It’s even more damning when you consider that it’s roughly half the price that it initially sold for – a sure sign that it wasn’t worth that much. This is in large part why the 9600 sits in the corner of my room in its original box, looking completely brand new. I think this was Philips’ answer to the 58X, but that headphone is much better ( read: better tuned) even despite its Soundstage not being quite as good as either the 9500 or 9600 – both of which are rather excellent.

SHP9600 Wired, Over-Ear, Headphones, Comfort Fit New Philips SHP9600 Wired, Over-Ear, Headphones, Comfort Fit

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. The cups are oval-shaped and rather shallow, but your ears will fit inside just fine and the headband doesn’t dig into the top of your head. I had read something a few years ago that claimed Classical actually needs more bass, and now I know why.

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. You may notice a bit of a dip in the presence regions, but it doesn’t feel scooped out when you’re listening to it. It’s still numbered like the 9500, and not only is it easier to settle on a number appropriate for your head, but it actually holds its place this time.

SHP9600 impressions : r/headphones - Reddit Philips SHP9600 impressions : r/headphones - Reddit

In other words, you don’t really feel them because they clamp just right and don’t press into the sides of your head all that much. Our servers are getting hit pretty hard right now. To continue shopping, enter the characters as they are shown Right away you’ll notice that the 9600 is more compact all around, with a slightly tighter clamp force that feels quite incredible on your head. I think it works pretty well for Rap, Hip-Hop, R&B, Indie Pop, etc. which is what you’ll primarily be using it for should you decide to take the plunge. Mid-range I’ve almost never had to take either off of my head for any reason at all, and quite literally can wear them for hours on end – even when I’m not listening to music!There seems to be a protective measure taken in looking at the greyish-blue cap, a stark contrast to the rubbery, flimsier material inherent in the original 9500.

Shp9600 vs fidelio x2hr - Casual - HifiGuides Forums Shp9600 vs fidelio x2hr - Casual - HifiGuides Forums

The metal headband does adjust to accommodate a number of head sizes, which is nice, and there's also some mesh padding on the bridge to cushion your cranium.It sounds fuller and more impactful, while still mostly retaining all of that incredible micro-detail that the original 9500 provided in spades. It’s truly astounding that a gigantic conglomerate again came out of nowhere and slapped us in the face with this product. 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. the debate rages on whether this is my brain becoming acclimated to the sound, or if burn-in is a real thing. The 9600 also comes with a more rugged-looking and feeling snap-on 1/4″ adapter, with a subtle but still noticeable “grip” towards the bottom.