Koss butchers Porta Pro Wireless headphone design
Koss has finally created a Bluetooth version of its iconic value headphone. But the design is a head-scratcher.
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The new Koss Porta Pro Wireless retails for $80.
Koss' Porta Pro has been around for 34 years and has been one of our favorite value headphones, thanks to its sound quality and Sony Walkman-era looks. Now it's gone wireless, but we're not sure what Koss was thinking when it designed the new Porta Pro Wireless Bluetooth, available now for $80. (There's no word yet on international pricing, but we'll add it as soon as we get it).
Instead of building the rechargeable battery and electronics into the headphones, Koss' engineers grafted a cord onto the headphones. It's essentially the design you'd get with a set of Bluetooth sports earphones except instead of buds on the end of the cord, you get a set of on-ear headphones complete with headband.
I'll wait to pass final judgment until I get my hands on a pair, but the initial photos of the product have left me a little perplexed and somewhat disappointed.
Here's a look at the Porta Pro Wireless' key specs:
- Bluetooth 4.1 with apt-X functionality
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can last 12-plus hours.
- In-line remote allows you to skip tracks forward/back, answer/end calls, adjust volume, and more.
- Integrated microphone
- Carrying case included
- Price: $80
The headphone folded up.