Philips Shp9500 vs Shp9600: Which Headphones Reign Supreme?
Are you on the hunt for a new pair of headphones, and the Philips SHP9500 and SHP9600 have caught your eye? You’re in good company! These two models are popular choices for audiophiles and casual listeners alike, known for their open-back design and comfortable fit.
But with both offering impressive sound quality and features, choosing between the Philips SHP9500 and the SHP9600 can be tricky. This in-depth comparison will break down the key differences, helping you determine which pair best suits your needs and budget. We’ll explore their sound signatures, build quality, and overall value.
Get ready to dive into the details and discover which Philips headphone comes out on top in the ultimate SHP9500 vs SHP9600 showdown. Whether you prioritize a specific sound profile or seek the most well-rounded experience, we’ve got you covered. Let the comparison begin!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | SHP9500 | SHP9600 |
|---|---|---|
| Driver Size | 50mm | 50mm |
| Frequency Response | 12 – 35,000 Hz | 12 – 35,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 32 ohms | 32 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 101 dB | 101 dB |
| Weight | 320g | 320g |
| Cable Length | 3m | 3m |
| Cable Type | Detachable | Detachable |
| Earcup Design | Open-back | Open-back |
| Ear Pad Material | Velour | Velour |
| Headband Material | Steel | Steel |
| Microphone | No | No |
| Included Accessories | 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter | 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Sound Signature
- Philips Shp9500: Known for a balanced and open sound signature with a slightly emphasized treble. Offers a wide soundstage, making it great for gaming and enjoying music with good instrument separation. Can sometimes lack a punchy bass.
- Shp9600: Offers a more refined and balanced sound signature compared to the SHP9500. It features a slightly more present bass response and a smoother treble, resulting in a warmer overall sound. Some users find the soundstage slightly less expansive.
- Winner: Tie
Comfort
- Philips Shp9500: Extremely comfortable with velour earcups and a lightweight design. The open-back design promotes breathability, allowing for extended listening sessions without excessive heat buildup. The headband may require some adjustment for a perfect fit.
- Shp9600: Similar to the SHP9500, the SHP9600 offers great comfort with velour earcups and a lightweight design. It also features an open-back design. The headband design is slightly updated for a more secure fit.
- Winner: Tie
Build Quality
- Philips Shp9500: Primarily plastic construction, which contributes to its lightweight feel. The build quality is decent for the price, but not exceptionally robust. The headband adjustment can feel a bit loose.
- Shp9600: The build quality is improved with some metal accents and a more refined design compared to the SHP9500. The plastic construction is still present, but feels more premium. The headband adjustment is more secure.
- Winner: shp9600
Soundstage
- Philips Shp9500: Boasts a wide and airy soundstage, providing a spacious listening experience. Excellent for gaming and immersing yourself in music. The open-back design contributes significantly to the expansive sound.
- Shp9600: The soundstage is still good, but slightly less expansive than the SHP9500. It offers a more intimate listening experience. The soundstage is still better than many closed-back headphones.
- Winner: philips shp9500
Bass Response
- Philips Shp9500: The bass response is present, but not overly emphasized. It’s relatively balanced, which may leave some users desiring more low-end punch, especially for genres like electronic music.
- Shp9600: Features a slightly enhanced bass response compared to the SHP9500, providing a fuller and more satisfying low-end experience. This makes it more appealing for listeners who prefer a more bass-driven sound.
- Winner: shp9600
Treble Response
- Philips Shp9500: The treble is slightly emphasized, which can sometimes lead to a brighter sound. This can be beneficial for detail retrieval but may be fatiguing for some listeners over extended periods.
- Shp9600: The treble is smoother and more refined than the SHP9500, resulting in a less fatiguing listening experience. The highs are still present but are less likely to cause listener fatigue.
- Winner: shp9600
Accessories
- Philips Shp9500: Comes with a detachable 3-meter cable with a 3.5mm connector. Includes a 6.35mm adapter. Packaging is fairly basic.
- Shp9600: Includes a detachable 3-meter cable with a 3.5mm connector and a 6.35mm adapter. The packaging is slightly more premium than the SHP9500.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- Philips Shp9500: Typically available at a slightly lower price point than the SHP9600, offering excellent value for money. Often considered a budget audiophile favorite.
- Shp9600: Generally priced slightly higher than the SHP9500, reflecting the improvements in build quality and sound refinement. Still considered a budget-friendly option.
- Winner: philips shp9500
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Sound Quality (Overall) | SHP9600 (Slightly more refined) |
| Comfort | Tie |
| Build Quality | Tie |
| Value | SHP9500 (Slightly better) |
| Soundstage | Tie |
What They Have in Common
- Driver Size: Both headphones utilize 50mm drivers, suggesting a similar potential for sound reproduction. This size is common for over-ear headphones, offering a good balance between sound quality and comfort.
- Open-Back Design: Both the SHP9500 and SHP9600 feature an open-back design, which typically provides a wider soundstage and more natural sound reproduction. This design allows for better airflow and reduces pressure on the ears.
- Impedance: Both headphones have an impedance of 32 ohms, making them relatively easy to drive and suitable for use with a variety of devices, including smartphones and laptops. This means you won’t necessarily need a dedicated amplifier to get good sound.
- Detachable Cable: Both models include a detachable cable, which is a convenient feature for replacement if damaged and provides flexibility in cable length or type. This also makes the headphones more portable and easier to store.
- Comfort: Both headphones are known for their comfort, often featuring velour earcups and a lightweight design, making them suitable for long listening sessions. The materials used contribute to a comfortable fit.
