Audio Technica ATH-ANC23
The ATH-ANC23 is another installment to the QuietPoint series that capitalizes on noise-cancelling technology. With the performance and functionality of the ATH-ANC1 we were excited to see what the ATH-ANC23 brought to the review table.
Similar to previous QuietPoint models, the ANC23 utilizes the “Control Box” to house the noise-cancelling circuitry. This control box emits a 180 degree counter-wave that blocks the outside noise or ambient sound. We were hesitant during the initial trial because the wave isn’t necessarily tangible and not the easiest to accurately test. However, what we heard, or better yet what we didn’t hear was very satisfying. There is a stark difference between your standard iPod earphones and the QuietPoint head/earphones tested. With music playing in the background (ambient sound) the ANC23 blocked out virtually all outside noise while the control box was enabled. Although the design of the canal, ear buds do provide some noise reduction, the majority appears to be coming from the box. The electronics of the earphones cancelling 90% of background noise is hard to say, but an ample amount of noise reduction was made. Likewise, another contributing factor is the miniature microphones in each of the earpieces. These microphones are used to pick up the ambient noise, but similar to the control box difficult to test. Previously stated much of the noise reduction that isn’t done by the box may be attributed to the design of the ear buds that drive deep into the ear canal. This provides sound isolation for the sound pumping out of the ANC23 as well as the reduction of ambient sound.
The control box is powered by 1x AAA battery that promises 60 hours of active noise cancellation. A great feature of the QuietPoint head/earphones is that they can be used long after the battery is dead to listen to music, movies, etc. you just can’t use the noise cancellation feature. Likewise, the box has a shirt/waste clip because it does add some definite pull to your ears but is easy to use with only an on/off switch. The cable has a standard but convenient 3.5mm jack that plugs into most multimedia devices as well as an included two-pin airline adapter to use on flights. In addition, I did experience a little discomfort from the rubber ear buds and typically prefer the foam tips. Luckily, comply foam tips are included with the purchase as well as small, medium, and large interchangeable rubber ear buds. To top it off and make this the ultimate traveling person’s earphones, it comes with a soft protective pouch to ensure hours of enjoyment and noise-free sleep on flights.
The Audio Technica ATH-ANC23 was great and didn’t expect anything less from the trusted and reliable brand. But let’s face it, not everyone is an earphone person so take a look at some additional headphones from the QuietPoint series at http://www.audio-technica.com/cgi-bin/product_search/headphones/headphones.pl?select_3=Active%20Noise-cancelling%20Headphones. But if you have already made your mind up, you can find the Audio Technica ATH-ANC23 for around $80.00. Great price.
Specifications:
- Active Noise-Cancelling
- 32 ohms impedance
- 1.3m cable
- 3.5mm stereo jack
- 60+ hour battery life
- 20-20,000 Hz frequency
What’s in the Box:
- Audio Technica ATH-ANC23 earphones
- Airline adapter
- 1x AAA battery
- Protective pouch
- Comply foam tips (1x pair)
- Rubber Ear pieces (3x pairs, S/M/L)
- Instructions/Manual
Grab yours now:
Audio-Technica.com: $79.95
Amazon.com: $79.99
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