It’s an intense but meaty sound that matches quite well with that particular cross-section of entertainment. The term my brother used was "dull". His superlux 668b had more "sharpness and bass" to him (and I agree).

The accessories are not much to write home about. I have the current “S” version which is essentially the same exact headphone with a shorter cable, no travel bag, and no ¼ inch adapter. The cable, itself, is 5ft long and does its job. It is detachable and can be replaced with other 3.5mm ended cables, including the V-Moda BoomPro mic, resulting in my preferred choice for cost effective gaming headphones. Soundstage is good as well as imaging, but nothing amazing. They are very good for games, help in the immersion or even in competitive to hear enemies. If I look up or down and move my head, the 9600 does slide, so that’s something to keep in mind. Now for the moment that you’ve been anticipating. Can't complain about anything. Comfort is great, if you have big ears they may touch the drivers but it's not an issue for me.

Part of The Audiophile Rabbit Hole Series!

The 9600 mostly still provides the same great experience as the 9500, but it feels a bit more like a bass-oriented sound for sure. Subject to “grainy” treble mostly, if not exclusively, on the sparkle (or “splash”) range of hi-hats. This is excessively present at times, and while I didn’t find it to ruin anything, at times, it sounds almost compounded. I didn’t manage to notice it in any other treble oriented genre, like classical music though, I think these headphones just don’t like hi-hats. (Additional note: One time have I heard this on the S’s of a rap song as of now, but this does not seem to be a frequent case at all.)

I notice parts of the song that I haven't noticed before though granted, I came from my phone's integrated speakers since my 2 previous headphones broke. Aside from new details, existing elements of the song that I already know also takes up a new nature with more rhythm and detail. They have the immediacy I like about the M50x, but have actual imaging, and aren't forward or fatiguingI'm not so sure I know what it is. I read it has to do with a full and correct tonality reproduction, allowing one to distinguish otherwise close sounding instruments. Let's just say that the SHP never leaves me confused, not even for a moment, and is for sure on par or better than anything I've heard. Soundstage is quite average for an open headphone, so don’t expect AD700 or AKG levels of width and depth presentation. That is not one of the SHP9500’s strengths due to its small opening on the outer frame where the grill lies. Even so, the quality of imaging and instrument separation is there and very enjoyable for those who appreciate such features in a headphone's sound signature. For a gamer, like myself, I rely heavily on positioning and accuracy; which this headphone still manages to do very well. No complaints about soundstage, here, my friends. Compared to Koss ksc75 the SHP9500 are: slightly less open, cleaner, more treble/mid orientation, similar soundstage.

Replacing those elements is a single gold ring around the grille, housing the same 50mm neodymium driver. The detachable 3.5mm cable has returned, but this time around it feels more solid and robust at the business end. Both headphones are incredibly comfy, but I feel more secure with a 9600 on my head if that makes sense. Another point of contention.. For me It comes down to how long can I use it before it becomes necessary to take a break. With these, it has proven to to be more than 2-3 hours so far. The hot spot for me is my ear lobe that touches the inner filter because of the pad's shallowness. They also can become a bit hot, but really not that bad. Honestly, I tend to find in ear more tolerable to wear for a longer period. Then again, in ears touch very little of you relative to those big cans, so they have a better statistical chance of being forgotten about by the wearer… The treble sizzle and brightness that many snobs complained about have been fixed for the most part, as it no longer sounds overly essy or bitey in most instances.They blow me away. They outperform all the other cans I have (Sennheiser PX-100s, Audio Technica M50x, AKG K7xx, Hifiman HE-350). No burn in was necessary--just plugged them into my computer and was blown away by how convincing they were. I had read something a few years ago that claimed Classical actually needs more bass, and now I know why. I'm reviewing these in comparison to my other headphones, no matter what the price difference may be. Also, I've never heard the Philips SHP9500 so I cannot comment at all about those. For example, it's said these have more clamping force than the SHP9500. These are quite loose and comfortable, so I have no idea how the SHP9500 stays on anyone's head.

There isn’t as much air around the instruments, which is something you will clearly hear and feel in relation to the breezier, cooler 9500. The fit is snugger like a bug in a rug this time, and even despite the cups being smaller in both length and width, there is still ample room for my big Dumbo-sized ears inside. It feels like Philips tried to make a product that would appeal to both audiophiles and consumers alike, and I think they did a pretty good job though I still prefer the 9500 at the end of the day. You will notice the grille on the 9600 is a tad smaller, perhaps reducing a bit of air that was present in the 9500, making it a bit less of a “fully open” headphone. More on that in a bit.

Alternative Headphones: Philips SHP9500 vs SHP9500S

With the 9500, there’s more air and clarity, but at the expense of a somewhat more fatiguing high-end and not as much meat on the bass. This is the word what makes it significantly distinguished than other pairs. It offers an amazing separation. you can feel the lead guitars, vocal, bass and drums are sounding separately.