Philips SHE9000 review

They may be a snug fit but they have an ill-sorted sound Tested at £35

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Ill-sorted sound makes for an unhappy listening experience

Pros

  • +

    Dynamic and go loud

Cons

  • -

    Barely controlled bass

  • -

    treble insubstantial

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There’s nothing wrong with the look or feel of the SHE9000s – the bevelled metal is a tactile treat – and they’re a snug fit.

The cable is a mixture of rubber and cloth; the rubber bit tangles, the cloth section doesn’t.

The most notable aspect of the Philips’ performance concerns the low frequencies: they’re miserably overstated and barely controlled. At the opposite end, treble sounds are splashy and insubstantial.

Perversely the SHE9000s sound quite poised in the midrange, and other pluses include dynamism and outright volume.

But the oppressive bass and rather mechanical overall sound means they can be safely ruled out.

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What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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