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Post by Deleted on Aug 13, 2011 18:47:43 GMT
The headphone is made from mostly plastic with a very dark grey matte finish and chrome-greyish and black accents. people complain about it not being very sturdy. That doesn bother me as I don't play football with it and treat it with respect. Wouldn't advise one for a studio though. Circum-aural (around the ears) and open but does have some attenuation from outside noises. It is low-Ohmic and doesn't react very much to different amplifier output resistances. It becomes a bit more 'mellow' on higher iresistances, but does not gain lows or highs. A thing that stands out is the detachable, woven cloth, cord with a 3.5mm gold plated plug and 4 meter length. A supplied 6.3 mm converter can be screwed on. It comes with a transport bag, but that won't give any protection, only against dust. The ear pads appear to be slightly oddly shaped but in fact it is anything but. When you run your fingers behind your ear you will notice a 'dent' between the skull and jaw bone. At this point the pads are protruding outwards creating a better seal. Never saw that feature in other ear pads. The pads themselves are not velours, nor (p)leather or vinyl but an open very nice soft cloth material. Not sweaty at all during long listening sessions. Very comfortable I might say and beats a lot of headphones in the comfort area for sure. The clamping force was a bit on the high side out of the box, but bending the rods a bit outwards fixed that. Now for the sound.... There is little point in comparing it to say HD438, SR850 or other reasonably good headphones that are here and there lacking a bit as there is little to complain about the SHP9000 sound quality. It outclasses those and should be compared to the better headphones. It has an open and dynamic sound with warm mids, good separation of instruments and a wide sound stage. Voices, both male and female are very natural. The only thing that strikes me as a bit 'less' quality are the lows. I have to say it only has had a few hours on it, but don't feel they changed much. The lows can be a bit 'muddy' with some types of music with lots of lows in it. It certainly is not a 'tight bass' but more on the 'fatty' side. Bass reaches quite deep, but not in the sub bass region like the HD681 does. Deep enough though, and would call it about on par with HD650 though a less controlled. The highs extension is good and clearly outperforms the HD650 at that point resulting in better clarity without a hint of sibilance. Small nuances are very easily picked out. Voices are more musical on the SHP-9000 yet still natural. If I had to rate it it would be in the HD650 and DT990 range of sound quality. Actually right between it. The warmth of the HD650 and the musicality of the more bass and treble happy DT990. I must say the DT990 used is the 20 years old 600 Ohm version, and from what I recall from auditioning newer DT990's, the SHP9000 is closer to the current DT990 than to the HD650. It is very musical and has good separation. Even in some music with too much lows the mids and highs are still not overrun and remain of good quality even though the bass quality is 'less'. It is too bad Philips, again, has stopped selling / making a very good headphone. It should be close to the HP1000 which I never heard, so can't compare but both these headphones clearly stand out in the Philips product line. You could also place it between the HD650 and mod-ed HD681. Natural (English speaker alike) from the HD650 and the fun factor of the HD681. The HD681 can sometimes sound a bit metallic and thin in some voices which the SHP9000 does not. For now it is a keeper.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 13, 2011 19:34:37 GMT
Thanks Frans.
It sounds like a good headphone. Philips has a slightly strange reputation in the UK. It's probably not deserved.
Their early CD players were OK but I guess that they have a reputation for being a bit 'cheap' but as we have all found, this isn't always bad. (Superlux being a prime example)
The AKG headphones have a fatter bit of pad at the back as well. They look really comfy and good that you have something between HD650 and DT990 as well now!!
