SHP9500 is not a be all end all for beginner headphones. You have to tell us the situation of how and where you'll be using it.

- Is it environment you're listening to noisy? In that case, a closed back would be a better option.

- If it's a quiet environment, but you don't want a noise leak, like a library area, then closed back would be better.

- If headphone sticks out too much because too big, then IEMs.

- If you still want to hear your environment, then open back headphones. I got a Koss Portapro to be used in my office because I don't want a big headphone and also want to hear my colleagues calling me.

- Most importantly, sound. SHP9500 works best with stuff that don't use heavy bass. Acoustic, classical, jazz, etc.

- For your budget, if new, I would recommend looking at Superlux. I've been using the HD681b for 10 years now.

I think it should work for you. I love open back designs, and SHP9500 is extremely comfortable. I bought one 2 months ago and it replaced my Audio Technica M30X as my main cans.