First off, the goodies: the specs straight from the Philips website. This is exactly how it appears on their website, with the exception of the packaging dimensions. I do not consider those relevant to my review.
Source Link to the below specs: sbchn110_37_pss_aen.pdf
Sound
•Active noise attenuation: 50-1,500Hz, >10dB at 300Hz
•Noise canceling effect: ~10 dB at 300 Hz
•Acoustic system: Open
•Magnet type: Neodymium
•Voice coil: Copper
•Diaphragm: Mylar dome
•Frequency response: 20 – 20 000 Hz
•Impedance: 25 Ohm (ON), 47 Ohm (OFF)
•Maximum power input: 500 mW
•Sensitivity: 102 dB
•Speaker diameter: 40 mm
•Type: Dynamic
Connectivity
•Cable length: 1.5 m
•Connector: 3.5 mm stereo
•Finishing of connector: Chrome plated
•Type of cable: OFC
Accessories
•Adaptor plug: Yes, 3.5-6.3 mm
•Airplane plug: Yes, 2 * 3.5 mm
•Battery: Yes, 1.5V Battery R03/AAA
•Storage pouch
So, that said and done, something I should mention is that these were never intended to be used the way I have used them. I am a DJ/music producer and I use these in my studio. I have pushed my beloved headphones to their maximum continuously, and they have not failed me yet. For $30 headphones released in 2004, that is insane. They also seal around the ears nicely, and are far superior to other brands when it comes to keeping out unwanted sound, even when the Noise-cancellation is turned off. Another note-worthy bit is that the cheap AAA battery that came with them just died on me about a week ago, and I’ve even left them sitting on over night.
Now I know the frequency response isn’t the greatest, and yes, the sound quality is slightly lower than, say, Technics for example. However, considering they are almost one tenth the price and are every bit as durable and flexible as the industry leading studio companies, these things are a steal.
Now for what really sets them apart for me. They are comfortable. I can wear them for hours upon hours, and I never get that urge to “take a break”. I have used headphones from JBL, Stanton, Numark, Technics, and Sennheiser, and none of them are something I can wear for extended periods of time without a decent amount of soreness in the cartilage around the backs of my ears. Considering the HN110 model is half the size of your average DJ headphones, it is truly remarkable that they have managed to make them fit better.
The only thing I don’t like about them is that the cord is rather short and is not detachable. While this is easily fixed at home by someone who knows electronics, it would be nice if Philips would introduce this feature.
In short, these bad boys are a great alternative to $100+ studio headphones. Economical, effective and reliable, there is no replacement for these qualities in todays economy. With Technics turntables being discontinued and skyrocketing to $1200 each, and your average pioneer mixer running you $800-$1500, people in my business need to save money wherever they can. Philips has provided an excellent product and I stand behind it 100%, whether the design is 7 years old or not.