Comparison: Sennheiser HD 559 vs Philips SHP9500

Today, we are going to read about two budget models. So, if you are currently in search of a budget model, then this post might help you out. We are going to be discussing about the Sennheiser HD 559 vs Philips SHP9500 headsets.

The Sennheiser HD 559 is the cheaper version of Sennheiser HD 599 headset. It comes at the cost of under $100. So, how does it stack up against the competition? The Philips SHP9500 headset is a breathtaking model too that comes with decent features in it.

What about the model? The HD 559 headset is the open-back design that is most ideal for audiophiles. The audio quality is excellent and pleasant. You can hear all the notes and the tune gently, which is a nice thing to know.

They are not ideal for making use of quiet areas. You may want to consider them in areas of service like home or office. However, the Sennheiser model here might not be suitable for office use due to the open-back design.

It comes with sound leakage. The HD 559 unit comes with a robust build that is quite common among most Sennheiser models. You can find the use of cables that are quite sturdy too. Though it is priced under $100, the craft done on the unit is impeccable.

We were thoroughly surprised & happy with it. The model comes with a matte black design and grey elements on it. The looks are tremendous and opulent to the eyes. They look pretty premium for the price range.

But the protective grille is on the outside and comes with a fabric cover. You can find helpful velour padding on the earpads that are extremely good. The omission of the 3.5mm cable is genuinely missed.

The Philips SHP9500 headset, on the other hand, comes with a nominal price of $80. It is suitable for critical budget listening. They come with a robust design. It feels nice and warm when you wear them.

You can use them outdoors, but they can fall off anytime. The sound quality was magnificent and superb. This is something that our tester did not expect from the under $100 model. It seems like a disposable top-end unit at times.

When you are short on budget and patience, then we might feel that these two models are the best for the moment. However, let us read to find out more about them, and more importantly, find out which model manages to outdo the other in this critical review.

Sennheiser HD 559	Philips SHP9500
PROS	PROS
The unit is lightweight. The model has a sensational build quality. It comes with a very comfortable design. It has an exceptional passive soundstage. The price is affordable for the brand.	The unit is priced relatively cheap, under $100. The model is exceptionally lightweight. It is comfortable, and you can wear it for several hours without discomfort. It has a magnificent treble capability. The headset uses a 3.5 to 3.5mm cable that is detachable.
CONS	CONS
The model virtually has no latency because of analog connection.	The model has weak earpads.

Sennheiser HD 559 vs Philips SHP9500: Design & Comfort

The design & comfort were aspects that the Sennheiser brand was always known for. You can notice that in any Sennheiser model, for that matter. The Sennheiser HD 559 headset comes with an exceptional design.

It is pretty comfortable. You can find that the headband in this open-back unit is nicely padded. You can also adjust the length of the headband depending on the size you want to have. You can wear them for prolonged hours.

You can see that the earcups come infused with velour padding that can be replaced if you want them. There is a cable with a 3-meter length sufficient for any purpose. It is pretty lengthy and comes having the 6.3mm jack plug.

As we mentioned earlier, the unit does not come with the 3.5mm jack, which was quite a disappointment. Besides, you cannot rotate the earcups but move them around gently if you want.

Our tester noticed that you have to move it around to get it fixed properly on your head. This can be a little annoying for first-timers. However, once it is fixed, you can make use of the same position.

You do not find anything else on the model. The model is used mainly for listening to music. This model is a budget one, and you cannot expect more from the maker. Our tester did notice that the earpads come nicely fitted with the soft velour fabric covering your ears.

It is one of the best materials that you can find in the market. Besides, you can also see that they are quite warm to wear. That means, if you are from a tropical area, then the heat or sweat can be more than expected.

But when you are from an incredible region, then it is okay because the sweat or discomfort is not there. The E.A.R or Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement design from Sennheiser enables you to combine the audio and physical aspects of the headset is present.

The headstand of the unit is quite broad, enabling you to decrease the pressure point that usually occurs on your head. When you wear it for the first time, then they can feel somewhat tight. Once the headband becomes soft, then it gradually gets slightly loosened.

The Philips SHP9500 headset weighs around 320grams. It is pretty lightweight and fits all sizes of heads quickly. Quickly in a sense, you do not have to waste your time adjusting it. This was the first thing that we noted with it.

It is mainly produced from plastic, but the design is quite robust. We did not feel that we were using a cheap quality model. There is the metal mesh covering the driver. You can find a decent resistance amount present on the swivel joints.

They quickly take the shape of your head. Its earpads come generously padded and are reasonably sufficient to have on for a few good hours. Our tester did not find the driver’s wall annoying. Besides, the clamping force present on the model was stunning.

