Yes that's from my 15's it appears to be exactly the same as my old 15XR's. I don't own any 15 XR's
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Yes that's from my 15's it appears to be exactly the same as my old 15XR's. I don't own any 15 XR's
Okies:)
Marco.
From earlier...
Those have now arrived and have certainly lived up to my expectations! Firstly, they're in every bit as good condition as the pics on the seller's entry on ebay showed, with hardly a mark on them:thumbsup:Quote:
Originally Posted by Marco
Secondly, I'm also pleased to report that they're considerably lighter than than the modern replicas I own, I suspect due to the slightly smaller earpieces and therefore the presence of less of the 'khaki green' hard-plastic shell covering them, which is rather heavy, and thankfully also absent on the headband of the originals. Modern equivalents shown below for comparison:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1...924/HAifVX.jpg
I haven't weighed both pairs of headphones yet, but the originals must be a good few ounces lighter, so that certainly helps on the comfort front, plus the padded section of the earcups is rounded, rather than oval-shaped, as with their modern counterparts, so they fit your ears better. Furthermore, the originals don't 'clamp' onto your ears like the modern versions, so there's none of that feeling somewhat of having your head in a vice...
Therefore the originals feel altogether much lighter and more comfortable to wear, and so can be used for longer periods without any fatigue whatsoever. However, the most important thing is that they SOUND significantly better than their modern counterparts, so my not inconsiderable investment in them has thankfully paid off!:)
The most notable differences are firstly that they are more efficient, and so easier to drive, not that the valve headphone amp I'm using struggles any way in that regard (quite the opposite, as there's oodles of gain and ability to drive even the most inefficient designs), but rather like the difference between the original Ditton 15 speakers and the less-efficient XRs, it makes for a bigger and more effortless sound overall, and the lack of any need to turn the volume up much in order to create very dynamic and believable sounding music.
Secondly, and most importantly, the midrange and top-end (again much like comparisons between the Celestion speakers mentioned) are more open and lucid, in fact shockingly so, such is the crystal-clear clarity of instruments and vocals, with upper-frequencies being very detailed and extended, plus having an addictively 'creamy', almost electrostatic-like quality, and for headphones, a cavernously wide soundstage.
Consequently, this makes their modern counterparts sound rather muddy and constrained in comparison, adding a 'cuppy' colaration to vocals, rendering them notably inferior to the originals, in terms of sounding faithful to the recording and therefore musically 'lifelike'.
The bass end of the originals is also quite different, being marginally lighter in touch, with no overhang (in reality probably just less coloured and more accurate) than that of their modern counterparts, but also deeper and more rhythmic, imparting palpable weight and gravitas to lower frequencies with suitable material, such as orchestral crescendos and rock and dance/electronic music, whilst never sounding boomy or overblown.
Overall, they have a very 'widescreen' open, airy and dynamic sound with bags of finesse and subtlety, also when the music demands, and so sonically and musically several classes above their modern replicas. When listening to these original Koss PRO-4AAAs, it's patently obvious why they're sought after by discerning audiophiles and command such high prices on ebay. In that respect, I'd comfortably compare them with most of today's top designs, and certainly anything up to around £800, so a veritable bargain for the £210 I paid!
Anyway, I'm delighted with them, and off now to listen to some more choons before bed, even though it's rather late as it is!:cool:
Marco.
No, I just had that one and I can't remember where that came from :scratch:Quote:
Originally Posted by Marco
Knowing you, probably a skip or a car-boot sale:D
Marco.
That's where all the best stuff comes from!
Word:smoking:
Marco.
Marco, just installed the Duelund bypass caps into the 15's, they sound excellent so far. Might be an idea for you. What's your best tips for the 15's placement? How from the back and sides of the walls?
Re. your headphone comparison Marco. I'm a bit confused: your refer to the Pro 4AAAs as "the originals", and to the Pro 4AAs as "their modern counterparts", yet the Pro 4AAs obviously pre-date the Pro 4AAAs.
Regarding comfort; the fluid-filled rubber ear pads of the 4AAs are likely to have have hardened over time, so too the foam of the headband. Also the headband of the 4AAAs looks to be lighter and more flexible, and hence more comfortable.
Hi Barry,
Scroll back to the post where I reviewed both headphones, and have a look at the pictures I posted... The bottom ones are the currently available (for around £140, although I only paid £70 for mine brand new, around 8 years ago) Koss PRO4-AA, see here: https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/37306151053...RoCGpcQAvD_BwE
Those are what I've referred to as 'modern replicas', because that's what they are, I suspect made in China, although I could be wrong about that. The originals, PRO-4AAA (which I've recently bought and shown in the first picture), would've almost certainly been made by Koss in the US.
If you examine the picture of the 'replicas', you'll see that not only do they have larger earcups (covered in that heavy hard-plastic shell), but also the same stuff on the headband, the combination of which makes them considerably heavier than the originals. Honestly, the difference is considerable! Plus, the originals lack the former's 'head clamping' effect, and have a much looser, more comfortable fit.
Also, in terms of the fluid-filled rubber earpads of the originals, nothing has hardened - every aspect of them is in near mint condition, ditto the earpads of the 'replicas'. Quite simply, both the fit and feel of the respective headphones is very different. And in terms of sound, I stand by everything I've said in that respect - the originals are several leagues ahead of their modern counterparts.
Marco.