PHILIPS Over Ear Open Back Stereo Headphones Wired with Detachable Audio Jack, Studio Monitor Headphones for Recording Podcast DJ Music Piano Guitar (SHP9600)
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AI Verdict
These 11.6-ounce open-back, over-ear wired headphones with 50mm drivers are for home listening and mixing where sound leakage is not an issue.
These 11.6-ounce open-back headphones with 50mm drivers offer a spacious sound and comfort for long sessions, making them suitable for home use where sound leakage isn't a concern. However, their open-back design means zero noise isolation and significant sound leakage, limiting their use in public or shared spaces.
If you need portability or noise isolation, look for closed-back headphones with active noise cancellation and a foldable design.
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Pros
- Spacious sound and soundstage from the open-back design
- 50 mm drivers deliver crisp bass, balanced midrange, and pristine high frequencies
- Detachable 3.5mm audio jack is non-proprietary, allowing for easy cable replacement
- Earcups completely cover the ears, contributing to comfort during extended sessions
- Lightweight at 11.6 ounces, reducing fatigue during prolonged wear
- Good imaging performance for the price point
Cons
- Middling technical performance with bad bass dynamics and rolled-off sub-bass
- Bloated bass-mid hump that bleeds into the mids, making vocals recessed and dull
- Plastic build feels flimsy, raising durability concerns
- Long (3-meter) and stiff cable that retains kinks from packaging
- Moderate clamp force can be uncomfortable for users with larger heads
- No carrying case or bag is included, making them difficult to transport
Dimension Scores
While the 50mm drivers aim for balanced sound, user reports indicate middling technical performance with bloated bass, rolled-off sub-bass, and recessed vocals.
As open-back headphones, they offer no noise isolation and allow environmental noises to pass through unimpeded.
The 11.6-ounce weight and large earcups with breathable fabric contribute to comfort for long sessions, though some users experience moderate clamp force.
These are wired headphones and do not operate on a battery.
Best For
- Home listening in quiet environments where sound leakage is acceptable
- Critical listening, mixing music, or critiquing albums
- Gaming where soundstage and imaging are prioritized
- Users prioritizing comfort for extended listening sessions
Not Recommended For
- Outdoor use or travel due to significant sound leakage and lack of noise isolation
- Environments where others might be disturbed by audio leakage
- Users requiring strong, deep sub-bass response
- Users needing a built-in microphone for calls or gaming communication
Watch Out For
- The included 3-meter cable is long and stiff, often retaining kinks from its packaging.
- No carrying case or protective bag is included, making these bulky headphones awkward to store or transport.
- The plastic construction feels flimsy to some users, raising questions about long-term resilience.
- The bass response can be bloated and bleed into the mids, causing vocals to sound recessed and dull.
- The moderate clamp force might be too tight for users with larger heads, causing discomfort over time.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B08B477BHS |
| Brand | Philips |
| Color | Black |
| Style | Performance Audio | SHP9600 |
| Units | 1.0 Count |
| Material | Fabric, Neodymium, Steel |
| Impedance | 32 Ohms |
| Generation | 1 |
| Model Name | Performance Audio | SHP9600 |
| Form Factor | Over Ear |
| Item Weight | 11.6 ounces |
| Sensitivity | 101 dB |
| Control Type | Media Control |
| Manufacturer | Philips |
| Cable Feature | Detachable |
| Ear Placement | Over Ear |
| Noise Control | Sound Isolation |
| Series Number | 9600 |
| Control Method | Remote |
| Earpiece Shape | Oval |
| Headphones Jack | 3.5 mm Jack |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Special Feature | Lightweight |
| Audio Driver Size | 50 Millimeters |
| Audio Driver Type | Dynamic Driver |
| Item model number | SHP9600/00 |
| Compatible Devices | Televisions,Cellphones,Desktops,Laptops |
| Frequency Response | 35000 Hz |
| Hardware Interface | 3.5mm Audio |
| Product Dimensions | 3.94 x 6.77 x 7.91 inches |
| Included Components | 1/4 inch to 3.5mm adapter, 3.5mm 3m cable |
| Input Device Interface | Audio jack |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Connectivity Technology | Wired |
| Specific Uses For Product | Home |
| Supports Bluetooth Technology | No |
What Buyers Say
Many users find the SHP9600 to be a comfortable pair of headphones for extended listening, with the open-back design creating a spacious sound. However, the sound profile itself draws mixed opinions, with some noting a bloated bass that can muddy the mids and make vocals sound dull. The build quality, while lightweight, is often described as flimsy plastic, and the included 3-meter cable is frequently criticized for being too long and prone to kinking.
“Ugh, the sound is okay for the price, but seriously, the bass is kinda muddy and the cable is SO long and annoying, it just gets tangled everywhere! Why no case, Philips?!”
Common Praise
- Earcups are large and completely cover the ears.
- Comfortable for long listening sessions due to lightweight design and breathable fabric pads.
- Spacious sound and soundstage from the open-back design.
- Detachable 3.5mm cable is non-proprietary and easily replaceable.
- Good imaging performance for the price.
Common Complaints
- Bloated bass that bleeds into the mids, making vocals recessed and dull.
- Flimsy plastic build quality.
- Long (3-meter) and stiff cable that retains kinks.
- Moderate clamp force can be uncomfortable for larger heads.
- No carrying case included.
Ownership Tips
- The long cable often remains kinked even after extended use, making it difficult to manage.
- The moderate clamp force might loosen slightly over time, but can still be an issue for some users.
- The breathable fabric earpads are comfortable but might show wear faster than pleather alternatives.
- The plastic construction, while lightweight, may develop creaks or feel less sturdy over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these headphones have a microphone?
No, the Philips SHP9600 do not have a built-in microphone. You would need to purchase an external microphone, like a V-Moda Boom Pro, to use them for communication.
Are these good for travel?
No, these are bulky, open-back headphones that leak a lot of sound and don't block ambient noise, making them impractical for travel.
How long is the cable?
The included cable is 3 meters (9.8 feet) long.
Do they leak sound?
Yes, as open-back headphones, they leak a lot of sound, which is audible to people nearby.
Can I replace the cable?
Yes, the cable is detachable and uses a non-proprietary 3.5mm connection on both ends, so finding a replacement is easy.
Buying Guide
When looking at headphones like these, you need to understand that 'open-back' means the earcups aren't sealed. This lets sound escape and enter freely, creating a more spacious, natural soundstage, but it also means zero noise isolation and everyone around you will hear your music. They're built for a specific listening environment, usually quiet indoor spaces.
Open-Back Design
Unlike closed headphones that seal your ears, open-back headphones have vents or grilles on the earcups. This allows air to move freely, creating a wider, more 'out-of-your-head' soundstage, like listening to speakers in a room rather than sound trapped directly in your ears.
Wired Connectivity
'Wired' means you connect directly with a cable, ensuring no latency (delay) and usually better audio quality than wireless options, as there's no compression or signal loss. It's like a direct pipeline for your sound.
50mm Dynamic Drivers
The 'drivers' are the small speakers inside the headphones that produce sound. A 50mm dynamic driver is a relatively large size for headphones, often capable of moving more air to produce a fuller sound, especially in the bass frequencies, compared to smaller drivers.
Alternatives
If you need to block out noise or use headphones in public without disturbing others, look for 'closed-back' headphones with 'active noise cancellation.' If you need wireless freedom, search for 'Bluetooth over-ear headphones.'
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