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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic, although more expensive, offers superior sound quality for an immersive music experience and has a high score for soundstage and imaging, dictating a more open and expansive sound. It's more suitable for critical listening due to its planar drivers which tend to provide precise frequency response, though keep in mind it doesn't isolate noise well due to its open-back design and might not be the most portable option with its heavier weight. On the other hand, the Philips SHP9500 scores very high in comfort and is significantly lighter, making it a more comfortable choice for extended listening sessions. It also isn't the best for noise isolation, similar to the Audeze, so both are better in quiet environments. Neither of these headphones have built-in microphones or wireless capabilities, so for gaming or calls, you'd need an additional microphone. They do not have active noise cancelling and thus may not be the best for noisy environments or air travel. Given these considerations, your choice should be guided by your priority on sound quality, comfort, and budget. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Audeze LCD 2 Classic
- The Audeze LCD 2 Classic has no clear advantages over the Philips SHP9500.
Advantages of the Philips SHP9500
- Excellent for TV and video
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Cost
$799
$48
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic has a price of $799 and the Philips SHP9500 costs $48.
Build Quality
10.0
8.5
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic has best in class build quality, while the Philips SHP9500 has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
9.2
9.2
The Philips SHP9500 and Audeze LCD 2 Classic are both excellent for music.
Gaming
7.3
7.2
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic and Philips SHP9500 are both good for gaming.
Phone Calls
4.8
4.9
The Philips SHP9500 and Audeze LCD 2 Classic are both poor for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.7
8.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Philips SHP9500 to be very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audeze LCD 2 Classic is good.
TV and Video
8.6
9.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Philips SHP9500 to be excellent for TV and video, while the Audeze LCD 2 Classic is very good.
Noise Reduction
2.5
2.5
The Audeze LCD 2 Classic and Philips SHP9500 are both poor for noise reduction.
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How the Audeze LCD 2 Classic and the Philips SHP9500 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audeze LCD 2 Classic | Philips SHP9500 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$799 | $48 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audeze | Philips | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | November 1, 2017 | August 1, 2013 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 9.3/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.9/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7.3/10 | 7.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.4/10 | 4.4/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 2.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 10/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 10/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 635 Grams | 294.8 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Dustproof Rating | |||
Dustproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Audeze LCD 2 Classic
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Dig into reviews and images
The Greatest Song
Greatest Song Team | August 2023
"These headphones outdo rival planar magnetic headphones, especially in terms of dynamics. Compared to the Hifiman Ananda or the Hifiman Edition XS there is noticeably more slam in the sound, particularly in the bass. The LCD-2C gives you a fantastic sense of quiet dynamics with crystalline precision. This is evident also in our clinical tests, where it’s just easier to understand spoken text at very low volumes."
Philips SHP9500
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphones Lab
Brian Stone | April 2020
"You can’t go wrong with the Philips SHP9500 for their price. Their audio quality is superb, and the fact that you can use them for just about anything you can think of makes them well worth your money"
Get a great deal on the Audeze LCD 2 Classic or the Philips SHP9500
About Audeze
Audeze is an, award-winning, American premium headphone manufacturer based in California. Founded in 2008, their products are developed around aerospace materials technology first used by NASA and are widely used by enthusiasts and professionals alike, not only in the fields of music and sound engineering but also in e-sports and the health industry.
About Philips
Philips is a Dutch conglomerate and electronics manufacturer with over 130 years of history. Philips makes the Fidelio audio line which includes several models of full-sized wired and wireless headphones, true wireless earbuds. soundbars and wireless speakers.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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