Koss PortaPro Headphones with Case Reviews

• Good where it counts

  
  By A14453U0KFWF31 on 2005-01-18
  The first thing that needs to be said about these headphones is that they are really ugly. There can be no denying it. The weird earpieces with the bar atop is just ugly, ugly, ugly. That said, these are easily the most comfortable portables I've worn, a situation largely a product of the very features that make the set ugly. Additionally, the sound is good. I don't feel the sound is as orgasmically supreme as other reviewers suggest, but the sound is very good. If you listen to a lot of Jazz or classical, some senns might serve you better. If you listen to more rock and hip hop, you'll be pleased with the portapros, if only for the comfort, which is truly exceptional. I use them with my iPod, and am well pleased.
  
  

• The best design for pocket-carrying

  
  By APDM4SSZIPJYH on 1999-10-25
  These phones collapse into a package tight enough to fit in a jacket pocket, yet they expand enough to comfortably fit my size-13 head. The earpieces loop around the upperedge of the ear and are quite comfortable. They have the best sound of any portable headphones I've ever used -- well worth spending extra to replace the crappy ones that come with most Walkmans. One complaint: the hook that is supposed to hold them into a ball springs open much too easily, and the cord snarls if it's wrapped around them.
  
  

• Great for Travel

  
  By A3TIJC6L8USJ6Q on 2001-05-13
  I've worn out two pair of these phones in the last decade. The sound quality was great. Wonderful bass--the only phones with better have been phones that fully cover my ears--and aren't really "portable." These stayed comfortable for the excruciatingly long flights from SoCal to northern Norway, even while wearing glasses. They fold up nice and small, easy to tuck away. They also performed adequately while watching airline movies ... more than saved the price of the phones over several trips!

  I have two complaints: 1) hair easily penetrates the "speaker grill" and makes irritating noise against the actual speaker membrane. 2) The speaker, while reproducing sound well, can develop tears in the membrane easily. BE CAREFUL! Nothing is more annoying than a buzzing speaker at 33,000 feet (well, perhaps sudden cabin depressurization ...)!

  My second pair wore out about the same time as my vintage walkman. I replaced the setup with a Nomad II MG & a pair of noise cancelling headphones--they make a _huge_ difference!

  Five stars for sound quality. Five stars for comfort. Five stars for portability. Five stars for durability. If you're not going to spring for noise cancellation and you need a folding pair of phones, then get a pair of PortaPros.
  
  

• Best portable phones I've found in 13 years

  
  By A228VA8S67TWTS on 1999-12-05
  I'm always on the lookout for the best sounding portable phones, and these are the best I've found yet. They have the smoothest, wide-range sound I've heard from any portable headset. I'd expected that in the 13 years since I bout them, that someone would have come up with something better. However, I've yet to find anything that comes close.

  These phones may sound a little bass-heavy to some, but this unit has temple-pads that lift the elements away from your ears. This not only improves comfort, but also attenuates the bass, leading to a nice mix of comfort and sound quality.

  Also, since I tend to be a bit rough on phones, the lifetime warranty has come in handy a few times.
  
  

• Koss Portapro vs Sennhauser PX100

  
  By A1MMB67JV0L0HM on 2005-10-16
  I couldn't decide between the Sennhauser PX100 and the Koss Portapro headphones. I bought both, so I could take them home and compare at my leisure. Result: They are both excellent choices! You will be pleased with either. But to distinguish between them:
  
  The PX100 are more comfortable because of the foam cushions which rest on the top of your head. The Portapro are also comfortable, but I do notice the metal band on the top of my head, which sometimes pulls some strands of hair out.
  
  The PX100 look better when on. The Portapro look kinda dorky -- especially at first -- but they are easy to get used to.
  
  The PX100 are also more durable. Once you get the hang of it, it's quite easy to collapse the headphones and put them in their plastic carrying case. They are not going to get squished while they're in that! The Portapro can be collapsed into a ball, but if I'm not really careful, they spring open all when I touch them. It's also very difficult to get the Portapro headphones and cord into the accompanying bag.
  
  The Portapro headphones have more bass, and to my ears, the music sounds more alive than with the PX100. The PX100 sound really good, but the Portapro sound just a tad bit better.
  
  The Portapro feel more comfortable when under a wool hat (important for my winter walks with the dog).
  
  Both leak sound -- there's no difference there. If that's a huge concern for you, then you might want a closed system for your headphones.
  
