Koss Pro-4AA Studio Quality Headphones | List Price: $99.99
Discount Price: $58.99
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Brand: Koss
Binding: Electronics
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
Features: - 10 - 25,000 Hz frequency response
- Closed ear cushions for maximum bass and isolation
- Includes microphone mount hardware
- 10 foot cord
- .25-inch plug
headphone nostalgia [Posted on 2008-06-01]
I bought two sets of Pro 4AA phones in 1974 (yes, that's right, 34 years ago). They both still work well. The only problem I have had is that one set fell and a piece broke on the headband, requiring a quick and sloppy repair with duct tape. With proper care (don't drop on concrete) they just go on and on.
When they were introduced in the 1970s, they quickly became a standard in recording studios of the time, as well as audiophile stereo setups. If you look at still pix and videos in studio settings from that time, you will often see Pro 4AAs. You might also notice that they have a mounting point on one side for a microphone boom, as they could be used for many professional tasks that required a mic.
They are not "portable" in the current sense of the word, nor were they considered to be then. They are large and somewhat heavy. The original portable sound systems, Sony's "Walkman" series audio cassette decks, were not on the scene yet, so there wasn't much need for lightweight, portable headphones. They were designed for use indoors within a small distance of an audio system.
The main requirement was that headphones do as good a job as possible of replacing good stereo speakers for private listening. Pro 4AAs did that very well. They seal well around the ears, blocking out noise, and creating a nice sonic environment. They have great bass response.
They are comfortable for moderate periods of time if you have good neck muscles - longer if you are laying down with your head on a pillow (one of the favorite positions for listening to music "back then"). The headband is well padded and the earpieces are comfortable, however most people would probably find them a bit of a challenge to wear for long periods of time.
All in all they are great phones with a lot of history. Not many products are well designed enough to stay in the market for nearly 40 years (especially today).
Koss Headphone review [Posted on 2008-06-07]
The headset came in quickly and is of high quality. The only knock on the headset is it's a little heavier than I would have hoped for the purpose I intended. That's to use it in the field attached to a metal detector...I give it 4 stars.
35 years old and still kicking the jams [Posted on 2008-06-15]
When I was 15 (35 years ago), I was hired by my next door neighbour to stain her garage. With my profits, I went headphone shopping. For around 60 to 70 bucks Canadian, I splurged on a pair of Koss Pro-4AA headphones. Wow! Great bass, terrific highs, fine midrange. I was in love with the sounds enveloping my head. At that time, there was no better headphone in its price range. I still remember when I was 17 and in my first semester of university and was listening to the first album by Deep Purple with the phones on while reading Jane Austin's Emma sprawled out on the chesterfield. Them was the days.
A lot has happened since then. I not only finished reading Jane Austin's Emma, but I actually finished college a few times, got a job, and along the way purchased some other cans: Sennheiser 595, Grado SR-60, and a pair of AKG 271S. I have an Ipod clone and a Total Bithead headphone amp. I use my cans on my regular stereo kit with an Adcom 565 preamp headphone outlet. Each headphone has its virtues and warts. I enjoy them all, but usually listen to the AKG 271S (I listen to a lot of jazz, folk, world music, but also other genres as I teach courses like the sociology of music and popular culture for a living).
Re-evaluating my Koss Pro-4AAs, I'm surprised at how good they sound for a pair of 35 year old headphones! They are still involving, good overall sound, with excellent sound isolation and a snug, vise-like fit. If the darn things weren't so robust (read: a pain in the neck after a while as they are rather heavy) and so tight, I'd probably use them more often. I've been spoiled by the competition (and with the exception of the Grado SR-60s, paid substantially more for the other cans).
The sound of the Pro-4AA's is pretty well balanced--some over emphasis of bass, but that isn't displeasing and is oftentimes welcome (it isn't super accurate like the AKG 271S phones which excell in monitoring music, studio use, and mixing). The bass does get a bit muddy and the overall sound presentation isn't as smooth as the AKG 271S and the Sennheiser 595. The midrange of the AKG 271S is hard to beat. The midrange on the Pro-4AA's holds its own, but is not as smooth and detailed at the AKG. In some ways, the Pro-4AAs are more "musical" than the AKG 271S. The Pro-4AAs are fun to listen to and are very good. The AKG 271S is much more accuate and for me, a better phone for critical listening when I really want to dissect a song. In a sense, the Pro-4AA's are like good home stereo speakers; the AKG 271 sounds like studio monitor speakers. Both have their place in the world, but if it's a party, go with the Koss Pro-4AAs. If you are into analysis or studio work, go with the AKG 271S.
I still like the Pro-4AAs and listen to them every now and then. If you want sealed cans and are on a budget, you'd get an excellent bang for your buck with these headphones. If you don't mind leaking sound, the on the ear, Grado SR-60s are a delight. If you have the lolly and really want an accurate pair of sealed headphones, the AKG 271S is well worth it (don't bother with the MkII version as it really isn't all that different than the original version and is much more expensive). If you just want a pair of musical and involving headphones and want comfort, go with the Sennheiser 595s. Still, for a lot less, you can get the Pro-4AAs and if you are a casual listener the weight and the vise-like grip shouldn't be a detriment.
35 years later, the Koss Pro-4AAs are still viable and a very good pair of cans that can still kick the jams.
I'd buy another set just to show how much I love these cans! [Posted on 2008-07-24]
Holy balls! Best headphones ever. Finally decided to upgrade from my more consumer-grade TD-65's. Did some research, and decided on the 4AA's.
Amazing sound reproduction with the widest range of frequency response! Deep bass, crisp highs. Every CD, Record, MP3/WMA I've run through these have sounded better than ever. I heard things in the music that I had never heard before. Like going from 20-30 vision to 20-15 (If that makes sense)
Durable! Built like a tank! These cans last a lifetime, and if for some reason, they do break, or if a dog chews the cable, KOSS covers these with the industry-leading "No-questions asked lifetime warrantee" Just mail them to KOSS with $6 and you get back a new set!
Amazing noise-cancelling. These industry-leading cans have the best sound-deadening design. The gas-filled cushions block-out ALL NOISE. when worn properly, you hear nothing. It makes plugging your ears seem loud.
Best cans ever, I am tempted to buy another set to show KOSS my appreciation. BOSE and Sennheiser have NOTHING on these phones. Buy them now!
I'm in love again [Posted on 2008-09-26]
Needing a new pair of headphones, I came to Amazon.Com to take a look around. Amazon always seems to have just what I need and at a price that can't be beat.
I had been needing a pair of headphones for quite some time, but could never find anything that came anywhere near to sounding as good as my old headphones. Then I discovered the Koss Pro-4AA headphones. My old headphones? Koss Pro-4AA. Purchased them almost 30 years ago! I quickly jumped on a new pair. I was amazed that they were still making them.
These headphones have to be the most comfortable I've ever worn. The sound is amazingingly clear. Thank you Koss! Thank you Amazon.Com!
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