Audio-Technica ATH-M40x vs Philips SHP9500

Audio-Technica ATH-M40x review
vs
Philips SHP9500 review

Let's see what differences can be found between Philips SHP9500 vs Audio-Technica ATH-M40x. These devices have an over-ear wearing style and both can be used only with an audio cable. When it comes to the enclosure, Philips SHP9500 is open back, while Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is closed back.

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Features

The considered appliances have a pretty wide frequency response. In the case with the headphones by Audio-Technica ATH-M40x, it is 15 Hz - 24 kHz. Meanwhile, the ones made by Philips have a range of 12 Hz - 35 kHz. The sensitivity is rather similar. Audio-Technica ATH-M40x vs Philips SHP9500 has 98 dB, while the other appliance has 101 dB. In addition, the first pair of headphones have 30 Ohm of impedance and the second one — 32 Ohm.

Sound

Let's start with the sound of Philips SHP9500. The bass is adequate, however, sometimes can be lean. Overall, the headphones sound exceptionally lively and dynamic.

Audio-Technica ATH-M40x has a well-balanced and a flat response. It delivers crisp and clear audio even at high volumes.

Comfort and design

Speaking of weight, the Philips device is heavier, as it weighs 320 g, while Audio-Technica ATH-M40x has 240 g. The height of these headphones can be regulated as they have an adjustable headband. If you are looking for a portable device, then Audio-Technica ATH-M40x might be a better choice, as it folds.

A detachable cable is a benefit for both models of headphones. They have the same length of the audio cable — 300cm. No carry case comes with these appliances.

Audio-Technica ATH-M40x pros and cons

Audio-Technica ATH-M40x pros and cons

Pros

  • Although it is mostly made of plastic, the headphones are durable enough to take a few knocks
  • Very comfortable to use either overhead or for a single ear operation
  • Adjustable for all head sizes
  • The earcups swivel 90 degrees

Cons

  • The passive isolation does not block much noise
  • A bit too bulky and unstable to stay put during intense exercises

Philips SHP9500 pros and cons

Philips SHP9500 pros and cons

Pros

  • Light enough that you will forget that you are wearing them after a few minutes of listening
  • The vocal performance is absolutely phenomenal
  • Looks more premium than other headphones above its price range
  • The headband is reinforced with a metal frame that should be able to handle some amount of physical stress

Cons

  • The earpads are not removable
  • The material that covers the earpads can make your ears a little bit sweaty

Votes 45 45
Rating 4.3 4.3

Headphones comparison chart

Overall
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x
8.2
Philips SHP9500
7
10
7
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x

Audio-Technica ATH-M40x review

May 20, 2020

The Japanese model of Hi-Fi headphones Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a decent option of closed back ove...

Read More
Philips SHP9500

Philips SHP9500 review

May 18, 2020

I will start my Philips SHP9500 review with the fact that it is a great pair of over ear open back w...

Read More
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Common

Product

Audio-Technica ATH-M40x
Philips SHP9500

Model

ATH-M40x
SHP9500

Brand

Audio-Technica
Philips

Reviews

8006
4120

General

Wearing style

over ear
over ear

Enclosure

closed back
open back

Wireless

Wired

Specifications

Transducer

dynamic
dynamic

Driver size, mm/inches

40/1.5
50/1.9

Impedance, Ohm

35
32

Frequency response, Hz

15Hz-24KHz
12Hz-35KHz

Total harmonic distortion (THD), %

Sensitivity (SPL), dB

98
101

Magnet type

neodymium
neodymium

Weight (headphones), g/oz

240/8.4
320/11.2

Comfort

Adjustable headband

Foldable

Noise cancelling

Active noise cancelling

Adjustable noise cancelling level

Microphone

Built-in microphone

In-line microphone

Detachable microphone

Cables

Detachable cable

Audio cable length, cm/ft

300/9.8
300/9.8

Jack connection (TRS)

3.5
3.5

Balanced connection

Control

Built-in control buttons

In-line control

Touch control

Voice control

App control

Control functions

Wireless connectivity

Bluetooth

has not
has not

Bluetooth version

has not
has not

aptX

has not
has not

aptX HD (Hi-Res Audio)

has not
has not

Bluetooth profiles

has not
has not

NFC

Wi-Fi

Battery

Battery type

has not
has not

Battery life, hrs

has not
has not

Charging time, hrs

has not
has not

Charging port

has not
has not

Charging cable

has not
has not

Speed charge

has not
has not

Battery free listening mode

has not
has not

Battery level indicator

has not
has not

Additional features

Water resistance

Light indication

Additional audio features

In the box

Audio cable

Carry case

Charging cable

has not
has not

1/4 Adapter (6,35 mm)

Interchangeable ear pads

User manual

Manual

Audio-Technica ATH-M40x
Philips SHP9500
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x
Philips SHP9500

Headphones HeadphonesArena comparison rating

  • better
  • worse
  • 8.2
  • 7
  • 8.2Audio-Technica ATH-M40x
  • 7Philips SHP9500

The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is better headphones in this comparison. Check Audio-Technica ATH-M40x price