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Excellent Design / Good Sound
Posted by Samuel J from Chicago, IL on 2013-01-14Posted on Koss Porta Pro
Recommend Product: Yes
Pros: Design, Price, Warranty, Fun
Cons: Bass-Heavy Sound, Style
I bought the PortaPro's as a replacement for my KSC-75's. I gave those away to a friend and missed them immediately. I loved the sound from the KSC-75's, but wasn't a fan of the clip-on design. The PP's design is truly outstanding! The way they fold, the tension adjustment, angled plug, And the fact that they don't interfere with my glasses is something that no other headphone does. The style on the other hand is somewhat of a drawback. However, I like the fact that no one would want to steal them in that respect ;)
The osund is much more bass-heavy than the KSC-75's. I'm still tinkering with my player's EQ to dial them in, though. I have burned them in before using them, so I think that once I create a good EQ preset, I'll be looking forward to a long life with the PP's. With a lifetime warranty, I can be patient with dialing them in. If only Sennheiser did that...
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Did you?
terrific heaphones
Posted by grizzly from Denver, CO on 2012-09-02Posted on Koss Porta Pro
Recommend Product: Yes
Pros: comfortable, good sound, great value
Cons: none to speak of
First pair of headphones I bought here. They were a phenomenal upgrade over the stock headphones for my MP3 player. I liked the flexability of the over-the-head or behind-the-neck band. They stayed in place, but didn't pinch my ears into the temple piece of my glasses like a lot of headphones.
First pair is still going strong after 7 or 8 years, with a replacement set of pads, and I bought a second pair so I'd have one handy at work and one at home.
6 out of 8 people found this review helpful. Did you?
Like KSC-75s with more bass
Posted by William from Kansas on 2012-05-11Posted on Koss Porta Pro
Recommend Product: Yes
Pros: Build quality, lifetime warranty, surprisingly powerful bass, value, efficiency
Cons: Listening fatigue, a little uncomfortable, bass muddles mids
These sound just like Koss KSC-75s with more bass. You get the overall impression that these won't blow easily. The bass is very solid and doesn't rattle the drivers, even with techno and rap played very loud.
They are fun to listen to, but fatigue my ears after a while because of the loud bass hump at around 100 hz. The louder bass also gives the illusion that the mids are a little muffled.
I also think that because of the headband design pressing the drivers down onto your ears, you miss a little mid and high clarity. When I hold the drivers off my ears a little bit, they sound a lot more like the KSC-75s. This particular headband design helps accentuate bass more than anything.
I would be very happy if Koss made something in between the Porta-Pros and the KSC-75s bass wise, and with a looser headband design.
9 out of 9 people found this review helpful. Did you?
Best $50 I've ever spent!
Posted by Reedo from Stowe, VT on 2012-02-15Posted on Koss Porta Pro
Recommend Product: Yes
Pros: Great sound, practical, collapsible, open design
Cons: Some people don't like the look, but that's their problem
These are a fantastic pair of headphones. They are comfortable, they have great sound for the price,they can fold up to an absolutely tiny size, they look awesome, and they can fit easily under a hat/helmet. I use these skiing, and they fit under my helmet no problem. The sound is perfectly balanced, and the bass isn't overpowering like it is on a lot of headphones. I'm so glad I bought these. One of the best purchase decisions I've ever made.
8 out of 10 people found this review helpful. Did you?
Odd looking, great sounding
Posted by Up in the Air Again from White House Station, NJ on 2011-06-22Posted on Koss Porta Pro
Recommend Product: Yes
Pros: Light, fold up small, sound really good
Cons: Earpieces come off easily
Have had these for a long time as my bang-around headphones for listening while working out or chilling in the room. The sound quality is really good - lots of headphones in this price range, and with this ear-design, sound like garbage - dull, muddy, and punchy at either top or bottom. These are nicely balanced, clean and crisp on highs, tight on bass, drive well from portable players. I find a lot of headphones to be very uncomfortable where they hit the top of my head, but these are so light I can't even feel them. I change the padding twice a year when I start to notice the work out smell is building up.