  In the end, I couldn't which I liked better and kept both, rationalizing that my husband needs a pair of headphones too. Both are used regularly, although I take only the PX100 when I travel because I think it'd be much easy to accidentally break the Portapro.
  
  
  
• Excellent set
  By AVBXI48LM25XH on 2000-04-05
  I've been looking for a good pair of supra-aural headphones under $50 - the problem is that circum-aural ones are too big, and normal supra-aurals hurt my ears after a while because I wear glasses and they pinch. These babies not only sound rich and full, they're so comfy with the extra stress pads. Very light. Highly recommended
  
  
• Get the SportaPros Instead.
  By A2L7WYA5OENV03 on 2000-07-12
  Get the SportaPros instead. They look better, can be worn in a street configuration, cost less, and sound exactly the same.
  
  
• My set is 15 years old and still sounds great
  By ASLYT076TQTXF on 2004-03-20
  After reading a few of these reviews which say these headphones are cheaply constructed, I had to post. As I type this I am listening to my set of Koss Porta-Pro I headphones which I purchased in 1989 and have been carrying all over the world with me ever since. They still sound awesome, and the only reason I logged onto Amazon.com to purchase a replacement is that the two large pieces of foam, which rest against the temples, have long since worn away and I thought it might be interesting to have that foam back.

  While they might look fragile, I don't believe they are. When folded up, they seem to resist destruction very well indeed! Mine came with some kind of carrying case but I lost this over a decade ago and the headphones are usually just chucked in my bag and away we go. Or they are lying around my room, or tossed in a drawer full of junk with no protection. I use them constantly and the only thing I've done to them is to replace the ear foam numerous times over the years with earpiece foam from Radio Shack.

  I have found that if one side or another begins buzzing, the problem has always been debris between the speaker and the inside of the foam earpieces. This begins to happen when the foam deteriorates and breaks up, but all that is required to restore sound quality is to remove the foam, vacuum the debris (crumbled foam or bits of human hair (gross)) out of the earpieces and reassemble with new foam for best results.

  These headphones are awesome. People are always telling me they're the best sounding headphones those people have ever encountered, and it's a fact. You will not be the least bit unhappy with these.

  BTW I do not listen to music quietly, I blare it. I suppose they are not as good as some other headphones at confining the sound to just the wearer, and for this they might not be the best choice on a plane or train. But as many times as I have overloaded them in 15 years of use, they have not blown.
  
  

• High Quality Portable Headphones, Perfect for iPod
  By A1EZ2QG22EP361 on 2005-11-29
  My Experience.
  For years I had been using the cheap type of headphones that come with most music playing devices. I listen to complex music with many layers of sound, and was never satisfied with the poor sound from cheap headphones. Most headphones for <$50 sacrifice in some way, either by having a whiny high pitch sound with no bass or by artificially enhancing the bass and distorting the high frequencies. Don't be fooled by headphones claiming to boost the bass. Usually they do this by making all of your music sound sickeningly flat. You lose all the richness and breadth in your music.
  
  The Sound
  After reading many outstanding reviews for Koss's current line of headphones I decided to take a risk and spend $40 on the Koss PortaPro. These headphones are incredible! I didn't think headphones in this price range could possibly sound so good. I'm hearing layers of detail in my music that I've never heard with other headphones. These headphones provide a broad and rich sound. For anyone who knows how music is supposed to sound (this excludes those of you who abuse bass boosters and subwoofers) you'll be happy with the Koss PortaPro. If portability isn't an issue for you, you can get the same sound for less money from some of Koss's other headphones (they use the same sound drivers).
  
  Ergonomics
  One nice feature of these headphones is their flexibility and ability to be adjusted in several ways. I have a large head, so I appreciate being able to easily lengthen the flexible metal overhead strap and widen the placement of the earphones themselves. The PortaPro has a slider on each earphone allowing three different width settings for different size heads and tension preferences. Because I use these on walks, at the office, on planes etc. I appreciate the PortaPro's compact collapsible design. The headphones easily fold up into a fist-sized ball, making it easy to tuck them in a backpack or the included leather carrying bag.
  
