Review: Audio-Technica QuietPoint ATH-ANC3 Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
I’ve been using Audio-Technica ATH-CK5 -in-ear phones for about three years now, and the little plastic loop on one perished and so it doesn’t sit well in my ear any more. This is a shame because these earphones have great sound (considering the price) and have the bulk of the cord removable. They’re designed to be used with a remote control (such as Sony Ericsson make for their cellphones), or by themselves.
Time for some new earphones, and given that I’m going to be spending more time on trains and buses over the next few years I thought that I’d give some noise cancelers a go. I have a set of the original Sony MDR-NC20 noise canceling headphones (over ear) for the last 12 years and I was pleased with their performance, but they’re quite bulky.
After a quick look at Bluetin, an online retailer of headphones based in Singapore I found what I thought was the best option: the Audio-Technica QuietPoint ATH-ANC3. These are in-ear (so are smaller), come with a case, aircraft adapter and had good reviews. The like of Leo Laporte have mentioned these earphones, and given the amount of travel he does, I value his recommendations. Ordering was very easy: a confirmation of FedEx shipping cost, a bank transfer in AUD (no cost to me) and about 6 days later I had the earphones.
First impressions were that they were a bit chunky compared to the conventional earphones. I got used to this and the little control box clips nicely to my belt and so I can leave the iRiver B30 in my pocket.
To me it doesn’t matter what earphones look like (as long as they are not white) — it is the sound that matters. Without noise canceling, in a quiet place, the audio was very good. Quite a bit of bass, no fuzzing and the highs were there too. I’m not an audiophile, but I like the way they sound. With the noise canceling turned on there is a bit of a background whine, possibly a DSP artifact. In a quiet room this is annoying, but that isn’t the place that noise canceling is used. In a noisy place, such as the bus stop or on the bus, the whine is not noticeable. What is noticeable however is how quiet things are — these things are amazing!
The manufacturer claims upto 90% (20dB) reduction in noise, and it wouldn’t be too far off. Low frequencies (which are the easiest to phase match) disappear, but higher frequencies (such as cicadas chirping) are reduced a bit.
A nice feature is a ‘monitor’ button on the control box. When noise canceling is turned on, pressing the button disables the noise canceling and cuts out the music too. This would be good when you’re waiting for an announcement at the airport (or similar) so you don’t have to take the earphones out.
My ears are the ‘medium’ size that Audio Technica fit the earbuds for, but large and small are also provided. The fit is snug and comfortable (quite a lot more so than my Sony earphones). Most people should be able to get these to fit.
The extra weight of the controller is not a problem for bus/train commuting, but I’m not sure that I’d use it for anything more strenuous than quick walking. For fast walking (no backpack) or jogging I’d use some plain earphones so the plastic box wasn’t swinging around — and noise canceling is probably not the best thing on the street when vehicles and other people are around.
The earphones and the supplier are definitely recommended.