You do not get any pressure found on the headset even after using it for many hours. However, few of you might find the clamping force a bit disappointing. Do note that the cable wire can be removed if you want and comes at 3 meters.

Since it is produced from the runner, the noise is not there. The model comes with a minimum clamp on it. Besides, the settings come numbered. That means you can keep track of it when your family member or friend uses it.

A user has compared the earpad material, like the car seat texture. While that might be a good thing for durability, it may not be exceptionally well for some users. Your ears might get rash if you use them continually for long periods of time.

However, if you are somebody who uses it for less than 3-4 hours a day, then it is okay. Please do note this is a budget model under $100. You can change the earpads if you feel that you do not want to take any risk, which is a good thing.

On the whole, the design & comfort of both these budget models were acceptable. The Sennheiser model was slightly better. They always do and appear like premium models, as in the case here; the Philips unit was always pretty good with the comfort factor.

Sennheiser HD 559 vs Philips SHP9500: Build Quality

Sennheiser models excel in their build quality of them. If you have read our earlier reviews about these models, then you would know that we speak highly of them. That is because they come infused with superb build quality.

They can easily last you several years, no matter the price point. The Sennheiser HD 559 headset is produced for home and office use. Would you please do consider the fact that they are an open-back model? They can be placed in any storage case that you can find in the market. But you cannot fold this model that easily. Due to this, it causes some difficulty when you are traveling from one place to another.

You may find slight defects in the otherwise robust construction of the model. They are not a major cause for worry. The HD 500-series model comes with a good design. These models are known for their quality performance.

Additionally, it comes with a 2-year warranty. You know that when the maker offers you a warranty, they are confident about the product’s durability. You can also replace the earpads when you want.

Similarly, the Philips SHP9500 headset is produced from plastic material. They are meant to run for a durable period of time. Though you cannot compare it to the other brands, they are nicely designed.

They are robust can withstand those accidental falls. Users have managed to use it for several years now without hassle. The unit comes with a sober and just about right design. It is not that attractive, which is a good thing in one way.

The matte black color with the metal frame on it and Philip’s name appears on the earcups. When you want attractive headphones, then you might choose the Philips SHP9600. Our tester felt that the padding made fabric was quite fragile.

We also noticed that the earcups that have the swivel feature in them could become a weak point. They are quite capable of getting damaged if pressure is applied to them. You may check the Philips Fidelio X3, which seems a slight premium and durable.

You may not want to use it for outdoor activities because it tends to fall out pretty quickly. The unit comes with a listening capability and can stay in one place if you only use it for listening to music.

You can have the cable detachable, and you can disconnect it when you want. However, we noticed that the mesh present in the housings and the spine of the headband is produced from a thick material.

Our tester felt they could do the distance even if you do not take proper care of them. Not to mention, the large left and right indicators on the meshes can be seen. Some users might not enjoy the manner in which they are designed on them.

Sennheiser HD 559 vs Philips SHP9500: Audio Performance

The Sennheiser HD 559 headset comes with decent audio quality. You can note that the frequency range is 14-26,000 Hz, impedance: is 50 ohms, sound pressure level (SPL) is 108 dB, and total harmonic distortion is < 0.2%.

The unit is capable of giving you with a stunning frequency range. You can also notice that it comes with an exceptional amount of detail in it. It provides the unit become an ideal option for PC and portable consoles.

These devices can bring out some amplification in them. In the open-back models, the sound pressure is relatively low. We noticed that the harmonic distortion comes good in it. The model comes with good lows, and intense details, with the bass.

Though the bass was emphasized, you feel that the control is not lacking, and bleed is minimum. The same can be said about the mids, where there is a slight compression. Otherwise, it comes with immense detail, and the clarity was pretty exceptional.

The highs are just about alright. It can retain ample detail from it. The sound was quite sharp and did not become unpleasant at any moment in time. You can find that the depth of the model is quite pleasant.

The unit is suitable for the price point. Its sound quality is quite good. Our tester noticed that dynamic reproduction was magnificent for the price point. You do not find any airy feeling noted in the guitars or classical instruments.

This can be a dampener for those wanting to listen to classical music. When comparing the unit to the Sennheiser HD 560S that is quite expensive, this model does justice. The bass, tone, and the definition of it come in quite nicely.

The Philips SHP9500 headset cannot be termed as one of the best in the market. It comes infused with breathtaking detail and has good clarity, is elegant, and relatively smooth in many ways.

It has a mild clamping force that provides a mild listening experience for music lovers and the like. Our tester noticed that the lows make things quite fuller and do not come with anything deep.

The mids were not up to the mark. That was quite disappointing. We tried a few games using the model, like the Read Dead 2. It gave remarkable sound performance & the effects were quite good too.