Ian
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Post by Deleted on Aug 13, 2011 19:42:47 GMT
Frans, the pads on my JVC RX-700 have that same odd shape ( a pronounced 'lip' at one edge) which I do feel gives a slightly better seal than 'ordinary' pads. Btw, i bought a second hand pair of JVC RX-500 which were in need of some TLC just to listen to TV with and they had the same odd shaped pads. Those Philips look great. I'm still on the look-out for a pair of SHP-890's. I think theres a little bit of snobbery going on with some people when it comes to brands and brand names - they automatically assume something from a certain brand will be no good and therefore never listen to it - silly! Jeff
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Post by Deleted on Aug 13, 2011 21:07:50 GMT
I never would have bought a Philips myself if I had not auditioned it at a megastore (Mediamarkt) a few times. Also heard the 2000, 2500 and the other models but they don't even come close. Not bad for the price, but just like the HD201 e.t.c. not 'hifi' enough for me. This one did sound pretty good... just like the Skullcandy aviator doesn't sound that bad either (the only Skullcandy that sounds acceptable I guess). Not going to buy that one though. Just when I decided to buy it only the demo model was available. The cord cloth had been 'torn' and had scratches all over the place and they still wanted E 119 for it but they (reluctantly) would want sell it for E90.- because it had scratches (totally bonkers these guys). Found a new one on the web: www.amazon.co.uk/Philips-SHP9000-00-Cineos-Headphones/dp/B000U32Y2Yand a friedly RG member helped me get this one from the U.K. (did I thank him yet ? ) Never seen the JVC and the short time I had the K701 I didn't notice it at that time. The SHP9000 is in a totally different league as the HP-890 though that one isn't bad either. I think Superlux copied their drivers or supplied them to Philips.. don't know, just a hunch, they look awfully similar. The drivers in the SHP9000 are angled, just like in the HP890.
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Post by clausdk on Aug 13, 2011 21:37:16 GMT
I have loved the Philips topmodels for years, but Philips is a no go in head-fi, don´t know why ?? I resently got a new pair og HP1000 from a friendly dutch member, thanks Ruben The 9000 should have less bass that the 1000 to what I have read, I figure it lies in the pads, the new model seems more open in the structure..
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Post by PinkFloyd on Aug 13, 2011 21:54:01 GMT
Frans, I have been doing a bit of asking around and will have a pair of HP-1000 for you soon Leave it with me. I REALLY rated the HP-890 back in the day and urged a few people on Head-Fi to RUN (don't walk) to their nearest Philips dealer and buy a pair..... Most of the people who bought a pair thought they were superb but our Nigel said "they remind me of the type of subwoofer sound that comes out of car systems" I sold my pair to a guy in India, he couldn't source them over there..... he had the common problem of the "breakage" at the universal join type thing but came up with a really elaborate solution.... (I can't find the pics)..... most people just applied tape but this Indian guy totally reinvented the wheel..... he was so happy with them Back then I hosted all my photos on my own website (audiogeddon.com) and LOST thousands of photos through bad management and a hard drive failure (the main reason I PAY for premium storage at Photobucket these days)..... I had most of the pRon shots of the HP-890's (I was TRULY obsessed with all things headphone related back then). Anyhoo...... the HP-890 with the commons "string and sellotape" weak point fix
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Post by PinkFloyd on Aug 13, 2011 22:07:28 GMT
Found my original thread on the HP-890 but very odd to see that I joined Head-Fi in "2009" but the first person to reply to me actualy replied in 2003 I joined Head-Fi in 2001 and was one of the "few" back then..... I don't live in "Arizona" and I don't like that avatar they have given me.... Anyhoo..... this is my Original take on the HP-890 circa 2003... www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/26886/philips-hp-890-headphones
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Post by PinkFloyd on Aug 13, 2011 22:56:03 GMT
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funk1969
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Post by funk1969 on Aug 13, 2011 23:33:13 GMT
I recently bought a Philips again. This time the SHP5401, actually two of them and these budget wonders are cheap.
