{"id":145170,"date":"2022-05-19T19:10:58","date_gmt":"2022-05-19T18:10:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.techweekmag.com\/?p=145170"},"modified":"2023-10-18T07:03:16","modified_gmt":"2023-10-18T06:03:16","slug":"koss-porta-pro-utility-review-the-legend-returns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/headphones\/koss-porta-pro-utility-review-the-legend-returns\/","title":{"rendered":"Koss Porta Pro Utility : The legend returns"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>There is hardly a person who is interested in portable audio and has never heard of the most popular overhead model of headphones Koss Porta Pro. Although Koss\u00a0has existed for decades and the range of its products is quite wide, but the phrase headphones &#8211; &#8220;Koss&#8221;, at least for me, is immediately associated with the Porta Pro model.\u00a0These headphones, produced since 1984, have long earned the title of legend, characterized by unchanging attributes and, nicely, affordability.\u00a0I have also had the Koss Porta Pro model in my collection for many years and it is indispensable for some of my use scenarios.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_145176\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-145176\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-145176\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Founder-John-C.-Koss-with-the-first-Porta-Pro.jpg\" alt=\"Founder John C. Koss with the first Porta Pro\" width=\"1500\" height=\"743\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Founder-John-C.-Koss-with-the-first-Porta-Pro.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Founder-John-C.-Koss-with-the-first-Porta-Pro-800x396.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Founder-John-C.-Koss-with-the-first-Porta-Pro-1080x535.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-145176\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Founder John C. Koss with the first Porta Pro<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>And recently I saw a promotional photo, which depicted the alleged ordinary Porta Pro, but a little different design.\u00a0The first thought was that Koss had released a limited series.\u00a0At the same time, the advertisement mentioned a system of replaceable cables.\u00a0And it all ended with a phrase &#8211; it&#8217;s a whole new way to experience the legendary sound of Koss.\u00a0Was it possible to resist the temptation to get acquainted with such headphones?\u00a0Well, in parallel, solve the question for yourself &#8211; what&#8217;s the difference with the classic Porta Pro?\u00a0By the way, the new model was named\u00a0\u00a0Koss Porta Pro Utility\u00a0.\u00a0Therefore, in addition to describing the features of Koss Porta Pro Utility, I will compare with all the familiar Koss Porta Pro.<\/p>\n<h3>Technical characteristics of Koss Porta Pro Utility:<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\u00b7 Type of construction: overhead, open;<\/li>\n<li>\u00b7 Driver type: dynamic;<\/li>\n<li>\u00b7 Resistance: 60 Ohms;<\/li>\n<li>\u00b7 Sensitivity: 101 dB;<\/li>\n<li>\u00b7 Frequency range: 15\u201325000 Hz;<\/li>\n<li>\u00b7 Total cable length: 1.2 m;<\/li>\n<li>\u00b7 The plug is straight, standard 3,5 mm<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>There are no differences between Koss Porta Pro and Porta Pro Utility in terms of basic technical characteristics.<\/p>\n<h3>Packing and complete set<\/h3>\n<p>The headphones come in a cardboard box, which, despite its small size, contains a lot of different information on each side.\u00a0In addition to a photo of the headphones and the name of the model on the title, you can find brief historical information from the founder of Koss &#8211; John Koss, a list of specifications and accessories, as well as a description of the &#8220;philosophy&#8221; Utility (see &#8220;Features Koss Utility Series&#8221;).<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-145171\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/koss-porta-pro-utility-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1734\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/koss-porta-pro-utility-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/koss-porta-pro-utility-800x542.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/koss-porta-pro-utility-1080x731.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/koss-porta-pro-utility-1536x1040.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/koss-porta-pro-utility-2048x1387.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The headphones are fixed in a black plastic form, closed with a transparent plastic cover.\u00a0The plastic is thin, but given the cardboard box on top, the packaging looks solid.\u00a0The accessories include a branded soft cover on the ropes, made of eco-leather.\u00a0And a novelty of a set &#8211; a replaceable cable about 1 m long. The set has everything necessary for convenience of mobile use of earphones.<\/p>\n<h3>Design and ergonomics<\/h3>\n<p>The design of the Koss Porta Pro Utility is as close as possible to the classic Porta Pro, which remains one of the most recognizable headphones.\u00a0Sliding metal headband, plastic bowls, foam earbuds and the ability to compactly fold the headphones &#8211; in Porta Pro Utility remained unchanged.\u00a0At the same time, some design elements have changed.\u00a0First of all, it is a multi-colored plastic on the bowls: right &#8211; red, left &#8211; blue.\u00a0From the point of view of fast channel recognition, such an innovation seems to be convenient, given the changed appearance &#8211; who likes it.\u00a0For example, I liked the classic design of Porta Pro bowls in a single blue color more.\u00a0Now the new Porta Pro Utility looks brighter than the classic model.\u00a0In addition to the multi-colored bowls, the Porta Pro Utility&#8217;s plastic around the bowls has become transparent and dark in color.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-145173\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/koss-porta-pro-utility-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1500\" height=\"998\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/koss-porta-pro-utility-1.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/koss-porta-pro-utility-1-800x532.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/koss-porta-pro-utility-1-1080x719.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The changes also affected the cable, which in the Porta Pro Utility is flat and looks more reliable.\u00a0The L-shaped Porta Pro plug has been replaced with a straight plug in the Porta Pro Utility.<\/p>\n<p>The ergonomics of the Porta Pro Utility have not undergone any noticeable changes.\u00a0One of the main shortcomings, according to some reviews &#8211; periodic tangling in long hair or pinching it &#8211; remained unresolved.\u00a0Lightness, compactness, lack of noticeable overheating of the ears &#8211; the known advantages of these headphones.<\/p>\n<h3>Features of Koss Utility Series<\/h3>\n<p>When I first read the promotional information about the new series of Koss Porta Pro Utility headphones, which mentioned the interchangeable cable and 3.5 and 2.5 mm connectors, I was intrigued.