Philips Citiscape Uptown

Philips CitiScape Uptown

Let it never be said that Philips doesn't know how to design visually striking products—the company's CitiScape Uptown headphones have a classy retro look that immediately grabs your eye. At $149.99 (list), the headphones are priced to compete in a crowded field. The inclusion of phone controls and a microphone that work with several models—not just the iPhone—is a definite strength, but the control compartment also features a an ineffective volume slider (more on that later). Sonically, the emphasis is on high-mid and high frequencies here. Lower frequencies are represented, but not always strongly, and the headphones can occasionally sound a bit thin or overly bright. For the most part, though, and particularly with popular music, the CitiScape Uptown delivers quality audio with an emphasis on clarity. DesignThe Philips CitiScape Uptown's gets most of its old school look is from its large padded ear cups and a brown, heavily padded headband. Our review unit had silver-and-cream-colored ear cups, but the arguably sharper-looking model is the black-and-brown pair seen on this page. Both pairs feature what Philips calls "MusicSeal"—it's even printed on the outside panel of the ear cups.