Koss VC20 Volume Control Reviews

• Very functional

  
  By A2HT87FB90NI27 on 2000-11-10
  This is a surprisingly useful gadget, as it serves as an extension cord and volume control. The extension cord aspect adds about 3 feet to your headphone, which gives me a lot more room to move when I am listening to music on my computer. The volume control is handy when using a portable player because you can change the volume without jostling the player.
  
  

• I lost mine and was lost without it

  
  By A2H0XJ7I2FUZBD on 2005-08-09
  This is something you probably won't fully appreciate until you've had one for a while and then lose it. You may not need a headphone extension cord with an inline volume control. But once you get used to having one, you'll find the convenience and functionality are habit forming. The one I lost was in daily use for 3 or 4 years and continued to work well.
  
  

• Nice, very useful

  
  By on 2003-03-31
  I use this on my computer. Yeah, there's software volume controls - but they require dropping out of whatever you're doing to set, and differ from program to program. It's far more convenient to be able to reach over and make a little adjustment without effecting what you're working on. Also, the sound quality isn't effected - I used to plug my headphones into a set of speakers to do the same thing, but it resulted in static and noise that degraded the music; this volume control retains the clarity of the music.
  
  

• Convenient, but...

  
  By on 2003-06-17
  It's definately a nice item to have... at first. I got mine so that I could use it with my computer, and be able to change the sound level without going through menus and unplug the headphones easily without having to crawl behing the computer, so that I could use them with my stereo. It worked great for about 3 months, however, it's wearing out - the headphone port has broken loose in the casing, and I have to fidget with it for a minute to get the plug all the way in (otherwise, sound only comes out one side). Due to the way it's constructed, the dial for the volume will keep it from getting any worse, so I'll still be able to use it, but it sure is annoying when I'm trying to move between things.
  
  

• Cool

  
  By A1MEDN8XY5JNMS on 2000-06-30
  It is nice to have a volume control off of the cd player so when its in its case i can change the volume.
  
  
• In-Line Unlike Others
  By A2P57RB6F7IJ3E on 2006-07-21
  I was disappointed by this purchase. Unlike a regular inline volume controller that integrated with a pair of headphones, this does not amplify the sound coming from the device.
  
  So if the device has a poor sound and volume range, this does nothing to improve it.
  
  If I could return it I would.
  
  
• Very nice volume control
  By A32WCCXGTR5UFX on 2007-05-26
  This Koss is very good one for volume control. There is no noise sound when I adjust volume. I can't distinguish whether I plug my headphone with this Koss because it has no effect to my head phone at all. I use HD555 which has 50 ohms impedance so I think this Koss may reduce some power of my headphone. But not at all. My HD555 still provides great sound. I love it.
  
  
• Good idea - okay product
  By A3HRDRQ5VAFPQS on 2007-03-23
  An inline volume control is a great idea - we've used Sony headphones in the past that offered this, but the headphone quality was poor. When I saw the Koss Volume control, I was happy I could get back the control, while still using my high quality 'phones.
  
  Unfortunately, the max volume with the Koss installed is diminished quite a bit. I'd say about 20% lower than regular headphones alone.
  
  Another issue is the small size of the slider - I find myself fumbling to find the slider and use it. Something with a bit more of a 'thumb switch' would be better. I understand you don't want something that can be easily bumped accidentally, but the tiny slider bar this unit currently has is just not adequate.
  
  Because there's no other options I've found for something like this, I'll stick with the Koss Volume control, but if there were other options, I'd jump in an instant!
  
  
• stay away
  By A27E6W8FIXUJ6F on 2008-05-09
  I had purchased a volume control at Radio Shack that worked reasonably well -- for about two months, when it broke. So I was looking for something of a bit higher quality. Good reviews here convinced me that this Koss product was just what I needed. Sadly, this is not for anyone who is even remotely an audiophile. When you turn the volume down it dramatically attenuates the high end, so music sounds not just quieter but also has a much narrower dynamic range. This item would probably last much longer than the cheap Radio Shack control, but the sound quality is completely unacceptable. So why do many people on Amazon give it high marks? I have no idea, unless they are listening to books on tape or something else that requires only low audio quality.
  
