Philips SHP9500 Open-Back Headphones: features, specs and who they suit

The Philips SHP9500 are wired, over-ear headphones with an open-back design and 50mm neodymium drivers. They're made for listening at home to music from a phone, laptop, TV or a dedicated amplifier. There's no Bluetooth and no microphone, as the focus is on sound and comfort.

What open-back means

The listing describes the acoustic system as open. On open-back headphones, the outer face of each ear cup lets air and sound pass through instead of sealing the driver in a closed chamber. In general, this tends to give a more spacious, natural sound and avoids the boxed-in feeling some closed designs have.

The trade-off is leakage. Sound escapes, so other people nearby can hear what you're playing, and outside noise reaches you too. Open-backs are typically used in quiet rooms rather than on a commute or in an office.

50mm drivers

Each ear cup has a 50mm neodymium driver. Philips describes it as delivering crisp bass, balanced midrange and clear high frequencies, and says the drivers are shaped to fit the ear's natural geometry. Neodymium is a strong magnet material that lets a driver be efficient for its size. A 50mm driver is large for headphones, and generally a bigger driver can move more air for low notes.

Comfort and build

The headband is reinforced with steel, which Philips says gives the right amount of tension for a secure fit. It has a double-layered cushion, and the ear cushions are described as breathable for longer listening sessions. The headphones weigh about 0.7 lb (around 320 g).

Cable and connectors

The 1.5 m cable is meant for indoor use. A gold-plated 6.3 mm to 3.5 mm jack adapter is included, so you can plug into a phone or laptop with the small jack, or into a hi-fi amplifier or audio interface with the large one. Gold plating resists corrosion on the contacts.

Because the headphones are wired and 1.5 m is short, you'll sit near your source. An extension cable is an option if you want more room.

Power and amplification

The listing doesn't give impedance or sensitivity figures, so check the manual or Philips' specifications to see whether a phone can drive them well or whether an amplifier is better.

Who they suit

They suit people who listen to albums, films or games at home in a quiet space and prefer a wired, open sound. They are not meant for noisy places or for sharing a room with someone who wants quiet.

What to check before you buy

• Sound leakage: will others in the room be bothered?
• Source: check your device has a headphone jack, or whether you need an adapter.
• Cable length: 1.5 m may not reach from a desk to a TV.
• Fit: the cushions are over-ear; check they suit the size of your head and any glasses.
• Microphone: none is listed, so you'd need a separate one for calls.
• Upkeep: ear cushions wear over time; check whether replacements are available.

The short version

• Wired, open-back, over-ear headphones with 50mm neodymium drivers.
• Steel-reinforced headband with double-layered cushion and breathable ear cushions.
• 1.5 m cable with gold-plated 6.3 mm to 3.5 mm adapter.
• Designed for indoor listening; sound leaks both ways.

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