Philips Audio SHP9500 HiFi Precision Stereo Over-Ear Headphones (Black)

The hype is real. These cans sound nearly as good as units costing more than 2x as much!
Wow! I am really surprised at how true the hype is — I just received these headphones today, and as I was listening to them, I felt compelled to come write this review because I am so happy with the way they sound.I love good sounding audio. I’m kinda picky about it. But I increasingly dislike the term “audiophile,” and not being independently wealthy, I don’t own much gear. So, I try to make my purchases wisely. That’s how I wound up with the SHP9500s.A little background: My first “real” headphones were Audio Technica ATH-M30s (the original generation, not the current M30X). I probably bought ATs back around 2003 or so, and they were pretty much my only cans for 15 years. They were beat to hell, but always never gave me any trouble. And I thought they sounded just fine.Since they were starting to get pretty worn out, I decided it was time to upgrade. So a few years ago, I bought a Schiit Fulla 2 DAC/amp combo and some Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pros (250 ohm). I never knew how much I was missing with the ATH-M30s until I started using the DT 770s. It was beyond night and day.The DT 770s have been my daily drivers for a couple years now. I love them; they really do sound so nice. I think they’re beginning to be at the point of diminishing returns, though – if I start to spend much more than I did for the DT 770s, I probably won’t notice nearly the improvement I did when I went from the ATH-M30s to the 770s.But, the 770s are closed-back headphones. I had never really tried open-back headphones. I heard open cans tend to have better sound stages, can be more comfortable, and of course make it easier to hear your surroundings (this can be bad and good – but there are times when I need to be aware of what other people are doing, in an office environment, for example, so that’s why I consider it a “good” thing). Anyway, while the DT 770s aren’t necessarily uncomfortable, they’re definitely noticeable and can get kind of tiresome after an extended session. So, I decided it was high time to try some open-back headphones, and the SHP9500 kept popping up with rave reviews.When black Friday came around, I decided to nab ’em. I almost pulled the trigger on the more expensive Philips Fidelio X2HR, which were also on sale, but the SHP9500 seemed like a sure bet based on the sheer number of great reviews, and money was is tight, anyway. Plus, there are those who say the 9500s are less colored or “V” shaped than the X2HRs, and I tend to prefer headphones that don’t color the sound too much.TL;DR – My headphone progression has been Audio Technica ATH-M30 > Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (250 ohm) > Philips SHP9500. The DT 770 Pros are arguably several “grades” better than the 9500s, and easily 2x the price. But these 9500s sound *almost* as good — really. DT 770s are closed-back, these 9500s are open-back. The sound stage is slightly disappointing on the 9500s – I thought it would be better since they’re open-back, but I think the DT 770s have a better stage. Definitely less bass with the 9500s, but its still good bass! The SHP9500s are very clear, crisp, and detailed. Overall, there is just a tad less “depth” and “body” to the sound when compared to my DT 770s – and less rumble in the bass – but it is _so close_ in overall quality – and more comfortable than the DT 770s – that these SHP9500s are worth buying for everyday use, backup use, a 2nd pair of cans to keep at the office – whatever. I’m already thinking about buying a second pair! They’re that good. That said, I still have a lot more listening and comparison to do, so this review may be subject to change. Also, make sure to check the prices. Around $50-60, they’re a steal. Much more than that, I’d consider putting my money toward something higher-end.

Qualidade de som excelente, boa resposta em todas as frequências, sem graves acentuados demais.Conchas grandes, envolventes e confortáveis, mesmo para quem usa aparelho auditivo RIC e tem orelhas grandes.No escritório, o som em volume normal não é perceptível para outras pessoas no mesmo ambiente.Por outro lado, sendo design aberto, não isola muito os ruídos externos. No meu caso é bom, pois percebo quando alguém me chama.Usei por várias horas ininterruptas sem incômodos.Gostei que o cabo sai do fone, ajuda no transporte.Qualidade de construção boa, passa impressão de que terá boa durabilidade.Considero que tem boa relação custo-benefício.

These are the best headphone I have heard and for the money your not going to get better.They light very comfortable and very very clear with a great range with a full and open sound stage.With my ears which aren’t young , The bass starts at 32 hz and they and drop off at 13.5 khz .Some people on the internet say they are bass thin. I would say they just are running them on gear that can’t powers them. I has them plugged into my monitor and the bass was thin. Plugged them straight into the PC and could the 32hz easy. When plugged into my Amp in my lounge good strong clear bass.If your looking at spend twice the money save it and buy these 3 times the money save it buy these.

Aus klanglicher Sicht betrachtet geht der Philips SHP9500 in Richtung AKG K601/K612/K701, Beyerdynamic DT880 und Shure SRH 940 – er ist also ein eher hell klingender Kopfhörer. Bass ist für meinen Geschmack ausreichend vorhanden (sowohl was Basstiefe als auch -menge betrifft), “Boombasten” sollten dann aber doch lieber zum Audio Technica ATH M50 oder dem Beyerdynamic DT770 greifen.Die Höhen empfinde ich – vor allem bei hohen Lautstärken – allerdings auf Dauer irgendwie als “harsch”, anders kann ich es nicht beschreiben. Ob das an einer fiesen Höhenbetonung, an Verzerrungen oder einfach Inkompatibilität mit meinen Ohren liegt … keine Ahnung. Jedenfalls kann der Philips in dieser Disziplin in meinen Ohren nicht mit den anderen oben genannten Modellen mithalten. Die virtuelle Bühne ist eher unauffällig.Die Verarbeitung erscheint auf den ersten Blick sehr gut. Beim Anfassen ändert sich das allerdings etwas: das über dem Kopfbügel verlaufende Kunststoffband fühlt sich an wie billigstes Plastik, und der sonst verwendete Kunststoff wirkt auf mich auch nicht besonders wertig. Aber hier sollte ich vielleicht das Preisschild und mein subjektives Empfinden nicht aus den Augen verlieren.Uneingeschränkt Positiv: das dank stinknormaler 3,5mm-Klinke am Kopfhörer leicht wechselbare Kabel und der angenehme Sitz (bei meinem Modell musste ich beim Anpassen der Ohrmuscheln allerdings nachhelfen, da die Gelenke schwergängig waren). Die Ohrpolster sind übrigens aus so einem netzartigen Material, wie es auch der Sony MDR MA900 hat. Kann man mögen, muss man aber nicht. Ich mag Velours/Plüsch lieber, vermute aber, dass der am Philips eingesetzte Stoff an heißen Tagen angenehmer zu tragen ist.Unter dem Strich würde ich sagen: für die derzeit geforderten 110 bis 120 Euro auf jeden Fall ein Alternative für diejenigen, die einen hellen, im Tiefton vergleichsweise neutralen Kopfhörer bis 150 Euro suchen (dann wird aber auch schon der AKG K612 interessant, dem ich wegen des sanfteren Hochtons den Vorzug gegenüber dem Philips geben würde).Meiner vorherigen Krittelei zum Trotz halte ich (mit Blick auf den geforderten Preis) die gebotene Leistung des Philips für sehr gut.