Philips, next to Pioneer and AKG one of my favourite audio gear manufacturers.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 14, 2011 8:01:34 GMT
My SBC HP-890 (before I sold it, too many headphones lying around) I should update my 'currently in stock' headphone list.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 14, 2011 20:53:14 GMT
My SBC HP-890 (before I sold it, too many headphones lying around) I should update my 'currently in stock' headphone list. But you have the quiet satisfaction of knowing that they've gone to a good home Seriously, this thread prompted me to dig them out and have another listen - I've changed a few things since I last had them out - and I was surprised how good they sounded . I suspect that the last time I listened to them that something else in my system was holding them back a bit but, whatever it was, there's no evidence of it now. They'll see a bit more daylight in future . Dave.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2011 3:24:04 GMT
Thanks for the detailed review, Frans! As I mentioned a few days ago, I have a pair of these on order and should have them next week sometime. I have a question about the unique detachable cable connector: is it a Philips proprietary one, or is it a type that may be available at a parts supplier? My thoughts are that I may decide to make another cable for them at some point, and if the connector is something like the mini-XLR as on the K702 or such, it should be relatively easy to do. If it is a Philips proprietary one, I don't know if Philips will sell one. Thanks again! Israel
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Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2011 5:10:44 GMT
it's a 2.5mm stereo plug with a (propriatary) bajonet type locking mechanism so it can't be pulled out. I figure you can use a thin bodied 2.5mm stereo jack but will probably need to wedge it somehow. The cable itself is good quality. microphonics is low but audible.
Israel: Very curious to hear/read how you rate it.
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XTRProf
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Post by XTRProf on Aug 15, 2011 9:24:00 GMT
Who says Philips HP is bad. I have the opportunity to hear the Sennheiser RS 170 and 160 and the SHD8600 sounded about 80% (albeit less than half the price) to the Senns after some mode. This is still the favourite HP of the 2 I have in my stash now until I buy some highend ones.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2011 21:44:22 GMT
it's a 2.5mm stereo plug with a (propriatary) bajonet type locking mechanism so it can't be pulled out. I figure you can use a thinn bodied 2.5mm stereo jack but will probably need to wedge it somehow. The cable itself is good quality. microphonics is low but audible. Israel: Very curious to hear/read how you rate it. Thank you, Frans! Maybe, if and when I decide to make a new cable for these, I can try to check if a Philips parts supplier can sell me the proprietary plug. Otherwise I can go with your idea of a thin bodied 2.5mm stereo plug friction fit it into the receptacle, and if necessary, use a drop or two of good old hot glue. I am still waiting for my pair of these, and I will be sure to post my impressions of them after I get a chance to break them in, etc. They are coming from Hong Kong via express mail, and I hope they turn out to be the real thing, and not a knock-off. The firm's name is GimmeDigi -- a name that doesn't exactly inspire confidence.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 16, 2011 4:47:20 GMT
I think only very popular headphones are faked. The Philips aren't very popular as it is not considered a 'hifi' brand. More popular in Asia though. Chances they accurately copy a Philips just to sell only a few are small IMO. Given it's price point they are very likely to be real... I sure hope so.
Let's hope the tax devision doesn't catch it.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 18, 2011 18:54:06 GMT
Israel: Very curious to hear/read how you rate it. Hi, Frans I just received my pair of SHP 9000, and on first listen, I like them very much! I have only listened to them for about 30 minutes, and to me they have the refinement of the HD650, with a good low end, which is somewhat wider sounding than the HD650's. The sound stage of the SHP-9000 is much wider and with more air between individual instruments, than that of the HD650, and the midrange is very smooth (at first listen almost on par with the HD650). I find that to my ear the highs of the SHP-9000 are very slightly rolled off compared to my HD650, but the latter are re-cabled with a 5 foot Cardas cable, which is also much shorter than the stock Philips 4 meter cable. I think that after breaking them in, I will try fitting them with a 5 foot Cardas cable as well, and then compare the two. One of the first things that was apparent to my ears, when I changed from the HD650 Senn stock cable to the Cardas, was a marked improvement of the high frequencies, and a tighter bass, and I will see/hear if it will have the same effect on the SHP-9000 (to my ears). IMHO these are indeed great headphones, even straight out of the box, and are true keepers! I put them on the same SQ level as the HD650 and HD600, but with a wider sound stage! Thank you for recommending them! Israel
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Post by Deleted on Aug 18, 2011 19:34:58 GMT
Hi Israel,
Glad you like them (and as much as I do) that is how I perceive them too. They are more 'fun' than the HD650 and more open/wider/clearer separated yet refined and warm sounding. I prefer them (much) over my (20 year old 600 Ohm) DT990 and are a step up from those.
