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see review

When you are reading reviews of this headphone you are probably looking for an inexpensive but excellent sounding portable headphone, if this is the case then read on! I own and compared 4 portable headphones that I own. The Koss KSC-35 which is still available and not discontinued as is often mentioned (it’s 2005 as I write this review), the now discontinued Koss KSC-50 (which is succeeded by the KSC-75), Koss KTX-pro1 and Sennheiser PX-100). These are all relative cheap headphones (max $40.-) and absolutely the best value in headphones UNDER $100.- including the in-ear types such as ‘Koss The Plug’. The Sennheiser PX100 takes 4th place. This headphone has a lower sensitivity (99dB/1mW (@32 Ohms = 114dB/1Veff) than the Koss headphones but one must keep in mind that the impedance is of importance here because when a voltage is applied that dissipates 1 mW into a 60 Ohm headphone the PX100 will produce a sound level of 101.5 dB with this same voltage. In practice this output level will most likely be somewhat lower because each headphone amp has a certain output resistance varying with make and model over which a part of the available voltage will fall. This sensitivity is enough for portable players with only 1 or 2 batteries (this mostly determines the available output voltage together with the output resistance of the headphone amp) to be able to drive these headphones loud enough. Most headphones do NOT have such a high sensitivity (higher impedance), which is a must for portable equipment. The sound is pretty good and open but a tiny bit ‘muffled’ and not as ‘open’ when compared to the 3 Koss headphones. The PX 100 has low distortion and a ‘flat’ (meaning no excessive peaks or dips) frequency response with a gradual decline of the highs translating in less ‘clarity’ and ‘openness’. The fit is comfortable because the elements can tilt in any direction and will therefore perfectly adapt to the shape of your ears. The foldable PX100 comes with a rather big but sturdy carrying case. The PX100 feels a bit flimsy because of it’s foldable design but is sturdier than it feels and has a nice look to it. The cord, however, is very thin and feels as it may break easily. 3rd place goes to the Koss KTX-pro1, which has the highest sensitivity (103 dB/1mW @ 60Ohms) and an extra volume control in the cord. The sound quality is overall somewhat better then the PX100, more open and more probnounced lows (maybe a tad in the direction of being boomy) and ‘cleaner’ and ‘crisper’ highs and equally low distortion and falls of a little in the highs too like the PX100 making it sound a tad boomy. The looks of this headphone do not appeal to me as much as the Sennheiser does. The cord is thicker and the headphone feels more solid because it is not foldable but the fit is the worst of the 4 headphones because the elements can only tilt in one direction and therefore put more pressure on the back of the ears than on the front which may be uncomfortable after a certain time. 2nd place is for the Koss KSC50 (101 dB/1mW @ 60Ohms), which sounds better than the KTX-pro1 and PX100 especially in the highs where it is superior and more open and flat. The bass is less pronounced than the KTX-pro1’s. The earclip design takes some getting used to but is actually much more comfortable than headband headphones because these headphones do not press your ears against your head they also do not fall off your ears you can even jog with them. The Koss KSC35 (101 dB/1mW @ 60Ohms) is the winner because of it’s comfortable fit over the ears (probably the new KSC75 will fit equally well as the KSC35 not yet tested). The KSC35 is soundwise (almost ?) identical to the KSC50 (the same driver). Although the KSC50 feels sturdier than the flimsy feeling KSC35 I prefer the KSC35 over the other headphones in fit, tonal quality and openness and comes much closer to my Sennheiser HD650 which I regard as a reference headphone.

Similar Products Used:

Sennheiser: HD400 HD414 HD497 HD250-II HD580, HD590, HD600, HD650, PX100, Koss: KSC19 KSC35 KSC50 KTX-pro1, The Plug, Beyerdynamic: HD330, HD770, HD880, HD990. Stax electret headphone, Sony and Technics earbuds and various other cheap and more expensive headphones

Good volume, Clarity, Bass.

Clipon''s are different than what I''m used to with circum-aural headphones, but they are still quite comfortable.

