Having great headphones is blessing on its own. With outstanding sounding headphones, the audio experience becomes a great addition to your life. Having great audio is something that is missed by many as most focus on the viewing experience more rather than enhancing the audio experience. And so, to achieve an immersive experience with anything, Philips has brought about two of their greatest headphones, the Philips SHP9500 and the Philips SHP9500S.
To a more real and isolated audio experience, Philips SHP9500 and the SHP9500S features all the necessary ingredients to do so. The more you use them, the more you will know how good audio can change one’s perspective of the world. The SHP9500 and the SHP9500S feature the state of the art drivers and efficiency that brings about clear, crisp, and immersive sound.
In this article, you will know which one is the best Philips headphone for you, the SHP9500 or the SHP9500S? Read on to know more about them and in the end, you might just cop one for yourself.
Comparisons Table: Philips SHP9500 vs SHP9500S
| Specifications | Philips SHP9500 | Philips SHP9500S |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 6.7 x 7.9 3.9 inches | 8.9 x 7.9 x 4.9 inches |
| Product Weight | 0.66 lbs | 1.40 lbs |
| Fit Type | Over the Ear | Over The Ear |
| Headphone Form Factor | On-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Frequency Range | 12 to 35 kHz | 6 to 35 kHz |
| Magnet | Neodymium | Neodymium |
| Noise Canceling | None except for a slight passive noise cancellation | None except for a slight passive noise cancellation |
| Cable | 1.5 meters | Less than 1.5 meters |
| Cable Type | Tangle-free detachable | Tangle-free detachable |
| Impedance | 32 Ohms | 32 Ohms |
| Microphone | None | None |
| Driver Size | 50 mm | 50 mm |
| Type of Audio | Stereo | Stereo |
Why should you go for the Philips SHP9500?
What other reason can there be to go for the Philips SHP9500 than for the price to performance ratio? With the SHP9500, you are getting everything that you and anybody want out of a headphone.
You want a decent pair of headphones that is going to last you a long while and also a pair that sounds great and does not compromise on the price? Well, SHP9500 is the way to go.
Aside from the incredibly comfortable and cushioned ear cuffs and the headband that immediately puts you in a state of ease when you wear them, a $79.99 price tag for the performance it delivers is alone reason enough for you to buy the SHP9500. Moreover, you are also getting a stylish headphone that also screams that you know your music and should not be judged for your taste in music.
Points for Praise about the SHP9500
- Gives you excellent sound quality no matter what you listen to or how loud you crank it up.
- Comfortable, open-back pads that keep your ears comfortable for long hours.
- Feels lightweight but has excellent build quality at the same time which will keep it with you for a prolonged period.
- The cord can be replaced in case you need a longer one.
- Pretty inexpensive compared to all the features it gives you.
Points for Improvement about the SHP9500
- Bass is not as impressive as it would be with a closed-back headphone.
- Earpads cannot be replaced.
Why should you go for the Philips SHP9500S?
The Philips SHP9500S is an astounding headphone. Its predecessor the Philips SHP9500 was a great headphone itself and the SHP9500S is a level above it. When you get the headphones you will realize how similar they are in the looks department. The SHP9500S might be slightly heavier and that is where the performance lies.
The SHP9500S costs $10 more than its predecessor at $89.99 and the price is justified. The audio quality of the SHP9500S is ecstatic to a point where the sound is almost 3D.
It is a stereo headphone but the audio print puts it on par with the top headphones in the market. The greater soundstage which promotes the clarity of the audio you listen to a point where you can distinguish each instrument, easily makes the SHP9500S the best budget headphone in the market.
Points for Praise about the SHP9500S
- Fantastic sound quality makes you hear every single sound, be it a game, movie, or song.
- The ear cups fit everyone perfectly and the open-back design makes it comfortable to wear throughout the day.
- Has a perfect balance between the highs and lows and is even better when EQ is adjusted.
- The cable is removable making it easy for you to replace it with your choice of cord.
- Superior build that makes it survive for a long time.
Points for Improvement about the SHP9500S
- The cable is pretty short which makes it difficult to go a certain distance from the device.
