Koss Porta Pro

Discussion in 'Headphone Measurements' started by ultrabike, Sep 14, 2016.

  1. RobS

    RobS RobS? More like RobDiarrhea.

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    God Himself wearing the God Headphones overseeing the "Daïnamek" vs "Playnar" battle where both sides lose and forever remain under Koss rule

    *HD820's death for the lulz
    **In tribute to the recent PortaPotty revival around here
    [​IMG]
     
  2. julian67

    julian67 Facebook Friend

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    I remember it well. In fact you can see me: near the back, arm raised, stylish head wear. Yup, that was me, back in the day.
     
  3. YtseJammer

    YtseJammer Almost "Made"

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    These are still one of the best pair of headphones on the market :headbang:

    [​IMG]
     
  4. YMO

    YMO Chief Fun Officer

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    Hey gang, so I go $20 in Drop credits that I can blow it on. Is there any serious difference with the Drop Porta Pro with the mic vs the original one?
     
  5. Senorx12562

    Senorx12562 Case of the mondays

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    As near as I can tell, mine sounds the same as the one I had 20 years ago and lost 18 years ago. But that's a lot of time and much different gear. Ymmv.
     
  6. robot zombie

    robot zombie Friend

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    I have both. The drop ones have a beefy single cable with a fat y instead of the skinny dual cable with the crimp splitter. Beefy straight connector with spring strain relief instead of the angled one of the old model.

    I swear the overall build is a little better, too. Like, those clamp adjusters actually stay in on my drop pair. They dont constantly drop back to firm. No other pair has managed that lol. Could just be luck of the draw.

    Sound wise theyre the same afaict.

    Ive thought about buying a second pair just because they are a little nicer and I'm known to treat my portapros like shit.
     
  7. imackler

    imackler Key Lime Pie Infected Aberdeen Wings Spy

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    I'm hoping this is a good thread to ask. Can anyone take a look at this pic and see if the parts express headband has changed? It has the same part number as I've purchased them in the past, but I don't remember the weird angles on the headband: PE Headband https://imgur.com/a/SRKGgq8
     
    Last edited: Oct 27, 2020
  8. Azimuth

    Azimuth FKA rtaylor76, Friend

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    That does look weird. Maybe to accommodate bigger heads?
     
  9. Deep Funk

    Deep Funk Deep thoughts - Friend

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    In times of crisis, Koss PortaPros and KSC75s are real options for good sound.

    I might need to get a back-up pair.
     
  10. robot zombie

    robot zombie Friend

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    Haha, I always keep two!

    I wouldn't even say theyre crisis cans. I use them every day at work and around the house. Genuinely enjoy how they sound, even if theyre not the most critical headphones. To me, theyre just good headphones. There's no crisis, as long as there's a working pair around. ;)
     
  11. Deep Funk

    Deep Funk Deep thoughts - Friend

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    Back-up pair and spare foams ordered.

    I almost went for a Sennheiser HD380. That is overkill.
     
  12. samwell7

    samwell7 New

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    Bit of a necro on this thread but the PortaPro and/or KSC75 with PE headband and Yaxi pads are pretty much it for me (for non-critical listening).

    On one hand I'm kicking myself that I didn't try them years ago and save a shitload of cash buying and selling probably 20+ different headphones but on the other hand I'm glad I did because now I know they're the real deal.
     
  13. crazychile

    crazychile Eastern Iowa's Spiciest Pepper

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    I think if more people bought KSC-75 or Portas as their first headphone, they might not ever be tempted to upgrade. Or at least they wouldn’t be stuck with the overhyped flavor of that month.

    I loaned my KSC-75 and ‘35s with headband to my kids and now they’ve either gotten. Broken or lost in a gym locker. Maybe I’ll pop for some Portas now that I’m rocking my Spring buzz cut and don’t have to worry about the Porta hair pinch.
     
  14. farbinator

    farbinator Facebook Friend

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    Traveling with my PortaPros, I discovered one unexpected benefit while mask mandates remain, the gaps between the headband and the ear pieces work great for holding facemask straps, which is significantly more comfortable than them being around the ears.
     
  15. Philimon

    Philimon Friend

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    HD414 pads was in regards to the old Porta Pro. The current production Porta Pro (like at massdrop) use thicker pads which reduce bass extension but increase highs much like HD414 pads did (but the senn pads were not as balanced sounding because too big).

    https://diyaudioheaven.wordpress.com/headphones/measurements/koss/kph30i/

    @solderdude review of KPH30i vs Porta Pro
    In it you can see the ooold Porta Pro vs regular/current. And subjectives on how Porta Pro is better than KPH30i.

    I agree with solderdude that Porta is greater. Some of you on ETA discord may disagree. We have different ears and preferences etc. No worries. They are very close anyway just tiny details.

    [​IMG]
    ^blue is pp, red is kph30i

    [​IMG]
    ^ green is old PP, red is kph30i
    The difference hear I believe is all in the foam pads. The OG Porta Pro used thinner pads. Perhaps the current Porta Pro with wear or individual fit can sound closer to old style, i think so. The old Porta Pro I used on the lightest clamp setting. The current PP I used on medium clamp setting.

    But thats not the biggest news. Say hello to KPH40.
    [​IMG]
    Looks to be just a reformatted Koss Porta Pro, KPH30i, KSC35, etc. Sweet.

    edit: Just wanted to make clear that those graphs are not mine and were sourced from solderdude.
     
    Last edited: Dec 7, 2021
  16. Biodegraded

    Biodegraded Friend

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    Interesting. The driver housing is subtly different from the Porta Pro's, I wonder if there are any differences in the drivers themselves.

    As for the headband, LOL. I guess the Koss people have seen all the KSC75-vs-Parts Express stuff.

    I agree with Solderdude, KSC75 (on a headband) > Porta Pro > KPH30i. And that pads make a big difference with all of these.
     
  17. Philimon

    Philimon Friend

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    Doubt there is a driver change but we’ll see. Currently out of stock everywhere. Some reviews around but not that interested because out of stock. Im only gay for PP anyway.
     
  18. Biodegraded

    Biodegraded Friend

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    They look from the pics to have the same mounting lugs as the PP etc., so they could be compared & measured on the same headband. I'd be interested to read impressions and see relative measurements if anybody does find a pair.
     
  19. Philimon

    Philimon Friend

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    KOSS website has notifications registration for when in-stock. I signed up. Supraaural measurements with EARS is difficult to impossible though so may just have to do subjectives only but I dont trust my ears.
     
  20. ColdsnapBry

    ColdsnapBry Almost "Made"

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    I'm gonna say it, Porta Pros are my favourite headphones. I just love them. Stock, as is, no changes.

    It's a headphone I keep coming back to.

    I have a lot of the Koss models, but Porta Pros are my reference.
     

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