Currently on Amazon the 9600s are going for only $8 more than the 9500s ($68 vs $60). I think at those prices it finally has come down to sound preference. The way you broke things down was perfect for helping me make my decision. I play way more single player games than online PvP and will much more appreciate the increased immersion with that extra bass of the 9600s. I'm going with the 9600s for my first open back, thanks for your thorough and unbiased review.
@@josaphcj7199 I got them and they feel good honestly. I have no issues even if my ears touch the drivers a tiny bit however if you're gonna buy headphones I'd just get a 560s from Sennheiser. They're more expensive but overall a better headphone and they're supremely more comfortable.
Never seen any reviewer struggle nearly as much as Joshua to give an absolutely objective review of a product, while openly acknowledging his own preferences/biases. #Respect
Patrick-Julian Q. Fulgado The 9500 retail sometimes as low as $55 and I just can’t think of anything even remotely close to that price that does audio reproduction so well. If I had $150 to spend on audio gear I’d keep my 9500s and get a different headphone to add variety to my collection like the hd58x/6xx or spend it on a nice dac/amp.
@@cereal-killer4455 Yeah I already have the SHP9500 so in the $150 range I would get the X2HR. I would only get the SHP9600 (at a cheaper price) to replace the SHP9500.
I remember getting the SHP9500s around 2 and a half years ago after months of copious research. These were my first audiophile headphones (had a Bose SoundTrue before that) and I remember paying a measly $55 for them on Newegg. I have enjoyed them and loved them since the day I got them and they are irreplaceable to me. I now own a few high end headphones/IEMs (Audeze EL-8, AKG Q701, Etymotic ERXR, Shure SE210), but the SHP9500s have a special place in my heart. Everytime someone asks me for a recommendation for a good headphone under $120, I just ask them whether portability is important for them or not. If they value sound over portability, I suggest these without a second thought. I remember how I felt the first time I listened to music through them. The soundstage, the imaging, it brought a grin to my face, and it still does, when I listen to certain tracks. Your first time comes only once, and if I had to do it all over again, I'll still do it with the SHP9500s. Also, the fact that they're 2.5 years old and still look like they were bought yesterday (even though I wasn't the most careful owner) tell you a lot about the build quality and robustness of these. I won't upgrade to the SHP9600s because I love the sound signature of the original 9500s. The bass could be a bit better, so I fixed it in EQ. It cost me $0.
@@JoshuaValour It's alright. By the way, I just wanted to say that I really love your videos because I think you are probably the only youtuber who is very much an audio purist with unbiased opinions and who also happens to make super aesthetically pleasing videos. Cheers!
@@jaalanodaicyr868 its a downgrade, sound wise at least. comfort on the other hand its better than the he4xx. But if u already have a hd58x, stick with it.
@@jaalanodaicyr868 well the 9500 are super easy to drive, so theyre not technically all downgrade. I throw them in my travel bag and use them in hotels. They're also are great for gaming. I take back what I said. $75 is appropriate. $60 is spot. $130 like the 9600 is idiotic. If you can get them for $50-60, they are basically an openback option to Status Audio CB1 (which are awesome and $50 rn) *also the Koss Kph30i are just as good for $30, but i dont know about gaming. But yeah, theres no comparison to 4XX, X2 or 58X. A definite step below. Id even say theyre a step below the Grado SR60e in rock, acoustic and vocals
Jaalan Odaicyr The guy above you has no clue what he is talking about and probably doesn’t own half the pairs he’s quoting. I have the 58x, the DT990 and the 9500s and let me tell you, they hang with headphones in the 150-200$ range very easily. The 9500s have way better imaging and soundstage than the 58x and slightly better than the DT 990s. The 9500 are quiet simply superb. They do lack bass though, so not idea of electronic music but they have superb audio reproduction and the tracks sound so natural and realistic. 9500s are excellent for rock music and live albums.
I think the SHP9600 are a nice upgrade over the 9500's. After A/B testing them for a few hours, it became clear the soundstage and imaging are similar but there's no denying that the smoother treble and added bass kick which were the biggest complaints about the 9500's have now been fixed. I intend on keeping them both since they're both unique in their own way. By the way, I really missed the "L" and "R" on the 9500's so I decided to paint them on the 9600's using a bronze metallic marker to match the external cup rings and I'm quite pleased with the final result. 'Nuff said.
@@touristhawk They'll only rattle or distort if you turn up the volume significantly or if the track is extremely bassy ( some electronic, hip hop music and such). Otherwise you shouldn't experience any rattling.
Stellar video quality as always Joshua. I was racking my brain on the quality of the new headphones and you helped me out greatly. Keep up the amazing work my guy.
Pad swapping the 9500 can get you the same sound signature to the 9600. I put the zmf universe hybrids on mine and they perform pretty much the same if not I’d say the 9500 actually edge it out because you still retain the open, airyness while boosting the bass to the same level as the 9600. You should try it you might be surprised.
I’ve been waiting for a good review on these! Thank god, for my first ever pc setup around Christmas I had my eyes on the 9500 for months, but now that they released 9600 I’m looking towards those
@@bernardoblanchetramirez6032 thanks for replying. 31 minutes later and I'm not even done watching the video lmfao. I keep getting distracted to much even tho alone, but whatever. I'm mainly looking for a headphone to like game on and also to go outside and listen to music with while running/biking. Would you reccomend the 9500?
