Philips SHG8050

Designed specifically for the console or PC gamer, Philips' SHG8050 headphones have some unique features designed specifically to make game audio that much more interesting. These are the headphones that you take to LAN parties, to jack the volume up to max while blowing away your friends in Counter Strike.

The most unusual thing about these headphones is what Philips calls the "Sonic Vibes System". This is effectively a force feedback for your ears--it makes the headphones vibrate whenever low-pitch, high-volume sounds are due to appear. It a weird effect, a little ticklish, and mostly unsuitable for listening to music. When playing action games, or watching action movies (especially with lots of explosions), the effect wasn't at all bad--a little strange, but something that one could get used to.

For the Sonic Vibes System to work, the headphones require the use of a single AAA battery. Unfortunately, the headphones don't work at all without the battery, but you can effectively turn the Sonic Vibes down when your ears can't take it anymore. There's also an integral volume control.

Sadly, we didn't find the headphones all that comfortable. They're lightweight, and you'll hardly know that they're on top of your head, but rather than closed cups they have flat pads that squash ears rather than fit around them. The audio quality of the headphones was not earth shattering, but it would be suitable for all but the most discerning headphone buyers. The bass and treble were a little flat, but the Sonic Vibes System can sometimes make you forget about the slightly flat bass.

The headphones fold up and slip into the compact supplied carry pouch, making for easy transport when you want to take them to a friend's place.