QuietPoint set well worth trying

headphone

Compared with Sennheiser or Bose, Audio-Technica is a less familiar name in the Thai market. In fact, the company has only recently clinched a deal with Com7, a Mac and iPod retailer, to sell its headphones here. Just before the New Year, I saw the ATH-ANC7 on sale at a Com7 Ibeat store for Bt5,490.

I didn't know the price before trying these headphones and I compared them to a Bose headset that I'd bought for Bt9,200. The Audio-Technica set certainly impressed me.

The QuietPoint set produces clear and accurate sound. Thanks to the outside-noise-cancelling feature, the headphones cut you off in your own quiet peaceful world of music.

The headphones operate well with all kinds of music, though not as superbly as my Bose TriPort OE when it comes to jazz - and the bass may not be loud enough for many heavy-metal or hip-hop fans. Comparing the ATH-ANC7 with the Bose TriPort may not be wholly appropriate considering the fact that the latter is not a noise-cancelling headset, but it does give some ideas since the Bose Triport headphones are one of the most commonly seen high-end sets seen at many premium computer shops in Bangkok. Moreover, I think many of our readers are accustomed with the Bose's excellent sound. The ATH-ANC7 comes with a carry bag, which may be too bulky for everyday use, but the headphones' big ear cups offer a comfortable feel and a wider sound stage.

Also included are a 1.6m cable, 1/4 stereo jack adapter, AAA battery and an airline audio adapter. Despite its bigger size, one benefit is that you can use the headphones with your PC, home stereo, iPod - and even when you're flying. The headphone cable is just the right length for use with an iPod or a Walkman.

Before wearing the ATH-ANC7, don't forget to turn on the noise-cancelling switch. While the headphones can be operated without turning on this function and consuming battery power, sound quality drops significantly when it is switched off.

Pichaya Changsorn

The Nation