@@mosasa1307 to game with? Absolutely. To go outside? No. This headphones can be used when you are at home watching a movie, playing video games, hearing music, etc. For anything else they will leak sound because they are open back and because of their low clamp force they are going to be falling down when you do a physical activity.
@@bernardoblanchetramirez6032 alright, then what would you suggest to listen to music and podcasts whilst being able to go outside and not leak noise? I'm thinking of something like Bluetooth of the sort but I don't really care if it comes with a 3.5 mm headphone jack to connect to my Pixel 4a. Thanks again btw!
I think different pads basically fixing that S-range harshness as the driver sits further away from the ear... Despite all the negativity 9500 remains a legendary headphones, and it's a shame that Phillips discontinued them instead of keep working with feedbacks and improving the product. I think many of us would buy 9500 MkII with replaceable pads and support for balanced cables.
I appreciate this review. The one thing I was apprehensive about on the 9500s was the bass response. I was going between those and the X2HRs with the latter looking too bulky. This is an interesting option that might bridge the gap. A $99 price tag would have me, but these will be have to be considered now. Thanks for the review!
2 years later and they are selling used $52-59 for both I order 9600 and really impressed and I picked up pair of 9500 on ebay $32 looking forward to see what the big deal is I have 58X and Beyerdynamic 880 pro and 990 pro I really love them Thanks for the reviews
Great review, was looking forward to this! Given the SHP9600 is pretty close to the HD 58x in price, I don't think it's worth it at all, spend a bit more and get the 58x.
@@Tigerex966 Have you tried both? I tested both side by side and it's not even close. The SHP9500 is much more grainy, much less precise, less clear, and overall a worse experience than the 58x. If you think that is true, I doubt you've tested them both side by side. Edit: the only way the 9500 would be superior is if you are using a output that doesn't have enough power to drive the 58x properly. But with a $9 Apple USB Dongle dac/amp, it sounds much better than the SHP9500. With the fulla 3 it's not even close when compared at higher volumes.
i just bought the 9500s then this video shows up. Good thing that it didn't really made me feel bad for purchasing because of this review. I'm no audiophile, but I think I'm good with my recent purchase. Stay safe, friends! :)
I retired my 7yo Superlux HD681 for a SHP9500 and I couldn't be happier. Not living in US means I have to buy this kind of stuff from Aliexpress which is not a problem but also limits the quantity of things I can try. I was between the Philips and a Hifiman 400s or 400i which also cost double the price.
@Justus Justus I found the 9500 way less harsher in the highs than the 681. It's an overall improvement. The 681 still probably a good headphone for the price but now I'd look also to the Koss KPH30i too. It's crazy how things changed since this comment. I got an he400se which is awesome, then a 560s which is as good as the he400se but different and now I settled with a Hifiman Ananda. I don't think I'm going to upgrade anytime soon.
That's not a unanimous consensus. The majority opinion seems to be the 9600 is different sounding than the 9500 and the x3 is different sounding than the x2. The real debate is are the 9600 or x3 better sounding or worse sounding which is a personal question; and more importantly if you prefer them are they worth that much more.
I would have liked to have seen a small section of the video comparing the 9600 to the X2hr. Personally I play more single player games than multiplayer, so I'm more into an immersive bass response. Most people have said it's like the 9500 with more bass and better build quality, or at least from my understanding that's what it seems like.
Great review as always. I have let go of my 9500s a couple of years back and was waiting for Philips' upgrade to it. Seems like getting a 58x for almost the same price as the 9600 is the best way to go
@@drcosmic1280 Yes, at $70. at 120 they are shitty headphones. the key thing with the 9500 was price to performance, at 120 USD you can have the X2HR instead of buying the 9600. Philips will learn from this.
@@drcosmic1280 the x2hr are old yes but still in production less than a year ago and still miles and bounds better than the 9600 in build, all else beijg equal
I feel the X3s are going to be the same thing. Apart from the balanced cable they won't be much of an upgrade over the X2s and will cost a pretty penny.
Holy shit this is the first mention of Woodkid I have heard on youtube. I've loved his music since the release of the Golden Age and I'm really happy that he's getting more attention with the new album.
Josh, Just my 2 cents. If you believe the driver is the same there is no way to vail or cover any frequencies in the 9600. However what I believe Phillips did is ran a resistor in treble region to ROLL OFF those pesky highs. This is chepest (0.30c part) way to address those highs. So if you precieve soundstage and imaging to be the same is cause driver is the same and resistor is rolling off highs. Again big thanks for great review.
God so many people don't eq or mod their headphones,the selling point of shp9500 was that it was really good and it was cheap and if there were inconveniences they were easy to deal with
If you think about it it's not very different from getting a much more expensive HD600 over a HD6XX, when they do pretty much the same thing, just a couple decibels of difference in some areas in the frequency response.
You keep talking about price. So my question is. What did the 9500's cost when they were first launched? If they cost a little higher. Then it's not fair for you to compare the price outright. These are new release vs long term existing ones. Also prices usually adjust over time to reflect it. Also it's ~$50 is it going to break your bank?
