This is Part II of the Koss Mini-Series and Also Budget King #1!!
Is the Koss KPH30i a perfect headphone? What about it stands out? Who is it for?
All of these answers and more, comin’ up in this Koss KPH30i Review!
Greetings bass head, and Welcome aboard… Stuart Charles here, HomeStudioBasics.com helping YOU make sound decisions leading to a beautiful audio experience that will make you fall in love with music, all over again, so…
Video Discussion
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This is part of the Budget Kings Series, which takes a look at some of the best options for under $100.
- Budget King #1: This review
- Budget King #2: The open back Philips SHP9500 Review!
- Budget King #3: The closed back Sony MDR-7506 Review!
- Budget King #4: The closed back Creative Aurvana Live! Review
- Budget King #5: The semi-open AKG K240 Studio Review!
- Budget King #6: The closed back Status Audio CB-1 Review!
Is the KPH30i a perfect headphone?
Koss KPH30i
Price: Check Amazon! | Check eBay!
As seen here with the FiiO BTR3K.
In The Box
Koss KPH30i headphones
Limited Lifetime Warranty Card
Specs/Graph
Graph: Crinacle
- Type: Semi-Open back, Dynamic
- Fit: Supra-Aural (On-Ear)
- Frequency response: 15Hz – 25kHz.
- Impedance: 60 Ohms. What is Headphone Impedance?
- Sensitivity: 101dB/mW.
- Material: Plastic, Foam.
- Color: Beige, White/Blue, Grey/Black.
- Cable: Non-detachable 3.5mm.
- Weight: 12.5 Oz. (75g)
Two separate graphs that I’ve seen show that strange cut/dip around 4kHz, but I can’t say it’s had a negative effect on the way these sound.
The first graph I looked at came from a guy named Samma3a.
Check out what he had to say, a sentiment I happen to agree with:
I also do not perceive that dip. Seems a bit strange, but Crinacle’s graph above shows it as well.
In any event, let’s get into the review.
The Koss KPH30i was, and still is, certainly one of the most talked about headphones in the audiophile community.
Before I first bought a pair around 2021, people were gushing over them left and right. It seemed like you couldn’t even open a browser tab without the darn things popping up, almost screaming at you to buy them.
And why wouldn’t you buy them? They’re only around $20-30. What could possibly go wrong?
NOTHING, that’s what. They were so dirt cheap that I felt I owed it to myself to see what all the hubbub was about.
A lot of times, when products are hyped up as much as the 30i is, there’s a good chance you’re going to be let down.
So I tailored my expectations accordingly, especially given their meager profile and rather unassuming stature.
They arrive in a sheepish-looking box with a window and look like something hanging on the shelf of your local drugstore circa 1995.
The good news is that, unlike those other trashy headphones, you won’t need a crowbar to open the damn box. So already we’re off to a good start.
The 30i comes with no accessories but does include a lifetime limited warranty; basically unheard of in the world of audio products.
So Koss stands behind these headphones wholeheartedly, and for good reason.
Make no mistake, they are certainly ultra-light, but they don’t feel cheap. They’re incredibly economical and efficient; a no-frills, utilitarian, somewhat retro design.
There’s a soft piece of rubber that attaches to either side and runs parallel to the plastic headband. Consider this the padding, and because they’re so light, it’s about all you’ll need like Radiohead.
In other words, comfort is very good although because they are On-Ear, you’ll start to feel them dig a little into your auricles after extended listening sessions.
Aside from that, the headband adjustments are of the click-mechanism variety, with 2 pieces on either side connecting to the overarching headband piece. The non-detachable cable is rather flimsy and comes out of each cup, terminating in a 3.5mm jack at the business end.
The padding does resemble those old cheap Sony foam pads, so you may want to invest in some Yaxi pads if you’re particular about that sort of thing.
Like some of the other stories on this website, I can vividly remember the moment I first tried them.
I was sitting on my apartment balcony and had the FiiO BTR3K at the time. I figured it would just about be the perfect pairing since the 3K doesn’t output all that much power and the 30i hardly needs any.
This setup is also super compact and travel-friendly, so I’d highly recommend it if you’re just starting.
In any event, I remember firing up “Frail State Of Mind” by The 1975 and being completely blown away by how good it sounded.
It was as close to perfect as it gets in this price range.
What makes this even more astounding is when you consider the fact that I heard these after hearing 135+ other headphones. That’s right, you read that correctly.
The semi-open-backed KPH30i for $20-30 sounds at least as good or better than the majority of them, and that’s not an exaggeration.
You’d be hard-pressed to find many headphones in this price range tuned as well as these, and that’s the honest truth. Unfortunately, the majority of products below $100 sound like complete dog shit, but there are exceptions.
And, fortunately for you, many of them happen to be in this Budget Kings series.
For a long time, I felt like the SHP9500 was the best headphone under $100, and certainly, you could make the argument that it still is.
If it’s any indication of how much I love the 9500, I bought one in 2017 and don’t ever plan on selling it.
But the 30i, at around $20-$30, makes a strong case for being a better overall value (and arguably a better sound) thus why I bumped it up to #1.
What about it stands out?
Putting one on your head is a revelation of sorts, in that, nothing about the sound signature comes across as out of place, over-emphasized, weird, or wrong.
I can’t really point out a single flaw with it. This is outrageous, again, considering its price.
All of the hype surrounding the 30i is completely and absolutely warranted; without question.
It’s the one thing that most audiophiles and regular people agree on; unless you’re this goofball:
It’s one of those things that can only be appreciated in retrospect.
After hearing a lot of good headphones, some mediocre, some amazing, and some terrible, the 30i is most certainly a breath of fresh air.
