KOSS A250 from KOSS eBay thread

[russdog]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Disiskurt Well, loose drivers have been a big problem with the A130's that have been bought from Koss's eBay seller. What's worse is that not only does the seller not care at all that they're selling defective items, but almost everyone here who's received one with loose drivers doesn't care enough to inform the seller.

That's why they're $25. If they didn't have this problem, or if Koss felt like repairing them, they'd cost a lot more than $25. I think the message of this whole thread boils down to:

1. If you don't mind doing a minor home repair to these things, and you're not bothered by their plastic-ness, they are a tremendous steal at $25.
2. On the other hand, if you expect $25 cans to sound this good and not have 'issues', then you're dreaming and you should not buy them.

My personal Reality Checker tells me that a $25 price tag for good sound implies that there's an issue or two with them. AFAIK, the issues are fixable without touching a soldering iron, all you need is some glue or that BluTac stuff.

 

[Disiskurt]

Quote:

Originally Posted by russdog That's why they're $25. If they didn't have this problem, or if Koss felt like repairing them, they'd cost a lot more than $25. I think the message of this whole thread boils down to: If you don't mind doing a minor home repair to these things, and you're not bothered by their plastic-ness, they are a tremendous steal at $25. On the other hand, if you expect $25 cans to sound this good and not have 'issues', then you're dreaming and you should not buy them. My personal Reality Checker tells me that a $25 price tag for good sound implies that there's an issue or two with them. AFAIK, the issues are fixable without touching a soldering iron, all you need is some glue or that BluTac stuff.

You're....you're kidding me, right? So you're suggesting that Koss knew something was wrong with them, and decided to sell them on eBay and list them as NEW? Because they're selling them cheap, I should have no issue when I buy something described to be in "new" condition, when in fact, they're defective? I will tell you one thing? If the item description said "The headphones have not been used, but several of these are defective and we refuse to accept any returns," I would not buy them. I guess I'd rather be accused of having high standards than being some tool who lets businesses walk all over me.

I have a better guess as to why Koss is selling them so cheap: because no one bought them. Almost no one here would've purchased these at their original MSRP. They aren't made anymore, and they're just covering losses on another failed model.

Oh, and just so you're aware and don't try to claim that I didn't read the description closely enough, the following statement added to the item description on the auction:

"On Jun-21-06 at 13:11:11 PDT, seller added the following information:

All items sold on the Koss4129 eBay Store are sold AS-IS. We do not accept returns, however most items (if mentioned) are covered under the Koss No-Questions-Asked Lifetime warranty. Full details can be found on Koss.com."

was added AFTER my dealings with them. I was the one to stand up and complain, and after waiving all responsibility, they covered themselves by adding that convenient disclaimer. But hey, it's cheap, so it's perfectly fine to defraud the consumer...right, russdog?

 

[facelvega]

Yes, Koss is being a bit asinine about the fact that these old A130's weren't glued together properly-- they seem to think that their unlimited lifetime warranty absolves them from opening up those things and having some kid in the office glue them all down. Yes, they've messed this up, and specifically described the headphones as in new condition anyway. All true.

However, I've still never really understood your vitriolic reaction to this problem, Disiskurt. Is it so surprising when a company jerks you around a little on a return? It's not like fixing the problem takes more than ten minutes of light effort, and then you're left with a great headphone. Now you're attacking the quality of the headphones too ("...another failed model" etc.) when your beef is really with their customer support. The fact of matter is that their customer support is STILL probably the best of any major company, because everyone else is going to charge you up the nose for some new earpads in a couple of years, or for a new cable, or what have you. And it's going to run a lot more than six bucks.

I think you're right to push koss, to complain and try to get them to pay for this problem, right on. But really, I think it's a shame that a dispute over shipping has left such a bad taste in your mouth, especially when you have a pair of A250 to soften the pain. And I wouldn't worry about advising others with the rattle, because you already have advised them-- nobody bought these headphones without first reading this thread, so after the first wave, everybody heard about the rattle before they ordered. (or correct me if I'm wrong, Rhy and Ed) People, just take ten minutes, a screwdriver, and some glue and be done with it.