The SHP9600 is the best headphones I have used. They have a very large soundstage, they are super clear and the bass is fantastic, very punchy and tight. They also feel good to wear, I like the material on the ear pads because it doesn’t get warm like some pads do. I recently bought and tried Sennheiser HD599SE but returned them because the SHP9600 were way better in every category. Way more clarity where as the HD599 sounded muddy and the bass is miles better on the SHP’s. The HD599 has a boomy bass with no punch or oomph so songs sound flat and hollow. The soundstage is also really small compared to the SHP which has a really big soundstage. So yeah I’m super happy with my SHP’s and so glad I got them because Amazon doesn’t have them for sale anymore so I think I bought one of the last ones available. Love them and hope they last for years and years
Just as a note, the 9500 is now discontinued. Amazon doesn't stock them anymore, and most third-party retailers sell them for 99.99 USD to 140 USD in the US.
The SHP9600 are not successors. They are different headphones, with a warmer sound, and with a similar name. The SHP9500 are still a better choice for most people but at the right price, if people want a warmer sound, the SHP9600's can be great. The only relation the two have though are the name.
In my country both the 9600's and the 9500's are selling for the exact same price. I plan to use them for gaming and music listening. Would you recommend getting the 9600's considering the improvements for no extra cost or are the 9500's much better for gaming? Also I mostly play valorant if that helps.
Watched it using my 9600, that just arrived a week ago (got it from China), great review as always man. Agree with everything you said, though I never had the 9500, and bought these out of curiosity. Don't regret the purchase one bit, and the price I paid (103$ with shipping), is still good comparing to other headphones where I live. I can see myself daily driving this for the next years.
I bought them (trigger happy) on Amazon as soon as I knew they had come out, but had second thoughts and cancelled... I love my 9500...then I saw this video from an excellent reviewer that I trust, and I am comfortable that I cancelled the purchase. Not worth it.
I just watched your other review about the 9500 and bought those and today realize the 9600s are available for the same price from a different vendor on Amazon. I just got a pair for $90 tax included!
I don't think it's a cash grab if it fixes many issues of the original. The price difference could be comparable to if you were to mod the issues yourselves. That depends on how much you value your time and skill and experience. There are non-DIY people out there that will gladly spend extra $50 for not having to DIY or have better things to spend their time on (like listening to music on them while working on things you're actually passionate in). I'm saying this in general and not specific to 9600 vs 9500.
Great 👌 review. I have the sph9500 which I like. But these sph9600 I love these. I agree on the price difference but at $130 maybe at $100 would of been good. And at $130 add dual balanced. Also appreciate the earpads info.
Shp9600 as per rtings perceived as being inside your head and Fidelio in front of you. What about shp9500? Is x2hr better choice for movies than shp9600?
Got my 9500 for 50$ back in 2017. Did me well and are my daily headphones for normal listening and gaming. My only gripe was the clamp force, as my head is on the slimmer side and they would fall off if i tilted down.. I use my sundaras/blessing 2 for more indulging music listening sessions. Might consider grabbing a 9600 or the revamped fidelio. Maybe after i get some argons.
I have a pair of the 9500 but not the 9600, yet, but I am going to take a guess on why they switched the hooks for the pads from facing out to facing in: He mentioned the 9600's are more oval. So my guess for the flip on the hook is so your will not try to put mods from the 9500's thinking they will fit, when they won't since the 9600's are more oval. Of course, if you take the pads off and the shape underneath is the same, well there goes that guess. Just a thought... keep up the great reviews!
for 80€ are these worth it? i can get these for 80€ where 9500s are kind of pain to get since cant find anyone that ships to EU and normally the shipping is between 20-40$
I had to switch from SHP9500 to Game Ones because they were to harsh and needed more base while gaming (I game at high levels), good to know they fixed those issues with this new model, I'll keep an eye on this new model.
You're exactly right.you can mod the 9500 for $40 bucks to correct most issues (more if going with dekoni pads like a boss). For the price of 9600 you're getting into fidelio xs, Beyer Dt, and HD58x territory. Fail by Philips imo but good review regardless.
i agree with that S region being sharp, the only way i can handle that much sharpness is by lowering the volume and i usually have a problem with that is when i watch ur video or dms and i find that rather bizarre. But anyway great work on ur reviews and i find that ur reviews are really relatable and i usually agree with you. Bravo Josh !!
JJ Pablo It was rhetorical question, of course they leak sound, thats why I want the closed type because the whole point of them is to not let the sound in.
Wait, u want cords hanging from both sides of the headphones as opposed to one? I don’t know about this stuff, but I’m pretty sure the less cords the better, no?
Hi Josh... First I bought the 9500 at around usd65 (RM270). Tested for 10 days. The return period is 15 days... As many would say, the bass quality is there just the quantity is not enough for the majority of music. Return it today and ordered the 9600 at about usd86 (RM358). I think this is a great price for the 9600 and can't wait for it to arrive. The 9500 was my first of the so called audiophile headphone... Yes the sound signature is sooo different to the Sony WH1000XM3 which I also own. Thanks for the review. This review is what makes me get the 9600... At the price I got I think is super nice...
@@warmlycalculated390 I paired it with a TYPE-C CS-PRO DAC for listening on my phone. Sounded much better than listening directly tru the phone's 3.5mm jack.
Another comprehensive review! I just received my 9600's from Amazon for $68.87. So far, I like them. They are very comfortable and light on my head and ears. The detail does seem a bit muted and is a different presentation than my Audio Technica ATH-MSR7 and ATH-50X. I would like to also try the 9500 and the Sennheiser HD58X.
Your link to the Sennheiser hd 58x jubilee’s is malformed. I clicked it by accident trying to click the link to the Phillips 9500 but thought you should know!
