Audio-Technica ATH-ANC23 Review

A good pair of earphones can make life so much easier. They keep the hands free and give personal space. They are useful when one is at home listening to their favorite tunes or taking a call while on the road. But can a simple earphone give a clear listening experience? Even when one is speaking with someone on the phone on a busy road or in a social gathering, both you and the listener can only struggle to keep up with your voices, especially with vehicle noise or the surrounding hustle. While turning up the volume can ease this a bit, there is no guarantee that it will always work perfectly. The noise-canceling feature in an earphone or a headphone during such situations is extremely beneficial. In this article, we will look at the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC23 review as a noise-canceling earphone.

Audio-Technica ATH-ANC23 Review: Noise-Cancelling Earphones

What Is Audio-Technica ANC23?

This feature in an earphone isolates the surrounding sound, giving you an uninterrupted listening experience. This is beneficial in many ways. You don’t have to turn up the volume to get clear audio(listening to music at high volumes can be a potential risk to your ears). Earphones with active noise-canceling features help you to sleep undisturbed if you are traveling on a noisy flight. It also provides better audio performance by improving the audio quality. 

When earphones belong to the premium category with a higher price tag, it is going to be an investment. Considering the functionality, the benefits, and the fact that they can last for a long time, the money is worth it. If you are looking for a detailed Audio-Technica ATH-ANC23 review, then you have come to the right place. 

What Are Its Specifications?

The Audio Technica QuietPoint Earbuds series includes both in-ear and over-ear noise-canceling headphones. These audio gears are known for their excellent noise-canceling performance. They give tough competition to some leaders in this particular segment like Sony, Bose, Phillips, and others. Audio Technica QuietPoint Active Noise-Cancelling Headphone is an in-ear headphone with a low price point. They are comparatively lower than some of the company’s high-end ones in its collection like ATH-M50XBT, Audio Technica ATH-WS990BTBK, and more. 

Several Audio-Technica ATH-ANC23 reviews state that the earphones deliver an incredible audio output and have an impressive overall sound performance. It can also be a great option for audio enthusiasts and music lovers. That’s because they focus on the details in an audio stream like no one else does. It is also perfect for those individuals who do not like to get interrupted by the sound outside. 

On that note, let’s move on to the next part of the article, consisting of the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC23 review. It will provide information on the design aspects, features, pros, and cons of Audio Technica noise canceling headphones, and more. 

What Will You Get In the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC23 Box?

Let’s first start with what you can expect in the box when you purchase Audio Technica ANC23 earphones. You will get:

• ANC23 Audio Technica noise canceling headphones
• Three additional pairs of ear tips in three different sizes other than the already fitted tips, so you can use the one that fits you perfectly. (Remember, to get the most out of the noise-canceling feature, using the right-sized earplug is crucial.)
• One AAA alkaline battery 
• One two-prong adapter for use in flights
• A small drawstring soft case to carry or keep the earphones when not in use. This also protects the earphones from physical damage or scratches. 

Product Specifications

Product type	In-ear earphones
Color options	Single color (Grayish gunmetal-tone)
Frequency Response	20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
Sensitivity	105 dB
Active Noise reduction	Up to 20 dB
Driver size	13 mm
Battery-powered	Yes (noise-canceling control unit Powered by AAA battery)

Audio-Technica ATH-ANC23 Review: Design and Style

In-Ear Form:

One of the most simple-designed noise-canceling headphones, Audio Technica ANC23 comes with in-ear form. The earphones are compact but have a tilted structure for the best and comfortable fit. It can easily be slid deep into the ear canal. The key here is to get used to putting it the right way for maximum comfort and listening experience. Now, if you are accustomed to using over-the-ear headphones, then it may take a while for you to get the hang of an earphone of this kind.

One of the best things about the in-ear design is that it allows great passive noise cancellation. That’s because of the way it fits inside the ear canal and directs the sound straight into your ears. The foam tips provided with Audio Technica ANC23 adds to this passive noise isolation. It fits in perfectly and seals the passage in your ear when compared to the silicone tips that are commonly used in many earphones. 

Chassis:

Unlike the JBL Endurance Peak volume control unit, the earphone has a small controller unit connected halfway through its cable. This is the heart of the Audio Technica ANC23, having the QuietPoint controlling system for noise cancellation. The AAA battery-powered black matte box features a silver-colored switch for turning the noise-canceling feature on or off. It also has an LED indicator right above it. There is a volume controlling wheel on the side of the control unit. The battery compartment lies at the back. Right beside the battery compartment is the shirt clip for easy clipping into the pocket, on your shirt, or even tagging in your bag.

