While doing your research as you make a larger purchase is crucial, sometimes it can get a bit complicated when choosing between similar models. What makes two products from the same manufacturer unique? The labeling of products can get confusing, so checking into the added features of each helps make sure you are getting the exact item you need and want. In music technology, with the industry constantly changing and adapting to consumer need, newer models are always being introduced to the market.
Two headphones you may be looking into as you research buying new ones are the Philips SHP9500 and SHP9500S. Again, the only difference in the label is the S at the end of the product number, but it does affect what product you are getting and the features it includes.
When reading reviews and customer experience descriptions, it becomes clear how similar these two versions of the Philips headphones are. First, let’s explore the shared features of the headphones.
Design and Comfort
Both of these models have an open back design, meaning that there is not any cover on the outside of the ear pieces. The advertisements claim an “authentic” sound experience, which is true when the headphones allow outside noise to filter through as you listen to your music. People around you can also hear what you are listening to, since the sound space is so open. If this concept sounds good to you and you are using these in a quiet environment purely for sound quality, then this can be a great option.
The steel make of the earpiece connector ensures durability and creates a sleek look for the everyday music session at home or taking your music to the office. The ear pads are not replaceable, which is important to consider as you think about the longevity of the product. However, the comfort has been rated again and again as extremely high – people say they could wear either of these models of headphones all day long!
Sound Quality
50 mm neodymium drivers create a crisp clarity and the angle of the ear pieces fits closely to the ear so that there is increased comfort, stability, and focused sound. While there is not a microphone included, there is the potential to add one. The majority of the product reviews complain that the original cords that come with the headset have kinks that cannot be undone, so if you decide on these headphones be aware that you might have to purchase a new connecting wire. Described as mid-range centric sound, the system does incorporate good tone across the board, from low bass to high treble.
These headphones run on battery power and do take quite a bit of energy. It is also worth mentioning that some headphones take time to break in, and both of these sets can take some use to find the perfect ratio of sounds and tones to fit the kinds of music you enjoy.
Differences Between the Versions
As stated previously, these models of Philips headphones are incredibly similar. The main difference is that the older version may be in the process of being discontinued, and the frequencies in the S version are more diverse. With the S version, the range is 6-35,000 Hertz, compared to the 12-35,000 Hertz with the predecessor. This allows for lower bass and higher treble.
Which Do I Choose?
My purchasing decision would be the 9500S because of the knowledge that the product will be around for a long time. The products are so similar that some customers reported buying one model and receiving another in the mail, so whichever one you can find in stock should work well. The sound quality and comfort make these headphones a perfect purchase for someone looking for non-noise cancelling headphones, and since the base model is potentially being discontinued, I would choose the S model.