Koss SP330...anyone try these?

[Saturn94]

These got a good review at innerfidelity.com.

http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/sonic-stunner-koss-sp330-ear-headphone

Anyone try these? What are your thoughts?

I'm thinking of getting a pair of reasonably priced (under $150?) headphones for occasional use at home for music and movies when I don't want to disturbe anyone else in the house.

Thanks.

 

[tyhjaarpa]

Haven't heard those but they don't seem really comfortable to use in long runs.

 

[Saturn94]

Thank you for the response.

The reviewer mentioned they are comfortable, but I'm sure comfort in a headphone is a very personal thing.

I thought about going ahead and ordering a pair from Amazon (got some gift cards), but they are out of stock right now.

 

[Adam]

Hi Saturn, I haven't tried the SP330, but I do have the SP540. I think they are quite comfortable with a nice sound to them. I'm not trying to steer you towards a higher-priced model, btw. Just chiming in with my experience with one of their newer headphones. For whatever reason, I never really thought of Koss being quality gear, but I was really impressed overall by the SP540s. I'm not a headphone expert, so take that as you will.

 

[Saturn94]

Hi Saturn, I haven't tried the SP330, but I do have the SP540. I think they are quite comfortable with a nice sound to them. I'm not trying to steer you towards a higher-priced model, btw. Just chiming in with my experience with one of their newer headphones. For whatever reason, I never really thought of Koss being quality gear, but I was really impressed overall by the SP540s. I'm not a headphone expert, so take that as you will.

Thanks. I appreciate you sharing your experience.

 

[Saturn94]

Thank you for the response.

The reviewer mentioned they are comfortable, but I'm sure comfort in a headphone is a very personal thing.

I thought about going ahead and ordering a pair from Amazon (got some gift cards), but they are out of stock right now.

Still out of stock.

 

[utubecomment21]

I know Koss gets big props because of the Porta Pro headphones, but i've own many pairs of Koss, but they've never been all that. I did audition these (never with the intention of buying) and my conclusion of Koss and their products remains! At the very, very best, they're very, very average sounding and nothing to right home about. I wouldn't turn over $129 of my 'hard earned' for them

 

[Saturn94]

I know Koss gets big props because of the Porta Pro headphones, but i've own many pairs of Koss, but they've never been all that. I did audition these (never with the intention of buying) and my conclusion of Koss and their products remains! At the very, very best, they're very, very average sounding and nothing to right home about. I wouldn't turn over $129 of my 'hard earned' for them

I appreciate your input. Are there others in the same price range you would recommend instead?

 

[utubecomment21]

As far as comfort and portability goes .... around the $130 mark .... and I know I'm going to get shot for this ... i still love my Bose OE (original version) headphones. Before the Bose hate pours out, at one time i had over 120 headphones, including many headphones around the $1,000 range and 12 headphone amplifiers, including maps form the likes of RSA http://www.raysamuelsaudio.com/ and Graham Slee http://www.gspaudio.co.uk/. I like to think I know what i'm talking about.

http://www.amazon.com/Bose-BOSE-OE-OE-Audio-Headphones/dp/B0081X1R8C/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1420297811&sr=8-15&keywords=bose headphones

As comfort and portability goes, I still stand by my Bose OE which i've owned for over 10 years. The only downside to Bose is like that of many other brands, is the amount of fakes there are in the market. So buy from a reputable dealer only. Do Not buy from amazon or a 3rd party seller on amazon.

You might also want to look into the Sennehsier HD 2 series , HD238, but they are in no wise a match for the Bose and fakes abound!

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=seenheiser hd 238&rh=i:aps,k:seenheiser hd 238

Audio Technica ES7, again beware of counterfeits!

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_3_17?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=audio technica es7&sprefix=audio technica es,aps,240&rh=i:aps,k:audio technica es7

I would also suggest the Sennehsier HD25 SP. I own a pair of HD25-1 which i've had for nearly 20 years. great headphones, on comfort I might knock off a few stars off the HD25-1's but the SP's aren't bad. But each part can be replaced, so if they get damaged you can always buy and replace the damaged part. Few if any other headphones offer that kind of versatility. cable, headband, headband cushion, ear pads, and even the drivers can all be bought and replaced separately.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=sennheiser hd25 sp&rh=i:aps,k:sennheiser hd25 sp


If open headphones are your thing and you don;t mind going just a tad bigger, then the Alessandro MS-1 are near unbeatable at the $200 mark let alone the ridiculously low price of $109. Alessandro are modified Grado headphones!

http://www.alessandro-products.com/main.php?p=headphones

 

[Saturn94]

Thanks for the suggestions.