The mid-bass thumps without sounding bloated like a 40x, the treble is detailed and crisp without sounding neither too veiled nor too bright, and the mid-range is sublime.
Vocals and instruments stand out, but in a way that isn’t too shouty or in your face.
If there was ever a “perfect” sound signature, I think the 30i would be as close as it gets.
Put another way, I’m becoming increasingly cynical by the day the more trashy products are sent my way. They’re seemingly all tuned horribly and have terrible mid-bass flaws, so listening to a 30i almost feels like an epiphany.
For the newcomer to audio, hearing a 30i as your first foray into the hobby may result in some incredibly unrealistic expectations moving forward. Meaning, you may think it’s all sunshine and rainbows.
Well, it’s not.
Just know that these headphones are the exception and not the rule; meaning, most products in this price range are going to sound pretty awful if we’re being honest about it.
The 30i bucks that trend, and for an On-Ear headphone, the Soundstage here is quite good too.
It’s not a K702, but what is?
It’s definitely above average and has no business sounding this open and spacious, especially for its price.
Instruments are spaced out nicely and the music is given ample room to breathe and express itself. Timbre is also exemplary and instruments have an element of realism that few others below $100 can match.
Because of these things, I fully recommend that most people bypass everything you may have heard about, and just go straight for the 30i as your introduction to the hobby.
Yeah, you’ll be going down the rabbit hole soon after, but who cares? You would have eventually dove in head first anyway:
I talk a lot about the MDR-7506 and SHP9500 as perfect entry-level headphones (and they still mostly are), but the 30i outclasses both because there aren’t any glaring flaws with its sound.
You could make the case that the cut at 4k is problematic, and it would be in the majority of other cases. But here it’s just something that isn’t all that noticeable given how good everything else sounds.
If you’re looking for something more durable and comfortable, the 9500 is a great option and something I still own.
The 7506 comes in third because of the earcup issues, annoying non-detachable coiled cable, and sometimes overly bright treble.
Still, it’s both are solid options and I think everyone should get a chance to try them due to their excellent overall resolution and solid tuning.
Amplification
Pictured: DragonFly Red, BTR3K
You won’t need an amp for the 30i, but I’ve found it to work quite well with anything I may have lying around.
- Recommended: How to Choose a Headphone Amp [Definitive Guide]
Again, a great pair would be something like a BTR3K, which you can listen to at home wired, or on the go via Bluetooth.
It’s incredibly convenient because the 30i’s cable is short and compact, and the headphone is highly transportable.
You can wear this bad boy on your neck without looking like you just walked out of a Head-Fi meet with a duffel bag full of overpriced DACS.
Put another way, spend any more money than a BTR3K and I think you’re wasting money.
Closing Thoughts
If the 7506 is pure sound, and the 9500 is pure-er, the 30i is definitely the pure-est.
It’s an experience you won’t soon forget and a headphone that personally changed my life and made me re-evaluate what I thought I knew about recorded music.
So buy one today. It’s $20. Chump change.
You really have nothing to lose, and most certainly everything to gain.
This is a headphone you’ll cherish for a long time, perhaps even forever.
Learn More:
Ready for the next article in the series?
At A Glance
Well, that’s about it for today my friend! I hope you’ve enjoyed this Koss KPH30i Review and Discussion, and came away with some valuable insight.
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Questions? Comments? Requests? Did I miss the mark on something? Please let me know down below or Contact me!!
What do YOU think about the 30i? Is it a perfect headphone? I would love to hear from you. Until next time…
All the best and God bless,
-Stu
Can’t decide which headphones to purchase? Interested in a complete buyers guide outlining over 40 of the best options on the market? Click on over to the best audiophile headphones to learn more!!
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Koss KPH30i
Pros
- Insane value
- Better than the majority of audiophile offerings
- No need for an amp, but does well with one
- Highly transportable
- Tremendous sound
Cons
- A tad flimsy
- Comfort isn't the greatest
26 comments
How would you say it compares to Porta Pro? Is there a noticeable difference?
Hey man, that one is coming next, but there is more mid-bass on the Porta Pro for sure. I guess I would say it’s a tad more of a V-shaped type sound (without the harsh treble) vs. the more uniform, even sound of the 30i. I will be doing an official Porta Pro review and then a shootout to round out this series, so stay tuned! 🙂 Let me know if that helps.
It definitely helps, thanks for your reply! I bought both Porta Pro and 30i which is yet to arrive. KPH30i is harder to get outside the US so I had to buy it from abroad. Both of these headphones are pretty hyped online and I must admit I was somewhat disappointed by Porta Pro because of muddiness (mid-bass?) and lack of detail. Although it really works well with some songs. Obviously they are cheap so not sure if my disappointment is warranted. Your description of the differences to 30i makes me think that I might enjoy 30i more.
Would you say either of these is worth ~50USD shipped? This is what I paid and I guess what many non-Americans would have to due to regional price differences.
Also, sorry if I accidentally left a double comment 🙂
Hey man no worries! So you’re saying Porta Pro 50 USD shipped and 30i 50 USD shipped for 100 total or 50 total? I think the 30i hits way above its price point at what I paid ($20 on Drop), so yeah! The only thing is that it’s flimsy and can get a bit uncomfortable. The sound is impeccable and you’re going to love it! I think you’ll probably end up returning the Porta Pro.
Hi Stu,
Thanks for all your budget king reviews and this one in particular. It really is amazing that Koss have such a sound built into a set that many would immediately skip over due to build/look compared to traditional ‘sturdy’ over ears.
Love your clarity, explanations and links that add extra value and comprehensiveness to your reviews.
