Armin van Buuren and Philips announce A5-Pro DJ headphones

Philips has announced that the A5-PRO DJ headphones, which have been designed in collaboration with Armin Van Buuren.

This is not the first time that company and DJ have worked together - they previously collaborated on the consumer-level M1X-DJ boombox and iOS mixing device in 2013 - but the suggestion is that these cans are aimed very much at the professional market.

"After my passport the first thing I take on the road with me is my headphones," says Armin van Buuren. "Through my headphones I control everything. It needs to be a good piece of equipment because you're using it the whole night of your DJ set.

"Philips believed in my idea for the A5-PRO and I believed in the idea Philips had," adds Armin. "I wanted to develop headphones that have easily replaceable parts and that you can stylize: comfortable, with great sound, and durable."

No word yet on how much the A5-PROs will cost or when they'll be released, but we'll let you know in due course. There's more info in the press release below.

Philips and Armin Van Buuren A5-PRO press release

International DJ legend, Armin van Buuren and Philips reveal the latest release of their unique partnership today by launching the A5-PRO professional DJ Headphones at a private Miami Winter Music Conference performance. Specifically designed by Armin to meet his needs as a globe-trotting DJ, the Philips A5-PRO headphones are the essential tool for any serious DJ professional.

Armin and Philips worked closely together in the co-creation of the headphones, bringing together Armin's industry insights and extensive experience as a world-class DJ, and Philips' technical expertise and heritage in audio innovation. Combining a superior robust aluminium close-backed fit with ultimate source accuracy and clarity, the Philips A5-PRO headphones are designed for professional audio monitoring and mixing on the road.

"After my passport the first thing I take on the road with me is my headphones", says Armin van Buuren. "Through my headphones I controleverything. It needs to be a good piece of equipment because you're using it the whole night of your DJ set.

"Philips believed in my idea for the A5-PRO and I believed in the idea Philips had", adds Armin."I wanted to develop headphones that have easily replaceable parts and that you can stylize: comfortable, with great sound, and durable."

Tim Homewood, Creative Director, Philips, comments:"This collaboration is about using Armin's experience to create an essential tool for the needs of professional DJs. It's so much more than a simple endorsement - we created this headphone together from scratch."

Offering unparalleled sound insulation, ideal when performing to large crowds, the replaceable bayonet mount cushions are available in three sizes, ensuring total comfort. Simply twist and click into place with the same secure mechanism as a camera lens, the foldable anodized aluminium form is easy to customize for optimum sound isolation.

The Philips A5-PRO headphones' 50mm high-definition neodymium drivers offer high quality low-frequency sounds and are engineered for 3500mW high power handling. Source reproduction and sound clarity is second to none, enabling expert listeners to really listen and feel the sound.

The A5-PRO is the latest product in a range of tools for professional and aspiring DJs released as part of the ongoing collaboration between the two Dutch giants. Last year, Armin revealed the Philips M1X-DJ sound system which allows anyone to mix, play and share music in one multifunctional device.

Philips A5-PRO key features

  • 50mm high-definition neodymium drivers
  • 3500mW max high power handling
  • Acoustic close back architecture
  • Dual sided locking cable inputs
  • Come with replaceable cushions 93mm soft isolating ear-cushions
  • Also available: replaceable 80mm on-ear cushions for on the go*
  • Also available: replaceable 110mm over the ear studio cushion*
  • 90 degree swivel ear-shell
  • Ultra compact folding design
  • Genuine leather headband, with soft inner cushion
  • Detachable coil cable
  • Detailed tech and acoustic specs
Ben Rogerson

I’m the Deputy Editor of MusicRadar, having worked on the site since its launch in 2007. I previously spent eight years working on our sister magazine, Computer Music. I’ve been playing the piano, gigging in bands and failing to finish tracks at home for more than 30 years, 24 of which I’ve also spent writing about music and the ever-changing technology used to make it.