Even though the control case is light, it still carries a lot of things inside it. Feel the pull of the earphone if it is suspended freely without clipping it to your clothes. This means that with these earphones on, one cannot do many physical activities. Want to use these for running? Clip them firmly onto anything, so the earbud doesn’t come off due to the pull from the box.

The earphone cables connecting the earbuds to the control unit are of average build and a bit awkwardly designed. They are thin and seem delicate, as though they may wear off quickly unless used with care. This also means that these earphones will not be ideal for heavy workout sessions, where the chances of abrasion are more. Also, if you are tall, you may feel that the cable falls short if you need to tuck it in your jeans pocket or in the belt which is a bit disappointing.  

Noise-Free Listening Experience:

While the earphone has nothing unique or extraordinary from the design standpoint, the real stuff lies in its internal engineering. The two microphones, one integrated into each earphone, detects the surrounding noise and transmits them to the Audio Technica noise canceling headphones QuietPoint circuit system. It then does its part of canceling the noise from the main audio output system by producing inverse sound waves thus nullifying the noise and giving you noise-free listening. 

Those were the physical and the technical aspect of the Audio Technica ANC23. Let’s move on to see how this audio gear performs when it comes to the overall sound reproduction and noise-canceling functionality. 

Audio-Technica ATH-ANC23 Review: Noise-canceling Feature and Audio Performance

Even though the Audio Technica ANC23 earphones have a regular look, their overall performance is impressive for their appearance and price tag. Most of the time, a good noise-canceling feature is expected only from top-quality headphones with heavy price tags and premium features. However, Audio Technica ANC23 proves otherwise by featuring both active and passive noise cancellation technology. The noise-eliminating feature incorporated into it gives an edge over other earphones of similar stature. 

Noise-Blocking:

Audio-Technica ATH-ANC23 reviews and high ratings from the users and technical experts extol its functionalities, especially the noise blocking aspect. The noise-canceling performance that we are talking about here is pretty impressive. Whether you are in a crowded place with people chatting or vehicles moving, or in a factory environment with the sound of the heavy machinery running in the background, Audio Technica ANC23 does a great job in blocking close to 90% of the surrounding sound that is ongoing. What it lacks is intercepting the sudden loud sounds like the beeping of the horns, or vessel dropping on the floor with a loud clanging sound or similar. 

Passive-Noise Cancellation:

When it comes to passive noise-cancellation, the gadgets are made with materials that enable them to obstruct the sound physically. It depends a lot on the style of the headphones/ earphone as well. This type of earphones is not as effective as the active ones. They also do a pretty good job of reducing the moderate sounds from the surrounding environment. They are cheaper than the ones with active noise blocking features. 

While over-ear headphones work best for noise cancellation, Audio Technica ANC23 in-ear earbuds have comply-foam tips that come in the pack (instead of the usual silicone ones). The comply foam tips seal the ear, making sure that it blocks out the surrounding noise. The various sizes of tips provided with the set ensure that you can choose what fits into your ear canal perfectly. Remember that passive noise isolation only works properly when you have the appropriate size of earphones or headphones. 

According to the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC23 reviews, the earphones keep blocking or reducing most of the ambient noise even after the battery runs out, or is turned off from the control unit. 

Audio-Technica ATH-ANC23 Review: Audio Performance and Sound Quality

The presence of both active and passive noise cancellation has a solid influence on Audio Technica ANC23’s sound quality and performance. This acts as a sound enhancement property by providing a quieter environment. You can get the best modern audio equipment. 

Audio Technica ANC23 is a perfect candidate for those who are on the road most of the time for several reasons. It is lightweight and easy to use, etc. Their amazing sound system has also made them one of the most preferred options among music lovers. It is made for those who are looking for something within a reasonable budget.  

Audio-Output:

The earphones are equipped with good quality drivers. These drivers pump out excellent audio output and a well-balanced sound across the entire frequency spectrum of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. The low bass response is powerful and undistorted. The mids and the high-frequency sound is clear and crisp, and the music recording is of superior quality. If you are a bass lover, you will be impressed by how the earphones deliver rich bass. They do not overpower or echo, as in the case of most of the bass-boosted headphones. The sound experienced is thus pleasing and will not give you ear fatigue. It has a sound profile similar to that of the JBL tune 120 true wireless earphones.

Performance:

There is incredible detailing across all kinds of music genres, be it rock, heavy metal, or lighter ones like the classic or pop numbers. However, if the track has a lot of orchestral presence with mixed instruments, it may get a bit foggy at high very high volumes while attempting to adjust every element equally. 

