ray
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Post by ray on Aug 15, 2017 17:33:29 GMT
I really like the sound signature on the KOSS KSC75s.
However, the headphone is poorly-built and prone to constant wear-and-tear, making the sound pop in and out on one side of the headphone over time. I've had to replace this twice now, but I still come back to this headphone since I haven't found another that I considerably like over it.
What would be an upgrade over the KOSS KSC75s that would retain the same sound signature or better it?
From reading this thread, it seems like the Superlux HD681 might be comparable. However, I just bought the Superlux HD662 EVOs, which I find to be too bright and lacking in the bass department.
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solderdude
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Post by solderdude on Aug 15, 2017 19:33:12 GMT
The HD662EVO has a lot more bass than the KSC75's.
Mids of the KSC75 are 'better' though. The HD681 is a lot brighter than the HD662-EVO.
Something that is comparable would be the PX100 (old one) from Sennheiser.
I love the KSC75 right until the moment you directly compare them to better headphones.
It is difficult to say what tonally is close to a KSC75 as the performance of the KSC75 depends largerly on shape of the Pinna and seal with the Pinna. A KSC75 could be anything between Bassy and bass shy and have a bright treble and slightly muffled sounding depending on seal.
The KSC75 is quite rolled off in the subbass, has slightly elevated bass and a warmish to neutral mids with decent treble. It is not harsh nor sibilant but lacks finesse and nuances when directly compared.
Something similarish to the KSC75 sound could be a K601 for instance. But again ... this is quite seal dependent which varies much with foam earpad style headphones.
To lower the amount of treble in the HD662-EVO you can experiment with 1 or more plies of toiletpaper in front of the driver.
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ray
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Post by ray on Aug 15, 2017 20:38:08 GMT
The HD662EVO has a lot more bass than the KSC75's. I don't find this to be the case. The EVOs have one level of bass, but it's not full-sounding. KSC75s are warmer and fuller for lack of better words. Something that is comparable would be the PX100 (old one) from Sennheiser. Have already owned these before. They're okay, but I prefer the KSC75s. A KSC75 could be anything between Bassy and bass shy and have a bright treble and slightly muffled sounding depending on seal. I use the headband mod on the KSC75s. I'm not sure how much that improves on the bass as I haven't used them without the headband in quite some time, but I do experience quite a fair bit of bass, moreso than the EVOs. It is not harsh nor sibilant but lacks finesse and nuances when directly compared. I would be interested to find out which headphones you are comparing them to, solderdude. Something similarish to the KSC75 sound could be a K601 for instance. Thanks, will look into this. To lower the amount of treble in the HD662-EVO you can experiment with 1 or more plies of toiletpaper in front of the driver. This is what I plan on doing. I don't think that will improve on the bass though.
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solderdude
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Post by solderdude on Aug 16, 2017 19:38:03 GMT
The EVOs have one level of bass, but it's not full-sounding. KSC75s are warmer and fuller for lack of better words. Linearity (and thus realism) of the KSC76 is MUCH better than the HD662-EVO. But does not extend as deep (which is what I meant) as the EVO. The KSC75 is on the 'warm' side of things where the HD662-EVO (with a few sealed holes, removed felt disc replaced by appropriate amounts of paper) is more 'flat'. There is preference here, some like warmer signatures others prefer 'flat'. Those who actually play the bass may prefer the KSC75 because it doesn't have (audible) dips in that part of the frequency range so it sounds more accurate. On the HD662-EVO the bass is just slightly 'disattached' from the mids which some people like but other may not. Something that is comparable would be the PX100 (old one) from Sennheiser. Have already owned these before. They're okay, but I prefer the KSC75s. I totally agree, owned both at the same time but the PX100 lacked in clarity compared to the Koss so sold the PX100 and kept the Koss-es. But I did not find them far apart, especially not from bass to lower mids. A KSC75 could be anything between Bassy and bass shy and have a bright treble and slightly muffled sounding depending on seal. I use the headband mod on the KSC75s. I'm not sure how much that improves on the bass as I haven't used them without the headband in quite some time, but I do experience quite a fair bit of bass, moreso than the EVOs. In bass quantity I