The only complaint is that the ear pieces come apart, and it doesn't take much to make them come apart. They snap back together just fine, but I'm sure the cycle of coming apart and snapping together is going to hasten the end for these.
And, they really look odd. Retro? Maybe. Kind of kit-ish. Don't judge them by their looks. They really are great buys in the ultra-light small portable category.
12 out of 13 people found this review helpful. Did you?
Amazing Phones
Posted by Mokuraii from State College, PA on 2011-01-29Posted on Koss Porta Pro
Recommend Product: Yes
Pros: Great Sound, Deep Bass, Clear mids and his
Cons: none
I've tried and own many headphones, including the high end DENONs. In an airplane (or other noisy environments), nothing beats ear canal headphones. In every other case, these are just amazingly beautiful sounding headphones. Can't fault the bass, and the mids and his are just great. For the price, these are an insane bargain. Get them immediately, and end your quest for the ideal portable headphone. Yes, they're that good !!! Oh, they're also super easy to drive... no need for amps (of which I also have several). DO BURN THEM IN. Right out of the box, they sound like the PX-100-2s (muffled).
20 out of 20 people found this review helpful. Did you?
One great little headphone!
Posted by Rotobuster from Bridgeport CT on 2010-12-19Posted on Koss Porta Pro
Recommend Product: Yes
Pros: Sound quality & comfort
Cons: Can't really think of any
I bought my first set of Koss PortaPros way back in the early 1980s when cassette based Sony Walkmans were all the rage. Back in those days, I didn't know that they were 'inexpensive' headphones; I only knew that they were great-sounding headphones. Now, almost 30 years later, not one thing has changed in my opinion of these phones. They have traveled from Walkman to Discman to iPod to iPad, with all signal sources sounding great. many people don't like on-ear cups for extended use, and neither do I. But Koss has ingeniously fixed that problem with a dial-in pressure adjustment that shunts the push of the phones against your ear to a cool little foam piece that connects with your head above your ear making for a very comfortable-feeling fit that endures extended listening sessions with ease.
I have other phones, primarily a beloved set of Grado RS2s, which are phenomenal, so it is NOT that I have no point of comparison. Regardless, these phones are not just great 'for the money,' they are just great. It goes to show that proper and careful engineering can do wonders.
Are they perfect? Of course not. They are a bit pronounced in the midrange, ever-so-slightly boxy in sound character and they don't isolate noise, which makes them a bit less suitable for airplane use, etc. Compared to the Grados, they aren't as open-sounding and 'airy.' But they only cost about as much as I paid for the TAX on the Grados!
I'm not really a fan of Koss products in general. I've tried higher and lower priced offerings from their lineup, and have usually ended up giving them away. But not these. In fact, in my mind, a pair of PortaPros and a pair of good high-enders are ALL you need. For some, maybe a pair of noise-canceling cans, but even the best of these either annoy you by being stuck in your ear or sound terrible, as the leading active-noise-canceling offering does. For me, I'm willing to put up with a little extra background noise. What I get back is sound quality and comfort.
23 out of 24 people found this review helpful. Did you?
Lifetime warranty
Posted by oghennylo from Sunnyvale, CA on 2010-07-21Posted on Koss Porta Pro
Recommend Product: Yes
Pros: Durable, good sound, folding design
Cons: look funny, people nearby can hear when turned up
Great headphones for the gym. I sweat all over these and them always work. The warranty drew me to these but I have not needed to return them yet from wear and tear. the only thing I replaced myself was the foam covers.
11 out of 13 people found this review helpful. Did you?
Spectacular buy!
Posted by Koko from Germany on 2010-06-22Posted on Koss Porta Pro
Recommend Product: Yes
Pros: Thrives in highs and mids and gives acceptable bass! Very Comfortable. Soundstage.
Cons: Retro look does not appeal to everyone.
I bought these awhile ago and let them burn in, but prior to that, my first listening experience was absolutely amazing! Jumping from Skullcandy Ink'd, these were a huge upgrade!
Sound:
The sound right off the bat was truely something, a sure treat. The highs so were glittery, the mids were right there, and bass was warm and just right. Maybe I mention the soundstage was spectacular! The instruments and voices were separated really well, and thus making this great for gaming that use surround sound. These headphones brought out everything in music I didn't hear before. Lets say I had to relisten to my music collection again :D.
