Actually, Philips guys, if the 890s popped up in the local Virgin Mega tomorrow at $105, I'd buy em in a flash. I like the design, have heard lots of great things about them, and would love a chance to be more closely involved in The Great Headphone Controversy Of Our Day. Also, I am not discounting the great loyalty that these cans have inspired in all of you guys. There must be something to them!
I think the differential price point issue is silly though. I don't know where Bolivar lives, but if he paid $105 US for the 890s than a comparison against other phones in that range in his market seems fair. I do indeed envy the ability of our Southern hemisphere bretheren to pick the 890s up for $60 US equivalent, and if they did a review of the Philips vs other cans available in Oz at the same price point, all well and good. But "requirng" reviewers to adjust the Philips' opponents downwards cause of lower prices elsewhere in the world doesn't make much sense. Pragmatically, Bolivar isn't going to buy new headphones just for this review, and presumably doesn't have the independent review outsourcing capability of Tubie, so we'll have to take what we can get. I think a review of the SR60s vs the 890s will be a good read; I think the Philips will have the edge, but we'll see. I am not as convinced of the outcome as Violeta though!
And I would love to see the 497s go against the Philips 890s as well, and I would love to do that comparison myself, if only the local Virgin store would help out by actually getting the 890s in stock...
I do hope that Bolivar sticks to his review writing plans and doesn't run away screaming from this forum of madmen!
I just thought that Team Philips (or some members of it) overreacted to Tuberoller's initial review and if this happens consistently we may see a chilling effect on the purpose of this forum, which is to give prospective headphone buyers guidance as to the strengths and weaknesses of a given design. That said, Team Philips is lots of fun and are certainly one of the liveliest bunches on this forum, so peace and love to you all!
Especially Buddha, who's gotten carried enough away so as to call my Grado SR60s, Sony V6s, and Senn 497s "second rate cans"!
And this from a man who bought the Philips 550s...tch tch!
And all that verbiage on mudslinging, innuendo and slithering, well, perhaps you should relax and have a Fosters, mate! Here's a link for you to meditate on, o gentle and wise deity:
http://www.chuavietnam.com/bstory/page22.html
Have fun with your 890s Bolivar, and keep us posted!
good listening to all,