Audio-Technica just dropped the ATH-CKD7NC — wired noise-canceling in-ear headphones with USB-C. Wired but with ANC — sounds like an oxymoron, but it solves the problem for everyone tired of charging their TWS. Plug into your phone, laptop, or Nintendo Switch 2 — zero latency, Hi-Res Audio, noise cancellation. For ~$65.
Sound. 11 mm dynamic driver, 5–40,000 Hz frequency range, Hi-Res Audio certified by Japan Audio Association. Built-in DAC supporting up to 24-bit / 96 kHz — meaning sound quality doesn’t depend on your phone’s DAC, everything is processed inside the earbuds. For wired earbuds at $65 — pretty impressive.
Noise Cancellation. Hybrid ANC with microphones on both the outer and inner sides of the housing. For a wired model, that’s rare — usually ANC only shows up in TWS or full-size wireless headphones. Transparency mode and ENC for calls are on board too.
Build. Machined aluminum housing, 9 grams without the cable. 1.2 m Y-type cable with an inline remote and mic. Ear tips in 4 sizes (XS–L) with antibacterial coating. Two colors — black and beige-gold.
The Kicker. No battery whatsoever — powered straight from the USB-C device. Zero latency — critical for gaming and video. Works with iPhone 15+, Android, PC, Nintendo Switch 2.
Price & Availability. ¥9,680 (~$65) in Japan, sales start February 27, 2026. No global launch announced yet, but Audio-Technica typically rolls out products worldwide within 1-2 months.
Audio-Technica ATH-CKD7NC — Specs:
- Release — February 27, 2026, Japan.
- Price — ¥9,680 (~$65).
- Type — in-ear, wired, USB-C.
- Driver — 11 mm, dynamic.
- Frequency range — 5–40,000 Hz.
- Sensitivity — 108 dB/mW.
- Impedance — 17 Ohm.
- DAC — built-in, USB 2.0, up to 96 kHz / 24-bit.
- Certification — Hi-Res Audio.
- ANC — hybrid, dual microphones.
- Transparency mode — yes.
- Microphone — condenser, ENC.
- Cable — 1.2 m, Y-type, USB-C.
- Weight — ~9 g (without cable).
- Colors — black, beige-gold.
- Compatibility — iPhone 15+, Android, PC, Nintendo Switch 2.
In the Box
- ATH-CKD7NC earbuds
- Ear tips (XS, S, M, L)
- Cable clip
- User guide
Source: Audio-Technica Japan