  Positives and Negatives
  If I had to think of something negative about these headphones I'd say that when collapsed they sometimes spring open when jostled. Soundwise I have no complaints. I love Apple and their iPod, but the in-ear headphones that come with the iPod are abysmal. Sure, they're ok for free in-ear headphones. But if you spend hundreds of dollars on a music player you should get a complementary set of headphones. You probably can't get a better sounding headphone for less than $50, and their portability makes them an ideal fit for the iPod.
  
  
• porta pro or px100
  By A2MPT0SEX1ORN7 on 2005-10-23
  after reading most customer reviews and a few technical reviews on portable headphones the two names with the most positive comments were koss portapro and sennheiser px100 i bought both pairs to do my own comparisons after 1 week i submitted a review giving the portapros a definite edge although not a dramatic one after a full month of listening i no longer use the px100's i hear things on the portapros you don't even notice on the 100's i would like to amend my original opinion to say the portapros are significantly better and provide a lifetime warranty
  
  
• Koss qz2000
  By A8N4OYG3W1KAL on 2001-06-10
  The QZ-2000 combines Koss's PortaPro headphones (a $50 pair of folding headphones, which are small and comfortable for long wear) with electronics that cancel low-frequency noise, making it easier to hear your music on airplanes or in other noisy places. The open-backed transducers and foam ear pads help give the headphones a nice, open sound, but they also let in high-frequency noise.

  On an airplane, the headphones do a good job of subduing the low rumble of the engines, but high-frequency sounds--even nearby conversations--are relatively easy to hear. Luckily, the phones also work with the noise reduction off, so you can let the drone of the engines obscure the chatter of the folks sitting behind you. And if the batteries die in midflight, you can still listen to music. The sound is good but not outstanding. The low bass is soft (a common flaw in small open-air phones), and the treble lacks sparkle. We slightly preferred the sound quality of music when the noise cancellation was turned off.

  Soft pads on the temples take some of the load off of your ears, so wearing the QZ-2000 for the duration of a long flight is no problem. And the removable cord is short, so you don't have a lap full of wire when plugged into an airline seat or a Walkman. The Koss comes with a folding, zippered case and the two-pronged adapter you'll need in some airliners.
  
  

• PortaPro: Ugly, but GREAT in the sack.
  By A3PT2YYAY0CHV2 on 2005-09-17
  Where do I begin? There is simply so much to say about these little puppies..!
  
  First, let me start by saying that I went to Circuit City and paid $80 for a white pair of Sennheiser PX100. I did this for two reasons: I wanted to buy something nice for a great friend and...I wanted to know what $80 headphones sounded like.
  
  Fast-forward to when my friend isn't around and there I am trying on the PX100. What can I say? It's lightweight, very portable and the treble comes in crystal clear. I listened to them on my friend's Gmini xs200 DAP with some 320kbs DJDoboy remixes. Jealousy!
  
  I couldn't afford another pair for myself and was still using some cheapie earbuds. Oh, the humanity. Then, someone who studies in the sound department of my old college recommended the Koss PortaPro DJ. Man, I hate Koss. Anything Koss-related that I owned, sucked nasty-style.
  
  But I trust this friend's advice and shelled out the $30 to get a pair off of Amazon. As soon as I opened the package, I was a little queasy. These things are not pret--
  
  (I'll speak in a lower voice since they're right over *There*)
  
  They are ugly. UGLY. Hideous. I once beat up a bag of tomatoes and they still looked prettier than this thing. But...
  
  ...when I put this thing on, I heard the angels themselves. The bass on the PortaPro is DIVINE. It's warm and lush and makes love to the treble, which isn't as overpronounced as the PX100. In fact, the PX100 brought out ARTIFACTS from the higher bitrate MP3s, producing a weird tinny cold aftertaste. The PortaPro is perfection. Yes, I tested the headphones on the same MP3 player with the same music and the difference is like NIGHT and DAY. And the comfort level? Wonderful. I BARELY feel when I have the PortaPro on.
  
  And strangely enough, the more you use the PortaPro, the BETTER it sounds. I'm not kidding. After test-driving the PX100 for over four hours, the stark "coldness" of the set started becoming REAL noticable. The sound is just TOO clear for MP3.
  
  My only real qualms are that they feel flimsier than they LOOK in the Amazon pics, AND they are UGLY. However, they don't feel like they're gonna break when I fold and unfold them--I guess the pics made the headphones look BIG (they definitely AREN'T).
  
  Anyways, try them out. They will become a FAVORITE of yours.
  
