The Koss lineup of portable headphones is truly legendary, from the
Portapro that was released in 1984, to the
KSC35 that features the same
computer-optimized neodymium iron boron magnets in a clip on version, and the slightly newer
KSC75 with more comfortable ear clips and a
titanium coating on its diaphragms. All three of these products can still be purchased, all of which are under $40 street price (although it's a little more difficult to locate a retailer carrying the KSC35 than the other two).
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| The Koss KSC35, KSC75 and PortaPro |
Of Koss' three legendary offerings, the best value has to be the Koss KSC75. Surprisingly detailed highs and thick bass reproduction make for a fun presentation and one can purchase this little guy for about $15 on Amazon, likely the best $15 you'll ever spend. Below is photo of some newer packaging for the KSC75 (circa 2012) selling them as "Pulse Clips", same thing, different package.
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| KSC75 aka Pulse Clips |
Of course, an audiophile can never be satisfied with things as they are, and will tweak and overhaul to get the maximum amount of performance out of something, even a $15 headphone. So, why not put a cable on the headphone that costs several times as much as the headphone itsself? :)
Once removing the plastic shell and ear clip, the solder tabs are exposed. Note below a Xev headphone cable soldered to the KSC75 driver and secured with heavy duty adhesive.
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| A Xev cable soldered to the KSC75 driver |
Below are a couple of different finished KSC75s:
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| Xev wire and soft nylon multifilament covering |
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| Xev wire and black chrome covering |
How's it sound? Much more Hi-Fi; highs are crisper and more detailed and bass is much more controlled; it's really like a new headphone. Worth the extra cost? That depends entirely on your wallet and sanity level ;) Want a recabled KSC75 of your own? Contact Zynsonix for details.
