Jan Wildeboer 😷1d ago
Dear young folks, rediscovering the power of personal MP3 players like iPod Classic. Know that retro gives you more. My personal favourite headphones for an iPod or similar device: AKG K92 (closed back) and, of course, the Koss Porta Pro (open back). Both still being made, both in the €50 sweet spot of really good sound at an affordable price. And as both are passive headphones, they last forever. No battery problems, no codec shit. Just sound. Good sound :) You're welcome.
Show threadJan Wildeboer 😷
The Koss Porta Pro is known to have cheap cables, so they might break or be ripped off (I never had that problem). So they also serve as a good way to learn basic soldering ;) Replacing the cable to get many more years of Sound is rewarding. Trust me on that.
Mar 28 at 5:42pmWeb
Show threadJan Wildeboer 😷1d ago
And, trivia section, the Koss Porta Pro was introduced in 1984, the AKG K92 was introduced around 1989, as far as I can see. They both have earned their reputation for good reasons. Sure, the audiophiles will disagree, but in my opinion and experience, both are superior and reliable sets of cans for cable-based music consumption. You can't go wrong with either.
Show threadJan Wildeboer 😷19h ago
I have clarified in my post that the K92 is a closed back headphone, while the Porta Pro is open back. What's the difference? In short, close back insulates more from the outer world, both for the listener and the people surrounding you. Open back "leaks" sound in both directions. You hear more of what is happening around you and your music is audible to people close to you. Open is often perceived to give "better" sound, though I personally disagree and prefer closed back. Try them both :)
Show threadGod Emperor of Mastodon19h ago
@jwildeboer also, one thing to notice: there people with sensitive ears. ANC gives me car sickness and closed-back phones increase the in-ear pressure in annoying levels. Moreover, sweat. I, for one, can't use IEM nor closed backs. I've read the the sound signature of those is great, but it's Sennheiser 6xx for my pleasure ;-)
Show threadJan Wildeboer 😷19h ago
@mms I personally am an AKG guy, for both microphones and headphones. The K240 is my default for mastering and analysing sound but too valuable to take out in the open. I love the K92 when out and about and the Porta Pro is a good solution when traveling, as it can be folded and stowed away. And I fully agree, IEMs (In Ear Monitors) are also not my thing.
Show threadKirtai 🏳️‍⚧️10h ago
@jwildeboer @mms
I love my K240 Studios but they're definitely not the ones to take outside.
Show threadPaul_IPv61d ago

@jwildeboer

as you put it, there is definitely a sweet spot of quality/performance/price. haven't used the koss personally but i've had good luck with the brand and concur on the AKGs.

both will be much better than sub-$250 ear buds, comfortable, and won't need charging.

i love the retro tech trends.

Show threadJ. Jacoby (gender explorer)1d ago

@jwildeboer Just remember the difference between open back and closed back ear cups. Open back are known to sound better, however, you will also hear all the ambient sound around you. And, as mentioned in another comment, other people will hear your music.

Don't forget about Grado's too. SR80 is a good value for the cost.

Show threadPedro Quixote ‽ aka MultiVax1d ago
@jwildeboer Yer see I read that as portapotti (a type of Elsan) and wondered where the cables could be? I really should read more carefully.. Always a good idea to learn new skills. Had another go at welding today. Much better than 1st attempt earlier in the week.