  
• You won't believe your ears
  By A35TD8QAUMV0DB on 2004-05-01
  Take what other reviewers have said about these headphones, believe them, and then multiply it by 100. I received a pair of Koss UR-20s as a gift years ago and loved them so naturally I looked to Koss again when replacing my portable/on-the-go headphones. After buying a pair of KSC-55s, which sounded great but were uncomfortable for me personally, I hopped on Amazon and found everyone raving about the PortaPros. I figured they were good, especially considering that the design seems unchanged since the 1980s (which has to mean something), but I also figured that this was one of those things that was just too good to be true. However, these are bar-none the most amazing headphones I have ever put on my head. Listening to some of my favorite songs for the first time was one of those 'wow' moments where you realize you have found something that changes your expectations completely. The bar will be raised the instant you hear the bass response and incredible acoustic qualities of these light, comfortable headphones.

  I don't know what I'm impressed with the most: the amazing bass, the excellent stereo division, or how loud they can get! These things are just as amazing as most of the reviews show them to be and then a lot more... I was worried about the eighties styling, but in person they don't look bad at all. I hate headphones that scream for attention, but these don't look like that when you have them on and I have already been wearing them in public (something I didn't think I would do after only seeing the picture of them online). And even if they're a bit outdated in appearance, the design is so functional you won't even give looks a second thought after you put them on.

  One thing is for sure: these things have plenty of bass! Not too much (not "boomy"), but they seem properly tuned for listening to things without "bass booster" turned on, which I like. Even with the bass settings adjusted high, the bass remains clear and crisp. I'm not sure how much power these can handle without damaging them, but I listen to them very loud and they do not sound distorted or stressed at all. After a few days my left speaker began making some weird noises and it ended up being a hair stuck inside the headphones that I cleared out with canned air. Something important to consider is that these are very open and airy headphones and the treble carries very well outside the headphones (so someone nearby could definitely hear what you're listening to if you have the volume up loud).

  Others have mentioned that they felt the headphones were too tight feeling, but I have a very large head and they fit me without a problem. However, if I will be wearing them for an extended period of time I always set them to the "Light" setting on the comfortZone control (which divides the side pressure of the headphones with your temples rather than just on your ears).

  I already had headphones I was pleased with (Sony MDR-G52s and Koss UR-20s) but I wanted a set of small, portable headphones for use with my laptop and these are perfect. The folding design isn't something I necessarily wanted, but it is nice. The carrying case they come with (a leatherette bag) is a slightly tight fit and I probably won't end up using it much since it is not a hard case that would protect them from shock or crushing. Some others have mentioned that they feel delicate or are easily broken, but compared to other small headphones I have had they seem very well built and equally strong considering their light weight.

  While I wouldn't say these are bad things about the PortaPros, it is worth mentioning that the headband is metal and will occasionally snag a hair as you adjust it on your head, and that they don't fold down as small as you might think they would so don't expect to put them in your pants pocket or something. Considering these are the worst things I can come up with to say about the PortaPros, they are nearly perfect in my book.

  I can't say enough good things about these PortaPros! They're simply amazing. These are the first headphones (or speakers) I've had that sound absolutely awesome without adjusting the equalizer or pumping up the bass. They sound good on everything from R&B to Country and everything in-between. I've been especially impressed that they pull the bass and highs out of a song without getting that shrill, tinny treble that plagues so many headphones. If there ever was a question about the quality of Koss stereophones in my mind, these PortaPros have put it to rest and made me into a lifetime customer! If you're like me you'll wish you had discovered these legendary headphones (haha! how often is that said?) years ago...
  
  

• Great Headphones!
  By on 2000-07-04
  These headphones have the best sound I have ever heard from any set I've ever tried. When I ordered them I was a little worried about how they would look when they got here because to me the shape of them seemed odd from the extra stress pads, but they are amazingly comfortable, and they look pretty cool! The sound is rich and they have awesome bass. You can actually feel it kicking. A must buy for anyone looking for a new set of headphones that are in a good price range.
  
