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	B00ENMK1DW
Additional Features	Lightweight
Age Range Description	Adult
Antenna Location	Music
Audio Driver Type	Dynamic Driver
Best Sellers Rank	#4,841 in Electronics ( See Top 100 in Electronics ) #252 in Over-Ear Headphones
Brand Name	PHILIPS
Built-In Media	Philips HiFi Stereo Headphones
Cable Features	Detachable
Color	Black
Compatible Devices	Any audio source with a compatible jack or adapter
Connectivity Technology	Wired
Control Method	Touch
Control Type	Touch Control
Customer Reviews	4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (9,104)
Earpiece Shape	Rounded tip
Enclosure Material	steel
External Testing Certification	Anatel
Frequency Range	12 - 35000 Hz
Global Trade Identification Number	06951613981528, 08712581691448
Headphone Folding Features	Over Ear
Headphone Jack	3.5 mm Jack
Headphones Ear Placement	Over Ear
Impedance	32 ohm
Item Weight	0.3 kg
Manufacturer	Philips
Model Name	Performance Audio \| SHP9500
Model Number	SHP9500/00
Noise Control	None
Number of Items	1
Number of Power Levels	1
Sensitivity	101 db
Series Number	9500
Specific Uses For Product	Home
Style Name	Performance Audio \| SHP9500
Theme	Audio Equipment
UPC	642125575249
Unit Count	1 Count
Warranty Description	Manufacturer’s warranty can be requested from customer service.
Water Resistance Level	Water Resistant
Wireless Technology	Wired

Audio SHP9500 HiFi Precision Stereo Over-Ear Headphones (Black)

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