When comparing Philips SHB9850NC vs Audio-Technica ATH-M40x, the Slant community recommends Audio-Technica ATH-M40x for most people. In the question“What are the best headphones?” Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is ranked 17th while Philips SHB9850NC is ranked 66th. The most important reason people chose Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is:
Sound signature is quite accurate, almost flat. Bass is much more controlled instead of boomy, while there is a slight elevation on the highs, resulting in extra energy and detail up top. These offer a nice middle ground between a fun sound and a more reference/analytical sound signature. This sound quality makes the headphones quite versatile as music enjoyment headphones or studio-use cans.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Noise cancellation
These headphones include a noise cancellation technology that's called "Active Shield Pro". It cancels out noises from around you effectively enough to, for instance, make background noise very silent even on an airplane or when mowing the lawn. On the other hand, the headphones also have a 'Talk mode', so you can hear any sounds around you better without having to take off your headphones, for instance when someone tries to talk to you.
Pro Touch controls are easy to use without looking
When you're in virtual reality, you can just swipe up and down to change the volume. This is a lot easier to do than to find a physical button without looking, and differentiate it from the mute/next/prev buttons.
Pro Comfortable to wear even for extended periods
The Philips SHB9850NC are 'over-ear' headphones, which means that they won't squish your ears when you wear them. They're lighter than other wireless headphones too, and have ergonomic ear cushions that don't put a lot of pressure on your head so they're very comfortable to wear.
Pro Wireless
These headphones have no wire, which is ideal for VR as it can't get tangled or caught on anything if you are spinning around or walking.
Pro Fairly neutral sound signature
Sound signature is quite accurate, almost flat. Bass is much more controlled instead of boomy, while there is a slight elevation on the highs, resulting in extra energy and detail up top. These offer a nice middle ground between a fun sound and a more reference/analytical sound signature. This sound quality makes the headphones quite versatile as music enjoyment headphones or studio-use cans.
Pro These have a high quality and durable feel
The M40xs feel solid and are known to be quite durable. The plastics used in the build do not easily flex or make creaks, giving the impression that these can last quite a long time.
Pro Can be used in noisy environments
The over-ear, closed back design along with the thick pleather ear pads can block out quite a lot of ambient noise, and will help users to focus in on the music. These make the headphones great for travel or for mixing/monitoring use.
Pro Comes with two detachable cables
The headphones come with a straight cable and a coiled cable, making them useful in the studio or while walking.
Cons
Con Constant sound even when paused
Some headphones (these included) suffer from static when no audio is playing. Whenever audio is playing, it covers up this static but anytime you should have silence there is going to be some electrical whine.
Con Middle range and voices can be a bit muddy
The balance is pretty good - the bass isn't emphasized too much. The mids get muddied though, and this also effects most voices, especially in podcasts. That loss of voice quality can affect gameplay too - if you can't understand instructions you'll be left more frustrated than you would be otherwise.
Con Incompatible with cables from other brands
Only Audio Technica cables can be used with these headphones.