Koss PortaPro Headphones with Case
by Koss
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List Price: Our Price: Calculated in a shopping cart Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Category: Speakers See more product details |
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Customers in the UK,
Buy this product at amazon.co.uk
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Koss PortaPro Headphones with Case
Customer Review: MY FAVORITE HEADPHONES EVER!!!! Bought in 1988 and still the best!
Summary: 5 Stars
Hi,
Okay. How can I make this COMPLETELY CLEAR to everyone who reads this....
I bought a pair of these Koss blue PortaPro's in 1988. It's now Feb 2006. That's 17 years ago. I bought them in a store in New England which had like 30 models all on display at that time, and I tried them all. I FELL IN LOVE with the PortaPro's.
About 6 months ago my son tore out the wires! My heart sank as I had believed I'd keep these forever. I even replaced the foam/sponges on them 3x in all those years and the 3rd set really should have been replaced as well by now. I used to buy cheap $5.00 headphones just for the sponge covers to replace on my Koss's.
I love SOLID, CRISP bass. Nothing else I've ever heard has it like these. I listen to heavy metal (Warrior), etc. with really heavy low and mids and screaming highes, and these have that.
I don't know how they did it, but these are perfection in design, and tonight I'm giddy to find that THEY STILL MAKE THEM?!?? :) I'm so happy I could pass out.
Well, I shouldn't be surprised. These really are the best headphones I've ever tried and I used to go into the studio for sessions. I'd use these whenever possible even in the studio. Only problem was they weren't isolated and the sound can leak out into the mic, so they aren't meant for vocal monitoring, etc.
I honestly love KOSS now after trying these, and am also happy to read that other people are in agreement with my original beliefs. Remember, I was here first tho originally buying them in 1988! :)
Cons, The little sponge bumpers always dug into my temples a little bit too much, but I just bent the metal band out a bit and with time the sponges got softer. Andy they're UGLY. But who cares!
If anyone knows a set of earbuds or full headphones with isolation that have the sound of these PortaPros, then I want to hear from you ASAP.
Thanks and take care.
PS I don't write reviews very often, but these are one of only a couple of products in my whole lifetime that I truly loved. I'm 35 now.
Customer Review: The best sounding headphones under $50
Summary: 5 Stars
I've had these wonderful phones for three months. I use them for my ipod classic. The sound is rich and full. Strong bass with no distortion, even at high levels. Listening to Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams" makes the song sound like a dream. You can hear Stevie make sighs and sounds you don't hear on the cheap ipod earbuds.
And when you listen to Led Zeppelin's "Moby Dick," it feels like you're sitting right next to John Bonham as he pounds on the drums.
It's unbelievable how good these phones are. When you listen to the Counting Crows' acoustic version of "Amiee," with its mandolin intro playing in the left ear, and rich acoustic guitar coming through on the right ear, you will have an eargasm, baby! It is an experience!
The Portapros are also, hands down, THE most comfortable headset I've ever worn. You can adjust them to fit tighter or more loosely around the ears, and the extra padding really helps with the comfort.
I should say that these are not noise cancelling or sound isolating. I can't wear them in bed at night because even with the volume 1/3rd up on the ipod, my wife can hear them. Same thing with riding the train or bus. You won't want to wear them in public, partly because they look like something worn on the set of the 1984 flick Tron, and partly because your neighbors won't want to listen to your music.
But if you care about excellent quality sound, and you are not disturbing anyone, these are THE best sounding headphones you can buy under $50. They are a BIG step up from the so-so ipod earbuds and a bigger step up from anything Walmart sells.
I should say that these sound better on MP3 players than they do on Hi-Fi equipment. I definitely prefer my beloved Grado SR125s for listening with my stereo or with my laptop.
But the Portapros are a steal at $38.
I almost forgot to mention that there is a lifetime warranty on the Portapros. If they accidently break, and you still have your receipt, Koss replaces them for free. Awesome!
Customer Review: Great headphones, but...
Summary: 4 Stars
I purchased a pair of PortaPros primarily for use with my MP3 player while I'm out and about. Much of what I have to say about them has already been said; they sound damn good for portable headphones -- with strong-hitting bass (as long as you're not a basshead these should more than suffice, otherwise, get a pair Skullcandies) and a nice soundstage --, they fold up into roughly the size of a baseball, and are generally pretty damn comfortable.
The exception to that last one probably isn't what you think; the metal headband actually doesn't catch your hair. It's actually two headbands, one over the other, that slide very smoothly. Coming from a male with long hair, allow me to assure any women worrying about this that it's not a problem at all.