One important thing that is worth mentioning here is that the higher the sound file quality is, the better is the audio output from these earphones. This means that if you are combining a mediocre music file with these earphones, you may get disappointed. 

Audio-Technica ATH-ANC23 Review: Advantages and Disadvantages

Audio Technica ANC23 has numerous advantages that we have already mentioned in this article. Like every other ear gear, this one has its downsides too. You must understand both sides of it to balance between them and see if this is something you want to invest in. Here’s our Audio-Technica ATH-ANC23 review featuring the advantages and the disadvantages for a better comparison: 

Advantages

• Blocks out a decently high percentage of the surrounding sound.
• Exceptional active noise-canceling execution.
• Impressive passive sound blocking ability with perfectly fitting foam ear tips.
• Very little sound leakage, even at higher volumes. You can only hear a little hissing sound from outside.
• Sound quality is impressive with well-defined and controlled sound across low, mid, and high frequencies. 
• Wonderful clarity in the audio output.
• A reliable and convenient choice for music lovers and audio enthusiasts.
• Audio Technica ANC23 packs high-quality technology, drivers, and other components needed for good active and passive noise-canceling functioning. 
• Great value for money.

Disadvantages

• Noise isolation is sub-par when it comes to very loud sudden low-frequency sounds (it covers the ones at mid or high frequency). With this, Loud low-range sounds are audible too even when the active noise-canceling feature is turned on in the earphone.
• The cable or the wire joining the earbuds and the control unit is thin. It is prone to damage if not handled with care. 
• The length of the wire from the earphone to the control box is short. It will be inconvenient for taller people if they want to clip the control case with their belt or the trouser pocket.
• Since this is a wired headset, you are missing out on the comfort that a wireless device can offer. If you change your mind to go for a pair of long distance wireless earbuds, we have a few recommendations here.
• Lacks control buttons in the unit. The company should have included music controls like play/pause, track skipping or rewind button, etc. 
• Build quality and style are average, with no color options. For those who are looking for a stylish pair of ear gear and more choices in colors, unfortunately, this doesn’t have any. 

A Brief History of Audio Technica

Created in 1962 by Hideo Matsushita, Audio Technica is a Japan-based company. It is one of the global leaders in engineering, manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of audio equipment for both personal and professional use. The journey of the company to become a market giant started with the perspective of providing superior quality audio solutions to people. The very first product that the company manufactured were the stereo phono cartridges, AT-1 and AT-3 MM. The phono cartridges were extremely economical, so everyone could afford them. 

Gradually,  Audio Technica formed a fully operational manufacturing unit. They formed their manufacturing units in other countries like the United States (Fair Lawn, OH). They also distributed the phono cartridges to the manufacturers in the European countries, Taiwan and Singapore to cover the South Asian market. Once their business picked up, the company expanded its business base from phono cartridges to other audio equipment and soon became a leader in supplying specialty devices like optical sensors,  audio transducers, and more.

Business Expansion:

A wide range of products that the company offers are headphones, magnet-based phono cartridges, microphones, and several other audio gears and products. Audio Technica’s very first headphones came into existence in 1974 and the model was named the AT-700 series. A few years later they designed and manufactured AT-800 series microphones.  The company also expanded a wing in the home and kitchen segment by introducing a nigiri-making appliance. This was also a big hit like its other products which led them to manufacture different kinds of sushi preparation machines targeting both the commercial and industrial sectors. 

Audio Technica has built its brand credibility by delivering excellent quality products. The products are known to last long and exceed the industry standards when it comes to performance and pricing points. The company has won several awards for its exceptional offerings in the audio segment. It is now a major contributor in providing high-end professional and commercial audio solutions to live shows, television and broadcast and recording studios, government institutions, corporate offices, and many more. Some of the most prominent products are microphones, noise-canceling headphones, conference systems, smart mixers, and turntables. The company’s microphones are picked up for some critical units and facilities of the US government like the US Senate and the House of Representatives. 

Conclusion

Professional headphones and earphones are a vast business segment of the company with a myriad of different products varying in style, type, price ranges, technology, etc. Known for providing exceptional ear gears, Audio Technica has proved its capability once again with Audio Technica ANC23. It is challenging to find a complete package of good noise-canceling, bass-enhanced earphones with impressive audio output at a price tag below $100.

The company has created this amazing product for those having a tight budget or people who do not want to spend a hefty amount on audio gear. This is a great option for individuals who want solace with their favorite tunes on, or work in a high commotion place but need to focus. We hope that our Audio-Technica ATH-ANC23 review helped you understand every aspect of the product. Now, it’s time to try it yourself and let us know if it’s a hit or miss…

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)