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Mt_bridge
20
Jul 15, 2018
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Just got mine and they sound incredible for the price. However, they're so light that they feel a bit fragile and the headband might be uncomfortable for bigger heads. I'm not confident in the long time durability as I'll have them in a backpack, but so far so good. Sound great withy my LG V30 and the built-in dac, but you'll want an amp to get the most out of them. I also wish they came with a hard case even if it cost extra.
Jul 15, 2018
creaturekyle
22
Jul 16, 2018
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Mt_bridgeI've got an LG V30 too, and I can definitely confirm that they sound great through it. I just got a Dragonfly Red and that REALLY clears up the high end and brings out the best in the Porta Pros. Love these headphones so much.
Jul 16, 2018
noway
10
Jul 24, 2018
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Mt_bridgeYou could keep them in a hard case or Tupperware container if necessary.
Jul 24, 2018
BlvPika
38
Jul 25, 2018
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Mt_bridgeI've seen some people on here who say that they've had their original Porta Pros since like 30 or something (don't quote me on that) years ago. I've only heard people say that despite everything, this thing is built well, and doesn't really break. i can also attest to that. Been using this pair for almost half a year now, thrown around in backpacks, bags, all the sort, and it doesn't show a single bit of wear and tear. Also, if I'm not incorrect these headphones do come with a limited lifetime warranty, and I've heard that you can just send Koss proof of purchase and warranty and stuff, and they'll give you a new pair for like 9 bucks or something. idk though.
Jul 25, 2018
OCBob
526
Jul 26, 2018
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BlvPikaI've talked a lot about having a distant relative of my original pair of Porta Pro's which were purchased in 1986. But my points are usually not about durability; they're about the warranty. I probably replaced that original pair 6 or 7 times over the years (all broken by my own negligence except one instance of plain old wear-and-tear). The current pair from that original lineage is probably 6 years old, but I also have several other pairs of PP's that I use (and I've collected many of the different variants over the years). I live in a Milwaukee suburb so it's easy to stop in at Koss when I'm in the area and do an exchange. Even if you don't live near Koss you need only to mail your PP's in a padded envelope or small box with a description of the problem, information on where to send the headphones after repair or replacement, and a check for $9. You can register on the Koss site, but it isn't necessary. I recently purchased a pair of UR42i headphones directly from Koss, and I had an issue right out of the box with the remote/mic on the cable. I sent them an email asking if I could do a wire swap and they just sent me a whole new pair with a return label for my pair. I'd already broken in the pair I purchased so I just swapped the cable. Best warranty around, and so easy to take advantage of.
Here's the link to the Koss page on making a warranty claim. https://www.koss.com/support/warranty-repair
Jul 26, 2018
creaturekyle
22
Aug 4, 2018
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OCBobHow are the UR42i compared to the Porta Pros, sound-wise?
Aug 4, 2018
OCBob
526
Aug 5, 2018
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creaturekyleI really like them for some reason. The 42s are noticeably faster with better highs and a more forward midrange (like you'd find in the Pro4s). The 42s can toss some good bass, but they aren't exaggerating the bass on every track. Unlike some headphones that exist to exaggerate the bass on everything you feed it. The 42s don't have the openness of the PPs, of course, but they aren't the most narrow headphones I've heard. I just enjoy them as "fun" headphone. I like them with everything from contemporary pop music, to classical music. I wish the earcups were a couple millimeters larger and that the headband could open one more click on each side. If I had ever had to choose between the 2 it would be the PPs in an instant and without a second thought. The PP has magic that the UR42i can't match. But the 42s are a lot more fun on a track like Deadmau5's "4ware" (a great track to compare the 2 headphones). I run mine off of my Schiit Fulla 2, a Magni 3, and even my Jotunheim. They sound great on the F2 and even better on the Jot. They work well on my phone and the mic is excellent as well. I felt like they took a bit of time to really break in (longer than the PP's) and it took me a while to build up my appreciation for them, but now I own 2 pair (1@home/1@work). If you have any more specific questions let me know. But hey, for less than $50 (you can find Koss coupon codes online and use them on the Koss website to save 15%) and a with a lifetime warranty you can't go wrong.
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Aug 5, 2018
creaturekyle
22
Aug 6, 2018
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OCBobSuper helpful comparison, thank you! I've pretty much given up on "audiophile" headphones because the Porta Pros just make everything so enjoyable to listen to.
Aug 6, 2018
creaturekyle
22
Aug 6, 2018
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OCBobDo you have any recommendations for other over ear headphones with a similar sound to the Porta Pros? I used to use 598's, and haven't touched them since getting the Porta Pros, but I sometimes miss substantial headphones hugging my noggin. I like the warmth and detail of the 598's, but that thumpy, adrenaline producing engagement of the Porta Pros is so enjoyable, I'd love to find that in an over-ear headphone.
