A SOUND THAT MAKES YOU LOOK AROUND, AS IF IT WERE SURROUND?

Music is a delicate art. What can be especially puzzling is how to capture the song, bringing it to life for the masses to hear. A bad recording can ruin a fine song, and a good recording can even bring some value to an otherwise annoying piece of music. The same is also true when referring to the devices used to present the recording. In today’s world, the options are nearly endless when it comes to the various stereos and speaker systems available. There are nearly as many systems to chose from as there are listeners, so choosing a system depends more on personal choice and preference that anything else. But when it comes to the assortment of headphones, the decision becomes a little more tricky. Of course there is quite a variety of different brands and styles, but it really comes down to sound quality… that is where we it gets a little tricky.

Anyone who really knows me will tell you that I am pretty picky when it comes to sound quality in a device. I don’t really know how to tell if a device is of a higher quality by the technical specifications, but I do know if they sound good or not. And I can get pretty picky. I have owned many various brands and styles of headphones. Some feel good, but sound horrible, while with others it is the other way around. What really gets on my nerves is when a company stamps a fancy name and a high price on a pair of headphones, not even caring if they sound good or not. I have been especially frustrated with Sony’s headphones, which boast quite a price tag and average sound quality. I’ve tried about every style, various price ranges, and many different brands… yet none have left me with the impression that the Philips HE591 Earbuds.

Usually, when it comes to choosing a pair of earbuds over normal headphones, you end up sacrificing sound quality for convenience. Yet this particular pair of earbuds is one of the few exceptions in any price range. The selling point is the supposed “virtual surround sound.” While this would usually come across as “stretched” truth, it surprisingly isn’t. This set of earbuds breathes new life into all sorts of music; from rock and pop, to classical and jazz, and about everything in between. This is one pair that actually lives up to expectations. The sound quality is impeccable, you’re immersed in a listening experience that surrounds you in crisp piano and vibrant strings, soaring guitars, pounding bass, and driving drums. Even a song you’ve already heard a thousand times sounds revitalized, as the patented technology brings out intricate details you would have never before noticed.

One of my major complaints with the earbuds I have tried before is how they do horrors to rock n’ roll. Often the guitars become toned down and the bass is almost taken completely out of the picture, as with DC Talk’s “Supernatural.” Yet with this pair of HE591 earbuds, this isn’t a problem. In fact, these are the only headphones of this size to do justice to the genre. I can pop in Skillet’s Collide CD, from 2003, and be totally blow away by how the sound is presented. John’s gritty voice comes across with an added boost of intensity and the band has never sounded better. While not “surround sound,” this is the highest quality you’ll find in this price range, whatever style you want to listen to (KJ-52 is killer on ‘em!).

These aren’t really for serious exercise, though. Like many earbuds of this style, they can find a way of getting out of your ear on occasion. But this shouldn’t pose as a major problem for normal, everyday use.

Beside the stellar sound quality, which is the definite selling point of the product, Phillips also throws in a few extras that make this a really nice package. One of the advertised features is the 24-karot gold plated plug, which is supposed to create a better connection. Another nice, thought out bonus is what the company calls “flexi-grip’ connections that prevent cord damage from sudden jerks. The asymmetric cabling system also is another convenient feature which keeps the cord out of your way.

What is especially nice, though, is the nifty case that is included. Unlike the other cases included with other brands, this unique case provides an easy way to keep your cord wound up and out of the way, while being especially easy to use. Plus, they included to of the rubber “tips” you can use to replace the ones on the headphones if they ever get lost or broken.

I can almost guarantee that with one listen, you’ll never go back to another pair again, I know I’m not. With a few minor complaints aside, this is one stellar pair of headphones that you will not be disappointed with. All in all, a fine package that is worth every cent, no matter how much you pay.

[Perfect for what styles of music?]
They should appease any music lover, no matter what style. Whether rock, pop, metal, classical, jazz, or hip-hop/rap, this is one set of headphones you won’t be disappointed with.


[What use would you recommend them for?]
Normal, day-to-day activity. With excessive movement, they do like to make their way out of your ears.


[The breakdown…]
Features: 5 our of 5
Sound quality: 5 out of 5
Versatility 4 out of 5

Overall… 5 out of 5

Thanks to Phillips for actually caring what they sound like!