Really helpful.
Thanks
Hey man thank you so much! And my pleasure. Glad you enjoyed it. I certainly skipped over this one for quite awhile haha. Your kind words encourage me more than you know!
Reach out anytime.
-Stu
Have you ever mod a headphone? Mine broke easily. I got some couple of pair but prefer something more durable.
And the driver still good, so it’s a bit waste to throw it out.
I have actually never aside from pad swaps and stuff. I’d like to do the detachable cable mod for the 7506 though. Perhaps you’d like the 400se which is priced really well: https://homestudiobasics.com/hifiman-he400se-review/
Hi! I just stumbled over your youtube channel and just saw you have a website so yeah here i am lol. So i just saw this budget king today and looking at your review it seems impressive. but i have question regarding the build quality, it scores 4.5 / 5.0 which strange because all i see about this headphone is that it looks so fragile. So my question is, what makes this headphone’s build quality so good?
Hey man!
Those claims could very well be true, I just haven’t personally experienced them. Also, keep in mind that I didn’t have the 30i for 2+ years. I included it in a giveaway in 2021. I’d have to buy another pair and keep them for a long time, but there’s not much to it that can break down other than it snapping so I wouldn’t worry about it too much. That and it’s so cheap you could always just buy another pair. The sound most certainly makes up for any of that and as long as you’re not throwing them around, you should be okay xD
Stu: You are so right on with your review of the Koss KPH30i headphones! I bought a set, pretty neutral sound, with some mid bass thump (which I like). Can you please start reviewing wireless earbuds too? I like the fact that you seem to listen to every possible brand / model you can. ahmed924944
Hey Ahmed924944!
Thank you for the kind swords! I do have a Wireless earbud coming in very soon and there are some others I also need to get to as well 🙂 Be on the lookout!
I have the Koss KSC75 and the KPH30i. I also have the Koss KTXpro1 which uses the same titanium coated driver as the KSC75. The KPH30i & PortaPro use the same driver without the titanium coating. In terms of pleasurable listening I would rank them as 1) KSC75 2)KTXpro1 3)KPH30i. The KSC75 seem to have more clarity and detail than the others and presents as more balanced and refined. I heard details I never knew existed in the music I’ve listened to for 30 years. The bass is nimble and controlled with excellent timbre though overall is much reduced in amplitude compared to most common mass produced headphones. Apparently most people prefer loud, dominating bass.
Unlike yourself and many others I find the KSC75 the most comfortable. Slightly more work to get them on, but once in place they simply disappear. No pressure, no itching, no sweating. Just sweet glorious sound. The clamp pressure on the KPH30i make them impossible to wear much more than 30 minutes. The oversized Grado earpads extend pressure tolerance but result in sweatiness and itching.
The Koss KTXpro1 are warmer with more bass than the KSC75. They still retain above average detail & excellent tone. The bass is looser & not as refined as the KSC75 but is more prominent. I am able to wear these for many hours without discomfort.
To me the KSC75 are audiophile headphones in many ways. They do have reduced bass but do not carry the hefty price tag. Unfortunately they are quite fragile & need to be treated very gently.
Thank you for your thoughts, Rob!
Yaxi pads and the Parts Express headband really make the KSC75’s sing.
Sweet!
This was the first, and probably last time I bought headphones based on (not-so-professional) reviews alone. Read yours multiple times. Gave it a week so it wouldn’t be impulse-buying. Read other reviews. But… it just does’t cut it. Sure, the soundstage is amazing for its price. Very much so. I.e. it’s outrageously wide (again, for its price, e.g. compared to M50x even) and its punch can bring a smile to your face… for 2 minutes. Then it just isn’t fun anymore. It’s so dull and bookshelfy. That’s the word that kept coming back in my mind. Bookshelfy. The carpeted, veiled kind. Sure, you can’t expect a 35-40 dollar one’s transient speeds and rhythm to be precise and transparent, either. In fact, it’s quite a lot less muddy and boomy than many at its range, and in its own way actually clear-ish, but still with soft with smeared band seperation. Too much to warrant the hype.
I tried really hard to make it work, have good use for him. No matter what source, no matter how I EQ where applicable, it’s just too dull. In the best case it’s tolerable but squelchy-fatiguing. Found myself actually falling asleep during three different albums on different times of day forcing my attention to details.
Oh, and you should’ve mentioned the finnicky controls on it. You know a product is intended for the ‘cell-phone generation’ when, if you plug it into any, ANY hi-fi CD-player or preamp (tried with two different adaptors), you have to keep its volume/phonecall-answer button pressed. …the whole time. If you don’t want a mono-reverby karaoke effect.
All-in-all, a just-about deal breaker. If you are on a low budget and could only save up 40 bucks, wait thrice as long and get a K702.
P.s.: The 4kHz dip? Yes, you can definitely sense it 😛 Without question. On any material. … Just train your ears more.
Don’t take this the wrong way man, but you just wrote an entire novel complaining about $30 headphones lol. I do love the K702 though and it’s definitely something I recommend for most people.
Also, it’s just your opinion. You’re entitled to it and that’s fine. The problem I have is that one person makes their opinion gospel as if it’s the final say in the matter. It’s not. Like me, you’re just a guy with a viewpoint. That’s OKAY! And I’m sorry it didn’t work out for you. But please don’t try and discredit others who enjoy the headphones and recognize their merits.
You tell’em, WOOO!!!!!
Thanks for stopping by, Joe!
Hi Stu!
Hope everything’s well for you.
KPH30 Wireless just came out last week, and I can barely see a review anywhere… any chance you will review them?