Aug 6, 2018
OCBob
526
Aug 7, 2018
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creaturekyleIf you want to stick with an open-back you might consider the HD579. It's only $103 on Amazon. Compared to the old HD598 it's noticeably warmer and with more bass and not as bright. The HD599 is warmer as well when compared to the HD598 (Like comparing the HD600 to the HD650). The bass on the HD599 is well done, and it can go pretty deep. The HD579 has good bass too, but it's focus is at a slightly higher frequency so it's more impactful like the PP. The HD599 will run more $$ than the HD579. I would also highly recommend the HD58X. It's nice and warm like the PP, it has a great mids, and the bass is plentiful without being ridiculous. The downside would be that it's a large headphone, and it really needs an amp to reach it's true potential. I don't have a lot of full size closed headphones, and I wouldn't compare any of the ones I have to the PP. I like the ones I have, however. I own the Koss Pro4S, the Sennheiser HD569 (super comfortable), Beyerdynamics DT770 Pro (80 ohm version... hard to drive, but incredible sound IMHO), I have some Sony MDR-V6, and some Sony MDR-1A. I think the warmest pair in that list would be the MDR 1A.
Aug 7, 2018
GiantHeadphoneSquid
639
Aug 8, 2018
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OCBobThumbs up on the UR42, although I do find them a bit small personally.
The entire UR line from Koss is great. The UR40 are like toy Senn 650s (n a very good way!) - they actually contain the same diaphragm/driver as the KSC75, which is a titanium coated version of the Porta Pro.
Aug 8, 2018
GiantHeadphoneSquid
639
Aug 8, 2018
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creaturekyleThe Koss UR40 are over ear, open headphones that share the driver of the KTX Pro / KSC75 (both awesome on ears btw). These were Titanium coated versions of the Porta Pro driver and sound quite similar (little more HF, little less bass, Ti is stiff stuff).
So, in essence, the UR40 IS an over ear Porta Pro :-)
Aug 8, 2018
OCBob
526
Aug 9, 2018
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GiantHeadphoneSquidUR40 $30 on Amazon so I picked up a pair. Should be here Friday.
Aug 9, 2018
GiantHeadphoneSquid
639
Aug 9, 2018
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OCBobI hope you enjoy them! I think they will make a great open complement to your UR42.
Aug 9, 2018
creaturekyle
22
Aug 9, 2018
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GiantHeadphoneSquidWoo! This is exciting, thank you! Gonna pick these up in the next couple days.
Aug 9, 2018
OCBob
526
Aug 11, 2018
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GiantHeadphoneSquidSucks getting new headphones during allergy season. Even though I keep up on my medication I have some days where my ears can get a bit plugged, and of course today was one of those days. Still, I'm really liking the UR40's (especially for $30). Super light and super comfortable. I also appreciate that they came with a 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter. I'll reserve any judgement of the sound for a later date due to my hayfever and my feelings that Koss drivers need a fair amount of time to "burn" in. At least that's been my experience in the past. Oh, and I'm glad that Koss doesn't silk-screen their web address on the UR40 like they show in the photos and some of the videos I found on YouTube.
Aug 11, 2018
GiantHeadphoneSquid
639
Aug 11, 2018
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OCBobSorry to hear allergy season got your number, but glad you like what you hear so far. Funny thing you mention burn in on these. . . I am generally a bit dubious of the concept, but I have found that several Koss that I initially quite disliked out of the box are now some of my favorites from Milwaukee (the KTX Pro and UR55 come to mind). They seem to benefit from some air and time out of the box.
The UR40 hit way above their price point soundwise, but like the UR42 they are a bit small for me. Still, it's amazing to listen to them back to back with Porta Pro. . . what a difference the enclosure makes :)
Aug 11, 2018
clc77
2
Aug 11, 2018
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creaturekyleGoldring DR150 if you can find a pair anywhere (I picked up a 2nd set not long back on an Australian site for well under $100 with Int shipping) They hit way above their price for the sound they produce. Always makes me think of a "grown up" version of this koss driver for lack of a better description.
Aug 11, 2018
creaturekyle
22
Aug 11, 2018
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GiantHeadphoneSquidReceived the UR40's today and really like the sound, but the ear cups are too small. I have 1" gauges and the ear cups jut don't fit around them, which is a shame because these would have been exactly what I was looking for, they sound fantastic. I wish I had started my headphone journey before stretching my ears. Thanks so much for the recommendation, though. You nailed it.
Aug 11, 2018
creaturekyle
22
Aug 11, 2018
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clc77Just found a couple reviews on the DR150 and they sound promising. Especially since I can get them for $57 shipped from Australia (probably the same site you were looking at). Found a couple other people making the same Koss/Porta Pro comparison in some threads. I'm sensitive to sibilance and aggressive highs, though, and a bunch of people warned of that with the DR150's. How do you find that aspect of them?
Aug 11, 2018
clc77
2
Aug 11, 2018
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creaturekyleNot sure how much this will help as my ears are a lot older than they used to be and I'm not as sensitive to highs as some so ymmv but I don't find them any brighter than the titanium koss drivers (pretty similar) I actually bought my 1st pair at full retail when they 1st came out and sold the SR225 (pre i/e models) and the HD600 I had at the time and kept the DR150. From memory were not as bright as the SR225 but more forward than the HD600 the DR150 was kind of in the middle as I remember it.
