Headphones Koss: characteristics and overview of models

High-quality headphones have always been considered one of the important attributes of a true audiophile, providing accurate sound reproduction and isolation from extraneous noise. To make the right choice of these accessories, you need to know well the assortment of the leading manufacturing companies. Among the wide variety of brands, it is worth considering the popular models of headphones from Koss and familiarizing yourself with their main characteristics.

The Koss company was founded in Milwaukee (USA) in 1953 and until 1958 was mainly engaged in the production of Hi-Fi audio equipment. In 1958, the founder of the company, John Koss, came up with the idea for the first time in history to connect aviation headphones to an audio player. Thus, it is Koss headphones that can be considered the first audio headphones for household use (before that they were used mainly among radio amateurs and the military). And two decades later, the company once again went down in history - this time as the creator of one of the first radio headphones (model Koss JCK / 200).

Today the company maintains a leading position in the market of household audio equipment and accessories.... The key to success has become an openness to innovation while simultaneously following traditions - for example, in the company's model range there are many models with a classic design, which was characteristic of the world-famous headphones of the 1960s. To maintain the high quality of products, the company is helped by the mandatory quality control of sound reproduction introduced back in the 1970s, thanks to which all actual acoustic characteristics of Koss equipment correspond to the values ​​indicated in its technical description.

Other important differences between the accessories of the American company and most of their counterparts.

• Ergonomic design. Regardless of whether the model is classic or modern, the product will be equally convenient to use.
• Highest sound quality. The sound of this technique has been a reference point for other manufacturers for many years.
• Profitability... Compared to other brands that provide similar audio quality, Koss equipment is quite affordable.
• Security... All products have passed certification for sale in the USA, EU and Russian Federation, are made of environmentally friendly materials and, if used correctly, are absolutely safe for the health of users.
• Wide network of authorized dealers and certified SC in all major cities of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakhstan.
• Dealer network control... The company monitors and blacklists counterfeit retailers. Thanks to this, when buying Koss headphones from an authorized dealer, you can be sure that you are getting original equipment and not a cheap fake.
• All Koss headphones come with stylish and convenient storage case.

The company currently manufactures a huge range of headphones in a wide variety of designs. Let's consider the most popular models of the American company in more detail.

The most popular wired headphones on the Russian market are the following.

• Porta Pro - one of the company's most famous overhead models with a classic design and an adjustable headband. Frequency response - 15 Hz to 25 kHz, sensitivity - 101 dB / mW, impedance - 60 Ohm.

• Sporta Pro - sports modernization of the previous model, featuring a universal two-position attachment system on the head (the bow can rest on the crown or the back of the head), weight reduced from 79 to 60 grams, a dynamic sports design and sensitivity increased to 103 dB / mW.

• The plug - classic in-ear headphones with foam ear cushions that provide excellent sound isolation. Frequency range - from 10 Hz to 20 kHz, sensitivity - 112 dB / mW, impedance - 16 Ohm. The weight of the product is only 7 g.

• Spark Plug - Upgrade of the previous model with a redesigned design and even softer foam ear cushions for increased comfort without sacrificing sound isolation. Equipped with a volume control located on the cord. The main features are similar to The Plug.

• KEB32 - sports version of the vacuum headphones, featuring a passive noise canceling system, an extra strong cord and the use of washable materials in the design. Frequency range - 20 Hz to 20 kHz, impedance - 16 Ohm, sensitivity - 100 dB / mW. Comes with removable ear pads in 3 different sizes.

• KE5 - lightweight and portable earbuds (earplugs) with a frequency range from 60 Hz to 20 kHz, impedance of 16 ohms and a sensitivity of 98 dB / mW.

• KPH14 - sports earbuds with a plastic shackle, increased protection against moisture and reduced insulation from environmental sounds (to ensure safety during outdoor activities). Frequency response - 100 Hz to 20 kHz, impedance - 16 Ohm, sensitivity - 104 dB / mW.

• UR20 - full-size closed budget version with a frequency range from 30 Hz to 20 kHz, an impedance of 32 ohms and a sensitivity of 97 dB / mW.