And hey, if nobody would have bought these at the MSRP (really because they were off the radar until the sale made some of us give them a try), it seems like they'll soon be worth more than you paid, and you'll have your six bucks back-- the A250's are already trading at 2-3 times what Koss charged at the outlet.

-FV

 

[russdog]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Disiskurt You're....you're kidding me, right? So you're suggesting that Koss knew something was wrong with them, and decided to sell them on eBay and list them as NEW?

Well, they *are* new. Look, raise hell if you like, and give Koss a hard time if you like. That's fine with me. All I'm saying is it's goofy to be surprised by all of this. The facts of the situation are well known, so don't be surprised. If you wish to be outraged, that's OK with me. For myself, I'll spend my $25, then fix them, and be happy that I got such a bargain. I'd rather do that than spend several times as much money on otherwise-identical ones that don't require a small dab of glue.

 

[biged]

I have to agree with Disiskurt. I'm teed-off because this is Koss! I've been a big fan of theirs. I've always recommended them because of their good, cheap cans and their policies. Koss has lost my respect. I was planning on buying some cans for my family, now I'll probably get them Senn's and/or the iGrado's.
Maybe I wouldn't be so upset if I was a DIY guy. But I'm not, I've never been comfortable taking things apart and fixing them. Also, I e-mailed a Koss representative immediately after receiving my cans were not working properly and I am still waiting for a response. Right now I don't know if I will ever buy a Koss product again. I am a very loyal guy and I understand mistakes happen, etc., however, when I can't even get the company to respond I am no longer a fan. I am going to try to fix my cans and/or get them repaired. But unless something changes, I will never again buy a Koss Product.

Ed

 

[jant71]

No surprise there are some glue problems. These cans are from the late 90's(introduced in 1997) if I'm correct. You would probably expect this with age. If you bought them in 1998 you would probably have to reglue the drivers anyway.

Yes, they could have designed it different with twist in drivers like my CD780 has but they are a still a good bargain.

 

[izquierdaste]

You should try calling Koss on the phone. One time, I needed to get some new foam for a pair of pro 4aat's and they sent it to me for free. I am not sure if the ebay contact really works for koss directly.

 

[phergus_25]

Hey bro,
Im not trying to change your mind either way, but when i come down your way I'll bring the stuff and we can fix that prob, if t hasent been delt with by then.
-greg
Quote:

Originally Posted by biged I have to agree with Disiskurt. I'm teed-off because this is Koss! I've been a big fan of theirs. I've always recommended them because of their good, cheap cans and their policies. Koss has lost my respect. I was planning on buying some cans for my family, now I'll probably get them Senn's and/or the iGrado's. Maybe I wouldn't be so upset if I was a DIY guy. But I'm not, I've never been comfortable taking things apart and fixing them. Also, I e-mailed a Koss representative immediately after receiving my cans were not working properly and I am still waiting for a response. Right now I don't know if I will ever buy a Koss product again. I am a very loyal guy and I understand mistakes happen, etc., however, when I can't even get the company to respond I am no longer a fan. I am going to try to fix my cans and/or get them repaired. But unless something changes, I will never again buy a Koss Product. Ed

 

[biged]

Thanks Greg, that would be really nice. I'll probably just wait until then so I can learn from someone who knows more than I do. I'm just a little upset that I can buy seven dollar cans (that probably sound like crap) that have no defects. For 35 dollars I don't expect great sound, but I do expect my cans not to have any glaring defects. If mine were a that rare exception I would understand, but it seems to be the norm with this model.

Oh well.

Take care and thanks for the offer (I'll be happy to provide beer/wine and pizza), Ed.

 

[plywood99]

Postman dropped off my a130s' last week, and I must say I am impressed. Sound is just awesome for the price. Must of listened to King's X song Pretend 15 times in a row. The sound of the pedal smacking that bass drum starting around 3:05 into the song is just intoxicating. Only problem is my 2gen nano can't push em hard enough. May have to get an amp...

Ply

 

[wargasms]

i want to tak mod my koss a130's..but i am afraid i might destroy them...let me know if anyone in the area who has some experience with this can help.

