Phillips and O’Neil Bring Style to Headphones but Lose the Beat

 10 Sep 2010 - By Omar Mariño+
 omar@myddnetwork.com


Hoping to appeal to the fashion sensibilities of Emos, Goths, Rockers, and Punks alike, Phillips and O’Neil created an entire line of headphones hoping to capture all that style (and angst) in one bright, multi-functional package.  Well, four really. 

The Snug is a trendily-named compact folder that collapses in upon itself while not in use.  It also features what the companies call “bold” graphics (A.K.A. window dressing) and mediocre sound quality.  The Covert, is a set of in-ear buds that feature a controller for your iPod (which should be right handy anyway from the length of the cord).  And the Specked sports a stylish tangle-free cord, and not much else.

Without a doubt the flagship of the bunch is the Stretch.  These phones are constructed out of some seriously strong material (6X stronger than polycarbonate) with the ridiculously Sci-Fi sounding name of TR55LX.  Bend ‘em, smash ‘em, trash ‘em but Phillips and O’Neil are hoping you can’t break ‘em.

All that hipster hype is well and good but when headphones (or buds) are concerned, the purchaser’s primary concern should be the sound quality, not the fact that the flashy pink cord accentuates the streak in their Emo Swoosh.  Unfortunately, these new phones don’t bring the heat to keep the beat.  Unless you’re looking for just another fashion accessory (or are tone deaf) pass these puppies by.






Disclaimer - Category: Gadget