I realize I'm comparing apples and oranges, but if I had to nominate headphones/earphones where the reality just doesnt live up to the hype, its not my 9500s. Reading the raves around the BLON03, you would think everything else under 300USD is a complete waste of money - all I can say is that between the woeful fit and the overly sharp treble, I wouldnt have paid any more than I did (mine were on special for 27USD). By contrast, slipping my 9500s on is an immediate return to comfort - even the notorious treble doesn't worry me on most of my library, and I still get a kick out of the sound signature. FWIW, I can afford the X2HR atm but delivery times in Australia are nothing short of ludicrous courtesy of a second wave of the pandemic in Victoria. When I bitched that a package took 3 weeks to get from Sydney to my home in the Top End, I was told that I was one of the lucky ones ...... I know - First World problems - but it is what it is. Thanks for the vid.
Hi Josh another great review. I need your advice. Do you think I should get the shp9600 or the 660s from sennenheiser or dt 1990 or should I wait for the fiddelio x3 I would be using these for gaming and movies what do you think I should get that has the best sounding and imaging and that is not boring please let me know thankyou
Audio reviewers: The SHP9500s are ridiculously good for their price! If they were twice expensive, they'd still be great headphones!
Philips: 🤔
9600s cost $100 on aliexpress, and the 9500s are going for $70 but they used to go for almost $80
Twice the price? Sennheiser hd58x would rape the shp9500 in that price range
@@godlikecat but when they first got hyped they were like $60 usually
@ people said that way before the 58x came out though
People: we're just kidding Philips.
Currently on Amazon the 9600s are going for only $8 more than the 9500s ($68 vs $60). I think at those prices it finally has come down to sound preference. The way you broke things down was perfect for helping me make my decision. I play way more single player games than online PvP and will much more appreciate the increased immersion with that extra bass of the 9600s. I'm going with the 9600s for my first open back, thanks for your thorough and unbiased review.
how did u like it ? i just ordered it
@@josaphcj7199 I got them and they feel good honestly. I have no issues even if my ears touch the drivers a tiny bit however if you're gonna buy headphones I'd just get a 560s from Sennheiser. They're more expensive but overall a better headphone and they're supremely more comfortable.
@@pittaaaabreadlots of reviews said they sound tinny and are uncomfortable due to the split headband.
Joshua flexing on us with that Dyson fan :D
And the Herman Miller chair
@Jacob Dawson thanks for the advice😂
Dyson thingies are nice but its 💲💲💲
Dude!
"Dms disliked them but well, it's ok to be wrong" bro this is hilarious
Too bad he is so beta he had to say he was kidding.
@G4RY With a Capital Four "lol he so beta he became omega lmao"
@@i_read_bad_reviews age = 12
@@talenhorton-tucker2153 lol
Never seen any reviewer struggle nearly as much as Joshua to give an absolutely objective review of a product, while openly acknowledging his own preferences/biases. #Respect
The way it's priced seems like a response to the hype rather than it's quality.
I'll just wait for an eventual (hopefully) price drop to something like $100 give or take.
Patrick-Julian Q. Fulgado The 9500 retail sometimes as low as $55 and I just can’t think of anything even remotely close to that price that does audio reproduction so well. If I had $150 to spend on audio gear I’d keep my 9500s and get a different headphone to add variety to my collection like the hd58x/6xx or spend it on a nice dac/amp.
@@cereal-killer4455 Yeah I already have the SHP9500 so in the $150 range I would get the X2HR. I would only get the SHP9600 (at a cheaper price) to replace the SHP9500.
@Jacob Dawson go look at chifi iems, the quality is madness for the money you spend.
right now they are $104, you think they are worth it
right now, the 9600 is $10 less than the 9500 with the Prime day deal in case anyone is watching today.
I remember getting the SHP9500s around 2 and a half years ago after months of copious research. These were my first audiophile headphones (had a Bose SoundTrue before that) and I remember paying a measly $55 for them on Newegg. I have enjoyed them and loved them since the day I got them and they are irreplaceable to me. I now own a few high end headphones/IEMs (Audeze EL-8, AKG Q701, Etymotic ERXR, Shure SE210), but the SHP9500s have a special place in my heart. Everytime someone asks me for a recommendation for a good headphone under $120, I just ask them whether portability is important for them or not. If they value sound over portability, I suggest these without a second thought.
I remember how I felt the first time I listened to music through them. The soundstage, the imaging, it brought a grin to my face, and it still does, when I listen to certain tracks. Your first time comes only once, and if I had to do it all over again, I'll still do it with the SHP9500s. Also, the fact that they're 2.5 years old and still look like they were bought yesterday (even though I wasn't the most careful owner) tell you a lot about the build quality and robustness of these.
I won't upgrade to the SHP9600s because I love the sound signature of the original 9500s. The bass could be a bit better, so I fixed it in EQ. It cost me $0.
These are currently at the $70 range and I am thinking about picking them up as my first open back experience. Seems like a good bang for buck.
0:48 That burn though! 😆
At least DMS isn't a Amazon affiliate link farmer ;)
Just a bit of fun!
@@JoshuaValour Hey Josh. What is your opinion on the TYGR?
@@JoshuaValour It's alright. By the way, I just wanted to say that I really love your videos because I think you are probably the only youtuber who is very much an audio purist with unbiased opinions and who also happens to make super aesthetically pleasing videos. Cheers!
@@dannybos7024 Have not heard it yet, but people really like them. No opinion of my own.
