Panasonic Surround Sound Headphones (RPHT711)

I really have to wonder what the previous reviewer was listening with--or to. These are full-frequencied headphones that have a pleasing, transparent sound. Testing them out on an Oscar Peterson CD, the piano tones are natural and very forward and "present," Ed Thigpen's ride cymbal literally sizzles, and Ray Brown's bass is full and gritty without artificial mid-range boominess. Once you activate the Surround Sound feature, the sound takes on added presence and dimensionality--it's like being in the same room with Oscar and his trio.

If there's a downside to these phones, it's the extreme length of the cord, which is conveniently attached to one side but is not detachable. As a result, these are best thought of as "home phones" rather than traveling headphones. But they're definitely quality headphones. Even without the Surround feature, they reproduce source material faithfully and, when coupled with the lightness and comfort of the unit, can be worn for hours...Read more