I kinda have mixed feelings about them. They fixed the “flimsy-ness” part of the KPH30i, made them larger (which is also better and worse at the same time)… and changed the driver. Now it’s a 32 Ohms driver. Also, they don’t bundle with them a USB-C to 3.5mm passthrough, like they do with the Porta Pro Wireless. They don’t provide a portable case for them neither.
So… dunno. Mixed feelings. They’re solid now, no longer fragile… buttons are larger and better laid out than on the Porta Pro Wireless… and cups are even larger now. So there are improvements and stuff to get excited about. I think it will take several months until they come to Europe… so I won’t get to test them myself anytime soon. Since I have the wired version and the Porta Pro Wireless, I no longer *need* another pair of headphones… but I am still curious about them.
You’re one of the few reviewers whom I actually trust to recommend good gear at the best bang for the buck, so I’m curious what you think. Especially since you reviewed the wired version before and really came to appreciate them for what they are.
Hope to hear from you soon. Take care!
Mihai
Mihai,
Always great to hear from you brother! Sorry for the delay. I’ve been away from the computer for a few days (much needed honestly lol). Fishing, boating, getting out in nature, etc. My sister, niece and I went on a hike around their house out in the country. It was fun! We got a bit lost in the woods haha. It was kind of exhilarating to be honest with you. A little weird, but always interesting. My mind immediately went to blair witch project xD What have you been up to?
Just looked up the KPH30W and they’re unavailable! I will bookmark them for when they come back.
I really appreciate the kind words and vote of confidence! I will certainly keep them in mind. How are you liking the Porta Pro Wireless? Is it about the same signature as the wired version?
Talk soon,
-Stu
Hi there Stu!
Glad you took the time for a little vacation. Yea, I know how it feels. Last year I travelled a bit more, but this year I focused more on gear and gadgets. 😀 Hopefully next year I will take more time off the screens and get to travel more again.
I have a nephew too, he went to college last year in another city… came back home this month for the summer, so we also had some family meetings. 😀
Fishing is something that my family enjoys a lot! 😀 To me it’s kinda boring, so I skip it most of the times. XD But boating? Maaan!! I could do it for hours and still wouldn’t be enough! I love being on a boat, I love the water, the sea… actually seagulls are my favourite birds! 😀 It kinda puts my mind at peace, you kno? Gives my brain much needed pause and a break from all the mundane stuff.
Blair Witch, maaan… that reference sure triggered me! :)) It seems like yesterday that movie launched! I had to check on imdb… 26 years?? God! When did all that time flew by? And it still seems like I haven’t done much with my life lol. :)) But, yea… that movie surely redefined what indie projects are and how they can be done properly.
But, yea… I get what you’re saying. I also love nature, walking through the woods and stuff… it’s very relaxing. We have a lot of brown bears in our country, so I don’t do that much. XD
On the side of audio… Lately I just got into listening records! 😀 Bought a brand new turntable, it’s an Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB. When I was a kid, way, waay back… I used to listen to a lot to records. Back then you could find records with fairy tales at the bookstore. My parents used to gift me one from time to time, and I remember sitting all day long with the chin in my hands, elbows on the table… and just watch that record spinning. I don’t know why, but it fascinated me back then! Or sitting on the bed record cover on my lap… and watching that cover all the time while I was listening to the tale. The places my mind would go in those moments… you would not believe! Or maybe you know this only too well. 😀
So, yeah… maybe it’s just nostalgia. But I thought… heck. Maybe I should get into listening my music on vinyl records? It sure is a way to get more involved with your music. After all, I love music, I love gadgets… and I love all this analogue stuff. Getting away from the digital. Screens, notifications, ads, pop-ups, noise… all that, gone! Heck, you can’t even pause or skip songs! XD I mean, you can… but not precisely. So it helps against all the distractions and stuff that make your mind restless. It kinda helps getting rooted, somehow. I don’t know how to explain this better. But is roots you and helps holding time still. It’s just you… your record… that cover… and the music you love. It’s bliss! It connects you to the music you love and it is a more involved process than just pressing play in Tidal on the phone.
Don’t get me wrong, I still love listening to my music on Tidal everyday! Streaming services allow me to listen to my music while commuting and while at work, so I’m grateful for that. Also, it helps me discover new music (and remember songs that I once loved and have since forgot). I would not give up my Tidal subscription for anything. 😀 But I now know records have their place, too – and I don’t want to give up on them neither.
So, because I don’t have a proper audio setup, I started it from waaay down! XD The turntable has a phono amp, but turned out I actually have no speakers! :)) Fortunately, turntable also has bluetooth output, so I started from there. 😀 I have a BTR17, which serves me well in this. 😀 Codec is aptX HD, so quality is good enough. Power was kinda low for K702… but it had no problem powering Koss headphones (more about that in a bit :D). So far I don’t have a big records collection… yet! 😀 But I’m working on that. 😀 I look forward to spin all the legendary stuff… Dark side of the Moon, Nevermind, Thriller, Slippery when wet, Brothers in arms, Dookie, Master of Puppets… you kno… the works. XD All those albums that made history. Experiencing them on vinyl is something that I really look forward to!
So far I only got the 50th anniversary for Abbey Road and a couple of HIM albums (a finnish band)… But hopefully my collection will improve soon enough! 😀
And, of course… this new hobby of mine got me on the lookout for a new pair of speakers. Next week I’m pulling the trigger on some Adam Audio D3V dekstop monitors. I hope they’ll serve for both discerning all the details in the audio and to properly enjoy the music.