SHP 9600 are under $70 right now good time to pick a pair up.
they realized that they were underselling the 9500 so they made a new version at the "correct" price
The "correct" price for the 9500 is $55. The 9500 gets shat on by the X2, 4xx and the 58x. And the dt880 isnt far off price wise
@@MrAhuraMazda So if I have the 58x already should I get the 9500 or is it literally just a downgrade in every way?
@@jaalanodaicyr868 its a downgrade, sound wise at least. comfort on the other hand its better than the he4xx. But if u already have a hd58x, stick with it.
@@jaalanodaicyr868 well the 9500 are super easy to drive, so theyre not technically all downgrade. I throw them in my travel bag and use them in hotels. They're also are great for gaming. I take back what I said. $75 is appropriate. $60 is spot. $130 like the 9600 is idiotic. If you can get them for $50-60, they are basically an openback option to Status Audio CB1 (which are awesome and $50 rn)
*also the Koss Kph30i are just as good for $30, but i dont know about gaming.
But yeah, theres no comparison to 4XX, X2 or 58X. A definite step below. Id even say theyre a step below the Grado SR60e in rock, acoustic and vocals
Jaalan Odaicyr The guy above you has no clue what he is talking about and probably doesn’t own half the pairs he’s quoting. I have the 58x, the DT990 and the 9500s and let me tell you, they hang with headphones in the 150-200$ range very easily. The 9500s have way better imaging and soundstage than the 58x and slightly better than the DT 990s. The 9500 are quiet simply superb. They do lack bass though, so not idea of electronic music but they have superb audio reproduction and the tracks sound so natural and realistic. 9500s are excellent for rock music and live albums.
I think the SHP9600 are a nice upgrade over the 9500's. After A/B testing them for a few hours, it became clear the soundstage and imaging are similar but there's no denying that the smoother treble and added bass kick which were the biggest complaints about the 9500's have now been fixed. I intend on keeping them both since they're both unique in their own way. By the way, I really missed the "L" and "R" on the 9500's so I decided to paint them on the 9600's using a bronze metallic marker to match the external cup rings and I'm quite pleased with the final result. 'Nuff said.
does 9600 rattle like 9500 when listening bassy musics with an amp?
@@touristhawk They'll only rattle or distort if you turn up the volume significantly or if the track is extremely bassy ( some electronic, hip hop music and such). Otherwise you shouldn't experience any rattling.
Stellar video quality as always Joshua. I was racking my brain on the quality of the new headphones and you helped me out greatly. Keep up the amazing work my guy.
Pad swapping the 9500 can get you the same sound signature to the 9600. I put the zmf universe hybrids on mine and they perform pretty much the same if not I’d say the 9500 actually edge it out because you still retain the open, airyness while boosting the bass to the same level as the 9600. You should try it you might be surprised.
Or if you're lazy you can always just eq them
Nobody thats no fun
@@jjpablo I guess everyone likes different things
I’ve been waiting for a good review on these! Thank god, for my first ever pc setup around Christmas I had my eyes on the 9500 for months, but now that they released 9600 I’m looking towards those
I'd go with something else, I still prefer my 9500's over these. Really not worth the higher price and I think I'll be returning my 9600s.
Looking forward to that X3 review. Thanks for all the reviews.
How do you feel about the X3? lol
So I made a good decision by buying the 9500 a few weeks ago
6 months later... how is it holding up?
@@mosasa1307 I’m wearing them right now. Holding up pretty damn well.
@@bernardoblanchetramirez6032 thanks for replying. 31 minutes later and I'm not even done watching the video lmfao. I keep getting distracted to much even tho alone, but whatever. I'm mainly looking for a headphone to like game on and also to go outside and listen to music with while running/biking. Would you reccomend the 9500?
@@mosasa1307 to game with? Absolutely. To go outside? No.
This headphones can be used when you are at home watching a movie, playing video games, hearing music, etc. For anything else they will leak sound because they are open back and because of their low clamp force they are going to be falling down when you do a physical activity.
@@bernardoblanchetramirez6032 alright, then what would you suggest to listen to music and podcasts whilst being able to go outside and not leak noise? I'm thinking of something like Bluetooth of the sort but I don't really care if it comes with a 3.5 mm headphone jack to connect to my Pixel 4a. Thanks again btw!
The 9500’s have been my daily driver for like 6 months now. The only thing I’ve wanted is for them to be wireless.
I think different pads basically fixing that S-range harshness as the driver sits further away from the ear... Despite all the negativity 9500 remains a legendary headphones, and it's a shame that Phillips discontinued them instead of keep working with feedbacks and improving the product. I think many of us would buy 9500 MkII with replaceable pads and support for balanced cables.
I appreciate this review. The one thing I was apprehensive about on the 9500s was the bass response. I was going between those and the X2HRs with the latter looking too bulky. This is an interesting option that might bridge the gap. A $99 price tag would have me, but these will be have to be considered now. Thanks for the review!
If you still haven't decided. The 9600s should be on sale for 99$ now.
@@SuperCatacata not only theyre on sale for 99 but also include a mic for gaming. now thats actually a great price
2 years later and they are selling used $52-59 for both I order 9600 and really impressed and I picked up pair of 9500 on ebay $32 looking forward to see what the big deal is I have 58X and Beyerdynamic 880 pro and 990 pro I really love them Thanks for the reviews
Got a deal on a used 9600 for $47. Do you think its worth it? thinking of getting it as my first open back headphones
Great review, was looking forward to this! Given the SHP9600 is pretty close to the HD 58x in price, I don't think it's worth it at all, spend a bit more and get the 58x.
or just get a preowned HD700 :))
@METhOdhowtoKilLnoObS Bold of you to assume that he knows that Drop shut down thier EU warehouse.