  
• Rinky-Dink
  By on 2001-04-29
  I gave these headphones 2 stars because they do have a pretty good sound and they do collapse into a compact size. The reasons I don't like them are: 1) Because they are collapsable, the headset needs to be adjusted for fit each time you wear the headphones, and it is not easy to adjust. 2) The phones fit very snuggly against the ears, and have pads at the temples. You can adjust the phones for 3 "comfort" settings--firm to light, but if you want to change from one setting to another, you must fold the phones up to disengage them from the current setting. Plus, the device to change the setting is probably easy to break. Also, if you set the phones to a medium or light setting, they become positioned slightly away from the ears, putting pressure on the temple pads, which is uncomfortable and becomes more so the longer you wear them. When the phones are set at the firm setting, they fit too tightly on the ears, but this removes some of the pressure from the temple pads. Overall, I think these phones are poorly designed and cheaply made.
  
  
• These are the best headphones i have ever bought
  By A23N91KQR4T1Q5 on 2000-05-14
  These Headphones are light, and they produce the most awesome quality of sound. They rarely distort, and they can produce more sound than you can imagine. I have found that the headphones that cost over $150 do not compare to these. If your looking for the cheapest, best stereo headphones out there, Koss Portapros are the way to go. (not to mention they compact smaller than the palm of your hand) =)
  
  
• You will not believe your ears!
  By on 2000-05-26
  In this price range you find very mixed results. Forget most everything else in thisprice range from the far east. These are the smoothest most dynamicset of portables I have ever owned or heard. I have them on almost daily at work and also for my lunch time walk. Don't worry about a demo do yourself a favor and select these for all types of music. They are slightly pronounced in the lower ranges which helps support lower power portables and PC's. Everyone at the office who tries them turns and looks at me and mouthes in silence...W-O-W.
  
  
• Good sound, bad construction.
  By A248UVZUKJBGN on 2001-12-07
  Maybe it's cause I'm spoiled by the Koss SportaPro headphones that are $10 cheaper and fold into streetstyle wear, but these just seem damned flimsy. Mind you, the SportaPros aren't much better built, but they're at least a little more functional with the same great sound quality. I expected a lot more for the $50 I spent (with shipping). They *do* have very good sound, but I feel like I'm gonna break them by mistake carrying them around in my backpack. Like having a really expensive pair of glasses in a mosh pit. My advice, if you're using these outside your home, go with the cheaper sportapros. They can go streetwear style which can be a real advantage at times and they're the same quality sound at a cheaper price.
  
  
• AMAZING! Amazing company and Amazing headphones!
  By A2U50M7041TJQO on 2003-01-08
  Koss has a LIFETIME warranty on their headphones. I've taken mine in for repairs years later, and they repaired them! NO QUESTIONS ASKED, NO RECEIPT, NO WARRANTY CERTIFICATE, NO NOTHING! They just fix them. You can damage them, and they fix them like NEW! These people are amazing! Amazing is the least I can say for KOSS. So are the headphones!!! Excellent quality! I bought their wireless headphone 8 years ago, had the ear muffs repaired once a few years later, free. This company stands behind their products! AMAZING!
  
  
• Excellent headphones for portable electronics
  By A3UI6CTFWL721L on 2005-10-04
  These headphones are an amazing value and very well designed. The headphones are small, yet the design is such that they firmly yet comfortably fit on your head. There is a small button allowing adjustment of how much pressure is exerted. The drivers are nicely padded and there are pads that sit on the temple, ensuring that the drivers sit parallel to the ears.
  
  The sound is superb, especially considering the size of the phones. The bass extension is very good and satisfying, much better than comparably sized phones. The overall sound is neutral and non-fatiguing so that you can listen to them for hours at a time without getting tired.
  
  One thing to note is that headphones typically are "open" or "closed" design. A closed design uses heavy pads to block out external noise and are meant for use in noisy environments. Open headphones, like the Koss PortaPros, are designed for use in quiet environments. So if you want phones for use in the subway or the airplane, these are not designed for that type of use.
  
  Another very important feature of Koss phones is the lifetime warranty. I have had my Koss PortaPros for over 10 years now. I have accidently snagged the wires and ripped one out. I sent them back to Koss with a check to cover the nominal shipping and handling charge(see their website for details), and they promptly refurbished my headphones, and even put on new pads to replace my old pads! Other manufaturers would have forced me to buy a new pair of phones. So if you expect your phones to take some punishment during use, the lifetime warranty is a big plus.
  
  Those interested in small, open style phones may also want to check out the Sennheiser PX100, which delivers similar performance, though the PX100 has less prominent bass and more mid-range; the typical Sennheiser sound. Both are excellent values but in my mind, the extra bass output and lifetime warranty make the Koss phones a slightly better deal.
  
