Massdrop x Koss ESP/95X Electrostatic System Discussions | Drop

Sep 14, 2018

Today we’re excited to announce a new collaboration with Koss based on the iconic ESP/950 electrostatic headphone system.
Koss released the ESP/950 in 1990 to rave reviews, and it was widely recognized as the best headphone system in the world. Koss has continually produced the ESP/950 from launch until now, but as time went on, the community demanded more low-end performance in headphones, and competition developed around the $1000 pricepoint. As a result, the ESP/950 fell out of Audiophile community focus.
Now, almost 30 years later, we’re working with Koss to deliver the ESP/95X, an updated ESP/950 with deep low-end and at an accessible $499.99 for the entire system. We updated the earpads to improve comfort, which also smoothed out the low-end & upper-mids frequency response (as you can see in the graphs on the drop page). Soundstage has increased slightly as well. Removal of some vestigial accessories allows this accessible pricepoint.
Out of thin air… Why should you care about electrostatic headphone systems? -Speed and resolution. -Low distortion and low coloration.
Electrostatic forces move an entire membrane to produce sound without any physical contact or interference by parts required in other types of drivers. The driver is ultra-thin with extremely low mass so it moves very quickly/easily. This leads to a level of resolution and space between sounds that delivers more information to the ear which can be perceived by the brain. Electrostats are the endgame for most detail addicts.
The membranes are lighter than air and store no extra energy when they move. This leads to low distortion and less sonic coloration than other types of drivers. Much of your music is captured by microphones using similar technology, but in reverse. Sound produces waves in the air which move sensitive electret membranes to generate small electric signals that we record.
COMFORT The overall headphone is super lightweight and comfortable due to the drivers, cups, and headband. For many people who find regular headphones to be bulky and uncomfortable, the ESP/95X will be a load lifted off of your shoulders.
“DD” vs. “e-stat” The popular headphone battle seemed to be won by dynamic drivers since regular amplifiers are much more common than the high voltage “energizers” needed by electrostatic drivers. But is the battle over? Many people enjoying “Summit-fi” (owning the most expensive or end-game rigs) enjoy “e-stats”. Adding an iconic electrostatic headphone system from such an important brand makes this a very special day that we have been working towards for a long time. The Massdrop Audiophile & Collaborations Team (Will Bright, Matt Takaichi, Michael Billeci, Thomas Fernandez, & myself) would like to thank Michael J. Koss, Chairman & CEO of Koss, John Koss Jr., Vice President of Sales, and Michael J. Koss Jr., Vice President of Marketing & Product. Michael Koss (CEO) was involved in the original development of the ESP/950 in 1990 and all three of the family members have been instrumental in our partnership to bring you the ESP/95X.

Sep 14, 2018

CEE_TEEIf you already have a STAX or electrostatic amp: I’ll never forget hearing the Koss ESP/950 on different amps at a meet. The ESP/95X can sound even faster or the soundstage can be ridiculously huge depending on what you are looking for. This requires an adapter cable which we are looking into offering.

(Personally, I think the ESP/95X is one of the most natural-sounding electrostats I have ever heard, right out of the box.) If you already own a STAX or DIY amp such as KGSSHV, they are compatible with the ESP/95X if you have the right plug end (STAX Pro Bias).

The ESP/95X we are offering as a complete system still costs less than just the headphone of some other brands...might be time to pick this one up to mix and match with your current system.

erickong

7436

Audiophile Moderator

Sep 14, 2018

CEE_TEEHype hype hype. I can't let myself buy these. I'll stick with my porta pros

Sep 14, 2018

erickongYou say that now...but you should hear these. ;)

dwane5

293

Keyboard Club Member

Sep 14, 2018

erickongNewman!

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Sep 14, 2018

CEE_TEEI would LOVE it if you can make a Koss to STAX style cable adapter, and sell at a reasonable(?) price. I thought my soldering skills were good enough, but those wires are TINY!!! Please make it separate, not as an option with the ESP/95X . I've got an SRM-313 late model that works fine with a friend's L500, but not with my ESP-950s. Wah!!!

jdeoxys

235

Sep 14, 2018

CEE_TEEI'd love if you offered the converter cable as an accessory with the headphone or for additional purchase. I'm not one to really believe in huge differences between amplifiers, but my desk space is really limited already.

phoenixsong

1055

Sep 15, 2018

Yeah I'm interested too, particularly the Focal Elex and THXAAA789 amp combo, with both fed by the Grace balanced dac :) Edit: If any usb purifiers are used, be sure to mention them too!

