The Audio-Technica ATH-ANC1 Noise Cancelling Headphone we announced back in early November 2009, has finally landed in Australia, some two months later!

Using 36mm drivers is a rather novel idea in a headphone of this size, and are certainly larger than those used in the lower end Sennheiser PXC series headphones.

A big driver tends to provide a bigger bottom end performance, and the ATH-ANC1 certainly has good bass response. I would not call it over the top or over bearing at all, in fact it is quite a well balanced headphone given it's price.

The level of detail the ANC1 can resolve is very good and never sounds harsh, even straight out of the box as this sample is. Soundstaging is not the best feature, but only audiophiles will be concerned with that really, and that is not who this headphone is targeted at.

So from a sound point of view, these are terrific performers capable of pleasing all but the fussiest of listeners. Noise cancelling is good, perhaps not the very best but at the price better than most. You will notice a slight bass boost with the noise cancelling circuitry engaged, but that seems to be normal with almost all noise cancelling headphones I have listened to and is probably to help get the sound above the environmental noise around you.

Comfort too is very good, they are light on the head, and grip the head just enough to stay put but with out the vice like grip of some headphones. With a simple folding process, and a carry bag included, these are the perfect travel partner.

Competitors are few if we are talking about quality headphone brands such as Sennheiser. The only model from Sennheiser that is anywhere near the price of the ATH-ANC1 is the PXC-150. And although it has been a while since I listened to the PXC-150, I can recall being unimpressed with it's performance, particularly in the bottom end.

So from a price point of view alone, Audio-Technica are on a winner with the ATH-ANC1, and Sennheiser are in trouble as they have nothing to offer at this end of the market.

I would also say that the ATH-ANC1 beats Sennheiser's PXC-250 and quite possibly the PXC-300 but I would have to have them side by side to be absolutely sure. Given the $450 price tag of the PXC-300 and the $200 price point of the ATH-ANC1, the decision is a simple one, buy the ATH-ANC1 for yourself, and another pair for your partner. You will be $50 better off and be a happy couple indeed!

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