Adam Audio seems to be a company with products that both professionals and listeners enjoy. 😀 Actually, if you have any recommendation for a pair of speakers… feel free to drop it here. 😀 Problem is space. And noise (I live in an apartment). So desktop speakers will have to suffice. No room for speakers with drives bigger than 4″… more like 3.5″. I was also considering Audioengine HD3, Kanto ORA and IK Multimedia iLoud Micro… but in the end I think I’ll stick to the D3Vs. They sure seem to get many recommendations from all sort of people. YouTube influencers, producers, audio engineers, guitarists, bedroom artists, DJs, old guys with grey hair… you name it. Everyone is raving about those! So they kinda piqued my interest and I might just pull the trigger on those.
Now back to Koss… lol, I managed to write a wall of text again. :)) Just after reading your comments about being unavailable… I checked YouTube. And, yeah… Zeos’ review came up 2 days ago. :)) 45 minutes long, too. Didn’t get to watch his review, but maybe I’ll do it this week. So, the thing is… in his videos, he doesn’t show many graphics, numbers, frequency response… doesn’t even use too many technical words or expressions neither. But, buoooyyy… Does that guy SELL!! :)) I swear, man… If I’d ever start a business in producing headphones or audio gear? I’d just instruct the marketing guy to send him stuff to review, and that’s it! :))
Now this is not me talking bad about him, please don’t take it like that. I appreciate the guy. Dude’s good at what’s doing and he’s entertaining. When talking about YouTube sometimes that’s all that matters. Not judging or anything. It’s because of guys like you and him that I got to try Koss headphones. 😀 And I’m really grateful because of it. 😀 But it kinda explains the lack of stock. :)) Especially since before his video there were exactly only TWO other reviews in English on YouTube, and his review was the ONLY customer review on Amazon! :))
About the Porta Pro Wireless now… well, here’s the funny thing. I had several Koss headphones before. Let’s see… KSC75, KPH40, KPH30i, KSC35 wireless… but I never got the original Porta Pros. :)) The ones that are most famous. 😀 I looked it up online, and it seems they are… basically the same? They even have almost the same frequency response. Soo… I guess they would sound… similar?
I now use them daily for commuting and listening to the new records that I got. 😀 Before them, I had some cheap Sony buds for commuting. The WF510. They were ok for the job, I guess. Not the greatest, not the worst. Good bang for the buck. Basic stuff… got the job done. However… I don’t really enjoy wearing buds. Having things getting stuffed in my body orifices is… ugh. I just don’t like it. :)) Can’t really ride the bus while wearing big cans, neither. Many people do, but it’s not exactly my style. And especially in summer, too.
Soo… Koss Porta Pro were the perfect fit for me. 😀 I wouldn’t call them exactly discreet… but they’re no cans, neither. On-ear headphones are always more discreet than over-ear. Build materials are good… for a Koss product. :)) I mean, headband is steel, and of good quality. They stay fit on the head, are not loose like the KPH30i. You can even take them for a run, they’ll not fall off. The plastic parts aren’t many, and it doesn’t scream *cheap* like other headphones of theirs. Also, I appreciate the bundle that I got with them. They offer a case and a passthrough cable, USB-C to 3.5mm. Most other USB-C to 3.5mm cables of other brands include a DAC, so I was afraid this will affect the sound quality? But no, it says on the box… it’s a passthrough cable. So, while wired, they should sound exactly like classic Porta Pros. And the case makes them the perfect travel and commuting companion. I listened to them daily for 2 weeks straight, just to get them burned in. And after that, I compared them to my old KPH30i’s. Here’s the thing… I never considered myself a basshead. I always enjoyed mids mostly. Guitars, vocals… those things that make up the most part of the mix. But these? Brother, let me tell you… they made me a believer! :)) So now I know why they were so famous in the first place! 😀
If I’d have to compare the two of them writing a single sentence, it would be this: If KPH30i puts mids in the front and gives better soundstage, Porta Pro are more on point and they put bass and drums in the front. Which is a good thing, because I didn’t really appreciate bass as much before. Because it stays in the low end, normal ears can barely hear the instrument, not to mention differentiate it from the guitar. They don’t do magic, they won’t show things that are not there, no headphone does. If sound is there, you’ll hear it; if it’s not, you won’t. But it sure makes you pay more attention to the bass! And it makes it more apparent… and more vibrant.
Two weeks later, yesterday, got them off and put the old KPH30i back on my head. And they sounded as good as ever. Clean, mids forward, more melodic. Bigger scene. But… that rugged bass? It was gone! And I found myself thinking… dude, where’s da bass? Where’s the ruggedness? Where’s that pleasant vibration, the scratch? It was gone! Soo… yea. I still don’t consider myself a bass head. I keep enjoying what I always enjoyed most, and that is mids. But at least now I fully appreciate what good bass can do to a song. I never had a bassy set of headphone before… and, to some degree, I think you could say the Porta Pros educated me.
So what I said here maybe it was no news to you… you being a professional in the world of audio. But it sure was new to me. Maybe this sounds like big words, and I don’t want to give them bigger credit than they deserve… at the end of the day, they’re just a pair of good headphones… they’re not the second coming or anything. I think it’s just me discovering more nuances of the music. But it sure is gratifying and it’s a nice experience. Can’t wait to discover more once I’ll get the new stereo speakers! 😀
… and I’ll keep my eyes on the KPH30 Wireless reviews. 😀 Kinda strange they dropped the i from the KPH30i naming in this version, though. I was used to call them like that. 😀
Oh, almost forgot… I saw your new article on guitar basics. 😀 I saw it today just before going to work, so I didn’t have time to read it carefully. But I’ll surely do! 😀 You once told me that you have plans for more musical projects on the channel… Is this part of that? If so, big congrats for kickstarting this part of your project! 😀 I’ll be sure to watch it closely. 😀
Mihai,
What’s up brother?!
