Koss PortaPro Headphones
Manufacturer: Koss Corp. Part number: 155491
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Koss hit a home run with the PortaPros. Love or hate the design, there's no denying the sound quality here: they're the ideal companion for mobile audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts.
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CNET editors' review
Koss PortaPro Headphones price range: $39.99 - $49.00
- Reviewed by: Justin Yu
- Edited by: Jasmine France
- Reviewed on: 04/22/2008
- Released on: 01/01/1984
The good: The Koss PortaPro Headphones combine a functional design with excellent 3D sound and a low price tag.
The bad: Hair gets caught in the collapsible band; some people will dislike the '80s aesthetic.
The bottom line: Koss hit a home run with the PortaPros. Love or hate the design, there's no denying the sound quality here: they're the ideal companion for mobile audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts.
With so many funky headphone designs flooding the market right now, it's getting harder and harder to choose which one to buy. Instead of showing you the latest snazzy set of cans, we're taking you back in time to showcase the Koss PortaPros. These headphones are the ultimate in retro chic and are guaranteed to get a few comments, but you won't hear them thanks to the beautiful symphony of sound flooding your ears. For $50, we're hard-pressed to find another set that rivals their sound quality and quirky design.
The first thing you'll notice about the PortaPros is that they look like something from the 1980s. That's because they are--Koss released these exact headphones in 1984 and they became so popular that Koss hasn't changed a thing for 23 years. These headphones retain the same design both internally and externally. The earcups are secured to your head by a thin steel headband that adjusts with two sliders that tighten and loosen the tension. Once you have them in place, the PortaPros are actually very comfortable--they're featherweight and additional cushions on top of the ear pads prevent the headset from slipping. The comfort level is taken a step further with what Koss calls their "Comfort Zone." This feature has three mechanical settings that let you adjust the tension of the earpiece against your head. The downside is that there's no way to lock the headband in place and the sliders like to get caught in your hair as you take them on and off. This also becomes a problem when you want to rest the headphones around your neck--the band immediately tightens up and practically strangles you.
On the plus side, the PortaPros also fold up and clip together for relatively convenient storage. The overall design of the PortaPros is hit or miss. Not everyone will be keen on the design, but we actually love the way the headphones look. The light blue touches and extended hardware conjure fond memories of a time when Marty McFly, Lobot, and Tron ruled the world, and who are we to argue with a 23-year dedicated following?
Looks aside, the real reason why the PortaPros still remain classic (albeit underappreciated) is because of their fantastic sound quality. Just keep in mind that these came out decades before studio-quality sound-isolating headphones became available to the consumer market, so they definitely won't block out the majority of ambient noise. They also started to leak sound at the one-third mark on our iPod's volume bar, but we're not surprised given their open-ear design, just be sure not to crank it up too high around your neighbors. However, aside from that, we have very few complaints.
In our audio test, we compared the PortaPros with another set of foldable cans, Sennheiser's PX100 miniheadphones. We had good things to say about the PX100, but were ultimately unsatisfied with the lack of treble range. In contrast, the PortaPros simply blew us away with their range and ability to maintain quality at a high volume. We pumped several songs in a wide variety of genres through the headphones and each one produced a focused sound in the midrange with detailed resolution in the highs and surprisingly thick, head-shaking bass. Our MP3 of "Fatalist Palmistry" by Why? sounds much better with the PortaPros as well, clearly separating each instrument with equal balance while maintaining sonic realism. According to Koss, the sound output is handled by "neodymium iron boron rare earth magnet structures" that provide a 15-25,000Hz frequency range, which certainly sounds like random vendor jargon, but truth is that for the sub-$50 range, the Koss PortaPros are the headphones to beat.
If all that isn't enough to convince you to snatch up a pair, consider that Koss offers a "no questions asked" lifetime warranty on the PortaPros. If anything happens to them during normal use, Koss will send you a new pair for the cost of shipping ($6.00). Now, that's music to our ears.