- Not ideal for calls in front of other people since the sound from the other side escapes.
About the Philips SHP9500: An Overview
The Philips SHP9500, an amazing headset that has the looks, feels, and kick. This headset is an extremely budget-critical device that is ideal for regular consumers who want to get a taste of the premium quality audio. Aside from the fact that it looks heavy, the SHP9500 is surprisingly lightweight for its robust architecture.
This headphone is durable and has a sturdy build quality which is expected from Philips. People would pay a lot to get their hands on any of Philips household products so why not the SHP9500.
The Philips SHP9500 also features detachable cables so you can carry around your headphones without a wire hanging down your throat. Moreover, you can also show off the cool headphones that scream performance.
Due to the open-back design, you will be able to hear the audio from outside however, this does not mean there is any audio leakage. The open-back designs are meant to be like that. Many professional music studios and audio engineers prefer open-back headphones rather than normal ones because of this feature.
The feel of the headphones may be plasticky to some people but the build quality is strong. You can even see the metal framing that holds the architecture in place when you stretch the headband. The double-layer adjustable headband only adds to the comfort as it stretches and fits your head size perfectly.
The features of the SHP9500 are boundless and if you are to list them, this article would be a long one. So here is a shortlist of some of the most important and prime features of the Philips SHP9500 that makes it such a great headset for all consumers to get their hands on.
Features of the SHP9500 Headset
Comfort and Fit
First and foremost, comfort. The Philips SHP9500 excels in the comfort department with its exceptionally soft and cushiony padding that puts you to rest almost instantly. The headband is flexible and adjustable.
You get double-layered headbands that hug your head comfortably no matter the size or shape so they do not fall off your head that easily. Aside from the headband, the ear cuffs are not to be ignored either. The soft padded ear cuffs sit comfortably on your ears without causing any discomfort even during long listening sessions.
Audio Quality and Drivers
The audio quality of the SHP9500 is in no way to be taken lightly. The sound is open and clear. The highs, mids, and lows are perfectly balanced with a good imaging and sound stage.
It is almost as if the audio is raw with little to no alterations which makes it perfect for professional use as well. The 50 mm Neodymium drivers make use of the transmitted audio perfectly giving it the clarity and quality of a premium headset.
Versatility; Can be used anywhere
The versatility of the Philips SHP9500 is amazing. You can use them anywhere and in any environment. They can be used for gaming, professional audio work, music producing, and even while editing.
The 1.5-meter removable connector cable gives you the freedom to use them everywhere. And most importantly, you can use the SHP9500 with or without an amplifier.
Bass Level
The Bass is something you can look forward to if you are going with the SHP9500. There is no dedicated bass booster button or bass changing dial but these have a decent enough bass with a good presence that you will not be needing to change it.
Additionally, the drivers being so close to your ears will also give you the rumble that most users have been looking for. However, you can also customize your audio with any equalizing software or if you want to get the raw experience, a DAC or an amplifier should do well.
About the Philips SHP9500S: An Overview
The Philips SHP9500S, another one of Philips’s great and amazing sounding headsets that sit atop other premium headphones in the market. If compared to the SHP9500, the SHP9500S is another version of it.
The build quality is similar to a point where it might feel cheap when you pick it up but the build is a premium grade with metal framing to protect it from drops and other aggressive usages.
The soft padded over the ear design of the headphone also adds to a certain level of noise cancelation. Since the left and right drivers enclose your ears completely, it isolates the outside world creating passive noise-canceling effects.
The Philips SHP9500S is a great balance between analytical and musical headphones. The audio is not too bass-heavy or light on the bass and you can get the best audio quality due to its huge 50mm Neodymium audio drivers that sit right beside your ears in close proximity.
The open-back design lets in the air and the audio performance is pristine with high clarity. Once you listen to your favorite music on this, it will be hard to take them off because of how attached you will be to it.
There are several features that make this one of the best budget headphones in the market and some of the more significant features are listed down below to nudge you towards choosing your ideal headset (pointing towards the SHP9500S). Follow along to know more.