Counterfeits? Yikes! I hadn't thought of that. Any way to know if I order from Amazon whether or not it's a fake?

 

[utubecomment21]

These days I would go to the manufacturers website, or email and ask for a dealer list, and buy from a dealer on that list. One could assume that my purchase from amazon was a one off, however knowing that such large companies buy in bulk, that would suggest that there are a lot of people walking around with no idea they have counterfeit items. And of the counterfeit headphones i bought, no two counterfeits offer the same sound. One would be bass heavy, one would be shrill.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

 

[Saturn94]

These days I would go to the manufacturers website, or email and ask for a dealer list, and buy from a dealer on that list. One could assume that my purchase from amazon was a one off, however knowing that such large companies buy in bulk, that would suggest that there are a lot of people walking around with no idea they have counterfeit items. And of the counterfeit headphones i bought, no two counterfeits offer the same sound. One would be bass heavy, one would be shrill.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

Ugh....depressing.

Makes me want to give up on the idea of using my Amazon gift card to purchase headphones.

 

[utubecomment21]

If you knew how many manufacturers and major websites have been affected, you'd probably stay at home with the covers over you and never switch your PC on again. Without going into it too deeply, I have had a lot of major companies giving me samples of their products and all turned out to be counterfeit. And these are very high profile sites I was dealing with.

So now my advice is as it is

1) take 1-2 minutes visiting their website. email or call if you want

2) Don't take short cuts with you're money or you will get burned.

3) Personally, even if amazon or other high profile sites are an authorized dealer, I still go elsewhere.


Alternatively there are companies such as Grado & Ultrasone that I believe haven't been copied yet.

Bose, Monster, AKG, Audio technica, Sennheiser (not sure about Koss) Bang & Olufsen, most of the mainstream brands have been affected .. mainly because the products are produced in China and the manufacturer has finished or severed an agreement, or just because there are standard, generic molds that are used by several companies.

I got my Denon headphones on a the moment, don't know if they've been hit ... but it would surprise me. https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=fake+denon+head[phones&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&gws_rd=cr&ei=z3KsVObNHM3taOzFgOgG#safe=off&q=fake+denon+headphones

Try a pair of Alessandro MS-1 headphones.

http://www.alessandro-products.com/main.php?p=headphones

 

[Saturn94]

Thanks for the info and advice.

Is buying direct from the manufacturer's web site a safe bet? Or is it a total crap shoot whether or not you'll end up with a counterfeit?

 

[utubecomment21]

Sorry for late reply. Yes buying direct from a manufacturers site is a very good option. For me, the risk is too high, even in popular high-street distribution stores.

The only other alternative is to Google your choice of headphones and add the word 'Fake' and see if there are any reported cases. But i can tell you know, the aforementioned manufacturers have been seriously affected by counterfeits. There are so many used and second hand stores (we buy your good for cash type stores) that are filled with Monster headphones. I suspect a high number of them are fake.

 

[Saturn94]

I decided to take you advice and order direct when the time comes.

 

[highfigh]

Thanks for the info and advice.

Is buying direct from the manufacturer's web site a safe bet? Or is it a total crap shoot whether or not you'll end up with a counterfeit?

If you buy from the manufacturer's site, the products come from the manufacturer, unless they use what's called a 'fulfillment' partner because they can't handle the number of orders. You could ask Koss- they have a way to ask questions, on their site and you could call, too.

I listened to a few of their 'phones a while back and the upper, non Pro4/ESP-99/wireless model sounded pretty decent. IIRC, the list price was about $179- the sound was balanced, good upper and lower extremes and they were comfortable, although I didn't wear them long enough to know if they would be after a long time. I'm planning to go to their on-site store (they have a demonstration room) and I'll see if I can get some info since I have been wondering why they're not getting any good press or comments online. I'll make a point of going when Mike or John Jr are there (I have known the family for over 50 years), so I'll be able to get better info than if I aske someone in the marketing department.

 

[Saturn94]

Thought I'd post a quick update.

I ended up busting the budget and bought the NAD Viso HP50.

Love them!

 

[summereo1]

For me, i like the Bass headphone, when i was listen to the music, it can bring me a original sound just like in the concert..Really good.