Audio-Technica ATH-ANC900BT ANC Wireless Headphone Review

I really like my music, and love to take it on the go.  So a good quality headphone is important to me.  And I also look for manufacturers with experience.  Audio-Technica has been around for decades, so they have a lot of experience to draw on.  All of this experience has helped in making some excellent headphones.  Up for review today is their top-of-the-line Active Noise Cancelling Headphone, the ATH-ANC900BT. 

Features and specs:

Digital hybrid noise-cancelling technology provides the highest degree of ambient noise reduction of any QuietPoint® model

Bluetooth 5 wireless technology with touch and swipe controls built into the earcup for convenient handling of calls, music playback and volume adjustment

40 mm drivers feature diaphragms with a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating to deliver exceptional full-range audio reproduction

Switchable quick hear-through function allows voices (conversations, announcements at airports and transit stations, etc.) to be heard through the headphones

Fold-flat design for easy portability

Exclusive memory-foam earpads provide increased isolation

Up to 35 hours of continuous Bluetooth and ANC use on a full charge

Supports the Audio-Technica Connect app for convenient control of headphone settings, including the adjustment of noise cancellation and hear-through function

1.2 m (3.9') cable provides a wired connection for times when wireless operation is not available, when battery power is low, or when Hi-Res Audio is desired

Includes 30 cm (1.0') USB charging cable, airline adapter, and carrying case

Frequency Response  5 – 40,000 Hz

Maximum Input Power  1,000 mW

Sensitivity  103 dB/mW (when noise-cancellation used)*

100 dB/mW (when noise-cancellation not used)*

The Audio-Technica ATH-ANC900BT came in a nice looking color printed box, with images and specs of the headphones.  Opening the box revealed a well-protected headphone held in place in a hard zipper case. Materials used in the construction was mostly plastic with some metal. Earcups are soft leatherette with memory foam. Quality of materials used was excellent, as was the fit and finish. Also included was the charging cable, audio cable, manuals, as well as the hard zipper case.

 

I love the design of the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC900BT. All of the connectors and hard buttons are on the left earcup. The touch controls are on the right earcup. The earcups also swivel and fold in for more compact storage in the hard zipper case. They are designed for the Hi-Res Audio. And not only are they wireless using Bluetooth, they also have a digital hybrid active-noise cancelling, to really keep the noise out of your ears. The memory foam gave a very comfortable fit. And while I like the soft feel of the leatherette, they do get warm over long listening periods. Now let’s see how they sound.

 

Toto: Africa- Kick drum was extremely deep with tight and punch in the chest impact with lots of authority. The congas were full with very good resolution of the hands across the pad. Cowbell was crisp with great tone. Vocals were silky smooth with excellent resolution of the texture from the timbre. Drums were extremely dynamic with good extension. Recorder had very good air, with sufficient resolution to show some tonguing technique. Cymbals were really crisp and clean. Piano sounded very natural. Soundstage was wide and deep.

 

Queen: Bohemian Rhapsody- Soundstage was not only huge, but extremely lifelike, with a perception of being right there in the studio with the band. Harmonics were stellar, due to a resolution that really brought out the texture of the timbre. Freddy sounded brought back to life, with silky smooth vocals that we have loved for decades. Piano sounded extremely natural beyond what it should be at this price point. Cymbals were really crisp and clean. Drums were very dynamic with a full deep sound.

 

The HU: Sugaan Essana- The thunder at the intro was extremely deep with authority and highs were crisp, revealing a huge soundstage that was wide and deep. Drums were also very dynamic with a full deep sound that was clean and played with authority. Vocals while providing great harmonics, were also very raw, revealed by the layers of resolution of the texture of the timbre as well as the bow as it slid across the strings of the lute.

The Audio-Technica ATH-ANC900BT have a more neutral sound signature, that’s just a hair on the bright side. They are designed with a traveler in mind. They are light weight, yet also very well made. And they’re taken over a decade of experience and improvements, and put it all in the headphones. Sound quality is also excellent, with increased resolution over the previous listed models. Soundstage is also huge.  Based on its design, features, quality, and performance, they have earned our Editor’s Choice Award.  For more info and complete specs, check out their website at www.audio-technica.com.