Accessories

Best Bang for the Buck
I have a pair of Sennheiser HD580 Precision Audiophile Headphones. Yes, I am a bit of a snob. But, and this is a big but, these Philips SHL9500's, which I bought for the purpose of using with portable devices, are without a doubt the best headband headphones I have ever had on my head--for the buck. Period. Ear Buds pooey!

These Philips headphones are, imo, better in every way than the Sony MDR-V150's. They are also better than the Sony MDR-V300's.

When I received the 9500's I straightway plugged them into my ONKYO to let the neodymium magnets loosen up a bit. The next morning I got the LED out. "Wow!", all I can say is one "Whole Lotta Love". Then I went Super Audio CD and turned my attention to the Dark Side of the Moon. Again, "MONEY" well spent. Then out of respect a little Ellas McDaniel, AKA, Bo Diddley. Who do you love, baby? I use a cobra-snake for a necktie. Who do you love? Who do you love?

When Philips says "Lightweight Premium Headphones", they mean it... for about $20 bucks. "Wow!"

Very nice
I've only been listening to these for a day, just got them yesterday. If they are going to sound better after some break-in time, I have to say Wow!, because they sound great now. I am hearing detail that I never heard on my Koss porta pro, they actually rival my Senns 595s.

I am listening to them on an old Archos 20 gig recorder, and 95% of the tunes are coded at 320, with Rockbox firmware loaded, so I can really fine tune the sound. Also attached is a Total AirHead amp.

Very comfortable and lightweight.

All-around performer - let me explain
I have to compare these to the Sennheiser PX-100s because that is what these Philips are replacing. I need over the ear headphones that are foldable for stowing in a pocket. The Sennheisers were amazing in comfort and sound quality, and - with a little practice - could be stored in their custom hard case fairly quickly. However, I noticed after a few months that I had cord separation at the earpiece. I glued it and was very careful but the other side separated soon after. The reviews for that product showed I wasn't alone. So, I purchased the Philips based on price/specs and first impressions were 1) padded ear pillow not as comfy as the oversize collapsed cell foam disc, and 2) dynamic range not nearly as impressive, especially in the highs. Well, after a little tweak time in the Nano's EQ settings I found a setting that is much better and improves the sound quality to where I am enjoying them very much. Tough luck for Shuffle users however. I then went to an eyeglass center and found a reinforced leather case for large Calvin Klein sunglasses that holds the folded phones perfectly (not expensive). Now, after much usage, I believe the ear pillows are softening up, the phones are getting more comfortable and most importantly, the wires seem to be much more robust than the oh so delicate (flimsy) Sennheiser wires. They are also easier to fold and stow when you are on the go. That is why the Philips deserves 5 stars.

Solid Preformer
For the price this is an exceptional buy. Bass response is very good. Mids and Highs are above average. Style and comfort are definantly a plus at this price. Be careful though , if you are rough on your equipment these headphones are not for you.

Average?
I purchased these headphones yesterday evening from a big store.. think red circles. and they were alot more there. so I bought these headphones because they were the most expensive without going with Bose headphones.. which.. were AWESOME.. but way out of the realm of what i wanted to pay for a pair of headphones. I wanted something to sound better than the old trusty pair of headphones I have used since High School (Sony MDR-W08L Vertical In-The-Ear Headphones)which was 1985.

I put in my headphone splitter and quickly went back and forth between the headsets.. because.. the quality difference was.. surprisingly.. unnoticeable. Try the old sonys for a second.. rewind the song. put the Philips ones on.. ok.. there was slightly more bass in the philips headphones but they lacked treble. The Sony ones sound better.. and at the same volume level the philips ones are lower volume. So, if you DONT have headphones.. These are good sounding ones. However if you are upgrading from a pair of in the air cheapo sony headphones (That i have always loved) dont bother. However.. for the money these are listed for here. These are QUITE a deal for those without headphones. They are average quality sounding. My REAL advice to you is DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE put on BOSE headphones because everything else will not sound good at all.