Philips SHP9500 vs SHP9600 Buying Guide
Sound Quality and Performance
Both the Philips SHP9500 and SHP9600 are known for their open-back design, which contributes to a spacious and airy soundstage. The SHP9500 delivers a balanced and natural sound signature, making it suitable for various music genres. It offers good clarity and detail, with a slightly emphasized mid-range. The SHP9600 builds upon this, refining the sound with improved bass response and a more controlled treble, resulting in a slightly more refined and enjoyable listening experience. The SHP9600’s soundstage is also well-regarded, providing an immersive feel.
Comfort and Design
Comfort is a key aspect of both headphones, with their plush velour earcups and lightweight designs. The SHP9500 is known for its exceptional comfort, allowing for long listening sessions without fatigue. The clamping force is moderate, and the earcups provide ample space for most ear sizes. The SHP9600 maintains this comfort level, with some users finding the earcups slightly improved. The design is similar, with both featuring a sleek and minimalist aesthetic. Both are comfortable enough for extended use, making them ideal for home listening.
Build Quality and Durability
The build quality of both headphones is generally good for their price point, although they are primarily constructed from plastic. The SHP9500 feels sturdy enough for home use, but the plastic construction might not withstand rough handling. The SHP9600 offers similar build quality, with a similar feel in the hand. The headband adjustment mechanisms on both models are reliable. While neither is designed for heavy-duty use, they should withstand normal wear and tear if treated with care. Consider using a headphone stand for prolonged life.
Features and Accessories
Both models come with a detachable cable, a convenient feature for storage and replacement. The SHP9500 typically includes a 3-meter cable with a 3.5mm connector, and a 6.35mm adapter. The SHP9600 offers a similar cable arrangement. Both headphones lack advanced features such as active noise cancellation or Bluetooth connectivity. They focus on delivering a pure audio experience. The included accessories are minimal, reflecting the budget-friendly approach of these headphones. They are designed for simplicity.
Price and Value
Both the SHP9500 and SHP9600 offer excellent value for their price. The SHP9500 is often considered a budget audiophile favorite due to its impressive sound quality and comfort at a low price. The SHP9600, typically priced slightly higher, presents better refinement. The price difference often reflects the improvements in sound and build quality. Both are very affordable open-back headphones, making them accessible to a wide range of consumers looking for high-quality audio without breaking the bank. The value is undeniable.
Ideal Use Cases
The SHP9500 and SHP9600 are best suited for home listening, critical listening, and gaming. Their open-back design makes them ideal for environments where sound leakage is not a concern. The SHP9500 is a versatile option for music, movies, and gaming, suitable for those seeking a balanced sound signature. The SHP9600 is great for the same use cases, and is a slight upgrade. Both headphones are a great choice for those seeking an immersive listening experience. They are also suitable for content creation.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy SHP9500 If…
- You prioritize a slightly brighter sound signature with a more energetic presentation.
- You prefer a more classic, no-frills design.
- You want a headphone known for its excellent value for the price.
- You are looking for a headphone with a wide soundstage.
Buy SHP9600 If…
- You prefer a more refined and balanced sound signature with a touch more bass.
- You want a more modern and updated design.
- You value the subtle improvements in sound and build quality.
- You are looking for a headphone with a slightly improved comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the SHP9500 and SHP9600?
The SHP9600 is an evolution of the SHP9500, offering improvements in sound quality and build. The SHP9600 tends to have a slightly more refined sound, with better bass response and a more controlled treble. The build quality is also slightly improved. The SHP9600 is also typically priced slightly higher. Both headphones share the same comfortable design and open-back characteristics.
Are the SHP9500 and SHP9600 good for gaming?
Yes, both the SHP9500 and SHP9600 are excellent for gaming. Their open-back design provides a wide soundstage, allowing for accurate positional audio, which is crucial for competitive gaming. The comfortable fit allows for extended gaming sessions. They also provide a clear and detailed sound signature that can enhance the overall gaming experience, making them a good option.
Do these headphones require an amplifier?
While the SHP9500 and SHP9600 can be driven by most devices, they benefit from an amplifier, especially if you want to maximize their potential. An amplifier will provide more power, resulting in a louder and more dynamic sound. You can certainly use them with a smartphone or computer, but an external amp can unlock their full sonic capabilities. This is particularly true for the SHP9600.
What is the soundstage like on these headphones?
Both the SHP9500 and SHP9600 offer a spacious and open soundstage, which is typical of open-back headphones. This creates a sense of airiness and separation between instruments, allowing you to perceive the location of sounds more accurately. The SHP9600 has a slightly wider and more accurate soundstage. This makes them ideal for both music and gaming.
Are these headphones good for bass-heavy music?
The SHP9600 is slightly better for bass-heavy music than the SHP9500 due to its improved bass response. However, neither headphone is designed to deliver a particularly strong bass punch. Both offer a balanced sound signature, which is not ideal for bass-focused listeners. You may need to consider EQ adjustments or look at other models.
What kind of cable do these headphones use?
Both headphones use a detachable cable with a 3.5mm connector. The SHP9500 and SHP9600 include a 3-meter cable. These cables are generally replaceable if they get damaged. You can easily find replacement cables online. This is a convenient feature, extending the lifespan of the headphones. The detachable cable is a standard feature.
Are the earcups replaceable?
Yes, the earcups on both the SHP9500 and SHP9600 are replaceable. This is a common feature on headphones, allowing you to maintain comfort and hygiene. Replacement earcups are readily available online. Replacing the earcups is relatively easy, allowing you to extend the lifespan. This is an important consideration for long term use.
Final Verdict
Both the Philips SHP9500 and SHP9600 offer excellent value. The SHP9500 provides a fantastic entry point into audiophile sound, while the SHP9600 refines the experience with improved bass and build. The SHP9600 is the better option for those seeking a more refined listening experience. Both are highly recommended for home use.
Winner: Philips SHP9600