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rsilvamu

Sep 16, 2018

CEE_TEEis it possible to order just the headphones without the energizer?, from what i've read the stock energizer is really a bottleneck for these headphones and they seem to sound much better out of any stax amp

Pankaic

Sep 17, 2018

CEE_TEEDefinitely interested in this!

Pahani

118

Sep 17, 2018

rsilvamuYeah, I already own (a few) Stax and wouldn't need the energizer. If you could drop that and thus make it cheaper, I might be in.

zc3721

Sep 17, 2018

Pahaniagree, this price is not bad but also not good enough, thing to buy or not, and also thinking while it is shipped I might see something better.

AudioFaze

200

Sep 17, 2018

CEE_TEEAfter a closer examination of Mass Drop’s value proposition, I am verging on a thumbs down. The ESP950s are no longer shipped with its iconic large carrying case and its adaptor box that gave KOSS the (hilarious) advantage over Stax as a portable. Compounding this disappointment is news that the underwhelming energiser has not been improved. In contrast, a retail pair of ESP950s can often be obtained for prices close to $500 but with all the accessories available. The question must be asked - what value does Massdrop really offer here? I have two suggestions that could help. First, give buyers the option upon checkout to include a Stax adaptor for free. A very attractive proposition considering FongAudio’s adaptor would equal roughly the cost of a Massdrop x Sennheiser entry-level open headphone. Find ways to reduce the manufacturing cost of this cable. Maybe give the buyer a single choice of either the Stax adaptor or the energiser. Second, keep a close eye on production and ensure there are no QC issues. Such problems will create disgruntled international buyers who will be shocked by the P+H costs. Take the Stax approach here by ensuring quality first so you don’t worry about warranty. IMO, if Massdrop solve the QC issues, I would be happy to look past having no accessories. For now, it would be wise for international buyers to hold out from the first production run.

CastleHoney

333

Sep 18, 2018

AudioFazeLMAO may I ask where you can get ESP950s for $500? Most are priced $900 on ebay and amazon lists them as $1000. Sure they do include a few more accessories, but still, none can be found for $500

AudioFaze

200

Sep 18, 2018

CastleHoneyFollowing Amazon's price history, the KOSS ESP 950s dropped anywhere from $450 to $700. See the CamelCamelCamel link here: https://camelcamelcamel.com/Koss-FBA_160416-ESP-950-Electrostatic-Stereophone/product/B000056ULH. If anyone is interested in these cans, their absolute best price for 2018 would likely be on Black Friday. Electrostats are a significant investment and waiting for this price cut would be worthwhile.
The ESP950s can also be purchased through the audiophile used market. The community is renown for taking very good care of their audio equipment. I suggest joining a forum and keeping tabs on the classifieds.

mahee

337

Sep 18, 2018

AudioFazeI guess earpads in this drop are better than originals

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AudioFaze

200

Sep 18, 2018

maheeWell that's good. That being said, the standard KOSS ESP950 is already a very comfortable set of cans. Wonder what Massdrop did.

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Sep 18, 2018

CEE_TEEIs that your DIY connector?

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Sep 19, 2018

AudioFazeThe CCC link saids that Amazon itself hasn't sold that product in the past year. The lowest 3rd party price in the past year was $788. The last Black Friday sale appears to have been at $800.

jdeoxys

235

Sep 19, 2018

AudioFazeYou can buy a 9VDC lithium ion battery pack to power the amp portably. It's like $40 on amazon, beats the crappy little battery case any day.

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pospos

Sep 19, 2018

CEE_TEEIs the so-called "squealing problem" still a thing, or has Koss managed to solve that QC problem? I ask because lifetime warranty or not, I cannot see myself sending the unit back and forth several time from EU to US chasing after such problems.

Sep 19, 2018

BillyChiu.comIt seems like it, as it doesn't look like the one Darin Fong Audio sells:

Unless they changed the way they're making them. It seems a lot of people are making their own using the included extension cord:
https://fongaudio.com/koss-esp-950-to-stax-5-pin-adapter-wiring-diagram/
The Stax male connector can be found for around $15.
It would be really nice if Koss came out with a short adapter though.

Sep 19, 2018

TigoleDoes the Koss and Stax share similar voltages?

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Sep 19, 2018

BillyChiu.comFrom what I've read, it's "close enough" and lots of people say the Koss sounds better on a Stax energizer.

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Sep 19, 2018

TigoleThanks. BTW, it's $150 not $15

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RockyMountains

478

Sep 20, 2018

BillyChiu.comThe male connector component that Tigole is referring to is $15.
The premade cable is $150.

