Philips O'Neill "The Stretch" Headphones - I Got 'Em!!!

[The DarkSide]

I hope they sound as good as some claim, since I got them as a travel by train/beater set of cans. I like the removable cable, and the fact they're said to be tough as a tank.

Anyone try them out yet (mine we're actually shipped today from Amazon)?

Philips O'Neill SHO9560/28 Over-Ear Headphones (Black Bordeaux)

Specs: Sound

Acoustic system: open
Magnet type: Neodymium
Voice coil: CCAW
Diaphragm: Mylar dome
Frequency response: 12 - 24 000 Hz
Impedance: 32 ohm
Maximum power input: 50 mW
Sensitivity: 105 dB
Speaker diameter: 40 mm
Type: Dynamic
Connectivity
Cable Connection: single-sided cable
Cable length: 1.2 m
Connector: 3.5 mm
Finishing of connector: gold-plated
Type of cable: OFC

[McDougal]

Good luck with your new headphones, they do look quite nice....

[The DarkSide]

I've actually found that Philips headphones are quite underrated - the SQ always impresses me. I feel I made the right choice, I just want to see if there's anyone else who's as brave (crazzzzYYY) as me.

[McDougal]

I've never had the chance to own any Philips headphones....then again, I haven't had the chance to own that many lol...

[priell3]

Originally Posted by The DarkSide

I've actually found that Philips headphones are quite underrated - the SQ always impresses me. I feel I made the right choice, I just want to see if there's anyone else who's as brave (crazzzzYYY) as me.

I was considering the SHO9560/28 headphones. I posted about them here.

Let me know how you like them. I ordered the Philips SHL8800s instead as beaters for the daily commute. I have three different Philips headphones (see sig) and they serve me well. I've had the SHL9500s for 2.5 years.

[The DarkSide]

I've heard the Philips SHL9500's can actually be compared to the PX100's,...how true that is I can't say myself. I will let you know how well I like "THE STRETCH" headphones,...but I think I'll enjoy them.

[Adub]

Interesting, but man those are ugly haha. I hope they sound good, looking forward to your impressions.

[WalkGood]

Is it me how I'm seeing the pic or do they just clamp on? Could be a bit uncomfortable if the tension isn't adjustable, let us know. the smoke clear black is nice, too bad they used red for the padding as that does ruin the look imo.

[Adub]

Yeah and the red cable, if they removed all the red i would consider them not too bad looking personally.

[WalkGood]

Almost forgot, the little cable was stupid IMO, why not have a 3.5mm female jack in the ear cup.

[The DarkSide]

Cable: I'll swap it out and color the remainder on the cans. As for the fit: I want clamp, and all have said they're actually amazingly comfortable - I'll see soon enough. And the red color??? I like it,...I could have gotten this one instead tho (YUK!!!):



The male 3.5mm plug is no issue either, since it's just gonna be used w/1 of my many extension cables anyways,...female to male ended.

[WalkGood]

Originally Posted by The DarkSide

... I could have gotten this one instead tho (YUK!!!)

You mean double yuk, worse than the red ... keep us informed on the comfort and sq ...

[The DarkSide]

Originally Posted by WalkGood

You mean double yuk, worse than the red ... keep us informed on the comfort and sq ...

I definitely will!!!

[The DarkSide]

First impressions:

I just received these today, and I quite like them. The SQ seems mostly even across the board, and the bass is there - just not as "boomy" as all that. The mids are actually quite nice - vocals are nice and clear, and the highs are good - just not as pronounced as I'm used to. These are no HFI-780's, but for the price their a good sounding HP.

The volume on them is somewhat surprising, as the 32ohm & 105db should mean they don't take an army to power them,...they need POWER!!! My D2 is up to around half way, and the suckers aren't deafeningly loud - like quite a few of my other cans.

UPDATE #1 - the clip+ w/RB totally sounds fantastic with these cans - the volume is LOUD!!! The SQ is spectacular,...and these have some sweet bass punch!!! I guess it takes Rockbox to bring out the excellence in my headphones - and this is the final bit of proof for me. Now, to enjoy my tunes!!!

Update #2 - these sound AMAZING with my Sony S639!!! WOW, the bass is POPPIN', and the mids & highs are almost perfection. Seems the D2, for me, will be getting a listing in the classifieds soon.

Build quality is actually quite good. The headband is a stretchy plastic polymer (The Stretch), and it seems quite durable (time will tell, right?). It will scratch easily, but who cares really,...I got them as a beater set - so I expect some visual damage. The support for the headband is neoprene covering a stretch material underneath - the darn things are comfy!!! Feels like a lightweight headband on the head - and the clamping force is just right.

The earcups are soft touch coated plastic, but feel decently sturdy. They have a hinged design that will allow then to tilt up or down,...fits me great. The look of them is also very nice in person, so the pics really don't do 'em justice. The pads,...I hope when they wear out I can find a replacement, but I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

Now, the cable. I'm not using the cable it came with, as I'm using a standard 3.5mm female to male extension cable - it's PERFECT for me. I can use any short or long cable and it will easily fit these cans - nothing special at all is required. I'm going to get a short cable and do the "dfkt" - attach the clip+ to the headband. The male connector fits tightly BTW - just right!!!

Overall, I love these, and I personally feel Philips gets a bum rap here in the USA when it comes to headphones,...they make some good quality & great sounding kitt.

[The DarkSide]

Here's a dirt cheap extension cable that will work perfectly well w/these headphones as well:
http://www.buy.com/prod/cmple-stereo...217595218.html

[priell3]

Thank you for the excellent review. I'm putting those headphones on my wish list.
You may have convinced my to RB my Clip+ too.

[maskmys]

I tried these headphones as well, and while they did sound nice, the pressure applied to my ears and my neck when I took them off my ears was uncomfortable enough that I ended up returning them. They also, as I recall, sounded a bit off if you had them even slightly off straight vertical alignment.

[The DarkSide]

I find the pressure just right for moving around outside (aka active use), and I'm sitting at my comp now using them - I find them to be quite comfy. Remember - these are designed for active usage, so they won't fit everyone the same, and not all will enjoy the snug fit.

Also, most HP's will sound somewhat "off" if they're not on your ears correctly. I moved them around to try and see if I had the same issue (again, I'm using them as I type), and I didn't. They sound quite good to my ears - and thank gawd I'm not deaf yet.

[steinburger1109]

Originally Posted by The DarkSide

UPDATE #1 - the clip+ w/RB totally sounds fantastic with these cans - the volume is LOUD!!! The SQ is spectacular,...and these have some sweet bass punch!!! I guess it takes Rockbox to bring out the excellence in my headphones - and this is the final bit of proof for me. Now, to enjoy my tunes!!!

Rockbox makes everything sound good lol. It almost makes me miss my e260.

... Or I guess I should've said better haha

[The DarkSide]

I had an E280,...it was a great little player - and solidly built at that. Still, RB can't save every HP, I've had the occasional failure I'm afraid. The Philips Stretch HP's,...win-win for me!!! And I'll be using them for my new bus&train commute exclusively starting this Monday.

Stretch+clip+=EXCELLENCE!!!