[Davie]

I got these on a lark at Virgin Megastore a few days ago, and I must say that I've been absolutely amazed at the sound I'm hearing from a $30 set of cans. In my opinion, these easily out-perform any under $60 headphones I've heard -- including the Sennheiser PX100 and PX200, and the Koss Portapro and KSC-50 (my KSC-35s are shot, so I can't compare these) -- and offer some genuine competition to the likes of the Grado SR60 and the Senn HD497 and HD280.

The HS900 are eggo-style cans, with ovular earcups that fold up under the headband for portability. It's been awhile since I've seen the Sony 66s, but it I think the Philips are somewhat bigger. The earcups are fully circumaural, and the ears go relatively deep into the enclosure. I haven't had too many comfort problems, but sometimes they do press a bit. Earpads are blue cloth. The enclosures are a rather ugly white. These are closed cans with a single, sizable bass port in each can. In spite of being closed, they offer virtually no isolation and leak quite a bit.

In terms of sound, the HS900 can be characterized as smooth, detailed, and open sounding, with an emphasis in the mid and upper midrange. Vocals, especially female vocals, sound great. Treble extension is excellent. The lower midrange is somewhat recessed. Bass is warm and reasonably well extended. Perhaps it's because of the ported design, but I've found the bass control somewhat erratic, sometimes sounding tight and punchy, with a Sony v6-like slam, other times sounding rather woolly.

I first compared the HS900 to their peers in terms of price -- the leading portable phones such as the the PX100, KSC-50 and Portapro. To my ears, it really was no comparison. The HS900 outshone them all. Compared to the PX100, the HS900 has significantly more bass control, and unlike the PX100 whatever problems the HS900 has doesn't muddy up the midrange. The HS900's clear and open mids and treble threw into relief the PX100's problems in this area. Similar things could be said about the Portapro. The only area where the Portapro might have an edge is in the lower midrange. Compared to the Philips, the KSC-50 sound thin and distant.

Next, I upped the ante and brought out the Grado SR60, the Sennheiser 497 and the Senn HD280. I'm going to hold off on writing a comparison with these since I think some close listening is in order. I will say that these phones highlighted some of the limitations of the HS900, including a bit of resonance from the enclosures. However, the HS900 also brought out some of the competition's drawbacks, including the Grado's somewhat rough quality, the 497's slight "veil," and the 280's weakness in mids.

Anyway, I recommend someone else run out and get a pair of these and post their impressions. I think we have a major new contender here.