The noise cancelling modes of the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC9 are all very well implemented, as is the ability to switch between all three at will. The headphones' sound quality is also impressive when noise cancellation is enabled - less so when it isn't - and the price tag is lower than a pair of Bose...

Excellent noise cancelling; Clear treble and solid bass; Good construction

Bass and treble suffer when powered off; Strong clamping force may cause fatigue; Thin cable

Audio-Technica is a headphone maker that doesn't get as much publicity as Bose or Sony or Sennheiser. The Japanese company produces some extremely high quality products though, like its range of W series headphones finished in beautiful Japanese cherry and ebony woods.

Excellent noise cancelling; Clear treble and solid bass; Good construction

Bass and treble suffer when powered off; Strong clamping force may cause fatigue; Thin cable

Unzipping the hard case to check out Audio Technica's new ATH-ANC9 QuietPoint headphones, you expect no less bang for buck performance and value from the Japanese audio company's latest version of its excellent noise cancelling cans.

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.

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

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.

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

2012 Best Active Noise Cancellation Headphones

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.

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