Comfort and Durability:
Amazing comfort, even for big heads like mine. If the headphone is in anyway too tight, simply use the "Comfort Zone" and you'll get your perfect fit that you can wear it for hours or even a day long :D. Durability is questionable since the sides are plastic, and kinda feel like they could snap if you wanted to, also the headbang adjustment got more loose overtime.
Looks:
Retaining it's retro style, it can be a hit or miss for people. For me, they really looked bad on my head from the front view, and a little better on the side, but it definitely did not satisfy me in looks.
Conculsion: I would most definitely recommend these to everyone who wants one of the best portable headphones with amazing sound quality! Your ears will really love you for it! Promised!
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Did you?
Flimsy Connector/Cable/Cord
Posted by yashrg from Savannah,GA on 2010-03-22Posted on Koss Porta Pro
Recommend Product: No
Pros: Light weight, Good sounding
Cons: Headband pulls hair, Connector cable is poor quality
I loved the sound quality of these headphones. I went from the apple in-ear headphones with remote and mic to the Koss Porta Pro after reading some reviews.
Sure I missed the volume and play pause skip buttons but I enjoyed being able to listen to music when I'm eating or walking without the thumping noise in my head that in-ear headphones cause. But I hated getting my hair caught in them. Even hair as short as 2 cm would get pulled by the band.
However, within a month of using these headphones, the connector started giving way. I realize that the connectors on these things have to go through a lot as we constantly put our music players (the ipod touch for me) in and out of our tight jeans pockets hundreds of times a day. But my apple earphones did not have this problem, they were fine for almost a year.
So I would only wish that Koss re-enforced the cord around the connector on these classic headphones and do something about the hair grabbing band.
6 out of 11 people found this review helpful. Did you?
Great Beginner's Headphones
Posted by Yo-Yo from Glendale, Ca on 2010-03-16Posted on Koss Porta Pro
Recommend Product: Yes
Pros: Great Sound, Great Value, and Great for Ipod
Cons: Open design let's outside noise leak in
As someone who's barely starting to get into hi-fi, these cans are a great recommendation. The sound is great and price is relatively cheap. For anyone wanting to get a good and inexpensive set of headphones for their Ipod, the Porta Pro is your only choice!
3 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Did you?
The King of low-end headphones ?
Posted by StratCat from Cuernavaca, Mexico on 2010-02-11Posted on Koss Porta Pro
Recommend Product: Yes
Pros: Comfortable, low price, compact, lifetime guarantee
Cons: Less than stellar sound quality, strange-looking
I was looking for something to wear for my evening walks other than IEM's, since i wanted to avoid the problems of isolation, microphonics while exercising. After reading much about these legendary 'phones, I decided to take the plunge and get a pair.
I have to say that I'm really satisfied with them. First, they're very comfortable, the temporal pads help in relieve pressure from the outer ear, which avoids fatigue, and they also hold the headphones tight around your head, so they just don't move around while walking/jogging.
Secondly, their open back design let's you easily keep your awareness of the outside world, while also helping in the soundstage/headstage department: the sound feels somewhat less "inside your head", specially if you use somekind of crossfeed processing, like with HeadRoom's BitHead/AirHead amps.
Third, the sound quality, while not stellar is quite acceptable. In fact, to my ears these cans sound just about the same as my SR-80i at 50% the price: bass is somewhat exagerated and dominates the mids somewhat, while the treble sounds muffled. Still, I've found that the positioning of the drivers over the outer ear helps alleviate this situation somewhat, as does the 'Comfort Zone' feature: as the driver is pressed less upon the ear, the bass is somewhat lessened.
Sound quality does improve a bit with a good portable amplifier, highs shine a tad more and the bass becomes more controlled; though it's not a night and day difference. Obviously, for the price of this cans, value ratio IS stellar!
About the only 'bad' thing I can say about these cans is that they elicit somewhat strange looks from people around you. While I do enjoy their retro look, it's definitely not universally appraised. Then again, some might enjoy the extra attention they'll get !
