Koss PortaPro Headphones

• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 32 reviews
• My rating: 0 stars

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• 9 stars

  there's a reason they're still around after 20 yrs

  by jakes.dad on April 25, 2008

  Pros: unmatched sound quality for $ (especially bass)

  Cons: cord too short

  Summary: I got my 1st pair in 1988 with a Sony Discman (which was $300 back then). 20 years later that Discman has been replaced by an 8GB iPod nano which ...

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  Summary: I got my 1st pair in 1988 with a Sony Discman (which was $300 back then). 20 years later that Discman has been replaced by an 8GB iPod nano which holds 15x as much music (at CD bitrates - more like 50x at typical mp3 rates) is ~1/50th the size, ~1/100th the weight, lasts 2x as long on a charge and cost 1/2 as much.
  
  20 years later I'm STILL listening on PortaPro - 'nuff said!
  
  my only complaint is that the cord's kind of short which isn't a problem with the iPod but I have to use an extension cable to plug into my computer at work. one warning too: to really hear the quality these things are capable of you need to stick to lossless transfers off CDs - aac (iTunes) or low-bit mp3s are like hooking a VCR up to a 1080p HDTV (i.e. garbage in/garbage out) though this will be true of any higher-end headphones.

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  3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 10 stars

  I registered with Cnet just to tell you how good these are

  by dave.i on May 13, 2008

  Pros: Incredibly comfortable, GREAT sound!

  Cons: Only con is if you don't dig the 80s aesthetic and can't get used to it (I did).

  Summary: Cnet has never really steered me wrong when it comes to reviews but for some reason I was still extremely skeptical of these headphones. I'm just as old as ...

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  Summary: Cnet has never really steered me wrong when it comes to reviews but for some reason I was still extremely skeptical of these headphones. I'm just as old as the design for these little guys (we're both born in 1984) so the looks definitely threw me for a loop to say the least. Staring at the pictures online is a completely different experience to view and hold them in person. Online they look quirky, bigger, and awkward. In person, the style feels almost ultra-modern, clean, and beautiful. Before I saw these in person I was definitely excited about the idea of the sound quality (not to mention warranty) of these 'phones but the looks definitely had me worried. When they arrived in the mail I fell in love. These headphones sound just as great as the video review here on Cnet suggests. I was extremely surprised to find that the range separation and warmth of these headphones rival that of some Sony studio-quality full-sized headphones that I used to listen to in the past. Without these even being broken in yet, I can honestly say these headphones are THE BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK you can find. No question about it. None. I've been through Denon, Sony, Sennheiser, Ultimate Ears, Shure, and some others (which all sound great depending on the model and headphone style) but none equal in value. These can be used for any application, really. They're cheap, give in and buy these, you won't be disappointed (assuming you realize these aren't noise canceling and won't give you superpowers).

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  2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 7 stars

  No better than the better looking Koss UR40 Headphones.

  by caponsacchi on September 14, 2008

  Pros: Full range, very natural and present sound. As comfortable for long-listening stints as they are appealing sonically.

  Cons: Hokey looking. Not the most durable construction.

  Summary: Wish C-Net would review the Koss UR-40's, a foldable, more professional set of phones that sounds at least as good as the PortaPros. Neither one is made to hold ...

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  Summary: Wish C-Net would review the Koss UR-40's, a foldable, more professional set of phones that sounds at least as good as the PortaPros. Neither one is made to hold up under day-in/day out use. So keep Koss' lifetime guarantee offer close by.

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  1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 10 stars

  Perfect headphones

  by Xardas_1 on April 28, 2008

  Pros: Great sound, funky, price to performance ratio

  Cons: I can see none

  Summary: Sound is better then in my $80 v-moda, paid $36 on eBay including delivery. For all of you with hair pinch problem, cut your hair or go bold and buy ...

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  Summary: Sound is better then in my $80 v-moda, paid $36 on eBay including delivery. For all of you with hair pinch problem, cut your hair or go bold and buy this amazing item it so worth it.
  I?ll still prefer v-moda for everyday use because of the size, but at home, office and on the bike Koss is much more comfortable.