I''ve been spoiled over the years with various models of Sennheiser headphones (starting with the 540''s and working my way up to my current pair of 580''s). When I purchased my first Minidisc player a few days ago I was in desperate need of new headphones as the pair that came with it absolutely sucked (as expected). I couldn''t just take my Sennheisers everywhere, the entire reason of buying an md player was the size ($200 headphones don''t go outside). After checking many reviews on the net the KSC35''s sounded like the perfect choice. I ordered monday night and here it is Wednesday afternoon and I''m enjoying my new headphones. Very good bass response, maybe just a TAD bit boomy. Smooth highs without crackling at fairly high volumes. For anything under $60 I''d say go with the KSC35''s or the PortaPro''s (same drivers). They don''t have the clarity as sennheisers but they cost just a fraction of the price.

Good overall sound quality, great comfort, doesn''t fall off the ears

Hard to find new

This is a legendary portable headphone (it was the first earclip-type headphone model ever marketed) that is, unfortunately, discontinued. I have a pair of its successor model, the KSC-50, which sounds alright, but fits too loosely on my ears. So, out of curiosity, I ordered a pair of KSC-35''s from Headroom. Here is my analysis: Initially, I had trouble putting it on properly - but that took a little getting used to. And it''s among the most comfortable headphones that I''ve ever put on; no pain, unlike some of the other earclip and "Street Style" headphones that I tried. And for all its comfort, the KSC-35 stays put on my ears, unlike the newer KSC-50, which sometimes falls off my ears during a workout. When I first heard the KSC-35, I was blown away by its sound quality. The bass is full and rich, though a bit bloated; the mids are a little recessed, but otherwise clear and detailed; the treble, a little harsh (but not bad). But this level of performance is a far cry from the miserable sound quality of most portable headphones in this price class (those deliver weak bass response, nonexistent mids and scratchy treble). I couldn''t tolerate such crappy portable low-priced headphones, until I bought the KSC-35. At 60 ohms impedance and 101dB/mW sensitivity, the KSC-35 is easily powered by typical portable audio equipment. Many headphones that sound as good as or better than these often require a dedicated headphone amplifier just to outperform the KSC-35. A four-foot cord with a gold-plated plug allows for greater freedom than typical portable headphones offer. A vinyl carrying pouch is supplied as well (but I don''t use it at all). Over, the Koss KSC-35 is (or was) the best truly portable headphone that I''ve ever owned. Sadly, Koss had discontinued this model and replaced it with an inferior (but still quite good) KSC-50. If you have $30-plus to spend on earclip-type headphones, I''d strongly recommend ordering the KSC-35 from Headroom instead of going to Best Buy and buying the crappy Sony MDR-Q33LP/S (or /B) w.ear.

Similar Products Used:

Koss KSC-50 (OK) Sony MDR-Q33LP/S (junk)

Very light and extremely confortable providing hours of listening pleasure. Solid bass and crisp highs, and everything in-between is smooth. The clip-on design means that these things won''t fall off, even during vigorous activity. Really haven''t found any types of music that these can''t do justice to, at least not in my CD collection. Quite efficient, meaning you get decent volume, even with MD recorders.

A bit of a trick to attach to your ear lobes, but, once mastered, far more comfortable than most anything you''ll ever use. Plastic clips seem a bit cheap and fragile, but are made to last. Bass can be a bit excessive, but one of the few phones that actually extend and WORK below 50 Hz.

A legendary headphone that has been, sadly, discontinued.

Similar Products Used:

Never used "clip-on" phones, before, but am familiar with earbuds, namely the Sony MDR-E888''s. (which are superb, also)

good bass response, very comfortable, very light, won't budge no matter what you do

bass distorts at high levels, treble a bit too high

I got these as a replacement for my koss sportapros, which ended up being too uncomfortable for my tastes. Since they supposedly use the same drivers I expected similar sound but noticed a few differences. First, the sportapros do not falter at high levels as much as the 35's do. second, the treble on the 35's is higher and a bit to screetchy to me, something that I had no problem with when I had the sportas. However, these things are very comfortable and easy to get on, something that is definitely lacking with the sportas. And it doesn't matter what you do, they will not fall off.

After I had them for a little while I made a few changes to their design. I added a little piece of wire to connect the two phones which gives you all of the benifits a headband does, with none of the compactness problems. I also replaced the foam pads with radio shack leatherette pads, but don't do this. It does improve output, bass and treble but it causes major problems with the midrange. Also, you have to reshape the clips.

And if you don't need extreme portability but are just looking for good sound, try the optimus nova 71's that I mentioned earlier. They are easily powered by a portable, and have amazing sound. Trust me, it doesn't matter how loud you play them, they will not distort. I use them all the time now. (Also, if you're a jogger, the optimus's are very snug, they won't budge if you run with them.) And, they only cost $25 at radio shack, so you're not spending any more money.