No, the reason I rate this otherwise 5 star product a 4, is because of a minor, yet annoying problem in the way they fit. As mentioned earlier, the PortaPros fold into a compact form; this is done by moving both adjustment tabs to the very top (so that they touch), folding both speakers inwards (towards the headband), attaching the metal hook at the bottom of the right speaker to the metal tab at the bottom of the left, and then pulling down on the adjusting tabs. The issue I'm having is with the metal hook below the right speaker; it will sometimes start to dig in to my right ear, with seemingly no rhyme or reason. Sometimes it will do it when the speakers have been adjusted to fit tightly, other times when they've been adjusted to fit loosely. It doesn't happen the majority of the time, but when it does happen, it's miserable enough to force me to stop what I'm doing, take the headphones off and readjust them. I guess it should be noted that my head and my ears are both rather large, so if you have a smaller head, perhaps this won't be an issue for you.
Still, these are without a doubt the best headphones in their price range. I would suggest trying out a pair before buying, preferably for at least 20 minutes or so. Try adjusting the fit of the speakers, as well.
Customer Review: Perfect (so far) for some, and not so good for others!
Summary: 5 Stars
In this review I will try to be as objective as possible:
THE SOUND
For me this is the most important thing about headphones. The Porta-Pro has a open design, and that is positive sound wise, because of less echo effects. But, it will also spread the sound more to the surroundings. The sound is NOT neutral (flat frequency)! It has a slightly punchy bass/midrange and warm overall sound. Think of a old tube amplifier (not with the new horrible chinese tubes). Even so, the sound sounds even, without sudden jumps in frequency. I, personally, love this warm and punchy sound. The Porta-Pro's also can play LOUD, without being destorted or destroid, for those who like that.
* Warm sound
* Punchy bass and slightly punchy midrange
* Even not flat frequncy range (I guess), it sounds "even" (no sudden jumps)
* It can play LOUD
DESIGN
Remember that this is a headphone from the mid 80's, and looks like it. It can be folded and are quite comfortable to wear. The pressure to the ear can be adjusted, but this feature is almost never used.
* Mid 80's design (like it or don't)
* Support cussions over the ear that relievs the pressure against the ear
* No protecting/cussion on the top of the head
* Can be folded
QUALITY
I have used several pairs since my first pair I bought in 1986 or 1987. Each pair has lasted several years, and unless I break it, the normal wear is desolving support/ear pads and that it gets a little loose in the joints. Remember to keep the receipt (proof of purchase) so that you can use their lifetime warranty. After about 5 years of heavy use, you may need it.
* Looks a bit cheap, even though the plastic is OK
* Normally, long lasting
* Lifetime warranty
I have chosen not to give it plusses or minuses (+ or -) because I think you should make up your own mind.
My rating is completely subjective (I love it), and yes, I have tested plenty of similar headphones through the years.
Customer Review: Among the best I've ever heard.
Summary: 5 Stars
Pros: Very good sound for the price. Set right, the temple pads do make the headphones more comfortable. Also, portability is a plus.
Cons: Be careful adjusting the headband while it is still on your head; hairs do get snagged in the process! Blaring the headphones will also result in some stares from passers-by. The cable is only 4' in length, so be wary of that.
First of all, I'll put in a little disclaimer right now: I've never used any pair of headphones costing more than $20 up to this point. No Sennheisers, no Bose, and no Grados. Saying that, in spite of the hesitation I had in investing in more expensive headphones, these headphones are by far worth the investment. They don't block sound coming in or going out (the open design is one reason for the quality), but I don't blare the headphones, and, as a result, most people outside of two feet away from me will not hear it.
As for my critique of sound quality, one aspect stands out: the balance. Although the size of these headphones prevents ear-busting bass, as some people like, the even, thorough response at all frequencies gives the sound, bass included, some depth I've never heard in most of the music I play. Snare drums, trumpets, and voices are more convincing than in my $125 6x9 car speakers. And at a third of the price!
As for me, my next major purchase of headphones will be Grados. If these sound this good at the price I bought them, I can't imagine the sound quality of a pair of SR-125s! However, for those nervous about venturing into good sound quality due to the price, these headphones are a great starting point, especially for laptop and mp3-player users.
EDIT: Almost one year later, I'm still impressed with these phones. I have an external USB sound card (with built-in headphone amp) for my PC now, and the sound feels even more dynamic. Lastly, let these phones break in for about 50-100 hours before giving your final verdict; they get better with time.