The mids were okay, but you could use it for several genres if they were slightly better. If you enjoy playing games like Modern Warfare 2, you can hear the footsteps drastically clear.

Besides, the shooting games, too, sounded quite nice. When you are somebody who likes to have a sturdy clamping force, then the unit’s seal is crucial. It was quite disappointing to note that the Sennheiser HD 58X was relatively light.

Overall, the audio performance clearly belonged to the Philips SHP9500 headset. The Sennheiser HD 559 model did a decent job, though. However, you will want to know that the unit stands good for now.

Sennheiser HD 559 vs Philips SHP9500: Microphone Performance

The Sennheiser HD 599 headset does not come with a microphone. It means that they are not suitable for making or answering calls because you cannot do so. However, on the other hand, the Philips SHP9500 model comes with a detachable cable.

The model does not come with a microphone included, but you can make use of the BoomPro from V-MODA that costs under $35. That is possible here because it comes with a 3.5mm jack in it.

The microphone and headphone signals can be eloquently taken by it without hassle in it. We noticed that the inline remote for adjusting the volume of the microphone is a bonus. It does sound exceptional and pristine, which is a good thing.

Sadly, it does not come with any noise cancelation feature in it. You can hear your surroundings clearly. We felt that it sounded good because of that. When there is no noise cancellation in the unit, you tend to pick up these noises happening around you.

Sennheiser HD 559 vs Philips SHP9500: Compatibility

The compatibility of the Sennheiser HD 559 headset is quite bad. Like we said, the headset does not come with the 3.5mm port that would have made it a splendid device. Sadly, that is how things are for the moment.

The Philips SHP9500 headset is compatible with the laptop, smartphone, tablet, and even your iPhone if you want. With the 3.5mm port, most devices should be able to work. However, please do check whether the gaming consoles work on it.

Sennheiser HD 559 vs Philips SHP9500: Price

The Sennheiser HD 559 headset is priced under $100. This open-back model comes with the tremendous ability to provide you with eloquent sound performance. These models enable you to hear on the inside and what is happening around you.

This feature is a good advantage, especially when you are bound for traveling around in the subway or airport. The Philips SHP9500 headset is priced under $80. A slight price difference of $20 makes it seem a little inferior, but that is not the case.

It is light & comfortable to wear. You can wear them for extended listening and gaming sessions. However, the clamping force seems a little tight if you have a large head. We were not very confident about wearing them and even walking.

But the sound performance is where it shines brightly. You can get everything from the songs or music that you want to listen to. It could be pop, rock, classical, or even watching movies. Consumers have recommended this model as the best under $100 for watching movies.

Sennheiser HD 559 vs Philips SHP9500: Verdict

We have come to the end of our review now. We hope that you enjoyed reading it. The comparison review between Sennheiser HD 559 vs Philips SHP9500 headsets showcased to us what these two models are capable of.

This entry model HD-5 series from Sennheiser comes with a dazzling performance that can be matched with top-end headsets. The Sennheiser HD 559 headset was thoroughly compared with the expensive HD 599 headset.

However, you can find the differences quite out in the open. Sadly, it did not come with an essential feature of all, the 3.5mm adapter. Most of the headphones priced under $100 come with a 3.5mm adapter.

The unit is quite comfortable, and you can wear them for hours without hassle. That was a good thing. Besides, the audio performance was good. If you have used the ATH-M40x, then you will get happy with this unit.

If you are somebody who listens to music regularly, you would love to use this model. Users may not want to expect more from the unit for the price point. When you want more from the model, then we suggest that you shell out more cash for a top-end one.

Please do note that it does not come with the standard headphone jack. Otherwise, it comes with exceptional sound quality that can be used for neutral testing. Similarly, the Philips SHP9500 headset delivers stunning sound quality and has outstanding comfort in it.

We noted that the mids, highs, and treble were nicely balanced. It is pretty comfortable to wear for a lengthy period of time. The Sennheiser HD 550 headset is a better model because 6dB/mW higher sound pressure level & comes with a 1.5m longer cable.

The Philips SHP9500 headset is the ideal unit because it comes with 8Hz lower low-frequency, 9000Hz higher high-frequency, and comes with a neodymium magnet. The unit also has 18ohms lower impedance and is more than 350grams lighter.
Both the models are spectacular units ideal for listening to music and are pretty comfortable for prolonged usage. However, the HD 559 headset offers you with more bass, and the SHP9500 comes with less punch but more on highs.

Using the Philips SHP9500 headset was one of the best listening experiences. However, the Sennheiser HD 559 headset seemed to have outdone it in almost all aspects there. Our winner in this review, without a doubt, is the Sennheiser HD 559 headset.