Sep 20, 2018

CEE_TEEJust had it pointed out to me that you've changed your product description - in a very NOT nice way.
"Cable: Straight, dual entry, 4 ft (1.2 m) with 6 ft (1.8 m) extension"
has been changed to
"Cable: Straight, dual entry, 4 ft (1.2 m)"
What the ????
Are you lowering the cost by dropping a $20 cable (what I paid Koss for them in February)? That is VERY uncool. That 4 ft cable is WAY too short for normal use on its own.
Tell me this is an OOPS and not a change in the Massdrop offer - PLEASE.
TIA.

Sep 20, 2018

lugerHi there luger, Yes, we are working on this preliminary change and in-progress, not necessarily final. We're working to resolve this and will update you as soon as we can...

MadArmour

Sep 20, 2018

lugerI concur, this is VERY uncool.

DWHC

Sep 20, 2018

CEE_TEEPlease make the pads available separately. Thanks!

Sep 20, 2018

CEE_TEEI totally agree with luger's comment. Please do not leave out the earlier listed extension cable. We need that extra cable length. If the product content is changed (such as extension cable removed) after the Massdrop members signed up for purchase, a clear and open announcement should be made. I am very surprised at the practice of changing product content & info in the middle of group purchase window. Please check on this.

luger: Just had it pointed out to me that you've changed your product description - in a very NOT nice way. "Cable: Straight, dual entry, 4 ft (1.2 m) with 6 ft (1.8 m) extension" has been changed to "Cable: Straight, dual entry, 4 ft (1.2 m)"

xx0x0

Sep 20, 2018

lugerI agree with you. We do need that extension cable.

Sep 21, 2018

CEE_TEEThe drop of the full ESP-950 package you did last year was 'only' $599.95, and included all the normal extras - the calfskin case, the battery pack, and (of course) the 6 ft flat extension cable. This drop is $100 less, and you've improved the earpads, Hmmm... Oh, and added Massdrop Blue and a logo change!! Oh - and a 220V option. Golly. at least that was an improvement...
IMNSHO, this is NOT a great deal without the operational basics, and that includes the extension cable. I've seen the price Stax charge for theirs - holy cow, batman! Two levels even - pure silver, wha??? We shouldn't even have to think of that. Koss aren't that outrageous.
Current ESP-950 owners are coming out of the woodwork here and giving these Koss kudos sufficient to convince folk to buy a set 'ear-unheard'. Would be a real shame to waste all that good will by making a mid-drop change you call "preliminary", and "not necessarily final". It shouldn't even be on the table for consideration, and certainly not put there after the drop began.
There are two reputations at stake here. Please keep that in mind going forward.

Sep 21, 2018

lugerAgain, I think luger has many good points here. Most of us are your loyal Massdrop supporters. For Massdrop to alter product information and content in the purchase window really puts our confidence in doubt for Massdrop. Does this mean we have to check on Massdrop product information constantly every hour and see if Massdrop is ALTERING what Massdrop is selling or has sold to us? The more I think about this, the more I am considering put my hard-earned cash elsewhere. Massdrop, you SHOULD NOT TOY YOUR LOYAL CUSTOMER this way with almost unreliable and questionable honesty.

Sep 21, 2018

CEE_TEE Again, I think luger has many good points here. Most of us are your loyal Massdrop supporters. For Massdrop to alter product information and content in the purchase window really puts our confidence in doubt for Massdrop. Does this mean we have to check on Massdrop product information constantly every hour and see if Massdrop is ALTERING what Massdrop is selling or has sold to us? The more I think about this, the more I am considering put my hard-earned cash elsewhere. Massdrop, you SHOULD NOT TOY YOUR LOYAL CUSTOMER this way with almost unreliable and questionable honesty.

xx0x0

Sep 21, 2018

CEE_TEEJust bring the original pack for $599.95 to us, like last year. Without the extension cable, its no deal to me.

Sep 21, 2018

lugerIs the cloth 95X earpads better than the leather(?) 950 pads?

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Sep 21, 2018

BillyChiu.comNo idea, velour is the 95X, wrinklish 'pleather'(?) is stock on the 950 - which I have and replaced with Vesper Audio pads. Nobody but the Massdrop folk and their friends really know what their velour pads are like. I'm guessing they are like the pads they sell for the Audio Technica ATH-M50. Just a guess, though...