In the end, I do reccomend the ksc 35's. But, there are better things for the money, although perhaps not in the portable/active world.

Similar Products Used:

koss sportapros, sony mdr-a30g's, Optimus Nova 71's

Tight bass; natural sound; very comfortable

Bass is a bit overpowering; doesn't fit everyone; not a very good gaming headphone

These headphones are truly amazing. The sound is very smooth, and isn't fatiguing, even with the strong bass. I got these at the same time that I got the V6'es; while I enjoy listening to both, the Koss are much easier on the ears comfort-wise, and for listening to music at work, they are fantastic. The sound leak, in my opinion, is not significant as long as you don't have the volume too loud.

These are not good gaming headphones, however. It's difficult to pinpoint where a sound is coming from, and the bass extension makes it even worse, as the bass makes a boom which makes attempts at locating the sound's origins very difficult.

These are great headphones for music, though, and would probably satisfy any bass-head.

Similar Products Used:

Sony V6; MDR-CD160

Great sound for the money...probabally best headphone for under 50 dollars.

hard to take on and off

This is a great headphone for the money...If you can still find one buy it now, because koss is discontinuing the KSC-35's and replacing them with the inferior, but still good KSC-50s

Similar Products Used:

Grado SR-60, Etymotic ER-6

Excellent bass. Very comfortable. Easily portable. Excellent sound quality. Unique method of wearing.

Clip system takes a few tries to master.

These are by far the best portable headphones I have ever owned. Sound and bass especially is fat superior to any earbuds I have ever used, and clarity is far beyond the POS headphones that came with my Panasonic cd player.

As mentioned in other reviews, these headphones do not require a strong driver to sound good, and in fact I find that they can get much louder than the Panasonic headphones that came with the cd player. With the panasonic ones, I could raise the volume to the max and it wouldn't be loud enough. With these I could get ear damage doing the same thing!

Either way, the unique clip system is what sold me, i wanted these for cycling, and they're ideal having no headband and they still stay on your ears.

These cost a lot less than my Grado SR-80s, but while the Grado's are my favorite sit down phones, these will remain my on-the-go phones.

Plus they have a lifetime warranty, and we pre-tested by the Listening Station.

Similar Products Used:

Cheap Panasonic headphones, sony earbuds

Overall value, portablility, weight, SOUND

Bass slightly excessive (that's why it distorts at high volumes); clip-on design takes a little while to get used to

Overall, this is the best overall value, IMO, for a portable headphone. Small and lightweight, the KSC-35s also sound better than any of their competitors, including the S/Portapros. They have OVERALLY bloated bass, the kind that gives me headaches. The KSC-35s would, too, if it wasn't for their very interesting design. Unlike usual headphones which go over your head, or even the neck-band types, the KSC-35s have no headband whatsoever! They hang around your ear - clip is the word most people use, but that sounds painful, and the KSC-35s are the most comfortable headphones i've ever worn. Ever.

To the most important part: Sound. These things ound great. With only 32 ohms of resistance, they will be driven easily from any portable, including MP3/MD players with low output strength. The clip design, as i mentioned above, changes the acoustic properties of the KSC-35s. They are no longer exerting pressure on your ears; they instead simply drape the earlobe. Because of this "loose" grip (when compared to the S/Portapros), they lose some of the boominess in the bass department. They do, however, have a peak in frequency response favoring bass, so bass lovers will truly enjoy these headphones. I prefer the mid-range, and the KSC-35s have a decent midrange presentation, as well a good treble presentation. The excessive bass, while less than the S/Portapros, is still too much to allow the the other frequencies to shine.

All in all, a very active-use friendly design, excellent sound for minimal price, and a superiority over other models in the same price range BY THE SAME COMPANY (KOSS), won me over. These headphones are perfect for an active listener who wants to get great sound out of his portable.

NOTE: I have been constantly comparing the KSC-35s to the Sportapro and Portapro models because all three models have the same drivers. In fact, the S/Portaprose tend to be highly reccommended, while actually their sporty-looking cousin, the KSC-35, sound better! For less!

Similar Products Used:

Cheap Sony junk, Street Styles (alos cheap....), Koss KSC-15, Sony MDR-E281, etc.