Yeah, time away from the screen is super important. I’ve been listening to Andrew Huberman’s podcast and he had a guy on that talked about the importance of getting out in nature. This is something I did as a kid without thinking about it, but as an adult it’s like pulling teeth sometimes haha. I went out to a nearby river yesterday to film some B-Roll just to do something different. Def keep an eye out for that video coming soon!
Heh, if fishing is boring to you, try using something like a Rooster Tail or Strike King Mini King for bass. For me, power fishing is much more fun than finesse, but I’m trying to learn how to be more patient lol. For instance, slowly finessing a worm at the bottom of a water column is extremely tedious to me xD. I like reeling spinners, crankbaits, twitching jerkbaits, etc. Just the other day I was at my dad’s and he lives on a lake. This kid came up to me out of nowhere and started asking me a bunch of questions about fishing. Then later on he wacky rigged a worm I gave him and caught a huge bass. So now I’m a believer lol. I normally never use trick worms but I’m going to definitely be doing it in the coming months.
I love boating too! I want to get a fishing boat or like a Jet Ski or something. Ha. Seagulls are pretty annoying to me it’s so funny you like them. They’re little opportunistic pigs always looking for snacks. xD Whenever my buddy and I go camping at the beach it’s like clockwork. We start cooking and they start swarming. I agree though; being near the ocean is incredible, relaxing, spiritual, majestic, etc. Insert word salad here _________ 😛
Haha yeah Blair Witch to me is one of a select few horror films that’s actually quite terrifying. The premise and all that. And yeah, I’ve been thinking about the passage of time lately as well. It’s just weird to think about old times and of course, in 15-20 years if we’re still around (God willing) we’ll think back on 2025 as ancient history lol.
My friend and I also stopped off at this place called Pettigrew State Park during one of our camping excursions to the Outer Banks. During the day time of course lol. You couldn’t pay me to camp there given the stories I’ve heard. It’s a pretty creepy place (pitch black for miles getting there too) and was actually in this show called “These Woods Are Haunted.” You should check it out it’s on HBO Max. Great series. The area is out in the middle of nowhere basically and even in the day is just really kind of eerie.
Yeah, no to brown bears or any bears haha. No to Bigfoot and h to the no on Dogman. xD
It’s so funny you mention records. I’ve been putting together a couple of videos for my new channel (which you also asked about) and I think you’ll really enjoy it. I have some B-Roll of me spinning vinyl/holding records and talking about some beats/music I got cooking. I really hope you’ll check it out! The videos are almost done. One will be on my main channel (HomeStudioBasics) and it will point to the intro video on the new channel. I will keep you posted. 🙂 But yeah, I love spinning records like you. It’s one of my favorite things because like you said, it’s very intimate and kind of gets you out of the point and click stuff on Spotify/Tidal. And it IS super nostalgic too! Who doesn’t love nostalgia haha.
That’s cool you got a new turntable! I’ve been thinking about getting another one but the one I have has been going strong since 2014. It’s the AT-LP60!
But no, I know exactly what you mean. One of my favorite things to do is go to the thrift store and peruse the used records bin for sampling/making beats. You can find some absolute gems in there. It’s so crazy how many people throughout history have made music, many of whom were complete unknowns. Kind of sad in a way. Yeah, I started a new collection. A lot of the records I had years ago were damaged so I threw them away. Way back in the day, they were only 25 cents, but nowadays they’re more expensive. So I have to really sift through them with a fine tooth comb and only buy ones that are in good to great condition. It actually makes it more fun because in the past I would literally just take every single one home with me which was like maybe 50 at a time haha.
Adam Audio is a great company. They actually reached out to me a couple months ago about the H200. I’m trying to get them to send me some speakers for A/B comparison against my Yamaha HS7s. By the way, those are great monitors. I know you said you don’t have the space right now but in the future I’d highly consider them. They’re what I mix my beats on 90% of the time. The other 10% I use the H200/K702 and typically use a FT1 for recording/tracking rap vocals.
Do keep me posted about the D3V! Perhaps I will try them out at some point. I was just thinking, Yamaha recently came out with the HS3 which I heard are really great. I’m really tempted to buy them on a whim LOL.
Well, I have a wall of text coming your way so no worries haha. It’s nice chatting with you!
TBH I’m not a huge fan of Z because he shills everything, but that’s neither here nor there. I’m a firm believer that most gear can be discarded and there are a lot of bad products that “influencers” tell people to buy which to me is shady and dishonest. I honestly can’t stand it and it makes me want to punch a hole in the wall, but I digress. Haha.
Yeah, I liked the Porta Pro, but not as much as the 30i. I feel like the Porta has a bit too much bloat/mud in the mid/high bass area and should be cut, but they’re certainly better than a lot of more expensive trash that permeates the landscape. It’s funny; I should probably like the Porta Pros more given I’m a bass head, but nowadays I appreciate the cut around 200-300 and a rises/bump at 60-90. That’s where all the good bass resides. As a producer, I wish more companies would get this right. The Porta Pro is basically just a more extreme version of the 30i as it boosts by an additional 5dB or thereabouts (around 10dB total). I think the 30i finds the right middle ground at +5dB, but still could probably use more cut at 200-300. Listening to a Porta Pro just gets exhausting after a short time imo, but it’s certainly better than the God awful 99 Neo (amongst others lol).
Thank you for that! I’m just a guy who produces music but I DO think that gives me a leg up on a lot of other YouTubers and influencers who actually don’t know what the f they’re talking about haha.
