Click to view our Accessibility Statement or contact us with accessibility-related questions
Showing 1 of 407 conversations about:
Philips SHP9500 Headphones
MastiffMike
164
Nov 21, 2020
I bought these 3 weeks ago (from somewhere else) but am returning them.
The sound IS pretty incredible, however everything else is subpar.
COMFORT: Some people say they're comfortable but I have issues with it. The headband is nice, but the extreme lack of clamp isn't good. The earpads, while I appreciate their large size, are just too shallow (depth) and so my ears (large size, but lay flat) rub the fabric over the driver. This does NOT happen with any of my other headphones with stock pads nor any of the aftermarket pads I use.
SOUND: The sound is amazing, for the person wearing the headphones. However, these are not just "open" they're speakers attached to your head. The amount of sound bleed is sooooo bad, it's the main reason I'm returning them. I could figure out a way to overcome the comfort issues, but there's just no way to lower the sound bleed to an acceptable level. When I wear these in one room, my wife in the next room over (so 12-15 feet away, through an open doorway) can hear them! So basically, the times where I could wear them without bothering someone else are the exact same times where I could use speakers. As my wife says, if she's going to have to hear my music, them she should be able to listen to it too, and not just be annoyed by the bleed.
BUILD: For the price, it's very well built. Sure there's a fair amount of plastic, but the fit and finish is all quite good. The biggest drawback to the build, and it's a HUGE deal for me, is the pads are not removable, so a pad swap is not doable without destroying the stock pads.
ACCESSORIES: The storage bag is crappy, and the cable is just "meh".
ALTERNATIVES: I find the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x to be a great alternative. It has much better clamping (as in there actually is CLAMPING, since the 9500's basically don't have any). The M40x has very good sound for a closed back, that isn't a whole lot more money ($25-30 more). I found the M40x stock pads a little too small for my liking, but once I switched them out for some Brainwavz, they're extremely comfortable, even for hours at a time. The SHP9500 imagining is slightly better, the sound stage is quite a bit wider, and if I'm nitpicking there's more refined detail throughout the frequency range with the SHP9500, but that's the case for most "open" vs "closed" comparisons. I do appreciate the standard SHP9500 cable connection, whereas the M40x uses a locking connection. So while both have replaceable cables, the 9500 can use pretty much any 3.5mm cable, while the M40x requires a very thin connector (it's recessed so far into the can) and some people may like/dislike the locking connector. Personally, I'd rather not have it locked so that if the cable gets caught on something it'll just be disconnected rather than pull the whole headphone off my head.
Compared to my old Sennheiser HD461, also closed back like the M40x, the SHP9500 is a little more detailed with a wider soundstage, but the really noticeable difference is in tonality. The HD461 is much warmer and mid-forward/focused than the SHP9500. It's not muddy, but it is definitely warmer, while the 9500 sounds more neutral because it's a more expected sound. FWIW, if everything else was equal I tend to enjoy a little more midrange focus, however the HD461 comfort trumps the SHP9500 by a bunch, especially with a pad swap. The only comfort plus to the 9500 is the headband.
perrivan
41
Nov 22, 2020
MastiffMikegreat writeup!
MastiffMike
164
Nov 22, 2020
perrivanThanks. When I first put the SHP9500 on and fired up a reference track, I literally whispered "whoa", the sound was that good. However, the ear pads started to bug me immediately and the lack of clamp was really annoying. Also, the first time my wife walked by the doorway to my den she said "What is that noise?" It was at that point that I realized all the cans I've owned since we got married have been closed back!
I've long considered buying the HD6xx but just not sure if I'd ever use them. I just bought some PXC550ii for traveling, I have the M40x for computer listening, I use the HD461 for music at night, and IEMs for out-and-about stuff (running, gym time, waiting room waits, etc.). I also have some Sennheiser wireless cans for late night movies. So while I want the 6xx sound quality (I've been told it's amazing - and a step up from what I have), I'm just not sure if I'd ever use them. I use speakers for most everyday listening and when I put on headphones (or IEMs) it's because I'm trying not to disturb others, so open cans probably aren't a good fit for me. I even had one of my kids try the 9500s but even with their bedroom door closed, you could still hear them!
Oh well. For people that live alone, the SHP9500 are phenomenal headphones, especially for how cheap they are.
(Edited)
JacobH
41
Feb 2, 2021
MastiffMikeNice write up. For <$80, I think the SHP9500 are probably the best all around open back headphone. They may not be the best at anything, but there is pretty much nothing they are bad at.
I also like the M40x of all the Audio Technica M_0x series the best and they are a solid choice for a fairly neutral closed back headphone in this price range if you find them comfortable.
PRODUCTS YOU MAY LIKE
Trending Posts in Audiophile
Simthaniel
Rigs
Modded headphones with qudelix at the core
When I received the Qudelix 5K, I had already modified a pair of Superlux HD-681 headphones. I previously soldered my own balanced connections to the drivers, providing multiple ways to connect and...
Apr 14, 2024
brothamike
A decent set of IEMs
I am in the midst of a 300 hour burn-in but, I will say I am enjoying how this set sounds so far. Before I received these which was btw late by a few weeks, I purchased a Sony/Kimber Kable MMCX...
Apr 12, 2024
merrick97
Should I exchange the PC38X for better headphones?
I bought the PC38X headphones FOR GAMING and they are great, but I have NO use for a Microphone since I don't do competitive gaming and I was wondering if there were better headphone options at a similar price without a headphone, where (presumably) more of the cost was put into making it sound better. I also find that my PC38X don't get quite as loud as I would like and I was wondering if a cheap amp like the iFi Go link would draw a little more volume out of my phones. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BN6MM822?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details I went with the PC38X since it was considered the best bang for buck headphones. I care most about using spatial apps like DOlby Atmos and DTS Headphone:X. Suggestions are welcome.
Apr 11, 2024
LostnAmerica
Sound Signature of the Grell Project.
Wondering what type of sound signature the Drop Grell project headphones will have or trying to attain. Any update would be appreciated.
Apr 8, 2024
Fabulous
Looking for a gaming/content audio setup
Hello! I'm looking for recommendations on audio setups. I'd be planning on using it mostly for gaming. Preferably I'd like a pair of large closed back headphones since I have a big head and jaw. I'd also like to hear myself through my mic with mic monitoring. As far as budget goes, I don't really have one. But under 600$ would be nice. I can go higher if needed. The audio setup would be connected to a high performance PC. Thank you in advance for any recommendations!
Apr 4, 2024
1plsd
$10 Drop Coupon Email not sent?
Trying to buy some gear off Drop for the first time. I was told I would receive an email with a welcome to drop $10 off promo. I never received that email. Drop was able to send me emails for my login token and email for Password update. But for some reason the $10 off coupon was never sent to me.
Mar 31, 2024
NMPacella
New here
Hello, I just joined, primarily for the audiophile products. Looking at purchasing the NHT C3 speakers for our new living room. Space is about 15 feet wide by 33 long and they will fire long ways. Space is just for general listening, music room with all equipment is downstairs, so hoping they will fill it with sound nicely. Cheers.
Mar 18, 2024
Drop Refurbished
Like-new products you can trustDrop Rewards
Get $5 for every 500 points you earn! Learn more
Drop Keyboard Club
Become a member and expand your keycap collectionCollaborate With Us
For Brands & DesignersFollow Drop