Philips A5 Pro Review | 93 Data compared

The Philips A5 Pro is a closed-back headphone designed specifically for DJ use, boasting exceptional, robust build quality utilizing real aluminum and leather rather than typical cheap plastics. On the positive side, it features a lower-than-usual impedance of 16Ω that allows it to be driven effortlessly by portable devices, handles up to 3.5W of power, features a detachable cable that can plug into either ear cup, and offers three distinct types of replaceable factory pads. However, the reviewer notes several prominent physical cons in stock form, including a heavy overall weight, a high clamping force, sticky and hot pleather ear pads, and a microphonic, overly long part-coiled cable. Acoustically, the stock version is heavily criticized for an unbalanced signature that lacks true high-fidelity refinement, characterized by an overly bloated, exaggerated bass and a "hot," unextended treble peak. A distinct 1.5kHz frequency response hump creates an aggressive, overly "forward" vocal presentation that separates singers too harshly from the music. While the reviewer achieved sound quality improvements using active "Kameleon" hardware filtering, 3mm synthetic felt dampening, and optional PCU110 velour pads—which flattened...

The Philips A5 Pro is a ruggedly built, closed-back headphone designed primarily for DJ use, featuring exceptional build quality with real aluminium and leather components rather than cheap plastics. It has an incredibly high power handling of 3.5W and a very low 16Ω impedance, making it easy to drive even as makeshift neck speakers. However, in its stock form, the headphone suffers from high clamping force, sticky and hot pleather ear pads, and a long, highly microphonic cable that restricts portable use. Additionally, it is quite heavy on the head and delivers an overly bloated, warm bass signature that lacks true high-fidelity realism. The reviewer notes that the headphone's sonic performance improves dramatically with modifications or by swapping out the stock ear pads. Purchasing the optional PCU110 velours pads transforms the sound profile from bass-heavy to bass-neutral, increases ear room due to their oval shape, and significantly improves long-term comfort. While the velours pads leave a sound "hole" around 3kHz and sharp treble peaks, adding 2mm to 3mm of synthetic felt in front of the drivers tames the harsh highs....

The Philips A5-Pro is a closed-back, robustly built professional DJ headphone co-designed with DJ Armin Van Buuren, featuring a high-quality alloy steel headband and aluminium hinges. It features 50mm neodymium drivers with a low 16-ohm impedance, making it exceptionally easy to drive from portable devices. Its unique dual-sided locking cable input allows users to attach the 1.3m coiled cable to either ear cup. Additionally, it features replaceable ear cushions that use a convenient twist-and-click mechanism. Sonically, the headphones offer good passive noise isolation and deliver a smooth, non-fatiguing, big bold sound with punchy low-to-mid bass lines. However, the headphones suffer from significant comfort and usability issues, weighing a hefty 440g which creates noticeable pressure and discomfort during long sessions. Performance-wise, the midrange can sound congested, and the closed-back design lacks air around instruments, resulting in a "safe" sound that misses the engaging "boogie factor". From a professional DJ perspective, the ear cup swivel is highly limited—moving only 90 degrees in opposite directions and tilting just 10 degrees vertically—which restricts mixing flexibility compared to competitors like the Audio Technica ATH-M50X. Ultimately,...

The Gearjunkies review highlights the Philips A5-PRO as a highly professional, robustly built pair of headphones developed in collaboration with legendary trance DJ Armin van Buuren. The reviewer notes that the device boasts exceptional build quality featuring specialized hinge points, flexible structures, a leather headband, and a choice of leather or velvet ear pads that ensure durability against heavy professional abuse. In terms of sound, the A5-PRO delivers a spatial and characteristic audio profile tailored specifically for trance music, characterized by slightly emphasized mid and high frequencies. It functions beautifully as a dual-purpose set, transitioning from high-demand DJ performances to comfortable hi-fi home listening sessions. The core advantages and disadvantages are clearly balanced within the product's premium market placement. The primary pros highlighted include the elite build quality, specialized spatial sound quality, customizable outer aesthetic via replaceable caps, and a remarkably long 1.3-meter coiled cable that stretches all the way to 4.5 meters. Conversely, the critical cons focus on the substantial financial investment and physical heft, specifically pointing out the high manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of 349 euros and...

The Philips A5-Pro is a flagship, DJ-endorsed headphone developed in close collaboration with trance DJ Armin van Buuren to withstand professional use on the road. Launched at Miami Music Week, the headphones feature a professional, functional, and slightly retro design highlighted by a hand-stitched leather headband, replaceable ear cups/cover caps for custom logos, and a convenient fold-up mechanism for travel. Built to perform in loud club environments, they deliver a highly robust build, loud volumes without distortion, crisp high frequencies, a full bass response that avoids over-saturation, and a flexible coiled cord that connects to either side. The primary advantages of the A5-Pro are its exceptional sound quality—scoring a 9 out of 10—and its highly durable construction. Users can also swap between three different earpad sizes using a simple twist method to customize the fit and audio dynamics. On the downside, the headphones are expensive at £300, which resulted in a lower value-for-money score of 8 out of 10. Additionally, the review notes that the explicit celebrity endorsement with Armin van Buuren is a gamble that might alienate non-trance fans...

The Headfonics review highlights the Philips A5 Pro as a durable, "tank-like" closed-back headphone developed with Armin van Buuren, featuring aluminum-hinged construction for rugged DJ use. It boasts high efficiency (16-ohm, 106dB) and a controlled, fast bass response with clear, non-fatiguing treble that deviates from typical, boomy DJ models. Conversely, the unit is quite heavy at 405 grams, which can cause fatigue, and its sound signature may underwhelm users seeking deep sub-bass. Additionally, the headphones feature restrictive proprietary cable locks and non-customizable earplates.

The Philips A5 Pro, designed in collaboration with musician Armin van Buuren, is a flagship over-ear DJ headphone that balances professional club-ready features with audiophile-grade performance. Built with an incredibly tough aluminum and alloy steel headband, these headphones can easily survive the rigors of heavy travel and daily commutes. They feature 90-degree swiveling ear cups, locking dual-sided cable ports, and a convenient folding mechanism for compact storage. Performance-wise, the 50mm drivers deliver highly detailed midrange and treble textures along with punchy, controlled bass rather than an overwhelming sub-bass boost. Pros and Cons The Pros: Users benefit from an exceptionally durable chassis and excellent passive noise isolation due to a tight, deliberate closed-seal fit. The package is highly customizable, offering a smart "twist and click" retention system with three interchangeable leather and memory foam ear pads in varying sizes. It also includes both a coiled DJ cable and a straight smartphone-compatible control cable. The Cons: The most notable downside is the headphone's significant weight, coming in at a hefty 405 grams, which can feel physically heavy and potentially turn off listeners...