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Philips TAH8506BK wireless headphones review

Soumen Maity

September 5, 2023

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Detailed Review of Philips TAH8506BK

We all know Sony, Sennheiser, and Bose are big shots when it comes to audio gear. But guess what? Philips is stepping up its game and joining the ranks of the best. They’ve recently released a killer pair of headphones that won’t break the bank, priced at just Rs 8,699. Say hello to the Philips TAH8506BK!

These headphones offer a tempting package with impressive specs, sleek design, and top-notch audio quality. In this review, we’re gonna dive deep and find out if they’re worth your hard-earned cash.

First things first, let’s talk about the specs. The Philips TAH8506BK brings some serious firepower to the table. It’s got all the features you’d expect from a high-end pair of headphones in this price range. Whether it’s the powerful drivers, the wide frequency response, or the active noise cancellation, these bad boys have got you covered.

But it’s not just about the numbers, folks. The design of these headphones is a real head-turner. Philips has nailed it with a sleek and modern look that screams premium. The build quality feels solid, and the comfort level is off the charts. You can wear these puppies for hours on end without any discomfort.

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: the audio quality. And boy, oh boy, the Philips TAH8506BK does not disappoint. The sound is crisp, clear, and packs a punch. Whether you’re into thumping bass or crystal-clear highs, these headphones deliver. Plus, with the active noise cancellation kicking in, you can immerse yourself in your favorite tunes without any distractions from the outside world.

So, should you consider buying the Philips TAH8506BK? Absolutely! With its attractive price tag, killer specs, stylish design, and impressive audio quality, these headphones are a solid contender in the sub-Rs 10,000 segment. Philips may not be the first brand that comes to mind when you think of audio products, but they’ve certainly made their mark with this one.

The Philips TAH6506BK boasts a familiar over-the-ear headphone design that offers comfort and style. The oval-shaped earcups sit snugly on the ears, providing a comfortable fit. Despite its plastic build, the frame feels slim yet sturdy, and weighing only 145 grams, it won’t weigh you down even during extended use. You can wear these headphones for 1-2 hours without experiencing any fatigue. Additionally, the headphone grips firmly, allowing you to move around freely without worrying about them slipping off. The stretchable frame ensures a secure fit, accommodating different head sizes. The matte black color finish adds a touch of elegance to the overall look. Despite its plastic construction, the Philips TAH6506BK headphones don’t feel cheap or flimsy.

One standout feature of the Philips TAH8506BK is the placement of all the in-line controls on the right earcup. This design choice offers a truly hands-free experience. You can effortlessly adjust the volume, switch audio modes, and even activate voice assistants directly from the headphones. This convenience is a significant advantage, as it eliminates the need to fumble with your device when you want to make quick adjustments. Moreover, the right cup supports gestures for controlling playback, allowing you to easily play, pause, and change tracks with simple gestures.

However, one notable drawback of the Philips TAH8506BK is its lack of breathability. The material used for the earcups is not very breathable, which may lead to discomfort, especially during vigorous activities or when outdoors. If you’re using the headphones while sitting still, such as for work or gaming, this may not be a significant concern. However, during physical activities like running, the lack of breathability can cause sweat to accumulate around the earcups, potentially leading to discomfort.

Overall, the Philips TAH8506BK presents a solid option with its comfortable design, sturdy build quality, and convenient in-line controls. While the lack of breathability may be a downside for those seeking headphones for active use, it shouldn’t pose a problem for stationary activities. Considering its features and performance, the Philips TAH6506BK is worth considering for those in search of a reliable pair of headphones.

The Philips TAH8506BK headphones come equipped with 40mm dynamic drivers, providing a wide frequency range of 7 to 40,000Hz. These headphones are a dream come true for bass enthusiasts, as the low frequencies really shine across various music genres. Even when adjusting the EQ presets through the accompanying app to reduce bass impact, there remains a subtle emphasis on the low end. With the powerful 40mm audio drivers, you can expect a loud audio output. In fact, it’s recommended to cap the audio levels or enable headphone notifications to safeguard against potential ear damage.

When it comes to connectivity, these headphones support popular codecs such as AAC and SBC over Bluetooth. However, the real highlight is the inclusion of Hi-Res audio (HRA) support. HRA boasts significantly higher audio quality compared to standard formats, with a sampling rate of 96kHz or 192kHz and a bit depth of 24 or 32 bits. This ensures a more detailed and immersive listening experience, surpassing the typical audio sampling rate of 44.1kHz and bit depth of 16 bits.

Overall, the Philips TAH8506BK headphones deliver an audio experience that caters to bass enthusiasts while offering the option to fine-tune the sound through the app’s EQ presets. The powerful 40mm drivers ensure a robust and loud audio output, prompting users to exercise caution to protect their ears. Additionally, the inclusion of Hi-Res audio support elevates the audio quality to a whole new level, providing a richer and more immersive listening experience.

The Philips TAH8506BK headphones are loaded with features that make their price tag worth considering. One notable feature is the adjustable active noise cancellation (ANC) modes. While the ANC levels are decent, they aren’t the absolute best in the market. Since these headphones rest on the ears rather than providing a snug fit like true wireless earbuds, you’ll still hear some ambient noises when you’re not playing any music in the background.

However, things take a turn for the better when you start playing music at around 20 or 30 percent of the audio levels. You’ll notice a considerable difference in the ANC performance at these levels. Additionally, the headphones offer an adaptive mode that is supposed to automatically adjust the ANC based on your surroundings. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work as efficiently as one might hope.

In conclusion, the Philips TAH8506BK headphones have a range of features that justify their price to a certain extent. The ANC functionality, while not the best, does make a noticeable difference when music is playing at moderate levels. However, it’s worth noting that due to the on-ear design, some ambient noises can still be heard when no music is playing. The adaptive ANC mode, though promising, doesn’t always deliver optimal results.

The Philips TAH8506BK wireless headphones are a solid choice, especially for those who prefer headphones over earbuds. While comfort and fit can vary depending on personal preference, these headphones should work well for most users, unless you have exceptionally large ears. It’s worth noting that they are not the lightest option available, but compared to high-end competitors like AirPods Max or Sony WH-1000XM5, the Philips headphones stand out as being relatively lightweight.

In terms of sound quality, the Philips TAH8506BK headphones check many boxes, although they tend to emphasize bass. While the dedicated app allows you to adjust the EQ, it can be a hassle to do so every time. Philips could improve their distribution channels, as their headphones are not always readily available in offline stores. While they can be purchased on Amazon, stock availability can sometimes be an issue. Additionally, the lack of an IP rating for dust and water protection is a notable drawback at this price point.

All things considered, these headphones offer good value for the price, and their battery performance is excellent. If you’re on a tighter budget and can’t afford Sony’s premium WH headphones, the Philips TAH8506BK make for a decent alternative. However, if you’re wondering whether they surpass their high-end Sony counterparts, the answer is simply no.