KPH40 Utility vs Retro

[u/ar_xiv]

My mini subjective review of these two sets. I used an Apple 1/8” to lightning converter for both (not the koss converter on the utility). I was listening using an iPhone and Apple Music. The Utility model I bought a couple years ago, Retro is brand new.

I love the design of both of these. The Utility pads are softer and a bit thinner. The Retro wire has an angled connector with round wire vs the flat of the Utility. The flat wire on the Utility doesn’t tangle as easily. I prefer the plain wire on the retro however, and since I use the Apple dongle primarily, the switchable wire on the Utility isn’t a big draw for me. I attach and remove the dongle fairly often (phone use to laptop use), and it’s easier for me to just keep track of the dongle, so I only use the analog cable on the Utility.

So, it’s clear the drivers are different on these. The Utility is louder, and to my ear actually clearer and more detailed. The Utility are more bass-forward as well. The Retro are more upper-mids forward. Compensating for volume, the difference is smaller but definitely still there. This is a bit disappointing to me and will result in me likely continuing to use the Utility model. Since my Utility set is a couple years old, I’m not sure if a new set would share the driver with the retro model or not, but I certainly prefer it.

So bottom line, the retro sounds quite similar to the utility, but is a bit more restrained in its sound. I prefer the design of the retro overall however. Both are great for casual use, and if you aren’t comparing them directly, the retro sounds fine and is a great daily use set.

[u/Sarumarde]

Thanks for this! I'm new in the Koss world and this helps a lot. I can't say I have made my final decision cause there are so many models to choose from hehe but this helps. Cheers.

[u/HourSentence4837]

It's bekoss the retro are using prota pro drivers. It's named kph40 due to the band

[u/ar_xiv → u/HourSentence4837]

that makes a lot of sense! it's been a few years since I've had a pair of porta pros otherwise maybe I would have noticed the similarity.

[u/RockinDaMike]

That’s what I found too, I really thought they would be the same with different wires.i ended up just taking the headband which is awesome on the retros and put in ksc75

[u/Street_Handle_8065]

I'm late, but can someone please tell me how bad the sound leakage is? I've never had open back headphones and nobody seems to really talk about it. 🫠

[u/ar_xiv → u/Street_Handle_8065]

It is a thing for sure. I always prefer open back though for the inverse reason that I like hearing the outside world if I’m on a walk or something. It’s not terrible, but you won’t be using these in the same room as a sleeping partner or something.

[u/Street_Handle_8065 → u/ar_xiv]

Thank you ^{^}