[conquerator2]

Yup, I am certainly enjoying the KOSSes a lot. They are used, so should be burned-in. The bass is fine.
One slightly peculiar thing I've noticed is that the ESP950s [or at least mine] seem to completely roll off at 12K.It's not a big issue, but it takes away a teeny bit of air, so would like to know if this is desired FR or a matter of pair variance.
Can anyone test if it applies to their pair as well? I use Sinegen for this [also very handy for detecting channel imbalance].
Cheers

 

[dwest1023]

Hate to bring this up, but have you experimented with any cable changes? My 950 amp is connected to my Schitt Yggy and its a wonderful pairing. There is no problem with air, as far as I can tell. It has been said the 950 are rolled off a bit on top. I did get a better "ting" when I switch to harmonic tech cables.

 

[conquerator2]

Eh, it's probably just the fact I am coming off the L500. That thing has a bit elevated treble compared to the smooth Koss.

 

[conquerator2]

Alright, these win. I mean, I will post a more in-depth comparison between the two, but I haven't simply enjoyed the music this much in a while.The details are all there, but so smooth. The Staxes are analytic and harsh in comparison. I am loving what I am hearing here. Sure, teh treble might roll off a bit sooner and the bass might not be the most impactful, but oh boy the whole package. The mids! The vocals! The imaging! I dig.
These are currently only second to the HE1 in my book  Can't believe I've ignored these for so long! 

 

[timb5881]

Well, time to ship the ESP-950 phones back to Koss for repair.  After 20 + years they are making  a popping noise.  I think it is the capacitors charging and discharging.  I cannot complain, after all these years of service.

 

[timb5881]

Forgot to mention, I tried the battery pack to double check, and still the motor boating.  I always leave them on, from now on, I will start switching them off.

 

[DonS1000]

I bought these a few months ago - they're great although For certain types of music dynamic headphone might be better. Especially percussive music - drums piano. I have SHUre 940's .

 

[conquerator2]

Yeah, the drums have great texture, although they lack a bit of impact [though epic drums still sound epic ] I kinda like the piano. I totally dig most acoustics though, especially the guitar family. And I absolutely adore the vocals. Might be the smoothest and lushest vocals <3 I always get lost in the music listening to these

 

[DonS1000]

I remember KOSS electrostatics from 30 years ago. They were very heavy then - you couldn't wear them for more than 30 minutes at a time.

I collect CDs - wish there were more quality remastering available.

 

[doctorjazz]

I remember KOSS electrostatics from 30 years ago. They were very heavy then - you couldn't wear them for more than 30 minutes at a time.

I collect CDs - wish there were more quality remastering available.

the 950 may be the lightest headphones I own, very light plastic.
There are good remastered CD's, but they'll cost you. XRCD, MFSL, others out there.

 

[conquerator2]

+1 for comfort. Also easy to bend to shape :] Additionally, the fact they can more or less be disassembled [cups, yokes and headband] is kidand neat too. I assume it makes the lifetime warranty easier  for Koss too.

 

[DonS1000]

The Jazz REMastered it's hard to see much improvement. Sonys "ESSential" series is pretty good.

 

[thefitz]

I remember KOSS electrostatics from 30 years ago. They were very heavy then - you couldn't wear them for more than 30 minutes at a time.

I collect CDs - wish there were more quality remastering available.

Yes, back then the transformers were actually in the headphone cups, right?

 

[obobskivich]

Yes, back then the transformers were actually in the headphone cups, right?

On some models, like the ESP/6. Later models used an external transformer box that connected to a conventional stereo amplifier, like the E/10 + ESP/10 combo.

 

[DonS1000]

Yes - what a strange design. My brother had them. It was like wearing barbells on your ears. But they sounded great.
One nice thing of ESP-950 is lifetime warranty.

I had SHUre 940's which were great but Kosses are great. Some say better than Stax but I've never tried Stax yet.