Listening to music through good earphones is really enjoyable. But ambient sounds (environment5al noise) often conflicts with the pleasure and purity of what you're listening. Here's a headphone that makes hearing a pleasure. Audio-Technica's ATH-ANC23 QuietPoint Active Noise-Cancelling In-Ear Headphones reduce distracting background noise by 85% while offering superior sound. Engineered to create a comfortable listening environment in areas with high ambient noise, these in-ear headphones feature a miniature microphone in each earpiece that picks up ambient noise. Electronics in the control box create a noise-cancelling wave that is 180-degrees out of phase with the ambient noise. While it acts like a noise eraser, the control box cancels out the annoying sounds that surround you without diminishing the audio you want to hear. Monitor switch deactivates noise cancellation audio Audio functions in passive mode even without battery Sleek control box offers on/off and monitor switches and clothing clip Two-pin airline adapter connects to in-flight entertainment Hard carrying case protects headphones & accessories Y cable includes an adjustable sleeve and extension for secure and comfortable fit A single AAA battery powers noise-cancelling electronics Gold-plated mini-plug provides exceptional corrosion resistance, superb conductivity and low noise Driver Diameter - 12.5 mm Frequency Response - 15 - 22,000 Hz Sensitivity - 104 dB Impedance - 90 ohms QuietPoint Active Noise Reduction - Up to 20 dB AAA (alkaline) Battery - Up to 50 hours, typical (alkaline) Weight - 40 grams (1.4 ounces) with battery

Amazon.com Product Description

Audio-Technica's ATH-ANC3 QuietPoint Active Noise-Cancelling In-Ear Headphones reduce distracting background noise by 85% while offering the superior sound that makes Audio-Technica a world-leading pro audio company. Engineered to create a comfortable listening environment in areas with high ambient noise, these in-ear headphones feature a miniature microphone in each earpiece that picks up ambient noise (such as traffic, air-handling systems, etc.). Electronics in the control box create a noise-cancelling wave that is 180 degrees out of phase with the ambient noise. This wave acts like a noise eraser: it cancels out the annoying sounds that surround you without diminishing the audio you want to hear. The result is a peaceful enclave to enjoy the music or movies of your choice. Wherever you happen to find yourself--on a busy subway, in a noisy office, or settling in for a long flight--there is no better way to experience audio or immerse yourself a quiet environment.

Cancel out the annoying sounds that surround you without diminishing the audio you want to hear.

Advanced electronics cancel up to 85% (20 dB) of background noise. Click to enlarge.

Includes detachable cable, airline adapter, carrying case, replaceable rubber tips, and battery. Click to enlarge.

ATH-ANC3 Features

• Ultra-compact in-ear design is ideal for travel
• Advanced electronics cancel up to 85% (20 dB) of background noise
• Innovative ANC circuitry delivers an exceptionally pure audio signal in noise-cancelling mode
• Ideal for use with all audio sources, including MP3 & other portable players
• Soft interchangeable ear pieces (small, medium & large) provide a custom fit
• Monitor switch deactivates noise cancellation/audio so you can listen outside when you need to
• Audio functions (in passive mode) even without battery
• Sleek control box offers on/off and monitor switches and clothing clip
• Two-pin airline adapter connects to in-flight entertainment
• Hard carrying case protects headphones & accessories
• Y cable includes an adjustable sleeve and extension for secure, comfortable fit
• A single AAA battery powers noise-cancelling electronics
• Gold-plated mini-plug provides exceptional corrosion resistance, superb conductivity and low noise

About Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Audio-Technica's ATH-ANC3 QuietPoint in-ear headphones use active noise-cancelling technology to reduce distracting background noise by up to 85%, providing an exceptionally comfortable and restful listening environment in areas with high ambient noise. Active noise-cancelling headphones have components not present in ordinary headphones:

• Microphone--Noise-cancelling headphones feature a miniature microphone in the earpiece that picks up ambient noise (such as traffic, air-handling systems, etc.)
• Noise-canceling circuitry--Electronics in the ear piece create a noise-cancelling wave that is 180° out of phase with the ambient noise. This wave acts like a noise eraser: it cancels out the annoying sounds that surround you without diminishing the audio you want to hear. The result is a peaceful enclave to enjoy the music or movies of your choice.
• Battery--The noise-cancelling electronics are battery-powered.

What's in the Box
ATH-ANC3 Headphones (black), Detachable .5 m cable with gold-plated 3.5 mm (1/8-inch) stereo mini plug and jack, Gold-plated airline adapter, Protective carrying case, Replaceable rubber tips, Battery