PHILIPS SHP9600 Open-Back Wired Headphones: Superb Soundstage and Crisp Highs

The Philips SHP9600 open-back wired headphones offer exceptional sound quality and comfort at a very affordable price. With their open-back design and large 50mm neodymium drivers, these headphones are ideal for critical listening and recording applications where a spacious, natural soundstage is desired.

Overview

The PHILIPS SHP9600 Over Ear Wired Headphones are over-ear, open-back wired headphones engineered for studio monitoring and critical listening. Key features include 50mm neodymium drivers, 12Hz-35kHz frequency response, and a lightweight yet durable design with plush ear pads.

Key Features:

• Open-back design provides spacious, natural sound
• Large 50mm neodymium drivers deliver balanced, detailed sound
• Comfortable double-layered headband and breathable ear pads
• Compatible with phones, audio interfaces, stereo amps
• Excellent price-to-performance ratio

Design

The PHILIPS SHP9600 Over Ear Wired Headphones feature a durable plastic construction with a matte black color scheme. The headband is reinforced with steel and sheathed in a dual-layer padding for comfort. The ear cups have a simple clean look with breathable velour ear pads. Overall, the design provides good functionality without excessive flair.

Usability

These headphones offer great usability with their comfortable fit and detachable cable. The ear cups smoothly swivel and rotate to conform to the user’s head. The cable can be removed for storage and connects securely during use. The intuitive controls and adapters make the PHILIPS SHP9600 Over Ear Wired Headphones easy to operate from any audio source.

Quality

Philips is known for good build quality and the PHILIPS SHP9600 Over Ear Wired Headphones reflects that reputation. The plastics feel solid and the moving parts operate smoothly. The reinforced headband and gold-plated adapters also point to durability. At this affordable price range, the construction quality is difficult to beat.

Sound Quality

The 50mm neodymium drivers produce clear sound across an expansive 12Hz-35kHz frequency range. The open-back design delivers spatial imaging with great width and depth. Highs and mids are crisp and vibrant. The bass could be tighter but provides sufficient impact for most music genres. Overall, the sound quality far exceeds expectations for the price.

Microphone

The PHILIPS SHP9600 Over Ear Wired Headphones do not have an integrated microphone. However, users can easily add a modular mic like the V-MODA BoomPro for gaming or call usage. This flexibility allows adapting the headphones for various use cases.

Noise Isolation

As open-back headphones, the PHILIPS SHP9600 Over Ear Wired Headphones do not provide any active noise cancellation. Some ambient noise will be audible to both the user and those nearby. Sound leakage is an inherent compromise of the open-back design.

Battery Life

These wired headphones do not contain batteries or require charging. The 3.5mm connection provides direct uncompressed audio. There are no concerns over battery degradation over time.

Connectivity

The detachable cable terminates in a 3.5mm plug with a 6.3mm adapter included. This allows connecting to phones, computers, audio interfaces, stereo receivers, guitar amps, and most common audio sources. Options like balanced cables can be purchased separately.

Controls

Since these are passive wired headphones, onboard controls are limited to adjusting the fit and swiveling the ear cups. Volume, playback and other controls must be adjusted from the connected audio source.

Water Resistance

Philips does not specify any water resistance rating. The PHILIPS SHP9600 Over Ear Wired Headphones should be considered non waterproof headphones for indoor use only.

Use Cases:

The open-back design and precise sound reproduction of the PHILIPS SHP9600 Over Ear Wired Headphones make them an excellent choice for:

• Music monitoring and mixing
• Location recording like podcasts and videos
• Audiophile listening at home
• Gaming and movies
• General music listening

With their comfortable fit and vibrant sound, the PHILIPS SHP9600 Over Ear Wired Headphones are versatile headphones suited to a wide variety of applications.

User Feedback Analysis:

Overall user feedback for the Philips SHP9600 headphones is very positive. Many reviewers praise the spacious, natural sound provided by the open-back design. The crisp highs and detailed mids reproduce vocals and instruments with lifelike realism. Users also note the accurate spatial imaging which allows pinpointing direction and distance of sounds - a key advantage for gaming and monitoring use.

One common critique is that bass could be tighter and punchier. The open-back design sacrifices some low-end power for its airy, expansive soundstage. However, many users are still satisfied with the bass response for most music genres.