can understand this. Fully modded I find the HD662-EVO doesn't perform bad in the bass area and the mids are clearer and better defined in the EVO. For me the Koss is slightly to 'warm' when compared directly. The best feature of the Koss (to me) is the fact that when you listen to these exclusively they sound 'perfect' and can easily get into the music and forget I am wearing headphones. For an on-ear I even find them comfortable and can wear them for hours. It is not harsh nor sibilant but lacks finesse and nuances when directly compared. I would be interested to find out which headphones you are comparing them to, solderdude. The likes of HD650, HD800, even my old DT990 or even the (not out yet) HD688/HD687 but could name other headphones like the HE400i. The HE-350, to me, is about on par with the Koss but the Koss is warmer and has a bit more clarity. Treble quality is about the same. The KSC75 is not having a poor treble quality... only on direct comparison it lacks the finer nuances ... when stand alone they do not seem to be lacking there. Something similarish to the KSC75 sound could be a K601 for instance. Thanks, will look into this. When you find the HD662-EVO lacking in bass you will certainly find the K601 lacking even more. It is more linear and rolled off in the bass BUT has great linearity there, like the KSC75 but not 'warm' but 'neutral'. To lower the amount of treble in the HD662-EVO you can experiment with 1 or more plies of toiletpaper in front of the driver. This is what I plan on doing. I don't think that will improve on the bass though. [/quote] Nope, no changes in bass.
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Post by ronzo56 on Aug 19, 2017 1:16:01 GMT
The KCS-75 is my favorite when I just want to sit back with a cold beverage and just enjoy the music. No critical listening, no worries if it's a less than ideal recording. Just relaxation. And comfort. Plus I can hear the doorbell when the pizza guy arrives!
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solderdude
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Post by solderdude on Aug 19, 2017 6:33:11 GMT
I mostly use one at work when I want some music and enjoy it (hate crappy sound) and still want to hear what's going on around me.
Can't use it on a bike, the wind makes so much noise I can't hear the music.
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Rabbit
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Post by Rabbit on Aug 21, 2017 19:21:28 GMT
The Momentum does that as well. Impossible on a bike.
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Post by marveltone on Aug 26, 2017 23:35:27 GMT
I'm getting real tempted to buy a set of these for something cheap to throw into the laptop bag. I'm also thinking of buying those cheap, crappy Parts Express headphones so I can convert the KSC75 to a headband phone, seeing as I generally despise ear clips.
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Post by ronzo56 on Aug 27, 2017 0:50:47 GMT
Anybody have the name or a link to the crappy headband at Parts Express?
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Post by marveltone on Aug 27, 2017 2:06:38 GMT
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Post by ronzo56 on Aug 27, 2017 2:42:02 GMT
Thanks Joe. Might give this a try myself.
Edit: just ordered three. I have a couple of friends with the KSC-75's. Thought I'd give them a "present". Makes the shipping a little more worth it. The silicon ear pieces bother my ears after a while, maybe these will make them more comfortable.
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Post by ronzo56 on Sept 2, 2017 5:30:54 GMT
Got the headbands in. The first wouldn't hold one of the earpieces. The second pair are working fine. Comfortable, and sound great. Just fun. Nice FR. Sgt. Peppers sounds the way it did back in the day with the old Koss Pro 4AA circa 1972. They don't do everything other headphones can do, but they do nothing wrong. It just plays as a coherent whole. I don't really listen to equipment, I just ease back and enjoy the music. Koss, you must use your skills and take this sound up a level. The world could use a really good sounding $100 headphone.
BTW-I bought the Schiit Modi 2 Multibit DAC and their new Eitr USB to SPDIF converter. IMHO, a great combination. Could be a classic. More later.
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solderdude
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Post by solderdude on Sept 2, 2017 6:52:21 GMT
On my KSC35 the earclip now and then well off the driver. I fixed that by heating the earclip slightly with a hairdryer (don't do that too long you will melt the plastic) and when it got slightly warm I pressed the plastic a wee bit closer with pliers and let it cool off (blow over it) and then let the pliers loose. That did the trick. Maybe it will work here as well.
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