Honest Review: Philips SHP9500/00 Headphone
Honest Review: Philips SHP9500/00 Headphone
If you’ve spent any time on audio forums, you’ve heard of the Philips SHP9500. They’re legendary, spoken of as the “king” of budget audiophile headphones. For years, I was skeptical. Could a pair of headphones this affordable really be that good? I finally bought a pair to find out for myself.
After weeks of testing—using them for music (FLAC, Spotify), gaming (PC), and watching movies—I’m ready to give my honest verdict.
Quick Verdict: Is It Worth It?
Absolutely, yes. The Philips SHP9500 isn’t just hype; it’s the real deal. For the price, they are arguably the best open-back headphones for anyone starting their audiophile journey, or for any gamer who values a massive soundstage over thumping bass.
They are unbelievably comfortable, sound incredibly clear and spacious, and are built to last. They have flaws, but their strengths are so profound that they’re easy to overlook.
Pros & Cons After 50+ Hours of Use
What I Liked (Pros) ✅
- Incredible Soundstage: The open-back design makes music and games feel huge. It’s like you’re in the room, not just listening with headphones.
- Unbelievable Comfort: They are very lightweight. The earcups are massive and made of a soft, breathable fabric. I wore these for 6 hours straight with zero discomfort or ear sweat.
- Crystal Clear Audio: The 50mm drivers are tuned for clarity. Mids and highs are crisp and detailed. Great for vocals, classical, and acoustic music.
- Build Quality: The headband is reinforced with steel and has a premium, durable feel. Nothing creaks or feels cheap.
- Removable Cable: It uses a standard 3.5mm cable, which is a huge plus. You can easily replace it or add a V-Moda BoomPro mic to turn it into an amazing gaming headset.
What I Didn’t Like (Cons) ❌
- No Sound Isolation: This is a feature, not a bug, of open-backs. You can hear *everything* around you. And everyone around you can hear *everything* you’re listening to.
- Light on Bass: If you’re a bass-head who loves EDM or hip-hop, these are not for you. The bass is present and “tight,” but it doesn’t slam or rumble.
- The Cable is L-O-N-G: The included 1.5-meter (4.9 ft) cable is great for plugging into a TV across the room, but it’s comically long for a desk or portable use.
Detailed Breakdown
Sound Quality (The Star of the Show)
The first word that comes to mind is “spacious.” The soundstage on the SHP9500 is massive. When gaming in *Cyberpunk 2077* or *Elden Ring*, I could pinpoint exactly where sounds were coming from. It felt more like using a good pair of speakers than headphones.
For music, they are very “neutral” and clear. Vocals and instruments in songs like Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” are so crisp it’s like they’re being performed live in front of you. As mentioned in the cons, the bass is polite. It’s accurate, but it won’t satisfy anyone looking for that deep, skull-shaking rumble.
Comfort & Build Quality
I cannot overstate how comfortable these are. They’re so light I honestly forgot I was wearing them. The earcups are huge and fit completely over my (admittedly large) ears without touching them. The fabric pads don’t get hot or sticky like leatherette. The metal headband has a soft, suspended cushion that distributes the weight perfectly. 10/10 for comfort.
A Quick Note: The “Open-Back” Experience
If you’ve never used open-back headphones, you need to know what you’re getting into. The “open” part means the back of the earcups is grilled and lets air and sound pass through freely.
- Sound Leaks OUT: Anyone in the same room will hear your music, games, or calls. Do not use these in a quiet office or on a train unless you want to be “that person.”
- Sound Leaks IN: You will hear your keyboard typing, the fan running, or someone talking to you. They offer zero noise isolation.
This is what creates the wide, “airy” sound, but it makes them strictly for quiet, indoor use only.
Philips SHP9500 Specifications
| Brand | Philips Audio |
|---|---|
| Model | SHP9500/00 |
| Form Factor | Over-Ear |
| Acoustic System | Open-Back |
| Drivers | 50mm Neodymium |
| Frequency Response | 12 – 35,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 32 Ohm (Easy to drive) |
| Cable | 1.5m (4.9 ft), Detachable 3.5mm |
| Weight | ~300g |
| Connector | Gold-plated 3.5mm (6.3mm adapter included) |
Who Should Buy This?
Buy this if…
- You are a gamer who values soundstage and positional audio.
- You are getting into the audiophile hobby and want the best “bang for your buck.”
- You listen to music in a quiet, private room.
- You value comfort above all else for long sessions.
Avoid this if…
- You need to block out external noise (office, commute, airplane).
- You listen to music in a shared space (library, quiet office).
- You are a “bass-head” and primarily listen to bass-heavy music like EDM or hip-hop.
Final Conclusion
The Philips SHP9500 absolutely lives up to the hype. It’s a gateway product that can show you what high-fidelity audio sounds like without costing a fortune. Its combination of elite-level comfort and an incredibly spacious, clear sound profile makes it a standout. As long as you understand the limitations of its open-back design and “polite” bass, I can’t recommend it highly enough. It’s a genuine classic.