I don’t really like buds either haha. THe feeling of headphones enveloping my ears is kind of like a security blanket or something. I will say the ones I’m reviewing that will be on the channel soon are really good and you ought to give them a go. They sound marvelous. Also I will admit that what some reviewers say about IEMs being better than headphones is kind of true. The resolution on a good set of buds completely outclasses even some of the better headphones, but I’m actually more of a monitor/speaker guy nowadays. I never thought I’d say that since I’ve been a headphone whore for the better part of 20 years xD
But yeah man! I mentioned it earlier, but yes, please keep an eye out for the new stuff and new channel! I will also be buying a domain/website as well. Super excited about it and will keep you updated as I build everything out.
Thank you again for your comment and looking forward to chatting again.
Best,
-Stu
Hey, Stu!
Nice to see you’re having fun with power fishing! It sure is different than what I tried til now, and yeah… I get it. It sure sounds a lot more exciting than fishing for smaller types of fish.
Yeah, most people I know don’t like seagulls neither. :)) But they make nice targets for shooting photos. 😀 And while being on a ship it’s really nice with them floating around and just seeing them up there, really close, flying along with the ship. 😀
About time passing… yea, I think about it too. It’s weird though. Music from the 2000s still sounds contemporary to me and I don’t consider music from the 90s as “old music”. I grew up in the 90s and to me “old music” is stuff from the 50s and 60s. And I still think of it like that. When I hear younger people talking about albums like… dunno… let’s say, Hybrid Theory from Linkin Park. And they’re like… “yeah, classic rock”. And I’m like… no, it isn’t. It’s modern. Classic rock is something like Def Leppard, or Queen, or Aerosmith… And then I think about it and am like… man, it’s been 25 years!! I guess younger people could say Hybrid Theory is like classic rock to them. So… yea, maybe it is. But to me? It sounds as modern as the day it lunched! So… yeah. Time is kinda weird like that. XD Or, at least, the perception of it.
Yeah, nostalgia is the primary reason behind the new vinyl resurgence, for sure. However, it’s more than that. At least, to me. Yesterday I found myself taking a good look at my record, seeing if it’s clean, checking for spots, brushing the disc… I even ordered a Spin-Clean Record Washer, so I can properly maintain my records. So, yeah… it really is something special. It’s like taking care of a pet, somehow, lol. :)) Cleaning, maintaining, brushing stylus after each play, brushing the record before it… washing records on a regular basis… is something that makes you get more involved. And after you put all that effort in to maintain it, it becomes something that you actually care about!
And not only that… But it’s something you own. In this day and age you can say this about fewer and fewer things. You don’t own the music, you have the right to listen to it. You don’t own the game, you only have the right to play it. And all things that come with that. Contracts between record labels and audio streaming services exchange hands and could go south anytime. Spotify finally reported net profits in 2024 after years of losses, so you may never know. A song can be online today, but tomorrow it may not.
The record? It’s yours. You own that. Not just the right to listen, as is the case for the streaming platforms… but the record as an object. It’s yours. They can’t take it from you. It’s something that you have in your house, on your bookshelf. It’s… a comforting thought. Though I may obsess too much about it and it surely is a lesser issue to most people than I make it out to be. 😛
Although, I read about times when people no longer could access online movies that they BOUGHT (not renting, but actually buying), because company had to pull the plug on the content. Soo… yeah. Even if you pay for it it, as long as it’s stored in the cloud, on some server, in a place you have no knowledge about… yeah, it’s somewhat volatile. But records? Records are solid! 😀
Maan… I ALMOST pulled the trigger on a LP60 myself! 😀 Audio-Technica no longer makes it, but it is still available at online stores around here. I doubt people can get better value than that. It’s crazy! I ended up picking LP120x, but I was a bit undecided. LP120x is great, but… it has features that I’ll never end up using. It feels like a mix between a TT for listening and one for DJing. In the end the only reasons why I picked LP120x is because it is manual, has upgradeable cartridge, adjustable counter weight and anti skating mechanisms.
Yea… records are really are expensive! New ones cost like 18-25 euro… can’t really afford more than 2 or 3 a month. However, I think there’s an upside to this. 😀 If you buy less, you listen to each one more. 😀 For example, the last record that I bought I listened to it for a whole week – once maybe twice a day! 😀 Even used different headphones with it, to compare sound. Tried it with the KPH30i, the Porta Pros and the K702. 😀 And, yeah… it’s really nice to listen to it and spot all those differences. 😀 Also, because I can’t buy so many, it’s a really conscious choice. It’s like… I’m aware that I can get only one record this week, so I put more thought to it. And makes me more picky about it. And I appreciate it more. Hopefully, this won’t become like my Steam library lol. :)) And another advantage is that, at least from what I’ve read online, most of the records that are pressed today are of good quality! 😀 So, if you just started building your new collection, like I did… I think there is no better time for it! 😀
Yeah… IEMs are all the rage this days. And I get it. It makes sense. It’s in your ear… you hear it better. However, I’m curious: can you also get good sound scene and imaging from those too? Or is it something that is reserved only for headphones and speakers?
Yea, it’s interesting what you say about speakers / monitors… because I think it like that, too. 😀 I listen to headphones out of necessity, because I don’t want to disturb other people. But, in my opinion, music is made to be listened on speakers. At the end of the day, yea… everyone enjoys music the way they want. And we should all celebrate music and being able to listen to it, no matter the way we’re doing it. So I’m not going to tell someone how they should or should not experience their music lol. :)) That’s between them and their music. 😀 But… to me? Yea, it makes sense to be experienced on speakers. The natural choice, if there are no other constraints.
