RCA HP900

CNET editors' review

• CNET editors' rating: 3.5 stars Very good
  Detailed editors' rating
  Overall score: 7.0 (3.5 stars)

• Reviewed by:
  Nathaniel Wilkins
• Edited by:
  John P. Falcone
• Reviewed on: 06/11/2004
• Released on: 05/01/2004

Several years ago, we tested a set of vibrating headphones that rattled the backs of our necks, inducing nagging cranial pain. That experience made us apprehensive about RCA's HP900 headphones ($49.99 list), but our fears were quickly allayed by the headphones' superior design and generally decent performance.

The HP900s feature slick gray-and-silver earpieces along with a gray, folding headband that's not padded but makes the 'phones easier to stash. (The HP900s appear to be based on the same design as AOpen's HP-590s.) They fit fairly comfortably for a while but made our ears feel itchy and clamped down after about an hour of nonstop listening. RCA supplies a protective carrying pouch and a 1/8-inch-to-1/4-inch adapter for use with home-audio gear such as an A/V receiver.

The vibration mode is powered by a single AA battery (included). You can use the headphones without the battery installed, but obviously you won't get any vibration. Similar to the in-line battery compartments of noise-reduction headphones, the HP900's weighs down the dual-sided cord a bit. However, the cord's short 3.9-foot length is more of a problem, especially if you need to connect to the back of your desktop computer.

While RCA calls it vibration mode, the effect is more analogous to switching on a subwoofer in a system with small satellite speakers. When we played games, listened to music, or watched DVDs with vibration mode off, the sound was very thin and practically devoid of bass. In comparison, with the vibration mode switched on, audio pulsated forward, filled with bass. For example, the deep, pumping bass line in Snoop Dogg's "Gin and Juice" had more presence than we've heard through any other set of headphones. When we played Unreal Tournament 2004 on the PC, we literally felt the impact of explosions. Viewing DVDs, we experienced a heightened sense of envelopment. What the bass response lacked in accuracy, it made up for with adrenaline-stoking, in-your-face presence. On the treble and midrange side, the HP900 was unimpressive but acceptable for 'phones that cost less than $50. The HP900 played loud enough when connected to our PCs or MP3 players.

All in all, the HP900s are fun novelty headphones. Audio purists should look elsewhere, but most video gamers, DVD viewers, and hip-hoppers will have a high-intensity blast.

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RCA HP900: $7.99

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• 3.5 stars

  "great but get the aopen hp-590s"

  on June 16, 2004

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