User reviews
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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 ...
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).
24 out of 25 users found this user opinion helpful.
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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 ...
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.6 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Superb sound and comfortable to wear
by citizen_can on December 7, 2008
Pros: I loved my three pair of Sennheiser PX100's scattered about the house but decided to give the PortaPros a try. I still love the PX100's but find myself using the PortaPros most of the time, especially for the bass response and comfort.
Cons: The hair-snagging snafu is real but was solved through high-tech application of one piece of Scotch tape to hold the top slider in place. This might not work for those needing to pack and carry, but it works well for me.
Summary: As noted, the bottom line is these small wonders sound superb! I had my doubts when ordering them, but for $35 at Amazon, I figured I couldn't go wrong. ...
Summary: As noted, the bottom line is these small wonders sound superb! I had my doubts when ordering them, but for $35 at Amazon, I figured I couldn't go wrong. From the first listen, I knew I had winners. I'm no audiophile, but I expect excellent sound, and these phones delivered. Once the hair-pulling problem was solved, I noticed they are the most comfortable headphones I've ever worn. They sit so lightly I almost don't notice them at all. I love the retro look and find the cutaway design just above the pads makes it easier to don them and to get left-ear/right-ear placement perfect every time. They are so small they don't look nearly so clunky as they appear in the pictures. The article and commenters have said enough about the sound that I have nothing to add. But I do plan to add one or more two more PortaPros s to my collection. BTW, the only reason I didn't give them a full 5-star rating is because of the hair-pulling thing. I still have a bald spot from that first depilation. (j/k) This seems like a defect Koss could somehow correct.
5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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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.
4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Bose on-ear headphones vs. Koss Porta-Pros
by Nlimited on January 3, 2009
Pros: *AFFORDABLE* at 39.99 with a lifetime warranty and excellent sound quality that has kept up with over two decades of new audio technology. Very light and compact. Unparalleled sound range for sub-$100 headphones.
Cons: Does not cancel out sound (like all non-noise canceling headphones, this pair still allows the listener to hear what's going on around him/her)
Summary: i've been looking for a very good set of headphones for a long time. Like most consumers at first, i was sold on the Bose reputation for producing excellent-sounding ...
Summary: i've been looking for a very good set of headphones for a long time. Like most consumers at first, i was sold on the Bose reputation for producing excellent-sounding products and assumed that their products were the best on the market. After listening to the Bose on-ear headphones in the store, I bought them for a little over $170. I went home and listened to them and simply could not accept that the sound justified the 170-dollar pricetag, even after 2 weeks of listening to them. A thing to remember from this experience is that anyone buying headphones should first listen to them *with their own music*. The Bose demo's are nothing like the music that most people listen to (the man on the Bose demos with the deep voice and the rich instrumental background will sound completely different from Coldplay's Viva La Vida). i'm not saying Bose on-ears are terrible. i'm simply saying that if you're looking for the best sound quality for the best price, Koss porta-pros take top honors in that category. i'll go as far as saying that the Koss porta-pros sound equal-to if not better* than the Bose on-ears. the only edge that Bose on-ears have over Koss porta-pros are their soft cushions that help block out surrounding sound. At 39.99 i decided that i could live without the soft Bose cushions.
If you're looking for a pair of headphones with excellent sound quality that's only exceeded by its price value, then get out there and pick up the Porta-Pros!3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Stellar sound and an unbeatable price tag.
by PepperOrient on September 16, 2009
Pros: - Sound quality surpasses the price tag by a long shot. Sounds like headphones within the mid to high $100s.
- Above Average Bass
- Excellent Mids
- Highs are relatively goodCons: - Extreme sound leak
- Tightener may pull at hair
- Odd design
- Flimsy
- Wire is not durable
- Sound isolation is not the bestSummary: Overall, these are probably one of the best headphones for the price. These headphones definitely sound like something you would pay 175$ to 220$ for.