  
• Awesome Quailty, Good buy.
  By A18UZWBA81CPON on 2002-08-20
  I was skeptical at first being these were a bit on the [$$$] side for headphones. However, when i recived them i used them with my MP3/CD player and it gave me AWESOME quality. I was amazed at the stereo effect, furthermore i tried these on my computer, laptop and desktop, and in my stereo downstairs, with the included attachment. All sounds were VERY clear and stereoed wonderfully. KOSS has always been a good brand in my book but these are defininitly worth the price! If you are skeptical about the price don't be. The quality is worth it.
  
  
• Koss PortaPro's simply rock!
  By A1AU4HGDEW129K on 2003-06-24
  I have tried at least 5 different headphones from the earbud type to the every rear mounted type. These phones have an outstanding high output volume if desired. The quality of sound reproduction is the best that I have heard in the portable class. I have some good full coverage phones and they have superior bass but that is to be expected. The first thing that people remark about while listening to them, is the realistic and profound BASS. The only thing that may be a problem is that the pads tend to cause you to sweat under extreme or hot weather exercise. With the realization that no set of headphones are ideal under all conditions I feel the vast majority of people that hear these phones will want them for their own. I have literally sold a half a dozen just by letting people listen to mine. The lifetime warranty is a bonus!
  
  
• For Portable Music Listeners---These Are A Deal!
  By A3IWKEWM9EEPFJ on 2003-08-06
  I bought a set of the Koss Porta Pro headphones based on reviews for my Creative Nomad 2C MP3 player which I also got from Amazon. I don't think that a lot people realize that the limiting factor in listening to the MP3 format beside the size of the file is the set of headphones that you use. Although they are not as accurate as my Grado SR 60 phones, they sound very good and are light enough to be used on the go. For small headphones they sound pretty open and detailed. They bass is very good. So good in fact that I turned down the bass EQ on my MP3 player just a bit to bring the midrange forward and keep the voices from getting tubby. The treble is very clean sounding. If you got an MP3 player, do yourself a favor and replace the stock headphones with these. I am pretty picky about sound quality. The Koss Porta Pro headphones bridge the gap between light weight, portable and delivering a musical experience.
  
  
• How'd they fit all that bass in there?
  By A9HTVOV4XGJSN on 2004-10-18
  I wanted the best pair of portable headphones that could be had for $50 or less. All research pointed towards the Koss PortaPro and the Sennheiser PX100, each available at $40. I chose the PortaPro for its promise of greater on-ear comfort for extended listening.
  The immediate first impression is that the bass is astounding for such a small and lightweight set of cans. The overall sound, once tweaked to my taste via EQ, is again remarkable for such a featherlight unit.
  In short, you could spend a lot more on a pair of 'phones, but you'll not find a better combination of portability, sound quality, comfort, and value.
  Highly recommended!
  
  
• Believe the hype!
  By A3LVU7249E0VWJ on 2004-12-17
  This is the first time I've ever written a review on anything. After listening to the Koss Porta Pro's for the first time, I felt compelled to write a review. For lack of a better word, I will just say what everyone else is saying, they are "amazing". I have been obsessed with music and sound quality my whole life. I am in my forties, so I've been doing this for awhile. I've been well known for returning things because there are very few things that really live up to my standards. Believe me, I drive my wife crazy in this area (among others). These headphones are probably the best "value" I have ever experienced in audio. I was thinking about buying the Sennheiser PX100's just to see how good they are, and to have a good pair of headphones at work as well as at home. However, I can't make myself do it. I ordered a second pair of the Porta Pro's for work. You simply can't go wrong buying these headphones. Especially if you like bass. They have very strong bass, but it isn't sloppy bass that steps all over the midranges and the highes. They are also the most comfortable headphones I've ever used. However, if you want isolation from the noise around you, these aren't for you. Take it from someone who's anal about sound: for the money, I can't imagine you doing any better.
  
  Final word: I'm using them with an iPod and I prefer the "Electronic" EQ setting.
  
