The ATH-ANC23 is in very good progress on some points from the previous model, the ATH-ANC3 I owned with appreciation for years before losing it during a trip. The headphones hold well in the ear canals but passive insulation is average despite the efforts of a pair of compressible foam inserts provided in addition to the rubber tips. The control box also improved well with the addition of a volume control. unfortunately the monitor button disappeared The big highlight is the sound. From the first listening, one is struck by the balance, the sound relief and issued musicality. Nothing spectacular but the key is there, the sound is natural, living and stamps are respected. We are here in the presence of a product which, although far from a high-end, has real audiophile qualities. The listening experience is instantaneous, and quickly we stop asking questions to chain the titles stored on their smartphone. Impressive considering the price. These qualities not change significantly engaged noise reduction and breath, very active on the old model, is now almost non-existent. However, the noise reduction is quite limited, eg sufficient to improve listening in a TGV, but not to be alone in an airplane or a noisy place.