Too bad they are no longer in production and getting harder to acuire. I am very glad I was able to get one.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 18, 2011 20:30:47 GMT
Hi Israel, Glad you like them (and as much as I do) that is how I perceive them too. They are more 'fun' than the HD650 and more open/wider/clearer separated yet refined and warm sounding. I prefer them (much) over my (20 year old 600 Ohm) DT990 and are a step up from those. Too bad they are no longer in production and getting harder to acuire. I am very glad I was able to get one. Frans, I am really excited to have these, and am going to order the parts to make a Cardas cable for them sooner than I expected to. For me the 4 meter stock cable is simply too long, and ends up dragging on the floor when I use it, though I must admit, it seems to be a very well made one with low microphonics. The fact that the phones are mainly made of plastic does not bother me at all. I don't plan to go into combat wearing them, nor do I plan to use them as a motorcycle helmet! And, though the case that comes with it is soft cordura nylon, it still offers some protection from dust and minor bumps. The sound is indeed first class, clean and open, detailed, and full bodied. These are not going to end up just sitting in my collection with the rest of them, but will be heavily used, and I am looking forward to many enjoyable hours with them. By the way, I just listened to a recording of Mahler's No. 1 "Titan" Symphony, performed by one of the world's greatest orchestras, The Royal Concertgebouw (a name I am sure you are very familiar with ) under the direction of Leonard Bernstein -- an orchestra that Netherlands can be most proud of, for it is up there with the best of them, barring none! This CD in particular has a very wide dynamic range, and puts a lot of demands on the headphones, and I must say, the SHP-9000 handled these with ease, and in a most refined way, with no audible distortion whatsoever!!! They especially sound good with the Sunrise amp fitted with the Russian 6N23P tube! There seems to be a real synergy with all the components there! For those interested in purchasing, I think this seller in Hong Kong still has them in stock for $99.99 US plus shipping. Here is the link: www.gimmedigi.com/catalog/philips-cineos-hifi-stereo-headphones-shp9000-p-2104.html?gclid=COPp_PWYxaoCFSEEQAodnCmO6gIf some of you wonder, No! I don't have a financial interest in recommending you purchase them! I am simply very happy with these , and you would have to pry them from my cold dead hands to take them away from me! Cheers! Israel
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Post by Deleted on Aug 19, 2011 7:07:09 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 25, 2011 21:45:30 GMT
Frans, I just re-cabled my new SHP-9000 phones with a 5ft. Cardas cable that I made, and the SQ now is very similar to that of with my HD-650 Senns, but with a remarkably wider sound stage. The sound is more transparent with fine rendition of HF without too much sibilance, and an excellent midrange. The slightly wider bass quality that was present with the original stock 2 meter cable is now gone, and the bass is now nice and tight without any audible loss. Thanks again for recommending this sleeper gem! Cheers! Israel
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mrarroyo
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Post by mrarroyo on Aug 25, 2011 22:48:51 GMT
Nice looking cans.
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mrarroyo
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Post by mrarroyo on Aug 25, 2011 22:50:41 GMT
Israel, where in the USA did you find the SHP-9000?
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Post by Deleted on Aug 25, 2011 23:42:05 GMT
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mrarroyo
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Post by mrarroyo on Aug 26, 2011 10:40:41 GMT
Thanks for the information Israel.
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