Review on Audio-Technica ANC7b-SViS QuietPoint Noise-Cancelling Headphones with In-Line Mic and Control by Sam Thorpe

Bose QC15 vs Sennheiser PXC 450 vs Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7b Discovery: I tried everything on the plane. I'm not an audiophile. Noise cancellation is the most important attribute for me. Carry Case: All three are pretty solid and sturdy. 1.) Bose is the smallest, inconspicuous, has space for an Ipod, accessories too. 2.) Sennheiser is boxy, unobtrusive, but there's not much room in the case for anything else. 3.) Audio Technica is a nice big suitcase if you want to carry extra things (Nintendo DS, iPod etc.). Build Quality: 1.) Sennheiser - you can tell this is VERY well built. Robust plastic, good components, thick cable. Excellent. You feel like you're getting something really high quality. 2.) Audio Technica - Nice solid build, looks solid. 3.) Bose - If it had the Sanyo logo on the side I wouldn't flinch. How can you make something so incredibly cheap for $300? Size: 1.) Bose - as for the ears, they're pretty small. 2.) Audio-Technica - medium size. 3.) Sennheiser - they are big. No questions, but they are kept accurate. Wearing comfort: 1.) Sennheiser - Very comfortable, fits almost any ear size. last hours. 2.) Bose - Also handy. Complaints from "high" not experienced. 3.) Audio-Technica - Quite satisfactory. The opening is larger than the previous model AT. Sound: 1.) Sennheiser: I actually wore them at home just to hear snippets of songs I had never heard before. Great. My 10 year old music collection sounded brand new. 2.) Audio-Technica - well balanced, good sound. 3.) Bose - great sound, but very heavy bass. I listen to a lot of rap and pop music, it was a bit annoying. I ended up having to turn up the treble settings on my iPod to even out the sound. Features: 1.) Sennheiser - good cable, push-to-talk button (temporarily disables NC and sound, great for in-flight interruptions). 2.) Bose/Audio Technica - just the basics. Bose is just an on/off switch. Price: 1.) Audio Technica - $150 to $225 depending on how you shop. 2.) Sennheiser - $200 to $2753.) Bose - Hard to find under $300+. Noise Cancellation: 1.) Bose is without question far superior to the other two. Better noise cancellation 2.) Audio-Technica - Good noise cancellation 3.) Sennheiser - Not sure what happened here. Incredible sound, satisfactory noise cancellation. Summary: I left Bose because I only used them for flying, and Sennheiser (as much as I love them) let me down in the noise-cancelling department. Sennheiser had the best sound, but the Bose noise canceling system was night and day. Bose is very poorly made for a $300+ product, which is disappointing. Overall verdict: Audio-Technica - the best value for money. Sennheiser - the best sound and comfort. Bose is the best noise cancellation.