Sep 22, 2018

lugerHello Massdrop Community!!
A really nice result, thanks to our partners at Koss…
We’ve been working on this project for a LONG time. Started really becoming a project in 2017 at CES as we discussed the things that we would love to do together. The sweet spot for cable length in our community is 6 feet. When we offer something too short or too long, we hear about it. So we originally worked out a 6 foot cable on the headphone while the extension cable was not going to be part of the kit.
After another year of working out what could be done and getting the final assets together for launch (a surprising number of parts and artwork revisions were needed to dial things in) the Specifications that I prepared for launch had an issue. The original cable length and extension cable was included in the specs for launch. I apologize for any confusion that I have caused. The extension cable does not have easily obtainable off-the-shelf parts and is specialized. You get lower pricing with higher volumes and this cable is only for one product…the inventory is managed closely and wasn’t part of this plan. Besides the cost, adding to the kit at this late stage with changes to production schedules and other considerations that were prepared over the past months was not a totally small thing. (There is new packaging involved with our project because it does not ship in the large case, will it fit?)
Over the past few days, discussions have taken place with our partner (and throughout the Koss organization) to understand the options and figure out what we could do. Your comments have been heard and while many of you would have been happy with the original product brief, we know that the extension cable is important to a lot of you. So we spoke with Koss extensively and they really appreciate the community excitement, involvement, and support surrounding this project.
As a great partner, Koss has agreed to include the 6 foot extension cable and simply keep the headphone cable at 4 feet- same as the original kit includes. We really appreciate this partnership and understanding of the community from Koss. We also appreciate your bearing with us as we worked this out behind the scenes for the best result. Please enjoy these classic headphones presented in an updated way for your enjoyment and to keep electrostatic technology going. Thank you, Koss and thank you community!

Sep 23, 2018

CEE_TEEHI! CEE_TEE: Thank you for the detailed update. I really appreciate your kind assistance & Koss’s generous corporate support in this regard.
I am so glad that both Massdrop & Koss understand our situations and help meeting our needs to be able to enjoy the wonderful products we purchase from Massdrop, including this exciting ESP/950 electrostatic headphone system.
Thanks again for your tremendous effort in bringing these wonderful products to us and helping us with our purchase processes.
Have a wonderful weekend.

MadArmour

Sep 23, 2018

CEE_TEE" As a great partner, Koss has agreed to include the 6 foot extension cable and simply keep the headphone cable at 4 feet- same as the original kit includes. We really appreciate this partnership and understanding of the community from Koss. "
Great news indeed! Three cheers to you! :)

Barondla

161

Sep 23, 2018

CEE_TEEThank you CEE_TEE, Massdrop, and Koss. Great job! Never had a doubt this would be the solved. Looking forward to these headphones.

DiMora

263

Sep 23, 2018

CEE_TEEOutstanding! I am very pleased you read our feedback and made a good decision that pleases our community.

BurritoJustice

Sep 24, 2018

CEE_TEE @CEE_TEE Hi CEE_TEE, just a small complaint about the product page. The input diagram still shows the originally included 3.5mm TRS to 2x RCA cable, but it seems that it is removed for this release based on the spec sheet.
It's a very cheap cable but a shame as that would be the best way to connect it to a SDAC Cavalli combo amp (3.5mm line out from the internal SDAC)

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Sep 24, 2018

CEE_TEESplendid! Thanks so much to all involved.
May I respectfully suggest you update the Description page?
I still cringe over the Massdrop x Focal Elex description section that reads 'The driver extrusion (how far the driver travels at maximum power input)' still reads extrusion and not excursion. This matters more, and would be nice for the record as it were.

Sep 24, 2018

lugerHi luger, The description page should be updated...could you let me know if we are still missing something? Thanks for the eagle eye on the Focal page, I'll go back and look at that one. :)

Sep 24, 2018

CEE_TEEI cleared my browser history for four weeks in Chrome - which is a bit farther back than this drop goes. Just in case I wasn't seeing the latest presentation. Under Specifications for the ESP/95x, STILL seeing
Cable: Straight, dual entry, 4 ft (1.2 m)
No mention of the extension cable.
Just sayin'...
P.S.: Doing this from IE11, and same description of cable. 1.5 hrs later...

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Sep 24, 2018

lugerThis extension cord drama has finally got to me. I cancelled my order and purchased a $2,000 Stax set instead.

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Sep 24, 2018

CEE_TEE This extension cord drama has finally got to me. I cancelled my Koss order and purchased a $2,000 Stax set instead.

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Sep 24, 2018

Horseknight This extension cord drama has finally got to me. I cancelled my order and purchased a $2,000 Stax set instead.

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Sep 24, 2018

lugerThis should be listed in included: "with 6 ft (1.8 m) extension cable" It shows on my back-end but for some reason it is not showing up on the page...let me look into this!

