Panasonic RP-HC500 vs. Audio-Tehnica ATH-ANC7
I originally purchased the Audio-Tehnica quiet point ATH-ANC7 headphones most because of it's overall positive rating vs. Bose Quiet comforts. However, once I received them I viewed some ratings for the Panasonic RP-HC500 and decided to purchase one of those as well in order to compare the two.
My observations:
Cost: Panasonic was ~$7 cheaper.
Appearance: Both are pretty much the same form factor. The slight nod goes to Audio-Technica for it's looks. Both carrying cases are similar in shape and appearance.
Comfort: Both headphones were equally comfortable on my large ears.
Noise cancellation: Panasonic wins by a substantial margin. My wife verified this in our noisy car.
Sound: Both sound the same to me. However, my main focus was on noise cancellation.
Battery: Panasonic indicated that some models come with rechargeable battery (mine came with standard battery). However, using rechargeable batteries is important to me. Audio Technica explicitly stated to NOT USE rechargeable batteries. Panasonic wins.
Accessories: Both brands came with identical accessories except that the cord that came with Audio Technica was about 2" longer. No advantage either way.
I ended up returning the Audio Technica headphones and am very happy with the Panasonics.