Overall, these are nice little headphones that I'd recommend to those looking for a set for walking, jogging, I even wear them to the supermarket when shopping for groceries!
8 out of 11 people found this review helpful. Did you?
best portable headphones on the market
Posted by st.even from montpelier, oh on 2010-02-10Posted on Koss Porta Pro
Recommend Product: Yes
Pros: Great Sound, good bass, audiophile aprove
Cons: 80's style, May not look cool compare to earbuds
These are the best headphones under $50.00 trust me is money well spent. These headphones were made back in the 80's and there that good. I love these headphones there the ones I will take with me anywhere I go.
Problem sometime I get my hair stuck with the steel band
You won't regret this purchase trust me
5 out of 10 people found this review helpful. Did you?
Nice
Posted by A HeadRoom Fan on 2010-02-03Posted on Koss Porta Pro
Recommend Product: Yes
Pros:
Cons:
These compete with the Sennheiser PX-100 for the best portable, small-size, earpad headphones. Personally, I prefer the PX-100. Although the PX-100 has a darker and less sparkly sound, I find its presentation to be overall more satisfying in the richness of its mids. However, the high-end energy and sparkle of the Porta Pro cannot be beat, especially for the price. If you like the retro look of these headphones, go for it. You will not be disappointed. The only downside I have with these is that the fit is a little awkward, and the headband tends to pull out a little bit of my hair each time I take them off. Relatively minor quibble on an otherwise excellent headphone.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Did you?
Best workout headphone
Posted by Doctor Detail from Northern New Jersey on 2010-02-03Posted on Koss Porta Pro
Recommend Product: Yes
Pros: stays on head, value, sensitivity, warranty
Cons: appearance, cable, carrying bag
Pros
these stay on your head, which is key if you are working out. Plus, they are not closed, so you are not completely ambivalent re. your environment (running near cars). They are a good value, have great sensitivity so work well with Ipods, and have a great warranty and support on the phone.
Cons
They are a little dorky looking. The new cable's plastic is softer and more pliable (a good thing in cold weather), but the new cable seems a little thinner (not a good thing) and is terminated with a straight plug as opposed to the 90 degree plug they used to use...the ninety degree plug may cost Koss an extra 5 cents, but I miss it because sticking in my headphones is now a two-handed operation. The carrying bag is also about 1 inch too small, making getting the headphones into it not only a frustrating experience, but also one that wails on the foam earpads.
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Did you?
Keeping it classy with the Porta Pro's...
Posted by mritt400 from Upstate NY on 2010-02-01Posted on Koss Porta Pro
Recommend Product: Yes
Pros: Great sound, Classic style, Great value for money
Cons: None for me...
The Porta Pro’s are some of my favorite headphones. Sound-wise, these will be a clear improvement from your stock player buds although some may say they are a bit strong in the bass department. I find the sound to be reasonably balanced for my tastes – and especially for the price. They are an open design so, if you are rocking out, you will be sharing your music. The build is solid and they are quite portable as a result.
The love-it-or-hate-it Tron, retro aesthetic is one of the coolest and most unique things about these headphones. The “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” design approach is refreshing these days and seems to have served Koss well - especially considering these have remained identical for all those years. As is the case with most Koss products, they are a wise choice considering the performance, warranty, and overall value for money.
The Porta Pro’s are the same as they ever were and as a result, they are unapologetically original - unquestionable modern classics.
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Did you?
The sub-50 champ
Posted by Rocket Richard from San Diego, CA on 2010-01-30Posted on Koss Porta Pro
Recommend Product: Yes
Pros: balance, clarity for the price
Cons:
A friend of mine has these and is really annoying in that he won't stop praising them! They sound remarkably natural and clear for the price. I would have bought them myself except at the time the Sennheiser PX100 was available for about the same money and was just a better looking phone to me. The PX100 II has moved upmarket and is now significantly more expensive, leaving these as the value leaders. And for those people who are hard on their possessions (not me, fortunately) the lifetime warranty might just clinch the deal.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Did you?