• PRO4S - professional studio full-size semi-closed headphones with a frequency range from 10 Hz to 25 kHz, an impedance of 32 ohms and a sensitivity of 99 dB / mW. Features a reinforced headband and unique D-shaped cups for increased comfort.

• GMR-540-ISO - professional closed-type gaming headphones with full noise isolation and surround sound transmission system for precise positioning of the sound source in space. Frequency response - 15 Hz to 22 kHz, impedance - 35 Ohm, sensitivity - 103 dB / mW. Can be supplied with a USB cable instead of a standard audio cable.

• GMR-545-AIR - an open version of the previous model with improved 3D sound quality.

• ESP / 950 - premium full-size open electrostatic headphones, considered the pinnacle of the company's lineup. They differ in a frequency range from 8 Hz to 35 kHz, a sensitivity of 104 dB / mW and an impedance of 100 kΩ. They are completed with a signal amplifier, a set of connecting cables, power supplies (including a rechargeable one), an extension cord and a leather case.

From wireless models from Russian lovers of high-quality sound the following options are most in demand.

• Porta Pro Wireless - wireless modification of the classic hit Koss Porta Pro, connecting to a signal source via Bluetooth 4.1. Equipped with a microphone and remote control, which allows you to use it as a Bluetooth headset for your smartphone. All other characteristics are similar to the base model (frequency range - from 15 Hz to 25 kHz, sensitivity - 111 dB / mW, headband adjustment, folding bow). Battery life in active mode is up to 6 hours.

• BT115i - budget in-ear (vacuum) headphones with a microphone and a Bluetooth headset function for the phone. Frequency response - 50 Hz to 18 kHz. Working time before recharging - 6 hours.

• BT190i - the vacuum version for sports with a comfortable and secure in-ear attachment that ensures reliable contact of the device with the ear, even during intense physical activity. Thanks to the microphone, they can be used as a headset. Frequency response - 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Equipped with moisture protection.

• BT221I - on-ear Bluetooth headphones without bow, equipped with clips and a microphone. The frequency range is from 18 Hz to 20 kHz. The battery provides 6 hours of dry music on a single charge.

• BT232I - Vacuum model with over-ear hooks and microphone. Frequency response and battery are similar to the previous model.

• BT539I - full-size, overhead version of the closed type on the shackle with a battery, allowing you to listen to music without recharging for 12 hours. Frequency range - from 10 Hz to 20 kHz, sensitivity - 97 dB / mW. They are completed with a detachable cable, which makes it possible to use them as wired ones (impedance - 38 Ohm).

• BT540I - premium full-size on-ear headphones differ from the previous model with increased sensitivity up to 100 dB / mW and a built-in NFC chip that provides high-speed connection with modern phones and tablets. Soft leather ear cushions make this model especially comfortable.

When choosing between different options for headphones, you should first take into account the main characteristics.

You should immediately decide if you want to buy miniature earbuds or you want full-size studio closed models with rich sound and complete soundproofing. If you will use headphones mainly outdoors and on the move, then it makes sense to consider earbuds or vacuum models. If sound quality is important to you, and the accessory will rarely leave the confines of your apartment or studio, you should purchase a full-size closed model.

If mobility is important to you, consider purchasing a wireless option. Finally, if you want to combine portability and high sound quality, you can choose the full-size semi-closed model.

This value characterizes the electrical resistance of the device. The higher it is, the more power of the sound source is required by the headphones. Typically, portable players use an impedance technique in the range of 32 to 55 ohms, while professional audio equipment requires headphones with an impedance of 100 to 600 ohms.

This value characterizes the maximum loudness level achievable on the device without loss of quality and is expressed in dB / mW.

Determines the bandwidth of the headphone. High-quality models should provide full audibility of all frequencies in the range from 15 Hz to 22 kHz. Exceeding these values ​​has no special practical meaning.

You can estimate the ratio of the sound of different frequencies using the frequency response, which can be found in the technical descriptions of different models of equipment. The smoother the frequency response, the more evenly the headphones will reproduce sound at different frequencies.

For an overview of Kross wireless headphones, see the following video.