  
• Does not turn sound up; only turns sound down
  By AVJRYJHGXR3NX on 2008-05-31
  I have discovered, as have others, that most modern TVs do not have a simple output jack for headphones. Instead they have a limited volume output set of jacks. The sound coming out of them is set pretty low and you cannot increase it using your remote's volume controls (I guess the manufacturers figure you are going to hook it up to an amp and a theatre sound system, which is not what I wanted to do.) So I heard about this product and it seemed like just the thing I needed to boost volume. Wrong. It has no power source, so if you set the dial on the unit at maximum volume, it comes to your headphones at exactly the same weak strength as emanates from the TV output jacks. All it can do in reality is turn the sound down. Skip it.
  
  
• Works Fine
  By A1FI3PMS0U7KQL on 2007-05-15
  I have one of these between my CarPC and AMP input. The soundcard was putting out to much power, turning the volume up to 10 out of 100 on the PC would almost blow the speakers. This thing was the quick and easy fix to give a little more breathing room to the PC volume. I haven't noticed any sound quality loss though I dont have the nicest of speakers to notice fine detail.
  
  
• Outstanding addition to my Bose Headphones
  By A19KCZ5UIE5GP8 on 2006-07-10
  I use this devise to control the volume to my Bose Headphones. Its only drawback is that I would like it to have a mute button.
  
  
• Three stars - so far .
  By AW331RT7UD1DB on 2006-07-22
  I purchased this item on the strength of excellent reviews from other customers. I have just received it and couldn't get it to make a peep. I discovered that the cord which goes from your transcriber/sound source to the filter needed to be reversed. Both ends of this thing look identical, but apparently it's important which side goes to the machine and which to the filter. I think this is an oversight in a simple design feature. Now it works, and after I've had a poor tape to try it on, I will return with my opinion of how well it works. (Yes, I'm over the age of 13 - oh, boy, am I. 09/18/34)
  Fannie
  
  
• Great Product
  By A3G7XC806OR8F0 on 2006-08-05
  This is a great product; the connections are sometimes a bit loose and cause some crackling, but it is rare. I highly recommend this product.
  
  
• Simple function executed well
  By A25YYQIA575XOO on 2007-05-14
  I bought this simply because I was tired of taking my MP3 player out of my pocket to adjust the volume. This has taken care of that and provided some more room for me move without worrying about accidentally unplugging my headphones. Product works great
  
  Pro
  - Simplicity of use
  - No drop-off in sound quality
  
  Cons
  - I wish the volume level could be raised a little bit more for when I really want to crank up the music, but to be fair, that's because I listen to music at a ridiciously high level.
  
  
• Simple but effective
  By AKZ32SQMCXBS2 on 2007-06-27
  If you want a buffer between you and the audio source, get this product. Well made and it will save your hearing.
  
  
• Convenience at your fingertips
  By A1NDLXXN9DC4XP on 2007-08-09
  This little gadget sure makes volume control a whole lot easier. No more fumbling with buttons on my mp3 player or the pesky control wheel on my iPod. The clip makes it even more convenient when I can just attach the controller to my computer keyboard tray. It sits there at my left hand and I can adjust the volume to my heart's delight. The extra cord length is also a bonus. Great value for the money.
  
  
• A solution to a problem
  By ANX51Y0Y4TXAK on 2007-12-31
  This year I bought a Dell Vostro laptop. It turns out that many/all have a problem with the audio in that there is a buzzing sound and noise especially when using earbud headphones. Someone suggested using a volume control to increase the impedence. I didn't expect it to work but it does. The Koss VC20 reduced the problem to the point where it is barely perceptable. I am completely satisfied.
  
