Koss KSC22

Manufacturer: Koss Corp. Part number: KSC22

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$17.45 at 1 online store

CNET Editor rating:
2.0 stars Mediocre
Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 2 reviews

More product information:: Editors' review; User reviews; Specifications; Manufacturer info

Bottom Line:: The Koss KSC22s' exceptionally secure, comfortable fit make them a good choice for runners and gym bunnies, but their sound quality is strictly mediocre.

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Amazon.com Store profile \| Buy now	Rate this store See store profile	In stock	Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price	$26.05 Your best price Shop now as of 09/06/2008

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CNET editors' take

Koss KSC22

price range: $17.45

The Koss KSC22s' exceptionally secure, comfortable fit make them a good choice for runners and gym bunnies, but their sound quality is strictly mediocre.

The good: Secure, comfortable fit for exercising and working out; ultracompact lightweight design.

The bad: Mediocre sound; doesn't include carrying case; tangle-prone cord; lacks in-line volume control.

The bottom line: The Koss KSC22s' exceptionally secure, comfortable fit make them a good choice for runners and gym bunnies, but their sound quality is strictly mediocre.

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Editor's note: We have changed the rating in this review to reflect recent changes in our rating scale. Click here to find out more.

You enjoy listening to music while jogging, but standard headphones are typically uncomfortable, with earbuds jammed into your auditory canals or bouncing around as you log your miles. The perfect solution, then, is clip-on earbuds, which loop snugly around your ears. Koss's KSC22s ($14.99 list) hug your ears tightly and are exceptionally comfortable to wear while exercising. Unfortunately, these bargain 'phones are otherwise mediocre.

Intended primarily for wearing during workouts, the KSC22 headphones feature a lightweight, compact design. But if you're seeking extra features, look elsewhere. Despite the fact that the 'phones have a tangle-prone cord, Koss couldn't be bothered to throw in a carrying case. Further, there's no convenient in-line volume control like those you'll get on some sporty models, such as Aiwa's HP-JS36 Swoops ($24.99 list). On the plus side, the KSC22s' 4-foot cord prevents excessive slack when you use them with a portable MP3 player.

In terms of comfort and wearability, the KSC22s are winners. Along with foam-covered earpieces, the 'phones have rubberized ear clips that help prevent slippage. When I took the 'phones along for a 30-minute treadmill session, they didn't budge from my ears. The same can't be said for several of the competing earbuds we've tried, such as Sony's MDR-E827Gs. And the ear clips didn't interfere with eyeglasses or sunglasses, either.

As for sound quality, the KSC22s are nothing special. Although they played loud enough for my taste, they couldn't reach especially high volume levels when driven by my underpowered MP3 player or by the CD players built into my gym's workout machines. When I fired up selections from the Beastie Boys' To the Five Boroughs, for instance, the sound was fairly dull and small, and there wasn't much bass.

If you're looking for inexpensive headphones that stay put during a workout, the KSC22s are a decent choice. Because of the headphones' tangle-prone design, however, I'd be a lot more enthusiastic if Koss included a carrying case.

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User reviews

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Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 2 reviews

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7 stars

Better than editor's rating

by mstd on December 27, 2005

Pros: secure in ear, carrying case works well, cord long enough not to pull out

Cons: sound is average

Summary: I got these a few days ago and really like them. I can wear them for a long time without getting the ear pain that most ear buds give me. ...

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Summary: I got these a few days ago and really like them. I can wear them for a long time without getting the ear pain that most ear buds give me. They don't pull out of my ear even if the cord gets yanked. Contrary to the review they do come with a carrying case that works well. Sound quality is average, but when I'm on the move it's not like I need concert hall quality.

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4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
6 stars

Hey, I'm runnin'!

by on September 8, 2004

Pros: The fit, they're comfortable, they stay in, and they work. I run ten miles they stay in for ten miles, 'nuf said.

Cons: So, some audiophile says the sound quality isn't great. I suppose they're right. But I'm huffin' and puffin' and poundin' the pavement so I don't really notice.

Summary: null

Summary: null

Showing opinion 1 to 2 out of 2

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Specifications

Manufacturer: Koss Corp.
Part number: KSC22

General
Product Type Headphones
Weight 0.4 oz
Color Red
Additional Features L-shaped plug
Localization English
Headphones
Headphones Type Headphones - Binaural
Headphones Form Factor Over-the-ear
Headphones Technology Dynamic
Connectivity Technology Wired
Sound Output Mode Stereo
Response Bandwidth 60 - 20000 Hz
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) 0.8 %
Sensitivity 98 dB
Impedance 16 Ohm
Remote Control
Type None
Connections
Connector Type 1 x Headphones ( Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm )

Miscellaneous
Cables Included 1 x Audio cable - Integrated - 4 ft
Power
Power Device None
Battery None
Manufacturer Warranty
Service & Support Limited lifetime warranty
Service & Support Details Limited warranty - Parts and labor - Lifetime

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Manufacturer info

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