Question 1

How do these compare to the Sennheiser HD558?

Accepted Answer

I have both.  The SHP 9500 sounds brighter and more forward for 2 reasons: the back is more open and the drivers are closer to your ears.  The Sennheiser is more neutral sounding -some find it somewhat muffled unless you do the "mod" (removing a piece of tape inside) - I did. The opening on the Phillips is huge so fit maybe something to consider for one who wears a small size hat.The stock Sennheiser cable/plug size is for Home stereo.  I mostly listen on an I-pod so I had to replace the stock cable - a $22 accessory.  It was well worth it!!! The Phillips comes with a long but replaceable cable.  As mentioned, I mostly use an ipod for portability and convenience so I replaced the cable with a much shorter 1.3 m monster cable that I picked up for $ 25.  I played both headphones for 100 hours to allow them to "bloom".  They have differing sound signatures and I can use them for long listening sessions.  I love long solitary hikes and being "open type" they allow ambient noise to be heard - I just amp up the volume.  Indoors, I can play them softly.  By now, you can see that I am not a critical listener and use the headphones to enjoy music in any environment.  I defer to the experts for the critical listening opinions.I use the headphones with a Fiio 7 portable amp.  This is a winning combination.  Both will sound good on an ipod without any boost but if you want presence, amp it up!  We all have different ears...I have no qualms about using EQ either.Let me sum it up - If I catch a cold and sneezing results in some swelling if the ears, I will use the Phillips.  Good Luck!!

Question 2

are these good to block out loud conversation and music say on a school bus?

Accepted Answer

This is polar opposite of blocking out. This is airy and loose. Absolutely wrong can for such purpose. I found this to be one of the best for Acoustics/Jazz with good recording that has staging. People around you will hear it too as an open can.

Question 3

Can anyone compare these to Grado headphones? I have a pair of sr-60's and was wondering if these are any better...

Accepted Answer

These Philips SHP 9500 headphones sound twice as good as the Grado SR-60's. The Philips have a unbelievably good sound stage unlike any headphones I have ever heard. Grado headphones are somewhat harsh in my opinion. You won't find a better pair of headphones under $500.00 than the Philips SHP9500's.

Question 4

Hi, how is this in terms of bass?

Accepted Answer

The sound quality is very good in general. If you’re looking for something real bass, highly recommend that you use a DAC with bass control. For reference I'm using Fosi Audio DAC Q4. 
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VDQQY95/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

ASIN	B091ZMKWT4
Age Range Description	Adult
Antenna Location	Calling, Gaming
Audio Driver Size	50 Millimetres
Audio Driver Type	Dynamic Driver
Best Sellers Rank	#9,849 in Electronics ( See Top 100 in Electronics ) #91 in Over-Ear Headphones
Box Contents	6.3MM adapter, Cable, Headphones
Brand Name	PHILIPS
Cable Features	Retractable
Cable Length	9.8 Feet
Colour	Black
Compatible Devices	Devices with 3.5mm audio input jack
Control Method	Touch
Control Type	Touch Control
Customer Package Type	Standard Packaging
Customer Reviews	4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars (401)
Earpiece Shape	rounded
Enclosure Material	steel
Frequency Range	6HZ-35kHz
Frequency Response	35000 Hz
Headphone Form Factor	Over Ear
Headphone Jack	3.5 mm Jack
Headphones Ear Placement	Over Ear
Impedance Unit of Measure	32 Ohms
Is Autographed	No
Is Electric	No
Item Weight Unit of Measure	1.54 Pounds
Manufacturer	Philips
Model Name	Performance Audio \| SHP9600MB
Model Number	SHP9600/MB
Network Connectivity Technology	Wired
Noise Control	Sound Isolation
Number of Items	1
Product Features	Microphone Included, Volume Control
Series Number	9600
Specific Uses For Product	Home, Movies and Gaming
Style Name	SHP9600MB\|Performance Audio
Theme	Video Game
UPC	689342228596
Unit Count	1.0 Count
Water Resistance Level	Not Water Resistant
Wireless Technology Type	Wired

Philips SHP9600MB Wired Headphones with Microphone -Over-Ear Open-Back Headset, 50 mm Neodymium Drivers (SHP9600MB) - Black

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