  
• Works well
  By A2CQET6JR59YEY on 2007-05-12
  Does what it is supposed to do. Only criticism is the volume control knob is a little small.
  
  
• Well Built plastic thing
  By A1Q02JCI4KCGAI on 2008-01-17
  The Koss VC20 has a good feel to it. The actual volume knob itself feels like it is solid. I guess I could put it this way---you know how some things feel cheap and plasticy, well this is a plastic thing but does not feel cheap somehow.
  
  
• line noise removal
  By A32EOVI5A4DAK on 2008-03-30
  I have earbuds that are super sensitive to the electrical noise interference that comes from the sound source. This volume control completely removes the line noise, I am very happy.
  
  Earbuds: EP-630
  Computer: Dell 6000
  
  
• Great, Usefull
  By A1YR8YNZ6EVREP on 2006-11-12
  Not sure how many "l"s in useful, I will go with 2. I bought some speakers that didnt have a convienient volume control to put up by the computer, So I bought this. worked great. has a little clip on it, I didnt use it cause there is nothing to clip it to on the desk. but I did use duct tape to hold it in place. the duct tape worked great too. it also moved the plugin from the back of my computer (Inconvenient) to where I wanted it (convenient)
  
  
• great product
  By A1ZH2ZRY3KDNMM on 2007-01-05
  this is a great product and can be hooked into other headsets lines
  A++++++++++++++++++++++
  
  
• satsfied customer
  By A2S0WKPEIFR2X6 on 2007-01-19
  Just what I wanted. Delivered in appropriate length of time. I am happy.
  
  
• Works as advertised
  By A2WPTDBXXQ6CJF on 2007-01-20
  I use it on the motorcycle.
  The cable is a bit long, but nothing problematic.
  Works good!
  
  
• Length too short
  By A19WR8W6E9WMDC on 2007-05-13
  I just purchased this to be able to use it as an extension for my office. The wire of koss spark plug is just about enough for me... a little move and the wire stretches because of which I spoiled one spark plug before... This was the reason, why I bought this as an entension + volume control. I realized, this just satisfies the volume control part and that it does very well without creating a lot of distortion. I haven't tried it with anything other than spark plug though.... The only reason it doesn't get 5 starts, is because its length is too short... which did not satisfy my needs...
  
  
• works fine; I'm not sure I needed it.
  By AYZDM477KKQ6S on 2008-02-29
  The volume control was offered as an add-on with the headphones. It makes the cord longer and I don't have to fiddle with the laptop's volume control. It's useful but not one of life's necessities.
  
  
• handy
  By A3LAPQWMLWTYRK on 2008-03-01
  This is a handy and inexpensive little device. A convenient way to "tweak" your volume level. Works fine. No complaints. Like all headphone cables it doesn't like to be rolled over by chair rollers, stomped on or yanked out of the socket. If you treat it with moderate care, it ought to last for years.
  
  
• AMAZING DURABILITY!!
  By A15N3ETU8WWAUB on 2008-04-18
  What can one say about this simple, but much needed accessory??
  -KOSS VC20 volume control-best one I have ever used.
  
  Ever use an accessory rotary volume control (if you can find one)??
  They usually work for a week, get a speck of dust inside, then become choppy or silent!
  
  Most headphones are furnished with a rotary volume control,
  the better headsets, of course, usually have the better quality control.
  However the controls drop dead, just before the headphones do....
  
  I mow acres & acres of lawns all season long-lots of dust & pollen.
  I use the KOSS VC20 every day (going on two years)!!
  If it gets dirty, a tiny squirt of Deoxit-and it springs right back!!!
  
  Amazing durability from an $8.19 component!
  
  
  
• Worth the money
  By A3MJHJYV3TYSBI on 2007-01-09
  I needed an extension cord and a volume control, this worked out perfect.
  
  

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