Nothing Wrong With This Classic
Posted by Magedark on 2010-01-24Posted on Koss Porta Pro
Recommend Product: Yes
Pros:
Cons:
There's a very good reason why this headphone has been on the market for 25 years, it's just that good. This headphone is a classic that quite a few people will remember, if not for its outrageous looks.
This is easily driven by iPods, or by my case, my Sansa Clip+. At first buy, I was overwhelmed by how this actually could sound. The bass is there, and makes quite a presence, but isn't too overpowering. The treble is a bit overpowered, but it is quite manageable. The dynamics all blend together, and it sounds lovely with all types of genres, across the board.
The portapros are unique in their looks, and the adjustment band on its side. It is adjustable for how much pressure are put on your ears. It's pretty comfortable, but be wary if you have long or unruly hair, as it may get stuck on the headband adjusters, and it's quite painful.
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Did you?
Incredible Sound Quality - Incredible Bargain
Posted by LD on 2010-01-20Posted on Koss Porta Pro
Recommend Product: Yes
Pros: Sound Quality, Ergonomics, Comfort, Cost
Cons: Bass Too Much At Times, Leaks Sound, Ugly
You want the best portable headphone in the world? This (and it's sibling the Sportapro) is, I believe, it. The sound is very high quality, like listening to the world's best stereos. Some music does sound too bassy for my tastes but overall the warm sound pours out accurate and very pleasing to the ears. Yes, it's that good for only $50.00.
They grip your head without the feeling of pressure and will never fall off your head. They do look and feel cheap and are fairly delicate but should last you a good amount of time before you have to send them back to Koss for replacement. Beware they leak lots of sound. Anyone within 50 feet or so of you in a quiet environment will hear them if you have them at moderate to loud volume. Not good for public transport.
If you love or like music don't take my word (and the words of countless others)try these out. Lifetime warranty from Koss. A lifetime of enjoying your life to the fullest to gain and only shipping costs to lose if you send them back.
6 out of 7 people found this review helpful. Did you?
If my whole life was an iPod
Posted by Rick-K from Long Island on 2010-01-18Posted on Koss Porta Pro
Recommend Product: Yes
Pros: Comfortable. Sounds better than you might imagine. Folds.
Cons: metal headband in contact with hair may pull
If my entire music life was an iPod without hope of an external amp I would be very content with these headphones. Add the buy them once in a lifetime warranty and you have the perfect portable companion. Yes they "leak" sound and yes they offer no isolation but for most occasions this is ok. I buy these as gifts for my headphone challenged friends and family.
3 out of 5 people found this review unhelpful. Did you?
Best headphones that i have , and i have a lot
Posted by IRONSNAKEMX from LAREDO, TX on 2010-01-13Posted on Koss Porta Pro
Recommend Product: Yes
Pros: The sound is unmatched at this pricepoint , very comfortable
Cons: Nothing at this price, i dont expect a pair 50 $ cans to have leather pads or wood
this headphones sound awsome , i could not believe the powerfull sound that this baby can produce, i have a lot of sennheiser headphones (pmx100, pxc250, OMx52) and shure SE110 and the portapro wins hands down, bass is big and powerfull but it does not affect the mids and highs at all , everything from pop to Country sound good on this headphones.
Overall i give them a 9.8 out of 10
Plus the lifetime warranty is great if you are as messy as me :D
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Did you?
They are as good as people say
Posted by dasmb from Albany, NY on 2010-01-13Posted on Koss Porta Pro
Recommend Product: Yes
Pros: Lightweight, good bass, good cord, highly portable, comfortable
Cons: Not super accurate, looks aren't fantastic
Listening to these next to the Grado RS-2s, I'm surprised at how close they come. For that last 10-20% of sound quality, you pay 10 times as much. Sound is a little hazy in the top end and bass is certainly punchier than ordinary, but for the price this is insane sound quality. The cord, which is the main complain I had about the iGrados, looks durable as hell; the rest of the phones seems flimsy but with a lifetime warranty and 25 years of practice it can't be all that bad. This is the comfortable, knockaround phone I have been searching for; for some it may be the only phone you need.
7 out of 8 people found this review helpful. Did you?
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