GADGETSLAB
Philips SHL-5000 Headband Headphones
Purchasing a pair of headphones is no easy task nowadays, especially with people’s increased reliance on portable media players. Whether you’re traveling somewhere or simply laying back with some tunes, headphones must be comfortable and sonically excellent at the same time. And…they have too look good as well.
Filed under Philip’s Ear Gear Style Range, the SHL-5000 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 SHL-5000’s feel sturdy enough to withstand quite a bit of punishment, and could be a perfect companion for traveling in 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 SHL-5000’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 the dreaded ear strain in any way. The steel spring headband is flexible and will adjust comfortably to whoever is wearing them. Moreover, 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 SHL-5000’s are satisfactory, for lack of a better word. They are not disappointing, but not spectacular either, which is to be expected from a pair of headphones in this price range. Moreover, for a product that was advertised as having extra bass, the 30mm sound drivers of the SHL5000 do not exactly give a bass rich experience, although they did boost the overall volume significantly . The lower frequencies sometimes sound quite “boomy”, along with low-mids that have a tendency to sound “tinny”. However, with respect to higher frequencies of the spectrum, these headphones are crisp, clear and have a character unlike similar products in its brand and class.
Moreover, the SHL-5000’s excel in its noise canceling abilities – low volume listening on an mp3 player blocked any outside interference. Combine this with these headphones’ comfortable ear cushions, and you have a set of cans that are perfect for long hours of sound tripping.
All in all, the Philips SHL-5000’s would be a great purchase for those who want a pair of headphones that look great, are kind to the wallet, but still pack a punch.
What’s Hot: – extremely comfy ear cushions – lightweight
What’s Not:
– lack of bass definition
Buy Meter: 8.8
Conclusion:
The Philips SHL 5000’s are great economical headphones – they are comfortable, stylish and provide a good enough sound experience for its price range.
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 [This review originally appeared in the June 2011 issue of Gadgets Magazine]