But the 9500 is superior to the 58x
@@Tigerex966 Have you tried both? I tested both side by side and it's not even close. The SHP9500 is much more grainy, much less precise, less clear, and overall a worse experience than the 58x. If you think that is true, I doubt you've tested them both side by side.
Edit: the only way the 9500 would be superior is if you are using a output that doesn't have enough power to drive the 58x properly. But with a $9 Apple USB Dongle dac/amp, it sounds much better than the SHP9500. With the fulla 3 it's not even close when compared at higher volumes.
@@FlatoutF82 where I live I could get sundaras and an amp for that
Less than a year later and they're now $90. Seems like a pretty bangin deal
Thanks for the review! They’re about $85 now and I will mostly use them for gaming and .AIFF or .ALAC files. Gonna buy them.
Lol they are about 60 here, I'm tempted to buy
i just bought the 9500s then this video shows up. Good thing that it didn't really made me feel bad for purchasing because of this review. I'm no audiophile, but I think I'm good with my recent purchase. Stay safe, friends! :)
if they're annoying on your ears just cut-out some foam circles and put them between the pads ;)
@@godlikecat will try this. thanks! :)
You could just put a piece of tuning foam over the driver on the 9500 and you have a 9600 for half the price.
I find the textures really cool and attractive
I retired my 7yo Superlux HD681 for a SHP9500 and I couldn't be happier. Not living in US means I have to buy this kind of stuff from Aliexpress which is not a problem but also limits the quantity of things I can try. I was between the Philips and a Hifiman 400s or 400i which also cost double the price.
@Justus Justus I found the 9500 way less harsher in the highs than the 681. It's an overall improvement. The 681 still probably a good headphone for the price but now I'd look also to the Koss KPH30i too.
It's crazy how things changed since this comment. I got an he400se which is awesome, then a 560s which is as good as the he400se but different and now I settled with a Hifiman Ananda. I don't think I'm going to upgrade anytime soon.
Everything I'm hearing about the 9600 and X3....seems to be they are just 're-skinned' versions of the 9500 and X2, but somehow...worse.
And more expensive...
Not worse just overpriced
same but overpriced. And think about it, a 9500 new today is 70 max, X2HR you can buy for 120-150. So why buy the 9600 and the X3 at double the price?
That's not a unanimous consensus. The majority opinion seems to be the 9600 is different sounding than the 9500 and the x3 is different sounding than the x2.
The real debate is are the 9600 or x3 better sounding or worse sounding which is a personal question; and more importantly if you prefer them are they worth that much more.
I never clicked this fast on any video ever. Period.
Lol same here!!! Excited!!
“Tones and I” Great Aussie 🇦🇺 artist and great to listen too. Glad some Aussie respect shown Josh 🥰🥰. Cheers buddy 🥰🇦🇺👍🥳
About time a review! Thanks😊💯💯
FINALLY we have a review video. Been waiting for one.
The SHP 9600 are $90 right now, which is the same as the SHP 9500 ignoring the current sale on Amazon. Which makes it more worth in my opinion.
I would have liked to have seen a small section of the video comparing the 9600 to the X2hr. Personally I play more single player games than multiplayer, so I'm more into an immersive bass response. Most people have said it's like the 9500 with more bass and better build quality, or at least from my understanding that's what it seems like.
Great reviews, first shp9600 review in TH-cam 😍
Great review as always. I have let go of my 9500s a couple of years back and was waiting for Philips' upgrade to it. Seems like getting a 58x for almost the same price as the 9600 is the best way to go
is the 58x also from philipps?
@@Daniel-dj7fh 58x is from sennheiser
So it is all about the price if I can find the 9600 discounted to something like 100$ it'll be worthy to buy
@@drcosmic1280 Yes, at $70. at 120 they are shitty headphones. the key thing with the 9500 was price to performance, at 120 USD you can have the X2HR instead of buying the 9600. Philips will learn from this.
@@drcosmic1280 the x2hr are old yes but still in production less than a year ago and still miles and bounds better than the 9600 in build, all else beijg equal
I feel the X3s are going to be the same thing. Apart from the balanced cable they won't be much of an upgrade over the X2s and will cost a pretty penny.
im hearing 400 USD? is that true? if it is Philips needs to get their heads out of their ass.
@@GrimYak I've seen the X3 go close to that price. I feel like Phillips is starting to go more premium after all the hype, which is concerning.
I'm sticking to my X2HR if that's true
So glad that I don't have to regret my 9500 purchase 2 months ago :D
Holy shit this is the first mention of Woodkid I have heard on youtube. I've loved his music since the release of the Golden Age and I'm really happy that he's getting more attention with the new album.
man your voice is addictive
Josh, Just my 2 cents. If you believe the driver is the same there is no way to vail or cover any frequencies in the 9600. However what I believe Phillips did is ran a resistor in treble region to ROLL OFF those pesky highs. This is chepest (0.30c part) way to address those highs. So if you precieve soundstage and imaging to be the same is cause driver is the same and resistor is rolling off highs. Again big thanks for great review.
