Audio-Technica ATH-CC500BT2 2nd Generation Cartilage Headphones
Open-Ear Headphones for Music Listening and Phone Calls
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Audio-Technica ATH-CC500BT2 2nd Generation Cartilage Headphones · Source: Audio-Technica
On the consumer side, Audio-Technica introduced the world’s first cartilage headphones in 2022, and the second generation, the ATH-CC500BT2, is now available. I have never tried headphones with this technology. It sounds very interesting to me. But what makes this technology different from many other headphones?
Audio-Technica ATH-CC500BT2 Cartilage Headphones
The ATH-CC500BT2 is the second generation of Audio-Technica’s Cartilage Sound headphones. We’ll take a closer look at what exactly this technology is in a moment. But first, here are the key facts about the new ATH-CC500BT2.
These are so called ‘open-ear’ headphones, which means that the audio signal is transmitted through the ear cartilage, bypassing the ear canal. As a result, ambient noise is not blocked out.
These headphones also feature a next-generation, patent-pending vibration transducer that promises improved sound quality and maximum volume, whether you’re listening to music or talking on the phone.
According to Audio-Technica, this design gives you a more natural sounding voice and increased comfort when using the ATH-CC500BT2, especially when talking on the phone. The Acoustic Pure Sound Stabilizer prevents external vibrations from affecting sound quality.
The Bluetooth headphones support profiles such as A2DP, AVRCP and HFP, as well as codecs such as AAC and SBC.
The ATH-CC500BT2 can be recharged via USB-C. When fully charged, the battery lasts for up to 20 hours of music listening, and a 10-minute quick charge provides approximately 120 minutes of playback time. A full battery provides approximately 10 hours of talk time.
A Host of Features
The ATH-CC500BT2 also features AI-assisted noise cancellation (AIVC). This technology isolates the speaker’s voice during phone calls or online meetings while reducing ambient noise.
Other headphone features include multipoint Bluetooth connectivity and support for Siri and Google Assistant.
Settings such as Clear Voice (for improved voice quality) or BGM (for relaxing background music) can be adjusted via the Audio-Technica Connect app. Limit Sound Leakage is designed for use in public, and the app also offers several EQ presets.
The Soundscape feature also sounds interesting: relaxing nature sounds are available, and a special masking sound is also used to cover noise and help focus. Great!
Audio-Technica reports that the ATH-CC500BT2 is smaller and lighter than its predecessor, weighing in at 32 grams. The ear hooks and neckband are made of lightweight, flexible titanium and silicone for comfort. The headphones are also rain and splash resistant (IPX4), making them ideal for outdoor activities.
What is Cartilage Sound?
Now to the question of what exactly cartilage sound is. Audio-Technica itself provides an explanation in the press release, which we have summarized here:
Cartilage sound is a method of sound transmission discovered in 2004 that uses cartilage conduction to transmit sound events to the ear. Unlike methods such as bone conduction, which transmits vibrations through the bones of the skull, cartilage conduction transmits vibrations through the cartilage of the ear.
The vibrations are transmitted to the wall of the ear canal, which in response causes the air to vibrate, creating sound that reaches the cochlea – as if the ears themselves were acting as loudspeakers.
Cartilage Sound Technology offers the unique ability to keep the ear canals open and clear when listening to music or talking on the phone, improving comfort and hygiene for long-term use.
That sounds really interesting – I will have to check it out as soon as possible!
Availability and Pricing of Audio-Technica ATH-CC500BT2
The Audio-Technica ATH-CC500BT2 is available now and retails for £119 / €139.
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