Massive sound leak may bother ...Summary: Overall, these are probably one of the best headphones for the price. These headphones definitely sound like something you would pay 175$ to 220$ for.
I meant to say that the quality of construction properly reflected the price tag.
Massive sound leak may bother other people around you, or will make you not want to use them in public spaces.
The durability of the product is certainly not top notch, but the price properly reflects the price tag.
Extremely good value, and really weren't that much worse than my 250$ headphones.
Updated on Sep 16, 2009
Would like to mention that they are very comfortable to wear, overall. Unless used for extreme periods of time, you will not feel discomfort on the ears or the sides of the head.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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I too joined CNET just to review these
by carrollpe on September 1, 2009
Pros: I'm amazed by sound quality. I expect online reviews to be exagerated but not in this case. You can not go wrong at the price or, maybe, at any price. Great equipment and, as another reviewer said, try these on CD to appreciate full capability.
Cons: Straight connector to source device - would prefer J, or whatever the 45 degree connector is called.
Summary: Just get hold of some of these before they decide to discontinue the line.
Summary: Just get hold of some of these before they decide to discontinue the line.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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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 ...
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.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Excellent sound and comfort
by anonandanon on January 1, 2012
Pros: Form follows function embodied. Conversations sound natural without excessive bass or hissing. Live recordings sound rich and directional with the band in one part of your head and the crowd in another. Lifetime warranty.
Cons: I expect the thin speaker covers to wear out sooner than later.
Summary: Buy them today.
Summary: Buy them today.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Another person who joined just to write this review..
by cdgasperi on August 4, 2011
Pros: Sound better than many $200+ headphones... Truly amazing for the price.
Cons: None, just make sure you wear them with short hair...
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Koss Corp.
- Part number: 155491
- Description: This high quality portable stereophone set performance and comfort standards for personal listening worldwide. Over the years, much to the delight of devout PortaPro enthusiasts, Koss has preserved the original design and performance that made the PortaPro a portable music icon. Today the PortaPro remains the headphone of choice for the discriminating listener. The PortaPro features dynamic elements that deliver exceptionally rich, deep bass and a remarkably wide frequency response from 15 - 25,000 Hz to capture every nuance in your favorite movie or musical performance. Constructed from mylar, the elements are extremely rigid, minimizing mechanical distortion and ensuring exceedingly accurate sound reproduction. Neodymium iron boron rare earth magnet structures enable the PortaPro to deliver greater volume so you can hear every note, even when competing against the sounds of a commuter train with a low-voltage MP3 or disc player. Oxygen free copper voice coils improve signal transmission and conduction for cleaner, clearer sound. Foam earcushions provide an open, hear-through sound that lets you keep in touch with your surroundings perfect to wear while running, at work, or while traveling. Whether you're listening at home or on the go, the PortaPro will bring the excitement of a live performance to any recording.
General
- Recommended Use The noise canceling feature keeps out ambient sounds on buses and airplanes. Plus, they are portable for easy transport.
- Product Type Headphones
- Recommended Use Portable audio system
- Additional Features Foldable
Headphones
- Headphones Type Headphones - Binaural
- Headphones Form Factor Semi-open
- Headphones Technology Dynamic
- Connectivity Technology Wired
- Sound Output Mode Stereo
- Response Bandwidth 15 - 25000 Hz
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) 0.2 %
- Sensitivity 101 dB/mW
- Impedance 60 Ohm
- Diaphragm Mylar
- Magnet Material Neodymium iron boron
Remote Control
- Type None
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x Headphones ( Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm )
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included 1 x Headphones cable - 4 ft
Power
- Power Device None
- Battery None
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support Limited lifetime warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - Lifetime
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Koss Corp. products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:Koss Corp.
- Address:
4129 N. Port Washington Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53212 - Phone: 1-800-USA-KOSS
- Email: customersupport@koss.com