  
• bought 5 pair before these, and these are by far the best
  By AAO47M51C3J98 on 2006-05-26
  okay, so these shouldn't be in the "noise cancelling" section. HOWEVER, they are the best-sounding portable headphones i've ever owned, period. simply powerful, deep, clear, intense bass, clear highs, and fantastically accurate midrange. and unlike many bass-heavy phones, they don't suck the lifeblood out of your poor little iPod.
  
  i've been through all sorts of earbuds and cans and found these after experiencing great sound on a previous set of Koss earbuds. (i've never had any luck with the awkward fit of earbuds, but i can also highly recommend The Plug by Koss if you have no problem with them -- excellent bass and highs.) anyway, after comparing and contrasting these PortaPros to the other 5 pair i've bought over the years, there is absolutely no contest when it comes to sound reproduction. sure, they take up a bit more space than earbuds, but they do fold up quite nicely in the provided faux-leather sack.
  
  i use them every day for two hours on the subway and they've gone thru the ringer. no cord problems, no sound problems. the foam rips over the pads after awhile, but with the lifetime warranty, no worries if you have any kind of problems. $5 in shipping gets you a brand new pair, no questions asked.
  
  lastly, yes...okay, they look mighty dorky -- my coworker saw them and told me to get out of the eighties. but really, it's all about the music, right? those hipster dorks who shop at American Apparel wish they had this kind of style!
  
  
• The Koss PortaPro shines in every area!
  By A1YF0SKMGV2BIL on 2006-10-31
  I have recently realized that I am what some like to refer as an "audiophile." I've always loved good sound reproduction, excellent sound range as well as quality. When I was younger, I used to buy Koss pretty much exclusively. Lately though, I've been somewhat disappointed though with a few exceptions, the Koss PortaPro being at the top of the list!
  
  These headphones have been around since I was a teenager and unlike me, they are still going strong! They have fantastic sound, they are not overly affected in the bass range (they don't add extra bass for the "boom boom" window rattlers out there), they are economical, comfortable and just all around a fantastic buy. Also, they are recommended by SERIOUS audiophiles as the best portable out there.
  I can't agree with that entirely; I also recommend the Sennheiser PX-100 and PX-200 depending on your needs. But of the three, these are the least expensive but offer fantastic sound that you would expect to come out of a pair of full size cans (headphones, I guess I'm learning the audiophile lingo!).
  
  The Koss PortaPro have the Comfort Zone temple pads that help make them even more comfortable and the pressure between temple and ear can be adjusted literally by the flick of a switch on ear side of your head. I have a massive head and these fit me with room to spare. I like the firmest setting on the Comfort Zone but I've tried the other two settings as well and I can honestly say that there is a difference; it is NOT just a gimmick. The Comfort Zone really works.
  
  These are truly portable also! They fold up into a little ball that can then be placed into a convenient case that Koss provides. I personally would recommend buying a semi-hard shell case that Koss also sells just for the extra protection.
  
  What more can I say? If you'd like a few other recommendations in the truly portable range, the Sennheiser PX-100 and PX-200 are rugged, comfortable and highly portable. (They collapse as well and fit into their own plastic case.) If you like earbuds, the Sennheiser MX-500 is wonderful with its in-line volume control; the sound is absolutely amazing for something so small. And finally, the Koss KTXPRO1 is an excellent portable headphone with an in-line volume control. It uses a Titanium element to drive it. All of these are great products but ultimately this particular review is about the Koss PortaPro and I really am blown away at how great these tiny portable cans truly are. I believe you will be too.
  
  Though I've become somewhat disillusioned by Koss as I've become a so-called "audiophile" (why not just call me someone who really loves good sound to come through good instead of creating a term that sets me apart from everyone else?), I highly recommend these cans to you. If you are on a budget, you especially can't go wrong. Remember that Koss guarantees all their cans for life with their "no questions asked" guarantee. It's worth it! So as my review title states, "The Koss PortaPro shines in every area."
  
  Oh, one last thing: Don't listen to people who say these cans are ugly or clunky; they aren't. The design is what gives the PortaPro its unique sound quality and I personally think they look cool! Ultimately though, it is the sound that matters, right? :)
  
  
• Loud With Great Bass
  By A1EO5YR1238VL3 on 2003-05-29
  Koss Porta Pros are the headphone of choice if you like to listen loud with deep bass. They have a bit of trouble boosting treble because of this, but they are well balanced for most recordings so it doesn't really matter.

  Many have complained about the headphones being too tight, but I have a pretty big grape and have no trouble wearing these on a two hour walk.

  I use these with my awesome Archos JukeBox Recorder 10, and they are a killer combo. Many MP3 players sacrifice a resonable amp for smaller size, so these Porta Pros will help salvage players with diminutive amps.

