Reviewed: Phillips A5 Pro Headphones

With a selection of hipster-happy headphone releases over the last couple of years, Phillips have decided to formally weigh into the DJing game with the Phillips A5 Pro headphones. Like many an EDM DJ, they’re inexplicably massive and Armin Van Buuren backs them. We tried them on for a week to see how they fared.

First Impressions

Like many a blind date, they’re a bit on the big side, but there’s a certain sexiness about them. We liked the rubberised design, details like the writing on the side of each cup and a lengthy cable. 

On the decks

A leather headband and deeply cushioned cups makes these comfortable if a touch heavy for long sessions. Those big foam pads aren’t too hot, however nor are they particularly sealing – meaning for monitoring peak night in the club, you’re going to have to ramp the volume. This won’t be a problem however, as there’s plenty of rumbling bass and drive to the A5 Pro, meaning it goes all the way to 11, even if your ears started to bleed around 8. The ability to swap cable-ears is super helpful for working with different set ups. As for cup rotation – this is geared for the on-the-shoulders-occasional-monitor situation, rather than a rotation for permanent-on-head set up. That’s a preference thing, and certainly for more casual house parties – this works just fine.

In Public  

Well, it really depends on your preference. If you like ‘em big, you’re in for a treat. We’ve reviewed clubs smaller than these ‘phones. To their credit, it does mean you get to effectively travel with your own private listening room whilst on public transport. The cable is just the right length in addition, so you don’t have spools of cable wrapped around your already-bending iPhone 6. Finally, they snap down fairly compact, so they’ll fit into any self-respecting backpack or tote bag.

What Do We Think? 

Phillips are nudging toward the DJ market, and we feel this is that first step. At an RRP of £299 they’re quite a bit pricier than their rivals, and their size and weight won’t work for most travelling artists. Props however to sound quality and comfort. For consumers weighing into the DJ game, these are perhaps worth a look.

Words: Ally Byers