We very much enjoyed the fit and performance of the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC9 noise cancelling headphones. The tri-level noise cancellation made these adaptable to nearly any environment or situation in which we would want to use these in.

The greatest gift a pair of noise- cancelling headphones can give – provided they deliver on what they promise – is the ability to drown out the noise of the world and offer a moment, or two, to focus only on the music. It's selective hearing at its best.

In the unlikely event I ever again decide to pick a fight, it'll be with someone who looks weaker than me. Obviously, Audio-Technica has a lot more guts than I do.

Audio-Technica proves, once again, that its expertise in professional audio lends itself well to excellent headphone design.

Excellent sound; with or without noise cancelling; Very comfortable; Stylish storage case packed with all the right accessories; Highly effective noise cancellation available in three levels

AAA battery life is short-lived; Slightly forward upper midrange when noise-cancelling not needed; Headphone cable smaller than we'd like; Single-button control

has long admired Audio-Technica's ATH-ANC7 and ATH-ANC7b noise-cancelling ‘phones and now the ATH-ANC9 ($349.95) has raised the bar higher still, both in terms of sound quality and flexibility.

2012 Best Active Noise Cancellation Headphones

In the realm of active noise cancellation, there's Audio Technica, Bose and Sennheiser... then the rest. For quite a while now, all three manufacturers have been fighting a merciless technological battle, coming out with ever more impressive...

Comfort; Multiple noise cancelling modes; Accessories; Audio rendering

Dry; unimaginative design; A bit too much plastic; Lacking neutrality

Noise-cancelling headphones are one of the great, simple pleasures of a modern world. Between the hiss of noise pollution, smartphones burping for attention and the roar of constant traffic, a break of silence is a rare joy.

The ANC9s sound great, and even better when noise cancelling is active. Memory foam creates a comfortable fit, but it's just a shame that you need to keep AAA batteries handy to get the most of out them.

Excellent, even-handed sound. Great noise cancelling. Generous sale pack.

Non-rechargeable battery.

Noise-cancelling headphones are one of the great, simple pleasures of a modern world. Between the hiss of noise pollution, smartphones burping for attention and the roar of constant traffic, a break of silence is a rare joy.

Excellent, even-handed sound; Great noise cancelling; Generous sale pack

Non-rechargeable battery

Some headphone manufacturers attract disproportionate attention for their new products with aggressive marketing and distinctive industrial designs, but Audio-Technica is not one of those companies.