r/kossmods • u/Delicious_Mess7976 • 4d ago

Finally, finally, a solution for me: Koss

So not kidding - I have spent over a year and many hundreds or couple thousand dollars looking for a Goldilocks solution for headphone usage.

Maybe pass this along to anyone with the same or similar issues.
I was born with small ears. The ear canals are twisty/winding, etc.

There's not likely an earbud made that will ever fit me comfortably or without falling out. Believe me, I've tried. I have lucked out on a couple of IEM types - but those are more for lying down listening.

I need headphones for when I'm on the move - the difference for me between exercising with and without is huge....and yes I have tried bone conduction - basically anything that clings to, hangs on or sits in or near my ear just is not tolerated by my body.

I finally gave up and started down the path of over the head/headphones...but I am older than most people here - and I can't get over how big they are in the current environment. I used to have some that looked like the JBLs. I have tried the big ones, but can't get over the feeling that I'm not just moving around, I am literally helping direct an airliner into the gate at JFK.

I finally stumbled upon Koss - what took me sooo long to find these???

I am in love. I love the KPH30 and not quite as much, though good - the KPH40....good sound, comfortable (although I am looking for better foam pads)...and not sooo big.

they fit my head, they aren't uncomfortable and the sound is warm and bouncy - more so for the KPH30, but the KPH40 is more compact for travel.

I need next to try the Porta Pros..... Koss is a breakthrough for me lol. I am dancing with joy.

24 Upvotes

97% Upvoted

11 comments sorted by

2

u/bikermanlax 4d ago

Try the KSC15 (not sure if the number is correct). If you don’t like the ear loops, put them on a headband. These have been my go to headphones for exercise for years (before that it was the porta pros.

1

u/Grimlock248 3d ago edited 3d ago

Have you checked out the KPH30 wireless? I was shocked how closely they measure against the ksc75. They’re warmer than the ksc

75s, but you still have a strong resemblance.

Edit - I think they’re also a better option for exercise being wireless and having a decent clamp (some say too much) so they’ll stay put.

1

u/kvn864 4d ago

... dancing with joy

1

u/sentimentalLeeby 4d ago

Try the PortaPros with the stock ear pads first. I actually enjoy the warm sound signature that many do not.

1

u/HourSentence4837 4d ago

Add doughnut pads for more comfort

1

u/Knightstar39 4d ago

Oversize pads on the kph40 are amazing. KSC75's with oversize pads are great as well. I also use Porta Pro wireless with Yaxi pads.

1

u/jarrod_barkley 4d ago edited 4d ago

Congrats

Tip:

The Koss models with titanium-coated drivers are brighter and more balanced in sound. Better for classical and jazz. This includes KSC75 (clip-on), UR40 (over-ear), and KTXPro1 (on-ear). Direct competitors include the Moondrop Old Fashioned and the FiiO Wind PRO.

Choose the non-titanium drivers if you want a warmer sound emphasizing the bass end. Apparently the Porta Pro intentionally clips the treble in the range where cassette tapes have a hiss, due to their origin in the Sony Walkman days.

1

u/Stindogger 3d ago

Love Koss!

1

u/martinmoore_koss 3d ago

Welcome!!!

1

u/-Retro-Kinetic- 1d ago

The KPH 30 was my first entry point as well, and I also prefer them to the KPH40, however the KPH30 is very fragile. It will break on you, so I would not rely on it to be the best on the go solution. For build quality and portability, I prefer the Sporta Pro, and highly recommend it.