Koss Portapro

[sjofel]

Hi
 
My first headphones were a pair of portapro 8 years ago. They remain my favorite headphones to this day. I've been looking for its successor this past year, but to no avail.
 
I only started the audiophile game 1 year ago, so my knowledge is limited. I've tried many different headphones but none with more pros than the Portapros.
 
Past headphones: HD 439, HD 598, HD 650, Ultrasone Signature Pro, Fidelio x1, Fidelio x2, PX 100-II, akg k701, Grado SR60i
 
Sources: Aune T1, ibasso DX100. I'm looking to upgrade the amp in my aune t1 soon, might do the mod or just buy a separate amp.
 
Currently i own 439,x2,px100, the rest have been returned or sold. I'm looking to sell the x2 when i find my next headphones.
 
I should talk a little bit about what i like about the portapros. The comfort 10/10, they disappear on my head within minutes. Relaxing sound that doesnt make me tired. lows, mids, highs all
sound the same at every volume. I can't say the same for most of the other headphones, where i have to crank the volume up so high to hear everything.
 
The portapro have one con though, and the sole reason i am looking for its successor. It is the sound quality, simple as that.
 
All of my past headphones were uncomfortable with the exception of HD 598. They top the portapros in comfort, 11/10 no contest.
 
I think most of you know what the portapro sounds like, so i don't have to explain it, plus it wouldn't make much sense anyway, as i am not very familiar with all the terms.
 
What am i looking for? something that disappears on my head and sounds like the portapro, just better? I like lows and mids more than highs, as they are easier to listen to? i don't care about what type of headphone it is, as long as they are comfortable, they mustn't be heavy and become hot and sweaty like the x2. Isolation would be nice but it not a must.
 
These are my opinions on some of the headphones i've tried. It might help you, help me.
 
x2 pros: excellent bass and sound quality. Cons: comfort, mainly the earpads (the headband is nice though), no mids and harsh highs, become really hot and irritate my skin. HD 598 pros: excellent comfort. Cons: everything else.
 
And thats all the pros i have. Am i looking for something that doesnt exist?
 
I've been looking through some of the stickies, and didn't find anything down my alley.
 
My region is europe, no budget but don't go crazy. that 1% better SQ for another $100 is not what i am looking for.
 
ANY help is appreciated.

 

[billybob_jcv]

Have you considered IEMs? Some find them more comfortable than headphones, while others hate wearing them. Comfort is such a personal thing - there can be one small aspect that most people don't even notice, but which really irritates you. For example, I really dislike on-ear headphones. The clamping force directly onto my ear really bothers me. OTOH, I have no problem wearing deep insertion IEMs for hours at a stretch. YMMV...

 

[tomb]

10/10 for PortaPro comfort?  You must be bald.

 
JMHO, but a phone in a somewhat similar category is immensely superior.  It will cost, however - the Sennheiser HD25 II.  Sound is similar, but much more highly refined without as much muddy bass.  Some complain about the clamping pressure, but that can be adjusted.  They're just as indestructible - maybe more so - than Portapros.  You also won't have to worry about the PortaPro foam decomposing into a bunch of greasy, crumbly black powder.  The ear cushions are easy enough to find replacements, but wait until the temple cushions start to go and try to find a pair of those.

 

[Jim McC]

KSC75 with the headband mod

 

[kramer5150]

The SR60/80 models are usually the next step up in refinement from koss-land.  With S-cush pads they also don't occupy much "face real estate".  I always grab my SR60i or HF1 with S-cush pads in hot summer months, and I don't want big headphone cushions heating up my head.
 
Did you try bending the SR60 headband outwards to lighten up the clamp-pressure?

 

[sjofel]

Have you considered IEMs? Some find them more comfortable than headphones, while others hate wearing them. Comfort is such a personal thing - there can be one small aspect that most people don't even notice, but which really irritates you. For example, I really dislike on-ear headphones. The clamping force directly onto my ear really bothers me. OTOH, I have no problem wearing deep insertion IEMs for hours at a stretch. YMMV...

I haven't tried alot of IEMs, only some cheap ones and they were really uncomfortable. I only have a pair of Beyerdynamic DTX 41 iE.
 
I have thought about trying out some shure se215 at one point. I've read that they should be fairly comfortable.
 
 

  10/10 for PortaPro comfort?  You must be bald.

 
JMHO, but a phone in a somewhat similar category is immensely superior.  It will cost, however - the Sennheiser HD25 II.  Sound is similar, but much more highly refined without as much muddy bass.  Some complain about the clamping pressure, but that can be adjusted.  They're just as indestructible - maybe more so - than Portapros.  You also won't have to worry about the PortaPro foam decomposing into a bunch of greasy, crumbly black powder.  The ear cushions are easy enough to find replacements, but wait until the temple cushions start to go and try to find a pair of those.

No, i am not bald
 
They used to get stuck in my hair but not anymore, and i honestly don't know why. My hair is the same length and everything. 
 
I'm gonna look into those HD 25-1 II.
 
 
 

  KSC75 with the headband mod

I actually thought these had the exact same drivers as the portapro.
 
i'm gonna look into them some more.
 
 

  The SR60/80 models are usually the next step up in refinement from koss-land.  With S-cush pads they also don't occupy much "face real estate".  I always grab my SR60i or HF1 with S-cush pads in hot summer months, and I don't want big headphone cushions heating up my head.
 
Did you try bending the SR60 headband outwards to lighten up the clamp-pressure?

I don't own the SR60i anymore, i gave them away because at the time i ONLY listened to electronic music, and remember it having no bass at all. 
 
I don't remember the clamping force being an issue, but i could feel the plastic under the foam, didn't bother me at the time.
 
Can you confirm that they have bass on par with the portapros?

 

[kramer5150]

 
Can you confirm that they have bass on par with the portapros?

Portapro bass to me is sloppy and lacks refinement.  It just sounds that way to my ears.
 
The SR60i bass, while not as prominent, still seems more tightly controlled and less muddy.  Part of the reason your porta lacks clarity and refinement is its rolled off midrange and treble.  Its the one thing about the porta I have never liked.  FWIW I transplanted titanium KTXPro-1 drivers into my Sportapro and the clarity and high frequency clarity cleaned up slight but noticeably.
 
 
60i versus porta... here's how Tylls dummy hears it, (FWIW this is how THIS dummy hears them too)
http://www.innerfidelity.com/images/GradoSR60i.pdf
 
http://www.innerfidelity.com/images/KossPortaPro.pdf