Phiaton PS 300 Primal Series Noise Canceling Headphones
Starting at: $259.00
CNET Editors' Review
CNET Editors' Rating
- Reviewed by: Jasmine France
- Released on:
- Reviewed on:
The good: The Phiaton Primal Series 300 Noise Canceling headphones cost less than the Bose QuietComfort 3 and offer more extras, such as an additional rechargeable battery and the capability to work without noise cancellation activated. The headphones are very comfortable and compact. A nice, hard-shelled case and international power adapters are included.
The bad: Although cheaper than the competition from Bose, the PS 300 headphones are still pricey. Bass has a tendency to sound mushy and the PS 300 makes several genres of music sound slightly muffled.
The bottom line: The Phiaton Primal Series 300 Noise Canceling headphones are supercompact and packed with features any frequent flier would lust after, but only those with a particular penchant for dance pop, electronica, and hip-hop should consider picking up a set.
Phiaton edged its way into the headphone market last year with its MS 400 Moderna Series headphones, an eye-catching set that brought solid sound quality and comfortable construction to the table. Now, with the considerably more portable PS 300 Noise Canceling headphones, the company continues its tradition of sleek design and plush comfort. These on-ear 'phones pack in a slew of travel-friendly accessories and, at $299, cost $50 less than the competition from Bose. However, the set failed to provide great sound quality across a wide variety of music, making ... Expand full review
Phiaton edged its way into the headphone market last year with its MS 400 Moderna Series headphones, an eye-catching set that brought solid sound quality and comfortable construction to the table. Now, with the considerably more portable PS 300 Noise Canceling headphones, the company continues its tradition of sleek design and plush comfort. These on-ear 'phones pack in a slew of travel-friendly accessories and, at $299, cost $50 less than the competition from Bose. However, the set failed to provide great sound quality across a wide variety of music, making it most suitable for only a certain type of listener.
The Phiaton PS 300 Noise Canceling headphones are very similar to the Bose On Ear headphones in design. Two small, oval earpads measuring 2.7 inches tall by 2.2 inches wide are designed to be worn on the ear rather than cupping it. As with the Bose set, a single detachable cable descends from the right earpiece, although in the PS 300's case, the cord features an inline muting button that allows you to hear external noise without removing the headphones.
The style of the Phiaton PS 300 headphones varies slightly from the Bose, but we're rather keen on it. Rather than silver accents, you get champagne gold, and the outer covering of the earpieces is a textured black leather. It's a high-end look overall. Thanks to the padded, adjustable headband and super cushy earpads, the PS 300 'phones rival the Bose set in comfort. Of course, as with any on-ear model, you'll want to be aware that this design can overheat your ears after a time.
As far as features are concerned, the Phiaton PS 300 headphones are better than the Bose QuietComfort 3, as they include noise-canceling functionality, but can actually be used without this feature activated. So, if your battery runs out mid-flight, you won't be stuck without music. Not that you'll have to worry about the battery dying anyway, seeing as how Phiaton includes an extra rechargeable cell in the package. In addition to the noise cancellation, the PS 300 headphones include a bass boost feature, which can be activated via switches on the bottom of either earcup. Flipping one enhances the low-end a bit, and turning on the second pumps it up even more.
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Compare selectedSince 2003, Jasmine France has worked at CNET covering everything from scanners to keyboards to GPS devices to MP3 players. She currently cohosts the Crave podcast and spends the majority of her time testing headphones, music software, and mobile apps.
User Reviews
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Showing 2 of 2 reviews
"I own the Phiaton PS300 for 6 months." By RayRay2
Pros: Good esthetics decent sound.
Cons: Weak buid. Both phones are broken in the same place just above the hinges one side broke from a 30 inch drop on a wooden floor the other just taking them off with one hand. Very dissapointed, I would not recomend them.
Summary: I was very excited to get these headphones, lots of attention was given to make them look really cool but unfortunately much less attention was given to make them strong and durrable which is a strange oversight when you consider these are made to carry when travelling especially.When they ... Expand full review
"Worth the money!" By gdiggs1
Pros: Extra battery, decent sound, cheaper compared to its competitor, great accessories
Cons: Noise canceling works, but I wonder if it could be a little better, questions of the quality of product especially the foam for the ear, the sturdiness and the quality
Summary: I was really interested in the Bose Quiet comfort 3, but living in Korea I was not going to be paying 700 dollars for it especially when it loses it functionality with the death of its battery. I have grown to trust and like Bose products for my listening tastes.... Expand full review
Specifications
See full specsQuick Specs
- Headphones Type: Headphones - Binaural
- Product type: Headphones
- Design: Ear-cup