  The only complaint with my Porta Pros is they are open ear, and people are always noticing my music, even though they all admit I'm not listening that loud once they try them on.
  
  

• The best
  By A25HFJPUCYXNUG on 2003-12-16
  I just had to chime in when I saw another reviewer saying the Sportapros were as good as the Portapros for sound. My experience was that there was a significant difference in sound quality between the two. I WANTED the Sportapros to sound great, but they didn't. I went back to the Portapros, which I've used for 20 plus years. They in fact are very rugged, as I use them running all the time, and jam them into my suitcase. If there's ever a problem, the lifetime warranty covers that! (I think you send Koss $6.00 for S&H). I do something a little weird, though, and that's make them LOOK like Sportapros by spraypainting them flat black and putting some black tennis grip tape on the shiny aluminum headband (this sets the adjustable head sizing band specifically for my size, too). Just some ideas!
  
  
• Great sound, at least to the nearly tin ear
  By A3HRLO0G7PODQP on 2005-01-28
  I bought these from Amazon (and, I would add, the Amazon experience was excellent as it always has been for me), based on the reasonable price and the rave reviews here and at goodcans.com. Up front I will say that, while I am a lifelong (50+ years) listener of music and can distinguish the difference between so-so audio equipment and good stuff, I am definitely not an audiophile.
  
  I have a new Creative Zen Micro and wanted an upgrade from the earbuds supplied, as everyone claimed you "have to get a good set of cans" to replace them, and, well, I just had to see for myself. On my initial session with the PortaPro's I convinced myself that they were indeed stereophonically superior, though they did not blow me away as I had hoped.
  
  Now, while many self-proclaimed audiophiles (and that's not a put down--more power to you) claim headphones have to be burned in before they sound their best, I have trouble comprehending how that can be. I'm not saying it isn't so, only that I, due to my own ignorance in that area, cannot accept it at face value until someone can show me reasonable evidence of the phenomenon. In short, I am a skeptic who believes nearly nothing I hear and only half of what I see. Anyway, after 3 weeks I have not noticed any difference in the quality. How long does this burn-in take, I wonder?
  
  I have little recent history in headphones and little to compare the PortaPro's to, but I did visit Best Buy and try the Bose TriPorts ($150), which likewise sounded good but did not knock my socks off, though I will say I found them far more comfortable than the PortaPro's. I went back after getting the PortaPro's and listened to the Bose again and still feel the Bose is not worth the extra $$$.
  
  After 2 weeks of listening, I had occasion to more conveniently use the earbuds that came with the Zen, and then was more or less blown away by the fact that I could not believe how good they sounded in comparison, frankly not noticing any significant loss of stereophonic quality! I didn't use the earbuds very long, so perhaps with more experimental comparisons I would change that opinion.
  
  I question that it was necessary for me to purchase the PortaPro's at all, which are something of a hassle to deal with, trying to stuff them into the undersized pouch provided. Also, while everyone raves about the comfort, I find they grow somewhat uncomfortable for me after about an hour or so, though it is not enough to keep me from using them. The earbuds are quite comfortable, have better sound quality than any others I've owned over the years (mostly Sony) and are far more convenient. As to "ugly," I don't agree, only that they are different, and I sort of like that.
  
  I keep thinking I would like to have a really good set of headphones, like Grados maybe, or some expensive closed cans, for home use, as I am sure there is superior sound quality out there to be had. But, for the money, the PortaPro's are definitely a nice sound, and most people with just an average ear should be pleased with them. I rate them a 4 because 5 is definitely too high, and 3 is really unfair; a 3.5 would be a more reasonable rating, from my perspective.
  
  

• Sony PC-234S Audio Plug Adaptor
• Xtreme TB264DKO 264-Disc CD/DVD Case
• KHypermedia 80-Minute/700 MB 48x Blank CD-Rs (200-Pack Spindle)
• Memorex 700MB/80-Minute 52x CD-R Media (100-Pack Spindle)

• Koss PORTABLE Replacement Cushions
• Sennheiser PX 100 Collapsible Headphones
• Koss KSC75 Portable Stereophone Headphones
• Koss Headphone Carrying Case for PortaPro, SportaPro, QZ2000, KTX8, KSC17, P14, P16, and Pop Gloss
• Koss KTXPRO1 Titanium Portable Headphones with Volume Control