Comparisons –
OVC H15 ($50): The 747 has significantly better build quality throughout and a more orthodox fit. That said, the H15 is very stable and equally comfortable due to its exceptionally soft tips with stabilising wings. The H15 is quite an oddity, delivering a sound that is balanced and clear if a little bright overall. This contrasts to the thick, bassy sound produced by the 747.
As a result, the H15 sounds more detailed and resolving in quiet environments, but in noisier conditions, their leaner bass is drowned out almost entirely leaving them thin and a little fatiguing. The 747 on the other hand, sounds bassy at home and remains rich in louder environments. It’s smooth high end is not nearly as nuanced and it’s stage is more intimate, but the 747’s warm sound is more listenable long term.
1More Dual Driver ANC ($150): The 1More takes design and build to the next level, easily offering the more premium experience of the two. It’s fit is also pretty standard and similarly comfortable but it can only be used with IOS devices and has no internal battery. Sonically though, they do a lot to redeem themselves, they also aren’t a super revealing earphone, but are immensely balanced and detailed amongst noise cancelling kin.
Both earphones have a similar signature but the 1More is a lot more balanced between bass, mids and highs. As a result, bass is still warm and engaging but more defined with greater articulation. Mids are clearer, especially lower mids, and clarity is much improved. Treble is most improved with far greater extension delivering more clarity, separation and soundstage space. The 1More very masterfully balances nuance with listenability but it does lack some of the richness of the 747 as a result.
Final E2000 ($40): The E2000 is a sensational non-ANC in-ear within a similar price range. Being semi-open, noise isolation is just average, especially compared to the world silencing 747, but build quality is nice, with solid aluminium housings. Unfortunately, their thin cable is downright flimsy. But it’s in listening that the E2000 really shines; it is immediately more balanced and engaging with a V-shaped signature contrasting to the smooth, laid-back 747. Their low-end is less physical, but bass is tight and agile with much higher definition to every note. Mids are slightly warm but clearer and more transparent than the thicker 747.
Highs are far more extended, resolving details within the highest registers that the 747 doesn’t even reproduce. As such, the E2000 offers a larger stage with greater separation between instruments and vocals. The E2000 definitely makes for the more nuanced listen, but it doesn’t offer nearly enough isolation in louder environments and its build isn’t ideal for portable use. These earphones have very different applications and this is reflected in their respective designs. Still, both are immensely impressive considering their asking prices; one could buy both and have a very solid home and travel setup for under $100.
Verdict –
The 747 offers everything I’d want from an affordable active noise cancelling earphone. It has a compact, pragmatic and perfectly comfortable design, and a thick yet pliable cable that has proven to be hard-wearing during portable use. The noise cancelling module is also incredibly compact without affecting its effectiveness, and battery life is easily adequate for plane trips, especially when paired with Advanced’s own Power Pouch. Furthermore, the 747’s possess incredible noise attenuating abilities comparable to earphones costing many times more.
Most importantly, the 747 delivers a rich, guttural sound that retains its fullness in louder environments, producing a dynamic sound wherever you choose to listen. They aren’t balanced or resolving like the similarly priced Zero Audio Carbo Tenore or Final E2000, but they do serve up dynamics and impact for hours and hours with zero fatigue and minimal interference from external noise. These aren’t an audiophile monitor, but they are perfectly adapted towards their intended uses.
Verdict – 9/10, The 747 belies its meagre asking price in noise cancelling ability. And though it doesn’t challenge pricier models in sonic fidelity, they have a pleasant, smooth sound with surprising refinement that avoids dullness or fatigue. For $60, I couldn’t ask for much more, these are an absolute steal for any buyer looking into an affordable noise cancelling in-ear.
