Over the years, the demand for high-quality gaming headphones has increased. The Philips Fidelio X2HR and SHP 9500 are some of the most popular wired and open-back headsets in the gaming world. The following is an insightful review of the two to find out which one offers better performance.
Gaming headsets are famous for their unique and comfortable design and superior audio performance compared to other regular headsets. In addition, gaming enthusiasts are looking for the best gear that guarantees a smooth and most comfortable experience. Here is where the Philips Fidelio X2HR and SHP 9500 come in. Not only do they possess a sleek design and offer maximum breathability, but they also provide a broad soundstage that delivers a wide variety of sounds at different sound ranges. Therefore, let us take a look at the table below and analyze their significant features and differences.
What are the differences between Philips Fidelio X2HR and SHP 9500?
[wpdatatable id=11]Philips Fidelio X2HR vs. SHP 9500- How do they compare?
Design/look:
Available in black, both the Philips Fidelio X2HR and SHP 9500 have the same open-back and over-ear design. They also feature a practical design with a double-layered headband and mesh ear cups for optimum comfort and breathability.
A significant difference between these two headsets is that the Philips Fidelio X2HR comes with a 3m cable, while the SHP 9500 has a 1.5m cable for connectivity purposes. In addition, the SHP 9500 features large ‘L’ and ‘R’ mark on each ear cup.
The Philips Fidelio X2HR comes with a better design than the SHP 9500.
Build quality:
The Philips Fidelio X2HR and SHP 9500 feature a solid construction as they consist of a mix of metal and high-grade plastic. The headband contains steel tubes wrapped with real leather. Simultaneously, the ear cups are made from smooth and robust plastic covered with aluminum material and containing deluxe breathable fabric material for maximum ventilation and comfort.
Due to its cold-rolled steel frame with a thick and breathable double-layered mesh pad, the headband is easily adjustable to fit any head shape and size and can be worn comfortably for long hours on end. Furthermore, the ear pads contain plenty of soft memory foam material covered in velour pads, making them pretty thick and comfortable for use during prolonged gaming sessions.
The only significant difference between the Philips Fidelio X2HR and SHP 9500 in terms of build quality is its cable. The Fidelio X2HR has a 3m braided cable with 6.3mm same adapters, while the SHP 9500 has a 1.5m cable with the same adapters.
The Philips Fidelio X2HR has better build quality than the SHP 9500 due to its longer cable.
Performance/sound quality:
The sound quality and performance of the X2HR is merely impeccable as it has a frequency response range of 5Hz- 40 kHz, a sensitivity rating of 100dB, and an impedance rating of 30 Ohms. It also comes with an open-back design that provides plenty of space when delivering sound, making it more ideal for enjoying music rather than analyzing it.
Regardless, the audio delivery is excellent as there is plenty of clarity, detail, and separation. With 50mm angled dynamic drivers, this headset reproduces plenty of bass, creating a fully immersive listening experience. When playing Fortnite, the gunfire, grenade, and enemies’ footsteps were very clear and accurate, allowing me to take the appropriate steps. I would find myself turning my head frequently, in real life, because of how realistic the sound felt.
Alternatively, the Philips SHP 9500 features a frequency response range of 12 Hz- 35 kHz, an impedance rating of 32 Ohms, and a sensitivity rating of 101dB. With its 50nm drivers, this headset delivers warm, crisp, and clear audio quality over a broad sound range. Its bass response is dynamic and powerful enough to create a spectacular listening experience. Like the X2HR, it features an open back design that prevents air pressure buildup in the drivers, providing ample space for their movement. As a result, there is immense sound transparency and diversity within its soundstage.
When playing Red Dead 2, the sound was loud and vibrant enough for me to pay attention to the game’s entire environment. Likewise, the sound effects were well-defined and clear enough to pass the required information.
The Philips Fidelio X2HR has better sound performance than the SHP 9500.
Microphone sound quality:
Both the Philips Fidelio X2HR and SHP 9500 do not come with an in-built microphone. However, users can use its detachable cable to connect a detachable microphone, like the V-MODA BoomPro, to increase the headset’s versatility.
Comfort
In terms of comfort, both of these headphones feature a lightweight design as they spread their weight evenly across the device. They also come with a self-adjusting cold steel headband that snug fits most head sizes and shapes. Its ear cups also contain soft memory foam material covered with velour pads for comfort and proper ventilation.
However, the Philips Fidelio X2HR is heavier than the SHP 9500 as it weighs 0.84 pounds compared to 0.6 pounds.
The Philips SHP 9500 is more comfortable than the X2HR since it is lighter.
Philips Fidelio X2HR vs. SHP 9500 – A comparison review
Philips Fidelio X2HR review:
The Philips Fidelio X2HR is an excellent pair of wired open-back headsets. Thanks to its durable build and large and well-padded ear cups, it offers users plenty of comforts while playing for long hours. Its steel headband automatically adjusts to fit average to large head shapes and sizes, proving a snug yet comfortable fit. The headphone also comes with a 3m detachable cable, which is good enough for walking around the studio or room.
The Fidelio X2HR features a wide frequency response range of 5Hz – 40 kHz, a low impedance of 30 Ohms, and a sensitivity rating of 100dB, making them high-resolution headphones ideal for critical listening. As a result, it delivers incredibly bright and detailed sound with plenty of low-frequency depth that does not overpower the high and midranges. It is also worth noting that this headset comes with 50mm angled dynamic drivers responsible for delivering a strong bass response.
- Durable and lightweight build
- Sleek design
- Well-balanced and powerful sound quality with rich bass and warm sounds
- It comes with a detachable cable
- It does not come with a tangle-free cable.
Philips SHP 9500 review:
If you are looking for high-quality yet budget-friendly headphones, the Philip SHP 9500 is an ideal option. Although it is a wired headset, it features a lightweight and comfortable design and delivers impeccable sound quality similar to high-end headphones available on the market today.
Primarily made from high-grade plastic and metal parts, this headset weighs 0.6 pounds and comes with a removable 1.5m cable. Its frame consists of cold steel metal, which allows it to fit most head shapes comfortably. Its headband is double layered with soft and breathable fabric, making it comfortable to wear for extended hours.
The large ear cups feature an over-ear design that gently fits around most ear sizes and consists of deluxe breathable ear pads that ensure your ears are cool and dry without compromising the general comfort. It is also worth noting that these headsets have an open-back design, meaning they do not have any noise-isolation features.
With a frequency response range o 12Hz- 35 KHz, the SHP 9500 delivers crystal clear sound. Thanks to its 50nm drivers, it reproduces powerful and accurate bass to create a fully immersive listening experience. However, if you are looking for headphones that deliver a hard thumping beat, these headphones are not for you.
- Excellent sound quality
- Attractive design
- Comfortable
- Great build quality
- Plenty of sound leakage due to its open-back design.
Final verdict: So, which is better, Philips Fidelio X2HR or SHP 9500?
With all factors considered, the Philips Fidelio X2HR is a better-wired headset than the SHP 9500 due to its better sound quality, sleeker and more premium design, and longer audio cable. However, both of these headsets perform quite similarly and are very comfortable for prolonged use.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does the Philips Fidelio X2HR come with removable ear pads?
The updated version comes with removable ear pads and High-Resolution Audio.
Can the Philips SHP 9500 block out loud conversations and music in noisy environments?
No. They feature an open-back design, meaning they do not have noise-canceling functionality.