Philips SHP9500 Headphones Review – Incredible Value

Philips SHP9500s Headphones on desk next to books

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Current testing methodology is v1.2

Release Date
September 1, 2013
Price
$149.90
Model:
SHP9500/00
Weight
10.6 oz
Size
6.7 x 7.9 x 3.9 in

Whether you listen to music for fun or listen to audio for work, the most important accessory is your headphones. Having the right fit and the perfect sound quality will change your audio experience by leaps and bounds, but how do you choose the perfect model?

That question is subjective, but there are definitely a few factors that help, such as a good driver and a comfortable design. Looking at these two features, you will find that there are a number of great options available.

Editor’s Pick
Philips SHP9500 Headphones

Philips SHP9500 and its open-back, over-ear design is comfortable for long-term wear and has low impedance so that it will work great with and without headphone amplifiers, allowing you to enjoy greater sound transparency and smooth high frequencies.

We thought it would be a good idea to take an in-depth look at one of them, the Philips SHP9500 headphones, and see if it is worth your time and hard-earned money.

The first thing we’ll say about the SHP9500 is that they look really good. Everyone has their personal tastes but they’re just a good looking set of cans.

Philips SHP9500 Headphones

Philips has been around for a long time and has always strived to create innovative and high-performance products. With the SHP9500 headphone, that starts with the build and design.

The headphones are constructed with a durable metal headband that is wrapped in multiple layers of comfortable foam. That, mixed with the breathable and comfortable ear pads, makes this model very comfortable to wear. It is a full-sized headband that can be adjusted to fit just right.

These open-back headphones have excellent airflow, which will help the unit stay fresh and keep the earpads on point (seeing as how you can’t replace them). The product also comes with a cable that can be removed. The 4.5-foot cable is capped with a gold plated connector. The length is perfect for mobility indoors.

Philips SHP9500 Headphones on office desk next to laptop
The L/R might look different but the Philips SHP9500 are a great looking headphone.

If you need more room, though, you can always disconnect it and attach a longer 3.5mm cable. The overall design is sleek and professional looking.

Who are These Headphones for?

This set of headphones is a great option for every audiophile, but there is one group that it definitely will be more useful for. The stellar sound quality, mixed with an affordable price, makes this great for the person who wants to enjoy music or movies but can’t afford the higher-priced options on the market.

They have a really comfortable fit and would also suit those with larger heads or people wanting a nice, breathable set of cans.

They really look quite nice and have a more natural look to them than something like the Sennheiser HD range e.g. HD 600 or HD 598.

Another user that might get a little more from the headphones is the person who works with headphones all day. This could be video editors, graphic designers, or just people who can’t work without sound. The comfort of the headphones makes it easy to wear all day.

What is Included?

When you purchase the Philips SHP9500 headphones, you get the following in the box:

  • Headphones
  • Mesh carrying case
  • 4.5-foot cable
  • Warranty card
  • Jack adapter

Overview of Features

There are a lot of features and attributes that combine together to deliver an excellent audio experience when it comes to headphones. The designers and engineers at Philips understand that and made sure that the SHP9500 was built with the following:

  • Drivers – 50mm neodymium
  • Weight – 0.6 lbs.
  • Headphone design- open-back, over-ear
  • 4.5-foot cable
  • Multi-layered headband cushioning
  • Breathable ear pads
  • Gold-plated 3.5mm jack
  • Frequency Range: 12 – 35000Hz
  • Impedance – 32 ohm

There is a lot we can say about this headphone, and it all seems to center around comfort and performance. The sound quality, of course, is where we should start, though. With a 50mm neodymium driver, you will get accuracy of frequency, as well as full sound reproduction.

This doesn’t mean that it will struggle a bit with low or high sounds like bass. The bass is still great but not well suited for those who like heavy bass. In a nutshell, the headphones reduce noise coloration, and that gives the sound amazing clarity.

Another great feature is the interchangeable cable. However, if you plan on replacing the stock cable, make sure you find the highest quality possible. By doing this, you won’t detract from the awesome sound quality that these headphones have to offer.

The open stage and balanced sound make every note crisp and clear. You may not be able to crank up the bass when using them, but the end audio quality is stunning. It offers versatility, as well, and it is designed to be able to switch out cables when needed.

That doesn’t mean that there aren’t a few issues, though. Other than the bass leaking a bit due to the open-back design, the earpads are not replaceable. That means that care and maintenance are vital to extending the life of these headphones. The earphone pads are also a little shallow for some.

Even with those few minor issues, the features, performance, and comfort you get for such a budget-friendly price make these headphones a worthwhile investment.

Now that we have had a look at some of the features, let’s check out the pros and cons of the Philips SHP9500.

Pros

  • Price versus value is good
  • Headphones have a good build quality
  • Excellent open soundstage
  • Sound is balanced and detailed
  • Comes with a removable cord

Cons

  • Earpads are not replaceable
  • Earpads have a shallow design

Alternative

If you want something that is truly wireless without needing Bluetooth, then the headphones we are looking at are not a good choice for you. However, we have found a solid alternative in the price range. Who doesn’t like a solid sequel?

Philips SHP9600 Headphones

Philips SHP9600 Headphones
Philips SHP9600 Headphones

So what makes the Philips SHP9600 superior, and a great alternative to its predecessor? The first thing that comes into mind is the design of the headphones. If you love a sleeker design, then SHP9600 should be on your list.

Moreover, the extended bass feature makes things better for listening to your favorite songs. When we are talking about outdoor usage, SHP9600 might compromise some audio due to the open-back design. Other than that, the sound profile is quite balanced.

The lightweight headphones are comfortable for your ears, similar to SHP9500. You get comfort from every angle thanks to the ear cups and well-padded headband.

Final Thoughts

When you are looking for the right headphone for you, it is vital to find the one that offers you the sound quality and comfort that you want. That being said, there is a lot to love about the Philips SHP9500. The headphones are constructed with the end-user in mind.

Durable and padded in just the right spots, you will be able to enjoy music or whatever audio you choose for hours on end.

As a 32 ohms headphone you’ll be able to drive these easily from your iPhone, Smartphone if you decide that is your source. You could also use these in the studio or at home and the results will be equally impressive. The 32 ohms just makes them more accessible for everyone.

Read the latest reviews for the
Philips SHP9500 Headphones on Amazon

If you have any questions, drop them in the comments below.

Philips SPH9500 Review
Philips SHP9500 Headphones
Value for Money
Build Quality
Sound Quality
Comfort
4.8

Slava is a man of mystery and no-one seems to know exactly where he is at any point in time. When he isn't enjoying writing about all things audio and technical he can be found researching his next project of interest. The man never rests.

This post was last updated on 2024-03-14 / Some images from Amazon Product API & some links may be affiliate links which may earn us a commission from purchases.


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