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Sep 24, 2018

CEE_TEEIt is too late for some of us. We cancelled the Koss order during this extension cord drama. I lost the confidence. Purchasing $499 item and being tortured with a $20 extension cord mishap. I can only imaging future issues. I decided to purchase a new Stax set instead.

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Sep 25, 2018

lugerPlease check now!

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Sep 25, 2018

HorseknightWhatever. Not really cut out for Massdrop I think. Glad you have the extra $1500 or so to spend. Hope you ordered from staxaudio.com, and got CONUS product. I understand the SR-L300 Limited is great bang for the buck. Paired with an SRM-353 you'd be getting near top end for 'only' $1800. You wouldn't wait as long, either; shipping the Limited in December of this year...

Sep 25, 2018

CEE_TEEGot it!!
" Cable: Straight, dual entry, 4 ft (1.2 m) with 6 ft (1.8 m) extension "
You da man...

Sep 25, 2018

lugerPhew! Weird mismatch between systems on the back-end. (I'm sure caused by user-error, ahem.) Thanks for bearing with...will stay put now!

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Sep 25, 2018

lugerAlso in the Included Section for good measure:

Sep 25, 2018

CEE_TEEGet me one of those Koss to Stax adapters, and you and me are all square; I've got a late topology SRM-313 just _begging_ to power my ESP/950... 8-Þ

Sep 25, 2018

lugerHi! Thanks for the information. Throughout this chat interaction, I really enjoy your input and participation even though I eventually cancelled Koss today. Yes, got the Stax set ( both earspeakers and driver from the official website) most audiophiles recommend the best combo around $2,000..with several earpads ordered as well. Their driver looks more modern and worth the investment. Cheers & Thanks.

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Sep 25, 2018

CEE_TEEHey - does that mean we get two extension cables??? 8-Þ
Sorry, my mind has gone on one of its extrusions again...
Er, I mean excursions...
I was busy trying to get a replacement bluetooth adapter for my KZ earbuds, and your drop for the KZ ZS10 distracted me... Gearb*st is my frennd... Don't leave your earbuds out in the rain is the moral of this story...

Sep 25, 2018

CEE_TEEKoss to Stax adapter would be hot. Any chance Koss will make one?
Not saying it should be included free in this drop, but as an extra cost option or even a separate drop? Something more reasonable than the only available option at $150--for those that can't DIY.

Dec 27, 2018

CEE_TEECEE_TEE I just saw the expired drop for the Koss ESP 9xx. Is there any plan to have another drop, I really really really want to get in, as I don't need the battery pack and case and see the massdrop deal as way better than paying double to Koss. thanks

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Jan 10, 2019

CEE_TEEWill there be another drop, I am gutted that I missed this. please please please please please.

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Jan 14, 2019

ukmichaeldavidThank you for your interest, ukmichaeldavid... We have to fulfill the first people who purchased but then we do plan to have some more. These are produced out of Wisconsin, United States. As soon as we can have some more, we will but production will be ramping up to meet demand. (Don't think there will be any units left from the first production run, but there might be a few.) I do recommend to jump when you see them next. ;)

Jan 14, 2019

CEE_TEECEE_TEE , thank you, I am standing by waiting. I would love it If you guys setup a confirmed pre-next drop committed list. As I am ready to commit now. Will keep my eyes open. Also any chance of a drop for sennheiser HD 800s or HD 820?

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Feb 12, 2019

CEE_TEEHI CEE_TEE, I see the drop is shipping, any chance of getting in on any extras? I am ready and willing to order one, if you have extras. Keeping hope alive, I love massdrop.... thanks

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Feb 12, 2019

ukmichaeldavidHey ukmichaeldavid, No HD800 in the works at the moment, but more ESP-95X are in the works. And there may be a few extras coming up if we are able to fulfill all the first orders and have any extras after shipping starts later this month. Did you hit the request button to be notified if some more units are available?

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Feb 12, 2019

ukmichaeldavidHey- do keep hope alive, and THANK YOU for loving Massdrop! :)

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Feb 12, 2019

CEE_TEEThanks CEE_TEE you rock. Yes I hit request some time ago. so just waiting anxiously. Electrostatic is the holy grail for me, and I trust Koss and Massdrop more than venturing into super expensive Stax territory.... So I just can't wait...

RJ-Chicago

Feb 21, 2019

CEE_TEEPlease see my post and photos and let me know what you think of the RCA jacks on my unit. Thanks.

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Feb 26, 2019

ukmichaeldavidHi CEE_TEE , any news if there is an extra one I can buy? Or if not when is next drop? Thanks!!

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Frogmeat

566

Mar 7, 2019

ukmichaeldavidDrop is live!