God so many people don't eq or mod their headphones,the selling point of shp9500 was that it was really good and it was cheap and if there were inconveniences they were easy to deal with
If you think about it it's not very different from getting a much more expensive HD600 over a HD6XX, when they do pretty much the same thing, just a couple decibels of difference in some areas in the frequency response.
You keep talking about price. So my question is. What did the 9500's cost when they were first launched? If they cost a little higher. Then it's not fair for you to compare the price outright. These are new release vs long term existing ones.
Also prices usually adjust over time to reflect it.
Also it's ~$50 is it going to break your bank?
The SHP9600 is the best headphones I have used. They have a very large soundstage, they are super clear and the bass is fantastic, very punchy and tight. They also feel good to wear, I like the material on the ear pads because it doesn’t get warm like some pads do.
I recently bought and tried Sennheiser HD599SE but returned them because the SHP9600 were way better in every category. Way more clarity where as the HD599 sounded muddy and the bass is miles better on the SHP’s. The HD599 has a boomy bass with no punch or oomph so songs sound flat and hollow. The soundstage is also really small compared to the SHP which has a really big soundstage.
So yeah I’m super happy with my SHP’s and so glad I got them because Amazon doesn’t have them for sale anymore so I think I bought one of the last ones available. Love them and hope they last for years and years
i bought them for 90eu from aliexpress, deffo worth it. also arrived in just 2 weeks
Nice man, do you still like em?
I just ordered these for 70€. Thx for the video!
Just as a note, the 9500 is now discontinued. Amazon doesn't stock them anymore, and most third-party retailers sell them for 99.99 USD to 140 USD in the US.
The SHP9600 are not successors. They are different headphones, with a warmer sound, and with a similar name. The SHP9500 are still a better choice for most people but at the right price, if people want a warmer sound, the SHP9600's can be great. The only relation the two have though are the name.
New 9600 and X3, both successors of their most popular models with an increased price.
In my country both the 9600's and the 9500's are selling for the exact same price. I plan to use them for gaming and music listening. Would you recommend getting the 9600's considering the improvements for no extra cost or are the 9500's much better for gaming? Also I mostly play valorant if that helps.
With me shp 9600 were about 12 dollars more expensive so I bought them honest just get the 9600s more bass is better for gaming
Kinda disappointed you didnt talk about the mic that comes with it or showcase what it sounds like
Well today it's $10 cheaper than the 9500's which probably makes it a must have.
Watched it using my 9600, that just arrived a week ago (got it from China), great review as always man. Agree with everything you said, though I never had the 9500, and bought these out of curiosity. Don't regret the purchase one bit, and the price I paid (103$ with shipping), is still good comparing to other headphones where I live. I can see myself daily driving this for the next years.
Picked some up for $60 this past weekend. Definitely worth it.
Just got the 9600 for 50 bucks 👍
Don't forget the fidelio x3 and the superb forgotten fidelio l2 and possibly l3 which you did note.
I bought them (trigger happy) on Amazon as soon as I knew they had come out, but had second thoughts and cancelled... I love my 9500...then I saw this video from an excellent reviewer that I trust, and I am comfortable that I cancelled the purchase. Not worth it.
I just watched your other review about the 9500 and bought those and today realize the 9600s are available for the same price from a different vendor on Amazon. I just got a pair for $90 tax included!
I don't think it's a cash grab if it fixes many issues of the original. The price difference could be comparable to if you were to mod the issues yourselves. That depends on how much you value your time and skill and experience. There are non-DIY people out there that will gladly spend extra $50 for not having to DIY or have better things to spend their time on (like listening to music on them while working on things you're actually passionate in). I'm saying this in general and not specific to 9600 vs 9500.
Watching this video wearing a SHP9500 and I gotta say, your review is plenty good for testing the 'S' region.
Just found a good reviewer for headphone, auto subscribe
My set is arriving on Thursday and I’m real fucking excited! Got them for $102!
Great 👌 review. I have the sph9500 which I like. But these sph9600 I love these. I agree on the price difference but at $130 maybe at $100 would of been good. And at $130 add dual balanced. Also appreciate the earpads info.
Great honest review!
My old Audio Technica headphones 'had an accident' when I wasn't present... So, after your review, I'm getting these at ~ $90 to replace them. Thanks!
Same with the beard. Got the angled hybrid from brainwavez for my 9500. Everything is better now Incl bass.
Shp9600 as per rtings perceived as being inside your head and Fidelio in front of you. What about shp9500? Is x2hr better choice for movies than shp9600?
The 9600 are now cheaper than the 9500
Got my 9500 for 50$ back in 2017. Did me well and are my daily headphones for normal listening and gaming. My only gripe was the clamp force, as my head is on the slimmer side and they would fall off if i tilted down..
I use my sundaras/blessing 2 for more indulging music listening sessions. Might consider grabbing a 9600 or the revamped fidelio. Maybe after i get some argons.
i still wonder how they pass the wire between the 2 drivers?
I have a pair of the 9500 but not the 9600, yet, but I am going to take a guess on why they switched the hooks for the pads from facing out to facing in: He mentioned the 9600's are more oval. So my guess for the flip on the hook is so your will not try to put mods from the 9500's thinking they will fit, when they won't since the 9600's are more oval. Of course, if you take the pads off and the shape underneath is the same, well there goes that guess. Just a thought... keep up the great reviews!
for 80€ are these worth it?
i can get these for 80€ where 9500s are kind of pain to get since cant find anyone that ships to EU and normally the shipping is between 20-40$
I had to switch from SHP9500 to Game Ones because they were to harsh and needed more base while gaming (I game at high levels), good to know they fixed those issues with this new model, I'll keep an eye on this new model.
