made.

Size:
1.) Bose- as far as over the ears go, these are pretty small.
2.) Audio-Technica- mid-sized.
3.) Sennheiser- These are big. No question, but they store flat.

Comfort:
1.) Sennheiser- Very comfortable, will fit almost any size ears. Keep on for hours.
2.) Bose- Also comfortable. I did not experience "highs" discomfort.
3.) Audio-Technica- Perfectly satisfactory. Larger opening than previous AT model.

Sound:
1.) Sennheiser- I actually wore these at home too, simply to hear parts of songs I had never heard before. Astounding. My 10yr old music collection sounded totally NEW.
2.) Audio-Technica- Well balanced, good sound.
3.) Bose- Great sound, but very heavy on the bass. I listen to a lot of rap and pop, so it was mildly annoying.... I ultimately had to turn my treble settings up on my ipod to balance the sound.

Features:
1.) Sennheiser- nice cord, push to talk button (temporarily mutes NC and sound which is great for interruptions on airplanes).
2.) Bose/Audio Technica- just the basics. Bose simply an on/off switch.

Price:
1.) Audio Technica- $150 to $225 depending on how you shop.
2.) Sennheiser- $200 to $275
3.) Bose- Hard to find below $300+.

Noise Cancelation:
1.) Bose- No question here, far surpassed the other two. Best Noise Cancelation.
2.) Audio-Technica- Good Noise Cancelation.
3.) Sennheiser- Not sure what happened here. Incredible sound, satisfactory noise cancelation.

Summary:

I ultimately kept the Bose because I was only using these for flying and the Sennheiser's (as much as I loved them) let me down in the Noise Cancelation department. The Sennheiser's had by far the most superior sound, but the Bose Noise Cancelation was night and day. The Bose are made very poorly for a $300+ product, it was disappointing.

Final assessment:

Audio-Technica- best balance of value for money
Sennheiser- Best sound and comfort
Bose- Best Noise Cancelation Read more ›

358 of 361 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Very Nice Set of Headphones March 2, 2010

By Brett W. Horn

I have owned these headphones for a couple of years now. I have used them on a multitude of flights. I also recently purchased a new set of Bose QC15s because my ATs were inadvertently thrown into the washing machine when they made their way into a pile of laundry. I am now able to provide a comparison between the two products. They both have their positives and negatives. The following lists are arranged in order of my preference with a score out of 10 in parentheses.

Appearance:
1)Bose (8/10)
2)Audio Technica (6/10)
The Bose are definitely cleaner and sleaker in appearance. The AT's are simply too bulky for my taste. I feel like I have a set of soup cans on my ears when wearing them.

Materials:
1)Audio Technica (8/10)
2)Bose (5/10)
The AT's definitely have a shell that is sturdier and more resistant to abuse. The Bose feel cheap considering the high cost.

Comfort:
1)Bose (9/10)
2)Audio Technica (7/10)
The AT's are definitely amenable to long use. However, the leather and cushioning on the Bose are superior.

Case:
Tie
Not much to say here. I could nitpick the volume of each. However, they both do their jobs quite well.

Sound Quality:
1)Audio Technica (8/10)
2)Bose (5/10)
Once again, all personal taste. The Bose definitely emphasize the low end. On the other hand, the AT's have a better balanced sound that isn't as fatiguing on the ears. I wonder how anyone could think the Bose sound better because to my ears it really isn't that close.

Noise-Cancellation:
1)Bose (9/10)
2)Audio Technica (7/10)
Bose wins this category fairly easily. They simply cancel more ambient noise.... However, the AT's do more than an acceptable job and are able to handle plane engine noise with ease.

Misc:
The AT's biggest drawback is the sound leakage noted by many other reviewers. If used primarily for travel on a plane, it really isn't an issue. However, use in a library is out of the question.

Of note, my AT's actually survived getting tossed around with water and detergent. After 3 weeks of sitting on a table, they magically came back to life without a glitch. Speaks wonders about their build.

Final Score 36-36

Tie Breaker:
Price. The AT's are much cheaper and provide a comparable experience with competitive noise cancellation and better sound. However, if sound leakage is a problem you may shell out more for the Bose. My opinion is that you should at least give the AT's strong consideration at their lower price point. If you must have the Bose because of the "perceived" quality then you probably aren't even reading this review. Read more ›

313 of 321 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Just what I needed August 16, 2009

By A Texan

Amazon Verified Purchase

I've been toying with the idea of getting a set of active noise canceling headphones for a while. Both my wife and I are having to fly more for our jobs, so I can certainly justify this expense. While I hadn't directly tested anything else, I've read reviews both at Amazon and other places for a number of different headphones. The predecessor to these, Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7 QuietPoint Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones generally scored well in the reviews, and seemed favored even over the venerable BOSE Quiet Comfort models, the several low rated reviews about sound leakage gave me pause.

Seeing these supposedly new and improved versions recently come to market, I decided to take a chance with the hope that this one negative would be fixed for what is otherwise an excellent product.

I've not been exposed to the original to know first hand how bad the "sound leakage" issue is, but it is something I wanted to test for. I can say that, when I have my Ipod cranked up full (almost at a painful level) and the ANC turned on, it is pretty easy for someone outside to hear what is playing, particularly when there's not a lot of noise in the area. However, in a more "real world" test, I had my wife listening with them while we took a trip with the kids in our minivan. While not up to aircraft levels, the van can generate a decent amount of noise, especially at speed and on noisy asphalt. In this case, I had her turn it up as loud as she could comfortably do. I managed to barely be able to hear something from the headphones, but not even to the point that I could tell what she was listening to.... That test was enough to allay my concerns about the "sound leakage" issue as a practical matter.

My wife greatly appreciated using the headphones on our road trip and found them very effective and damping down the road and engine noise. For the most part, our trips don't happen at the same time, but I can already tell that, if we are traveling together, I'll be adding a second set to our house hold. While not as good sounding as some of my dedicated over the ear heaphones for music, especially with the ANC on, the sound quality is still well more than acceptable and a fair compromise to go along with the ANC capability. As is typical of the technology, most of the sound reduction comes at the lower frequencies, with higher vocal level frequencies getting much less attentuation. These will knock down the low level engine rumblings, but not silence a conversation.

As for the package in general, it's very simple and elegant. The battery compartment takes a single AAA battery and it is easy to rotate the cover on the right earpiece to expose and replace the battery. While it doesn't lock, it is firm enough that I don't think there's going to be an issue with accidentally opening the battery compartment. The headphones use a standard 3.5mm stereo connection and the package comes with both a short (good for having a player in your hand or on a belt clip) and longer cable that would be suitable plugging into a set of desktop speakers and allowing you to move about your desk. There are also 1/4" adapter plugs for use with a typical home stereo/AVR as well as the typical two pronged airline connector. The case has a zippered internal pocket to hold all of these, along with extra AAA batteries (one Energizer even comes with the package). The case is pretty compact, which is good for using with a carry on bag. Even so, there is sufficient room to easily hold my Ipod 5G 60GB inside. There's space still for something a little wider and a good bit longer, so I suspect an Ipod Touch or Zune would fit with no trouble. The case itself is pretty sturdy with heavy inserts in the back, front, and sides to hold the case's shape.

When I made my purchase, the price difference between the new model and the old one was effectively the same. Even as of this writing, there's only a net $10 difference. With that in mind, if you have looked at the previous generation, I see no reason to get it anymore. This unit incorporates at least two year's worth of improvements over the original and comes in at a very competitive pricepoint, especially compared to BOSE and some of the other high end ANC headphones. Read more ›