Features of the SHP9500S Headset
Audio Quality
The audio quality of the SHP9500S is splendid. Especially because of its accurate and efficient sound reproduction by the 50 mm Neodymium drivers that creates pristine and crystal clear audio quality.
You can almost hear each and every node and change the tone with SHP9500S. The soundstage is large enough for all kinds of music and even at high volume, there is no distortion in quality. This is a feature that you will love most since most headphones tend to give out permanently if you crank the volume too high.
Bass
For people who are not too crazy or picky about the bass, the SHP9500S is the perfect headset for them. The bass is not too strong but has a good enough presence that it will deliver accurate thumps to your ears.
Moreover, the balance is perfect with these headphones even though you cannot change the bass. And you will not need to change them since Philips has fine-tuned the bass accurately for you. The 50mm drivers allow them to dip low and the bass can be very satisfying.
Comfort and fit
The comfort of the headphones is a significant factor of usage. The soft padding on the ear cuffs sits perfectly on your ears covering them completely and encasing them in a world of sound.
The ear cuffs have a very soft cushioning that immediately fits your ears. You will feel at ease wearing these headphones and will not be needing to take them off, meaning, the SHP9500S is perfect for long time usage without it getting uncomfortable. The padding and the over-ear design also adds a bit of passive noise canceling to your audio, thus enhancing the quality.
Moreover, the headband is adjustable with dual layers. The inner layer has a soft fabric material and a flexible build so when you adjust the headband, it fits your head comfortably no matter the size.
Can be used anywhere and with anything
The versatility of the Philips SHP9500S is off the charts. The beautiful design of the headphones makes it perfect for outdoor usage as it does not stand out as much but enough that it will not bother other people.
If you are a gamer, you can definitely use them with your console or PC while gaming. Moreover, the connecting wire is long enough so you have some freedom to move around. You can even use the SHP9500S for some audio editing and music production as well. The usage and compatibility of the SHP9500S keep going on and on.
Facts and Features: Philips SHP9500 vs SHP9500S
The Philips SHP9500 vs SHP9500S are two of the best affordable headsets you can find in the market right now. They have all the good qualities of a great headphone plus the additional features that you get with Philips.
The two headphones, SHP9500 and the SHP9500S are similar in many aspects but also differ in the most crucial aspects as well which might determine whether you should go for this or not. And so to clear out that confusion for you, here is a comparison Philips SHP9500 vs SHP9500S of the different sectors for each of the headset
Philips SHP9500 vs SHP9500S: Frequency Range
Philips SHP9500
For the SHP9500, the frequency range is set from 12 to 35 kHz. This calls for a well-balanced bass and treble that will suit your ears. The audio quality will be clear enough for you to single out the details and the overall performance is amazing ensuring you a good listening experience whether you are listening to Metallica or Beethoven.
Philips SHP9500S
With the Philips SHP9500S, the frequency range is between 6 and 35 kHz. The range is increased with the SHP9500S which means there is more room for performance. You get a lower bass and a higher treble.
The audio is still balanced except it is more clearer now with a larger soundstage. So the instrumentals are more precise and you can even distinguish the instruments one from the other.
Philips SHP9500 vs SHP9500S: The Cable Length
Philips SHP9500
The connector cable on the SHP9500 is 1.5 meters long and is tangle-free. So you will be able to move around freely and tuck them inside your backpack without having to worry about untangling the cables.
The cable length is one of the factors that will differentiate between the SHP9500 and the SHP9500S as both of the headphones look visually the same.
Philips SHP9500S
The connector cable length on the SHP9500S is shorter than that of the SHP9500. This is a troublesome factor as if the cable is not long enough, having some freedom to move around will not be possible.
You will obviously need some room for movement. On the other hand, it is also an advantage as you do not have to coil the wire up too long nor will it be tangled often.
Alternative Headphones: Philips SHP9500 vs SHP9500S
Philips Hi-Res Audio Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
A sleek looking wireless headphone with active noise canceling that takes you to another dimension of high-resolution audio. It looks and feels comfortable in every aspect and the best part, you get a nice carrying pouch, an over-ear design to cover the entirety of your ears, and long battery life.