I got these coming to me tomorrow 😊
how are you liking them?
So Im glad I didnt wait and X2HR are coming tommorow :)
Nice audio editing of the fan!
What is the benefit of dual sided? To me, single sided gets out of your way more and is much preferred. Is there a benefit I’m not aware of?
So you can run them balanced
Andrew Buenahora I’m fairly certain you can run 3.5mm single, balanced: hartaudiocables.com/collections/headphone-cables/products/hc-2-3-5mm-trrs
Maybe SHP9600 vs Fidelio X2HR comparison is needed looking at the price........... Please...?
the recording quality of this video is amazeballs
Funnily enough, here in Germany, the shp9600 costs 88€, the shp9500 costs 112€.
You're exactly right.you can mod the 9500 for $40 bucks to correct most issues (more if going with dekoni pads like a boss). For the price of 9600 you're getting into fidelio xs, Beyer Dt, and HD58x territory.
Fail by Philips imo but good review regardless.
They are both 100$ in my country so I got the 9600 with a mic included for 120$, I hope I don’t regret it once they arrive later today.
how is it?does it sounds good
i agree with that S region being sharp, the only way i can handle that much sharpness is by lowering the volume and i usually have a problem with that is when i watch ur video or dms and i find that rather bizarre. But anyway great work on ur reviews and i find that ur reviews are really relatable and i usually agree with you. Bravo Josh !!
iya tuh
Try using some eq if you want to remove a bit of it
Id really like to see closed type of these headphones
The 9600 kinda sound like a closed headphone
@@jjpablo Does it leak sound tho? Also how is the noise canceling on an open headphones. I meant Id like to see them for people with busy environment.
mrożon it’s an open headphone so it’s gonna leak sound and let sound in.
JJ Pablo It was rhetorical question, of course they leak sound, thats why I want the closed type because the whole point of them is to not let the sound in.
Me too, I just need something that is as comfortable as the 9500 but doesn’t leak as crazy.
Can we get a updated gaming headphone suggestion list?
Wait, u want cords hanging from both sides of the headphones as opposed to one?
I don’t know about this stuff, but I’m pretty sure the less cords the better, no?
Double cords would kill it for a lot of us, it won't be good for most of us as we just add vmoda boom pro to it and drive it as our headset
Hi Josh... First I bought the 9500 at around usd65 (RM270). Tested for 10 days. The return period is 15 days... As many would say, the bass quality is there just the quantity is not enough for the majority of music. Return it today and ordered the 9600 at about usd86 (RM358). I think this is a great price for the 9600 and can't wait for it to arrive. The 9500 was my first of the so called audiophile headphone... Yes the sound signature is sooo different to the Sony WH1000XM3 which I also own. Thanks for the review. This review is what makes me get the 9600... At the price I got I think is super nice...
Were you happy with your purchase?
@@warmlycalculated390 yes absolutely happy
@@cgazlan Me too. I can't believe how good everything sounds on the 9600.
@@warmlycalculated390 I paired it with a TYPE-C CS-PRO DAC for listening on my phone. Sounded much better than listening directly tru the phone's 3.5mm jack.
Did u eq it?
You can get this thing with an inline mic for $99 on amazon rn, pretty killer gaming setup
Another comprehensive review! I just received my 9600's from Amazon for $68.87. So far, I like them. They are very comfortable and light on my head and ears. The detail does seem a bit muted and is a different presentation than my Audio Technica ATH-MSR7 and ATH-50X. I would like to also try the 9500 and the Sennheiser HD58X.
Your link to the Sennheiser hd 58x jubilee’s is malformed. I clicked it by accident trying to click the link to the Phillips 9500 but thought you should know!
I realize I'm comparing apples and oranges, but if I had to nominate headphones/earphones where the reality just doesnt live up to the hype, its not my 9500s. Reading the raves around the BLON03, you would think everything else under 300USD is a complete waste of money - all I can say is that between the woeful fit and the overly sharp treble, I wouldnt have paid any more than I did (mine were on special for 27USD). By contrast, slipping my 9500s on is an immediate return to comfort - even the notorious treble doesn't worry me on most of my library, and I still get a kick out of the sound signature. FWIW, I can afford the X2HR atm but delivery times in Australia are nothing short of ludicrous courtesy of a second wave of the pandemic in Victoria. When I bitched that a package took 3 weeks to get from Sydney to my home in the Top End, I was told that I was one of the lucky ones ...... I know - First World problems - but it is what it is.
Thanks for the vid.
Got a pair on way for 90 bucks looking forward to trying them as my first openback
Watching this with my shp9500
Hi Josh another great review. I need your advice. Do you think I should get the shp9600 or the 660s from sennenheiser or dt 1990 or should I wait for the fiddelio x3 I would be using these for gaming and movies what do you think I should get that has the best sounding and imaging and that is not boring please let me know thankyou
As im watching this its 87 dollars in the US
I agree josh they are an alternative not an upgrade. If you hated the 9500 then get these...oh wait they are $130! Get the 58x then
I’m on a budget but I bought the 9500s. I also just bought the creative sound blasterx g6 and would love your review on that budget dac