By Steven Vea
An increasing number of people are relying on their portable media players to provide them their daily dose of entertainment. Whether you’re traveling to or from somewhere, the potential of prolonged hours wearing headphones deem it necessary that they must be equally comfortable and sonically excellent at the same time. And they have to look good as well.
Filed under Philip’s Ear Gear Style Range, the SHL5000 headband headphones certainly fit the category. Even while encased in its packaging, one will instantly realize that style was heavily invested into this product’s design. Available in five different colors, this reviewer received the crimson red adorned with black matte trim (also available in orange, green, white and black). While these headphones are definitely candy for the eyes, they are not extravagant and still retain the charm of what is modernly minimal. The very simplicity of its design will surely garner notice, yet has the charm to seamlessly blend in as well, which could potentially cater to a lot of people’s tastes.
The headphones are very lightweight and extremely compact, especially once they are folded up for transport. Of course some sense of durability is sacrificed for the sake of portability, but the SHL5000s feels sturdy enough to withstand quite a bit of punishment, and could be a perfect companion for traveling both within the metro or the great outdoors.
If you’re looking for a pair of headphones that you can literally use the whole day, look no further. The SHL5000’S padded ear cushions will feel like clouds upon your ears, as this reviewer was personally able to wear them for five consecutive hours without feeling any ear strain. The steel spring headband is flexible and will adjust comfortably to whoever is wearing them. Even when they’re simply hanging around your neck, the headphones barely feel like they’re there. Philips certainly adhered to one of this product’s advertised traits: “You’ll forget you’re wearing them!”
The sound quality of the SHL5000 is satisfactory. It is not disappointing, but not spectacular either, which is to be expected from a pair of headphones in this price range. For a product that was advertised as having extra bass, the 30mm sound drivers do not exactly give a bass rich experience, although they did boost the overall volume significantly. The lower frequencies sometimes sound quite boomy and with low-mids that have a tendency to sound sonically “tinny.” However, with respect to higher frequencies of the spectrum, these headphones come out crisp, clear and have a character unlike similar products in its brand and class.
The SHL5000 also excels in its noise-canceling abilities, for even with an MP3 player at only half its volume limit, any outside interference was successfully blocked out. Combine this with the headphones’ comfortable ear cushions, and you have a set of cans perfect for long hours of steady sound tripping.
All in all, the Philips SHL5000 would be a great purchase for those looking for a pair of headphones that look great, are kind to the wallet, but still pack a punch.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Acoustic system: Open
Diaphragm: Mylar dome
Frequency response: 10 – 28 000 Hz
Impedance: 32 Ohm
Maximum power input: 50 mW
Sensitivity: 106 dB
Speaker diameter: 30 mm
Cable Connection: Two-parallel, symmetric
Cable length: 1.2 m
Connector: 3.5 mm stereo
Finishing of connector: 24k Gold plated
What’s Hot:
• Extremely comfy ear cushions
• Lightweight
What’s Not:
• Lack of bass definition
Bottomline:
The Philips SHL5000s are great economical headphones. They are comfortable, stylish and provide a good sound in relation to its unburdening price.
Buy Meter: 8.8
[This review originally appeared in the July 2011 issue of Gadgets Magazine]