Aug 11, 2018
creaturekyle
22
Aug 11, 2018
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clc77That's really helpful, thank you!
Aug 11, 2018
clc77
2
Aug 11, 2018
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creaturekyleYour welcome :)
Aug 11, 2018
stefpix
2
Feb 1, 2019
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OCBobI am looking for a pair of headphones that would passively block outside noise. I am looking at the Koss UR-40 and UR-42i. Which is more isolating? I like the detachable cable of the 42s, I feel I could connect a BT receiver and make it cordless / wireless for workouts. I also like the fact that can be used as a phone headset to make / receive calls. The 40s are cheaper and look more comfortable, but they seem to have a fixed thin cable on both cups. Do the 40s have better sound? Which of the two have more noise blocking and less leakage? I have the Porta Pros, Sporta Pros. BT221 (the clip does not feel too comfortable after a while) . I ordered the KPH30i, which seem a bit more comfortable that the S/Porta Pros. I tried some Taotronic active noise canceling, but are painfully pinching after a while, sound is muddy, and active NC just blocks white noise, not so much voices around me. I am looking for a pair of headphones if I am editing photos on my computer and try to minimize external sounds, or block rooftop parties noise in the summertime, Thank you Stefano
Feb 1, 2019
OCBob
526
Feb 1, 2019
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stefpixI own both and I will provide a longer answer soon.
Feb 1, 2019
OCBob
526
Feb 1, 2019
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stefpixThe UR40 is an open back headphone so there is really no passive noise canceling. The UR42 does offer some passive noise canceling, but it isn't all that much, especially when compared to something like the Sennheiser HD280 Pro which offers, I believe, 32 dB of passive noise cancellation (I use them for playing along with music tracks while drumming). However, once you have music playing, the UR42i offers more isolation than the UR40. I would say the build on the 42i is noticeably better that the 40's which are quite flimsy. Sound wise, the UR40 uses Koss' titanium coated driver from the KSC75 so the un-adjusted sound is a bit better than the UR42i. Both take well to being tuned /tweaked with an EQ, and when tweaked I much prefer the UR42i. The UR40 is better if you have a larger head compared to the 42i which I have to extend all the way and it still feels tight across the top of my head. The UR40 has larger earcups than the UR42i (which are pretty small), but i still find the UR40's to be uncomfortable when worn too long. I also own the Koss BT539i, which is the Bluetooth version of the UR42i. The sound is a bit different on the Bluetooth version; probably due to the built in amp (though they even sound a tiny bit different when played through a headphone cable). If you have anymore specific questions let me know. Honestly, if you want serious passive noise canceling, great sound, and don't mind the $100 pricetag, the Sennheiser HD280 Pro's are an outstanding noise isolating headphone. I use 30dB in ear plugs when I shoot, and the Sennheisers are just as quiet.
(Edited)
Feb 1, 2019
stefpix
2
Feb 2, 2019
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OCBobThank you so much for the extensive reply. The UR42i are appealing as I have a small BT receiver and I could probably convert them to wireless if needed occasionally. The UR40 are just 26 USD at B&H. I will check the Sennheiser. I was reading about the Koss UR29 that are supposed to be noise canceling and they are $21 on sale. A cheap option could be the UR23i that Koss markets as isolating. 20 bucks and has a mic for the phone. After all if I want better sound I could use the Porta Pros. Any idea how they are? if they are sounding OK? I really appreciate. I know 100 is reasonable for good headphones, but I have other expenses at this time, so if I could get away with something decent for less, that would be great.! thank you Stefano
(Edited)
Feb 2, 2019
AMIllustration
12
Feb 16, 2019
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OCBobThis price point market for Bluetooth headphones is massive. Many are quite good. Koss has a major advantage that is worth mentioning — one that you pointed out. Their customer service and no questions asked replacement policy is better than any product I have ever purchased—especially electronic ones. They stand behind their products 100% every time. I had three replacements for the wireless version of the PortaPros which I loved (honestly, I never abused them, one had battery issues and the others just quit on one side while they were on my head sitting in a chair). I finally asked for a replacement (next model one level up) and said I would be happy to pay the difference of $20. Within eight hours I had an email that the new ones were on the way—they didn’t even ask for the $20. I have spoken to customer support on the phone. They were very personable and professional. That kind of pride in their products and gratitude for people who purchase them is almost extinct. I would buy Koss anytime.
Feb 16, 2019
OCBob
526
Feb 16, 2019
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AMIllustrationI should note that while Koss' wired headphones carry a lifetime limited warranty, their Bluetooth sets come with a 1 year warranty. Did they ask you about that? I guess since they probably hadn't even been out for a year it wouldn't be a problem. What was the next model above the wireless Porta Pros?
Feb 16, 2019
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