Appreciate your nod to Adam Audio! I pulled the trigger on the D3Vs. 😀 I doubt they’ll arrive this weekend, but maybe Monday or Tuesday I’ll get to hear them. So excited about it! 😀
Will keep you posted and I look forward to your next videos and new channel! Can’t wait to see the stuff that you’re working on. 😀 The new website, the new channel, the incoming reviews, the guitar lessons… whoaa, a lot of things coming up! 😀
I once tried my hand at doing some kind of gaming news website of my own, a long time ago… but it required a lot of time from me to maintain, and that was something that I didn’t have. But at least I learned a thing or two, and made me appreciate this kind of stuff more. 😀
Seems like this is a good year for you, and I’m really glad! 😀 You’re doing great, keep up the good work! 😀
Mihai,
It’s funny because technically the 90s would be considered “classic rock” if we’re evaluating based on time and generation. But yeah, your criteria is correct. I just get tired of hearing the same 90s alternative rock bs every time I walk into a store. I get the fact that good music is “timeless”, but man, it’s so refreshing to walk into a restaurant where they’re playing newer stuff or even music I listen to. The other day I went to a bar and grill and they were playing indie music that I really like. I was shocked. That almost never happens unless you’re in a privately owned business or something.
I’m spinning one right now! Going to have to pick up some of that spin clean record washer lol. My dad gave me his old “disc washer” which I still use when the records get dusty. That said, as a guy who samples, that extra dust creates those really nice crackles that you can hear in the beat which gives the instrumental some nice flavor. Sounds like you’re heavily involved! This has inspired me greatly. I may go to the thrift store and peruse the record bin today 🙂
Very true. I like having a nice record collection, especially now that I know they’re all of good quality with the sleeves and case in tact and all. It is a great hobby.
Lately I’ve also been getting back into the old consoles and stuff. I had a Super Nintendo years back and sold it at my parents’ garage sale as a kid thinking I “outgrew” it. Boy was I ever wrong. Years later I bought another, but now I want to get my hands on a regular Nintendo because I never had one. My dad did in about ’88, and I can barely remember us playing it. These rabbit holes run really deep because on eBay you can find people fixing up old CRT televisions and making them look ultra crisp. I kind of want one of those too as you get the full experience of the game since those are the TVs the games were played on originally.
Anyway, I went off on a tangent haha. I agree about streaming services. I remember when you had to go into a store to buy a CD, and it was a fun experience perusing all the shelves at say, Best Buy or Circuit City. It was a neat way to actually discover music. I’ll never complain about convenience, but I find myself not being as “into” the experience of finding new artists like I was way back when. Despite all the music right there at my fingertips, it’s no longer a fun endeavor to me and actually seems more challenging to dig for music. Makes no sense I know. I sort of just end up putting a playlist on shuffle or finding a good song and going to the song radio. One good method I’ve found is to just play a song you like and let it shuffle automatically after the song is finished. I’ve found some gems that way. If you have any tips for how you discover new music, let me know. Here are my playlists by the way.
Very true. I’ve only noticed a few songs that basically “went grey” and it’s obviously because of a dispute or something, but yeah, the same goes for gaming and films as you’ve mentioned. The convenience of it is how they get us (me at least). I bought a digital copy of Metal Gear Solid Legacy Collection for PS4, and yeah, not having those physical copies is kind of annoying. But then you get into the whole, “I don’t necessarily have the space to collect all this stuff.” For instance, i still have about 25 or so films on my shelf, but I just don’t have the room to have a serious collection of, well, anything. And if it goes away, whatever I guess. I can live without it haha.
Nice! I have a collectors item now haha (LP60). Wonder how much I could sell it for? Just kidding 😛 I’m pretty satisfied with mine but I would like to start scratching samples so I’d need a dedicated rig for that. FL Studio has a scratcher and it’s not half bad, but I prefer a more hands on approach.
I do the same thing with records I buy from the thrift store. They typically get 4 or 5 runs before I switch, just so I can savor the moment xD And of course potentially find samples for beats. That’s also how I feel about choosing. I know I have to make it count, so more thought goes into things like looking/evaluating the cover to gauge if a good sample is contained therein, or reading the back, pulling out the sleeve, etc. It really is a cool experience if you treat it that way.
As far as IEMs, yeah! I think they can provide fantastic Soundstage and imaging if you have the right ones. Some of the ones I tried from HIFIMAN had pretty amazing height and depth, as well as your typical good width. Not all headphones have these things, plus I think resolution is better as well. I do think a lot of it depends on the track though. I always tell people, even my old Skull Candy Uproar Wireless, an awfully tuned headphone, can have the perception of amazing Soundstage if you’re listening to a track that was formulated in such a way as to showcase it.
Yeah, I’ve actually become more of a speaker/monitor whore nowadays. 95% of the time I’m mixing on my HS7s, only occasionally checking the mix on headphones. That said, I like headphones because of the more intimate experience, but you’re right: music was made for speakers I think and I’m realizing that more and more as I mix down my own tracks.
Keep me posted on the D3Vs! Yeah thank you man! I will keep you in the loop. Both videos for the channels are basically done. After that I will upload the first single from an upcoming album. But yeah, I was working on a beat last night actually. The problem is I know that once I start it’s hard for me to walk away from it lol. So it’s kind of a ritual for me to sit down and make or EQ one, and i think that’s how it should be. Just a fun hobby that I put everything into. Sometimes I avoid it because I know I’ll go hours without getting up and moving around. xD
You should start another website as a hobby or something! There is work involved as you know, but it’s very rewarding because it’s yours, you know?
Anyway, great to hear from you as always.
All the best and God bless,
-Stu