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  1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 8 stars

  Great purchase. Happy I bought them!

  by Anchorage on September 7, 2008

  Pros: These headphones have a great sound that exceeds much more expensive models I've tested. Just a great price (paid $35 at Amazon.com) and super quality for the price.

  Cons: The headband is cheap as its simply a metal band that expands to meet your head size. Not great to look at.

  Summary: For what you pay, I think they are better than many 2-3x the expense. The sound quality is very very good and I recommend them without hesitation. Comes with a ...

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  Summary: For what you pay, I think they are better than many 2-3x the expense. The sound quality is very very good and I recommend them without hesitation. Comes with a travel case that will easily fit in anything you pack.

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• 10 stars

  Amazing Sound but no noise canceling for sure

  by MajorNickmo on September 3, 2008

  Pros: Incredible sound hi's and lo's bass and treble, crystal clear

  Cons: not noise canceling just like everyone says and they DO look 1983 ha ha

  Summary: I bought these based on the reviews, they are incredible headphones and they work for everything from my Sony portable DVD player on the airplane to the my iPhone 3G.

  Summary: I bought these based on the reviews, they are incredible headphones and they work for everything from my Sony portable DVD player on the airplane to the my iPhone 3G.

• 8 stars

  These headphones makes old music new again.

  by blackandblues on August 29, 2008

  Pros: Excellent sound from either ipod, computer or smartphone.

  Cons: Maybe a touch more bass.

  Summary: I would make sure that you have a listen to these headphones before spending way too much. These are hard to beat for this price, and challenge much more expensive ...

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  Summary: I would make sure that you have a listen to these headphones before spending way too much. These are hard to beat for this price, and challenge much more expensive brands.

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• 9 stars

  RICH & AWESOME

  by bdepot on August 27, 2008

  Pros: Deep tones, comfortable

  Cons: Wiring looks a little thin but a lifetime warranty makes up for that. Cord could be longer.

  Summary: Best sound I have heard .. even out of normal size speakers and I am a BOSE fan.
  Like being sandwiched between 2 superior speakers. Hair catching in headband was not ...

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  Summary: Best sound I have heard .. even out of normal size speakers and I am a BOSE fan.
  Like being sandwiched between 2 superior speakers. Hair catching in headband was not an issue Adjust them off your head : ) I wanted to be skeptical but NO THEY ROCK.
  CNET nailed their rating.

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• 11 stars

  Great headphones and superb warranty.

  by kmurstig on August 23, 2008

  Pros: Great sounding, comfortable and superb warranty.

  Cons: When folded its difficult to wind the wires so they will stay wound up.

  Summary: I bought a pair back in 1990 for $30 and I still use them today. I have broken them three time and every time Koss replaced them no questions asked. ...

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  Summary: I bought a pair back in 1990 for $30 and I still use them today. I have broken them three time and every time Koss replaced them no questions asked. All three times the breaks where in the wires. These are not as trendy as in ear phones but you can certainly wear them for much longer period of time.

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• 9 stars

  Absolutely incredible sound at a low price.

  by jollygreen810 on August 22, 2008

  Pros: You can hear ALL of the music, not just some of it.

  Cons: Does not eliminate outside sounds; this may or may not be a con.

  Summary: I first read about Koss Porta Pro headphones in a computer magazine, then did some internet research (aka: CNET reviews). With so many positive comments I purchased a pair for ...

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  Summary: I first read about Koss Porta Pro headphones in a computer magazine, then did some internet research (aka: CNET reviews). With so many positive comments I purchased a pair for under $40.00 new. When I tried them on my laptop, I was amazed at how much more music I was able to hear. Visual analogy: Imagine having a painting by one of the masters hanging on your wall, but you have only viewed it by flashlight, or with poor lighting. You can see hints of greatness, but you just can't observe the complete picture the way the artist meant it to be seen. With the Porta Pro headphones, your painting is fully illuminated, equally and in all dimensions, and you are able to view it in all its glory. There are no bright spotlights, either, that try to shine on certain area; the Porta Pros illuminate your music in all ranges. I am most pleased that I can hear the entire range of music without, say, too much bass. The presentation is clear and dynamically equal across the spectrum. Highly recommended.

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