Pros:

• Immersive, expansive soundstage
• Clear and detailed highs/mids
• Great imaging and separation
• Lightweight and comfortable fit
• Affordable price point

Cons:

• Bass impact is just average
• Sound leakage from open-back design

Value:

At around $65, the PHILIPS SHP9600 Over Ear Wired Headphones deliver extremely compelling performance for critical listening headphones. The expansive soundstage and lively sound rival that of open-back models costing two to three times as much. Audiophiles, music producers, and casual listeners should find tremendous value in the PHILIPS SHP9600 Over Ear Wired Headphones.

Summary

For their reasonable price, the PHILIPS SHP9600 Over Ear Wired Headphones deliver impressive sound quality and comfort. Their open-back design provides a wide, immersive soundstage perfect for critical listening and recording. If you’re looking for an affordable entry into open-back headphones, the PHILIPS SHP9600 Over Ear Wired Headphones are easy to recommend.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Philips SHP9600 headphones stand out?

The Philips SHP9600 headphones stand out due to their exceptional blend of performance, comfort, and quality. These over-ear, open-back headphones are designed to elevate your home listening experience with great sound, premium construction, and gold-plated cable connections.

Are the Philips SHP9600 headphones suitable for gaming?

Yes, the Philips SHP9600 headphones are suitable for gaming. Users have reported that these headphones provide incredible sound quality with crisp bass, balanced midrange, and clear high frequencies, making them ideal for immersive gaming experiences.

How comfortable are the Philips SHP9600 headphones for extended use?

The Philips SHP9600 headphones are praised for their superb comfort, thanks to features like a reinforced headband with durable steel, double-layered headband cushion, and breathable ear-cup cushions. Users with larger head sizes have also found them to fit comfortably for extended listening or gaming sessions.

Do the Philips SHP9600 headphones require additional equipment for optimal performance?

While the Philips SHP9600 headphones can be used with various devices such as smartphones, home setups, TVs, or laptops, some users recommend pairing them with a DAC/amp for the best audio experience, especially when listening on audiophile-grade equipment.

How do the Philips SHP9600 headphones compare to other gaming headphones?

Users who have switched from traditional gaming headphones to the Philips SHP9600 headphones have reported significant improvements in sound quality and comfort. These headphones offer a crisp sound signature and spacious soundstage, making them a preferred choice for gaming and music listening alike.

Tips

• Consider pairing the Philips SHP9600 headphones with a DAC/amp for optimal audio performance, especially when using audiophile-grade equipment.
• Experiment with different EQ settings to tailor the sound profile of the headphones to your preferences.
• Take advantage of the open-back design of the headphones for a more immersive gaming and listening experience.

Knowledge

1. The Philips SHP9600 headphones feature an open-back design, delivering spacious sound with perfectly tuned 50 mm drivers.
2. These headphones come with a detachable 3.0 m cable with gold-plated connectors and a 1/4 inch to 3.5 mm adapter.
3. The acoustic system of the Philips SHP9600 headphones is open, with neodymium magnet type and an impedance of 32 ohms.
4. The maximum power input of the headphones is 200 mW, with a sensitivity of 101 dB and a frequency response of 12 - 35,000 Hz.
5. The Philips SHP9600 headphones are designed for comfort and durability, featuring a reinforced headband with durable steel and breathable ear-cup cushions.

Specifications:

• Headphone type: Over-ear, open-back
• Drivers: 50mm neodymium dynamic
• Frequency response: 12Hz - 35kHz
• Impedance: 32 ohms
• Sensitivity: 101dB
• Ear pad material: Velour
• Connector: 3.5mm with 6.3mm adapter
• Cord length: 9.8ft detachable
• Weight: 11.6 oz

Box Contains:

• 1x Philips SHP9600 headphones
• 1x 3m detachable cable
• 1x 6.3mm adapter
• Manual and documentation

Usage Guide:

1. Connect the 3.5mm jack from the included cable into your audio source - phone, computer, audio interface etc. Use the 6.3mm adapter if plugging into a stereo receiver or amplifier.

2. Wear the ear cups over your ears with the headband resting comfortably on your head. Adjust extenders for the perfect fit.

3. Start playback on your audio device and adjust volume as needed. Enjoy the open, natural sound!

4. The ear cups can rotate to rest flat for storage when not in use. Detach the cable as needed.