 

[Disiskurt]

Quote:

Originally Posted by facelvega Yes, Koss is being a bit asinine about the fact that these old A130's weren't glued together properly-- they seem to think that their unlimited lifetime warranty absolves them from opening up those things and having some kid in the office glue them all down. Yes, they've messed this up, and specifically described the headphones as in new condition anyway. All true. However, I've still never really understood your vitriolic reaction to this problem, Disiskurt. Is it so surprising when a company jerks you around a little on a return? It's not like fixing the problem takes more than ten minutes of light effort, and then you're left with a great headphone. Now you're attacking the quality of the headphones too ("...another failed model" etc.) when your beef is really with their customer support. The fact of matter is that their customer support is STILL probably the best of any major company, because everyone else is going to charge you up the nose for some new earpads in a couple of years, or for a new cable, or what have you. And it's going to run a lot more than six bucks. I think you're right to push koss, to complain and try to get them to pay for this problem, right on. But really, I think it's a shame that a dispute over shipping has left such a bad taste in your mouth, especially when you have a pair of A250 to soften the pain. And I wouldn't worry about advising others with the rattle, because you already have advised them-- nobody bought these headphones without first reading this thread, so after the first wave, everybody heard about the rattle before they ordered. (or correct me if I'm wrong, Rhy and Ed) People, just take ten minutes, a screwdriver, and some glue and be done with it. And hey, if nobody would have bought these at the MSRP (really because they were off the radar until the sale made some of us give them a try), it seems like they'll soon be worth more than you paid, and you'll have your six bucks back-- the A250's are already trading at 2-3 times what Koss charged at the outlet. -FV

Oh yes, there's no end to my satisfaction with the A250's. They're fantastic even for 3 times their price, although they're relatively flimsy in relation to the cup release and the tiny springs that fall out.

But really, with the A130, I could take it or leave it. It certainly doesn't sound as good as the A250, and it doesn't isolate that much either. This is somewhat reflected in that the A130 took a whole lot longer to sell out than the A250 (unless the A130 had a considerably larger quantity available, in which case I apologize for the assumption.) If the used price finds it's way to the level the auction is selling them for, you can bet that I'll sell them.

As for fixing them, I've already sent them back to Koss soon after receiving them (a note to anyone sending stuff to Koss, include nothing but the headphones, because that's all they'll send back) and it came back fixed. Still, they've found close to no use due to the already mentioned poor isolation, which kinda negates any possible advantage it could have over my A250.

Why am I so angry about the whole situation surrounding my experience with Koss? It's not because of the $6, it's that they obviously violated any standard buyer/seller agreement that is the norm among any eBay transaction (since the disclaimer that is now in the description wasn't there when I purchased them.) In my reporting the defective A130, they had no problem in making up their own set of rules that leaves them completely free of any obligation to deliver a properly working item. I have a problem with anyone who clearly treats me unfairly, regardless of how small the consequence of the treatment is. Just a side effect of growing up in the 90's, I guess.

 

[facelvega]

Disiskurt-- Agreed, agreed. It's particularly annoying to see a company with a normally great service policy start dicking people around like that. It seems like Koss should've thought things through a little when they decided to sell their overstock on ebay.

If I remember correctly, there were a lot more A130 on auction right from the start. We all guessed right that the model numbers and different msrp's were no accident. You worry me about the a130-- mine still sit in Boston, and my friend who's got them says his own pair is better than his SR-60 but not as good as my A250, which are what convinced him to make the order. Luckily at least he's a DIYer so the rattle thing didn't faze him. I need a pair of headphones that don't leak noise for office use. Of course right now I have 12 pairs of open headphones, but hey, it's head-fi. If the A130 don't cut it, I'll pass them on to some needy German who can't get Koss to deliver here.

 

[facelvega]

On another note, has anyone in the entire head-fi galaxy ever heard an A200? According to the Koss site, it's the middle model of the A130/A250 series. I wonder why none of them made it to the ebay store.

 

[russdog]

Quote:

Originally Posted by facelvega On another note, has anyone in the entire head-fi galaxy ever heard an A200? According to the Koss site, it's the middle model of the A130/A250 series. I wonder why none of them made it to the ebay store.

Um, maybe because they have enough glue in them to keep things from rattling?