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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
Choosing between the HifiMan Arya Stealth and the Philips SHP9500, consider that the Arya Stealth offers superior overall sound quality and a more expansive soundstage, making it an excellent choice for critical listening. However, they are also significantly more costly. The SHP9500, while less expensive, still provides excellent sound quality and comfort, making it a great value for casual listening and everyday use. Both models have an open-back design for a more natural sound but don't isolate noise well, so they're not ideal for noisy environments. The Arya Stealth uses planar drivers known for detail and response, whereas the SHP9500 uses dynamic drivers that may offer a warmer sound. 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 HifiMan Arya Stealth
- Best in class for music
Advantages of the Philips SHP9500
- The Philips SHP9500 has no clear advantages over the HifiMan Arya Stealth.
Key differences
Music
10.0
9.2
The HifiMan Arya Stealth is best in class for music, while the Philips SHP9500 is excellent.
Cost
$599
$48
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The HifiMan Arya Stealth has a price of $599 and the Philips SHP9500 costs $48.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The HifiMan Arya Stealth has excellent build quality, while the Philips SHP9500 has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Gaming
7.1
7.2
The Philips SHP9500 and HifiMan Arya Stealth are both good for gaming.
Phone Calls
5.1
4.9
The HifiMan Arya Stealth and Philips SHP9500 are both poor for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1
8.0
The HifiMan Arya Stealth and Philips SHP9500 are both very good for podcasts and audiobooks.
TV and Video
9.4
9.0
The HifiMan Arya Stealth and Philips SHP9500 are both excellent for TV and video.
Noise Reduction
2.5
2.5
The HifiMan Arya Stealth and Philips SHP9500 are both poor for noise reduction.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the HifiMan Arya Stealth and the Philips SHP9500 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| HifiMan Arya Stealth | Philips SHP9500 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$599 | $48 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | HifiMan | Philips | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | November 1, 2018 | August 1, 2013 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 10/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.1/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7.2/10 | 7.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 9.5/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.5/10 | 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 | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.4/10 | 10/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 408.2 Grams | 294.8 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Dustproof Rating | |||
Dustproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
HifiMan Arya Stealth
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonesty
Eric D Hieger | October 2022
"The Arya can easily be end-game headphones for 99% of consumers, satisfying most audio desires. Priced well above USD$1000, the Arya are obviously and gloriously not for the mass market consumer; they are designed and built by enthusiasts for enthusiasts – especially those who view their expenses on this level of gear as investments."
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 HifiMan Arya Stealth or the Philips SHP9500
About HifiMan
HiFiMAN is a Chinese, high-end, audio product manufacturer, with 20 years of experience, that specializes in amplifiers, digital audio players and planar magnetic headphones, some of which have become a staple in the audiophile community such as the entry-level Sundara, the midrange Edition X, and the very well-regarded, high-end, Arya.
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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Why trust us
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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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
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CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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