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Audio Technica ATH-ANC9 Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones Review

Updated on Apr 17, 2016 by Tuan Do

My current noise-cancelling headphones are the Bose QC25 and I’m quite satisfied with its performance. The Audio-Technica ATH-ANC9 is its direct competition and I see many reviewers recommended the Audio Technica over the Bose headphones.

So, what are good and bad about the Audio Technica ATH-ANC9? Let’s find out in the review.

Unboxing Video

Design & Features

Audio-Technica has many appealing headphones but the ATH-ANC9 is definitely not one of them. At this price range, I expected a more premium design but the headphones failed to deliver. It looks like $50 headphones you can find on the market. Most parts on the outside are made of plastic while the earpads and headband are covered with faux leather.

The ATH-ANC9 comes in a nice carrying case but it is quite big because the headphones can be folded flat only. Inside the case, you can find 2 detachable cables (one comes with inline control/ microphone), a gold-plated 6.3 mm adapter, a gold-plated airline adapter and an AAA battery.

audio-technica-ath-anc9-1

audio-technica-ath-anc9-2

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The headphones use a single AAA battery to power up the noise-cancelling feature. The battery life is rated at up to 35 hours. It is inserted into the left earcup and here you can also see the power switch and mode-select button.

The ATH-ANC9 is quite big but it is lightweight, so my ears are quite comfortable even after wearing it for an hour. However, it is a little tighter and hotter than some other headphones.

audio-technica-ath-anc9-4

Audio Quality

There are 3 noise-cancelling modes on the Audio-Technica headphones. Mode 1 will reduce noises in low frequencies, so it is suitable when you travel on airplane, buses or trains. Mode 2 eliminates noises in mids, like in offices or crowded places. Mode 3 is best suited in quiet places like libraries. When you turn on the active noise-cancelling feature, there is a light indicating the current mode. Blue is mode 1, Red is mode 2 and Green is mode 3. You can check out sound test and performance of noise-cancelling feature in the video below.

Overall, the sound is quite impressive in both passive and active modes. When I turn on noise cancelling, it can minimize 60-70% of ambient noises and the sound doesn’t change considerably. However, the highs might be a little edgy and it makes your ears uncomfortable, especially on some badly recorded tracks. That’s probably the only issue. Otherwise, the headphones provide a tight bass, clear mids, bright enough highs and spacious soundstage. If you want a full sound, you will love the headphones as well because there is a little boost at low frequencies but not as overwhelming as some other headphones.

Conclusion

Pros

  • Lightweight and comfortable
  • Very clear and full sound in all modes
  • Low price

Cons

  • Can’t really eliminate noises
  • Cheap design

I recommend the headphones because it delivers good sound when I turn on and turn off noise cancelling feature.

Buy Audio Technica ATH-ANC9 headphones on Amazon

Rating

Design & Features - 7
Audio Quality - 8.5

7.8

Good

Good noise-cancelling headphones for an affordable price.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The commission help keep the rest of my content free, so thank you!

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