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	B08B477BHS
Additional Features	Lightweight
Age Range Description	Adult
Audio Driver Size	50 millimeters
Audio Driver Type	Dynamic Driver
Best Sellers Rank	#729 in Musical Instruments ( See Top 100 in Musical Instruments ) #3 in DJ Headphones
Brand Name	PHILIPS
Built-In Media	3.5mm 3m cable, Adapter
Cable Features	Detachable
Color	Black
Compatible Devices	Televisions,Cellphones,Desktops,Laptops
Connectivity Technology	Wired
Control Method	Remote
Control Type	Media Control
Customer Reviews	4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars (2,459)
Earpiece Shape	Oval
Enclosure Material	Fabric, Neodymium, Steel
Frequency Range	12 Hz - 35 Hz
Frequency Response	35000 hertz
Headphone Folding Features	Over Ear
Headphone Jack	3.5 mm Jack
Headphones Ear Placement	Over Ear
Impedance	32 ohm
Item Type Name	Headphones
Item Weight	11.68 ounces
Manufacturer	Philips
Model Name	Performance Audio \| SHP9600
Model Number	SHP9600/00
Noise Control	Sound Isolation
Number of Items	1
Sensitivity	101 db
Series Number	9600
Specific Uses For Product	Home
Style Name	Performance Audio \| SHP9600
Unit Count	1 Count
Warranty Description	1 Year of Parts and Labor
Water Resistance Level	Not Water Resistant

Open Back Wired Headphones - Cushioned Over Ear Headphones with Adjustable Headband for Ultimate Comfort and Superior Sound Quality, Plugs into TV, Stereo or PC, Ideal for Podcasts or Music

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