\u00a0At first I thought that the new Porta Pro Utility will have not only a removable cable, but also the ability to listen to the &#8220;balance&#8221; of 2.5 mm.\u00a0It turned out that I was wrong in my assumptions.<\/p>\n<p>The Koss Utility Series includes several models, including the Porta Pro Utility,\u00a0\u00a0KPH40 Utility\u00a0\u00a0, and the\u00a0\u00a0KEB90 Utility\u00a0.\u00a0All of them are united by the possibility of replacing the cable for your needs.\u00a0Actually, the cable itself consists of two parts &#8211; from the right and left earphones and to the splitter is the first part of the cable, which is terminated by a 2.5 mm connector.\u00a0And it is in this connector that you can connect the second part of the cable (up to 1 m), which can end in either standard 3.5 mm (included), or\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0USB typeC\u00a0\u00a0or \u00a0\u00a0Lightning connectors\u00a0(the last two options are optional).\u00a0With a standard 3.5 mm plug, everything is clear.\u00a0The other two options have a cable remote control for music and calls, as well as a built-in DAC (sampling frequency 24bit \/ 96kHz).\u00a0More detailed information about the DAC is not provided on the official website.<\/p>\n<p>Thus, the ability to change the cable allows you to connect headphones with a wide range of audio devices: players, laptops, Android-smartphones, Apple technology (iPhone, iPad).\u00a0The compatibility of the Koss Porta Pro Utility with various portable audio makes this series of headphones versatile.\u00a0It should be noted that separately replaceable Koss cables with USB type-C or Lightning connectors are actually like the Porta Pro Utility headphones themselves.\u00a0Therefore, the need to expand the &#8220;functionality&#8221; of Utility Series headphones remains a personal matter of their owners.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_145175\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-145175\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-145175\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/koss-porta-pro-utility-2.jpg\" alt=\"koss porta pro utility\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/koss-porta-pro-utility-2.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/koss-porta-pro-utility-2-800x800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/koss-porta-pro-utility-2-1080x1080.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/koss-porta-pro-utility-2-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/koss-porta-pro-utility-2-70x70.jpg 70w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/koss-porta-pro-utility-2-180x180.jpg 180w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/koss-porta-pro-utility-2-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/koss-porta-pro-utility-2-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/koss-porta-pro-utility-2-24x24.jpg 24w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/koss-porta-pro-utility-2-48x48.jpg 48w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/koss-porta-pro-utility-2-96x96.jpg 96w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/koss-porta-pro-utility-2-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/koss-porta-pro-utility-2-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-145175\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">koss porta pro utility<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>Sound<\/h3>\n<p>&#8220;Koss Porta Pro Utility is a whole new way to experience the legendary sound of Koss.&#8221;\u00a0This is how the manufacturer describes the sound of the new model.\u00a0As for the new method, indeed, interchangeable cables allow you to vary the range of connections.\u00a0But the legendary sound of Koss Porta Pro has not really changed.\u00a0That is, you get the same, familiar sound that hasn&#8217;t changed in decades.\u00a0How does Koss Porta Pro Utility sound?\u00a0&#8211; For everyone in their own way.\u00a0This is not an audiophile model, there are no indentations in analytics, microdetailing and other similar attributes, which does not make the model less attractive.<\/p>\n<h3>Regarding the sound<\/h3>\n<p>The open design of the headphones allows you to build a relatively wide stage.\u00a0The low frequencies are well felt, although the bass lacks percussion and delineation.\u00a0The middle range plays well, conveys the basic details of the sound well, although it is far from analytical.\u00a0The upper range is greatly simplified, smoothed and clamped.\u00a0This feed makes listening comfortable, without cutting high and high requirements for track quality.\u00a0However, it should be borne in mind that the headphones were developed about 40 years ago, belong to the mass market and they do not have any encroachments on HiRes.<\/p>\n<h3>Conclusion<\/h3>\n<p>My overall assessment of the Koss Porta Pro Utility was as usual great. Yes, indeed, updated the design, made universal the ability to connect headphones to different connectors, but did not change anything in terms of sound.\u00a0How satisfied will you be with the sound of Koss Porta Pro Utility today?\u00a0&#8211; Decide individually for each.<\/p>\n<p>Should you listen to Koss Porta Pro or Porta Pro Utility if you haven&#8217;t already?\u00a0&#8211; Probably so, at least just to hear and appreciate the legendary sound that Koss claims.\u00a0As mentioned above, I have the usual Koss Porta Pro in my collection and I am completely satisfied with them.\u00a0In addition, both the classic Koss Porta Pro and the updated Porta Pro Utility are examples of the availability of the portable audio legend.<\/p>\n<p>Check out official site for <a href=\"https:\/\/koss.com\/blogs\/stories\/design-stories-porta-pro-utility\">more information.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There is hardly a person who is interested in portable audio and has never heard of the most popular overhead model of headphones Koss Porta Pro. Although Koss\u00a0has existed for decades and the range of its products is quite wide, but the phrase headphones &#8211; &#8220;Koss&#8221;, at least for me, is immediately associated with the [&hellip;] <a class=\"g1-link g1-link-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/headphones\/koss-porta-pro-utility-review-the-legend-returns\/\">More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10404,"featured_media":145174,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[640],"tags":[778],"class_list":{"0":"post-145170","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-headphones","8":"tag-reviews"},"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/145170","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10404"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=145170"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/145170\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/145174"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=145170"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=145170"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=145170"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}