These New Audio-Technica Headphones Mix Open-Back Sound With Noise Reduction

Audio-Technica is taking an unusual approach to wireless headphones with its new ATH-AL5NC, combining an open-back design with noise-reduction technology in a category where the two features rarely go together.

The headphones are the company's first wireless open-back model and are designed to deliver a more natural, spacious sound while remaining comfortable during long listening sessions. The open construction allows more airflow around the ears, while the lightweight 240-gram design is intended to reduce the pressure associated with conventional closed-back headphones.

The bigger twist is the noise reduction. Instead of trying to completely isolate users from their surroundings like traditional closed-back ANC headphones, the ATH-AL5NC is designed to cut down unwanted background sounds while maintaining the open feel of the headphones. Audio-Technica says the feature can target distractions such as air-conditioning and traffic noise.

The headphones use newly developed 53mm drivers and support LDAC, AAC and SBC codecs, with high-resolution playback of up to 24-bit/96kHz. Bluetooth multipoint also allows two devices to remain connected simultaneously.

Battery life is another selling point, reaching up to 75 hours with noise reduction turned off and about 50 hours with it enabled. A 15-minute charge can add up to eight hours of listening time.

Audio-Technica has also added a sound-leakage reduction mode, low-latency mode for gaming and video, EQ controls and other customization options through its companion app. The headphones can also be used with a wired connection.

The ATH-AL5NC is priced at $279, putting it firmly in the premium wireless-headphone category.

The real question is whether consumers want the airy, natural presentation of open-back headphones badly enough to accept their traditional downside: more sound leakage and less isolation. Audio-Technica's answer is to use software and noise-reduction technology to make that compromise less painful.