Philips BASS+ Wireless Noise Canceling Headphone
Another one of Philips’s amazing wireless noise-canceling headphones that, despite having an active noise canceling and great audio drivers, still has a 15-hour long battery life on a full charge. Amazing right? It also features a compact structure with an on-ear design that caters to your comfort and does not fall off easily.
Philips SHP2000 Corded Audio Headphones
Do not let the robust size and shape of the Philips SHP2000 intimidate you. Rather feel the headphones for its entirety. Another one of Philips great headsets and this time it is a corded one.
These are lightweight despite the looks and have a more comfortable feel to it for its soft padding that sits well to any ears. The over-ear design caters to your satisfaction and also adds to the performance and audio quality. You will be surprised by the amount of passive noise canceling you will get out of it. It is splendid.
Philips SHB9100RD/28 Headset
If design along with comfort is your top priority in a headphone, this Philips Bluetooth Stereo Headphone is the way to go. It comes with a comfortable fit and the open-back design lets your ears breathe no matter how long you wear them.
Moreover, when you want a distraction-free environment to concentrate on what you are watching or hearing, the noise cancellation feature of this will be your best friend! All these features and yet this Philips SHB9100RD/28 will look amazing with its glossy red color.
Philips Fidelio X2HR/00 Headphone
A Philips headphone of the Fidelio series is sure to take your hats off with its quality and performance. The audio prowess of this headphone is so well due to its layered motion control diaphragm and acoustic open-back architecture that it deserves a series of its own called the Fidelio series of Philips.
All of these features deliver such amazing audio quality and increased audio fidelity, ergo the name “Fidelio” originated. The X2HR/00 is one of the best in the series. There are more headsets which include –
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Your wondering time with confusion is over, this FAQ section is going to bring some solution to those wondering about Philips SHP9500 vs SHP9500S. Let’s find out more!
Is the Frequency range the only difference between the SHP9500 and the SHP9500S?
Yes, the frequency range of SHP9500 is from 12 to 35 kHz and the range for the SHP9500S is from 6 to 35 kHz. This calls for a tighter, lower base and a higher treble for the SHP9500S.
How to differentiate between the SHP9500S and the SHP9500 visually?
The cable of the SHP9500S will be shorter than 1.5 meters and the SHP9500 will have a cable exactly 1.5 meters long. Also, the S version will be heavier than its predecessor.
Is there any noise canceling in the headsets?
No, there is no active noise canceling on either of the headsets but due to the close build of the headphones, there is a slight amount of passive noise cancellation due to the massive drivers and the big ear cuffs enclosing your ears.
Do these leak sound?
Since the headsets have an open back design, sound can most definitely be heard from the outside as it lets the audio in. So it might be unpleasant to some people.
Where can I use these headsets and what devices can I use these with?
You can use these headsets with anything that has a 3.5 mm headphone jack. You can play games wearing these, listen to music, watch movies and even do some audio editing. These open-back headphones leak audio so it might be an inconvenience to use and listen to in public and sound leaks through.
Final Verdict: Philips SHP9500 vs SHP9500S
The SHP9500 and the SHP9500S are both similar in regards that one succeeds the other. Build quality, comfort and every other aspect visually are similar but the performance is where the difference lies and makes the decision for you.
Once you put on each of the headphones and listen to the same audio over both of them, you will understand which supersedes which.
The decision lies entirely up to your preference whether you want to pay $10 more to get the latest one or stay with the original. However, recently it was seen that the SHP9500 is discontinued by Philips and the SHP9500S has replaced it and taken up the mantle. So the decision is kind of made for you. But, you can still find the old SHP9500 if you look for it.
In the performance department, one sounds a little better than the other but only after you have listened to them for a long period of time. So the best way would be to take both of them for a test drive at your local audio store, play your favorite track, and swim in a comfortable wave of music.
No matter what you choose, be assured that you are getting a Philips product, which means, along with the product, you are also getting Philips’s durability, longevity, and great device service.
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