Audio Technica ATH-ANC1 review

These noise cancelling cans are ideal for a frequent flyer, whose main priority is portability Tested at £80.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

You can buy better sound, but their portability and noise-cancelling makes them worth a look

Pros

  • +

    Impressive noise-cancelling

  • +

    balanced, detailed delivery

  • +

    lightweight and very portable

Cons

  • -

    A bit sluggish when passive

  • -

    a bit lightweight when active

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These Active noise-cancellers are the type with a battery in a unit on the cable, allowing Audio Technica to make the headphone section small and light.

The on-ear design isn't quite as comfy as a full-on over-ear, but the 'ANC1s are surprisingly good at blocking out noise.

They also offer a balanced, detailed delivery that lends itself well to all music. However, next to the class-leading Goldring NS-1000s they do lack spaciousness and attack.

But if you're a frequent flyer whose priority is portability, these are well worth a look.

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